Good morning, Buffalo.

New data from Feeding America's Map the Meal Gap study shows food insecurity in Erie, Niagara, Cattaraugus and Chautauqua counties increased 6% in 2023, leaving over 185,000 people including 53,780 children facing hunger.

FeedMore WNY, part of a national network with over 200 food banks, saw a 46% rise in food assistance since 2021 + many affected did not qualify for SNAP or free meals.

Enterprise Folding Box Co. is seeking Planning Board approval today to build a one-story 19,760 sq.ft. warehouse addition at 254 Rano Street that will join its facility at 55 Isabelle Street.

The project will add a shipping and receiving center, extra storage space and improved streetscape along Isabelle Street — including five new parking spaces — and bicycle parking.

A Buffalo-based food tech company launched its organic Mega Puffs in 50 Tops Friendly Market stores to support moms and babies — the snacks, which come in five flavors and are made with organic fruits, vegetables and sprouted seeds, can be purchased with SNAP benefits.

Josue Ortiz, who was wrongly imprisoned for over 10 years after a detective made a fake confession, has been given $6.5 million by a jury—the Second Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the verdict and said the officer acted in bad faith.

Nearly 1,700 undergraduate and graduate students celebrated Buffalo State University’s 153rd Commencement on May 17, with ceremonies held at 9:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.—award winners and keynote speakers were honored during the event.

New York State approved a 5% tax cut on net gaming revenues from Western Regional Off-Track Betting, which boosts funds for 17 Western New York municipalities and more than 420 OTB employees.

The tax change will raise Buffalo’s revenue sharing by at least $200,000 each quarter for the final three quarters, and officials call it a watershed moment for the region — a top budget priority.

Buffalo’s $102 million Bailey Avenue project to upgrade sidewalks, safety, and add a Bus Rapid Transit lane is at risk of losing federal funding due to a tax cut provision—local business owners and city leaders hope a scaled-back plan will still improve the East Side.

Buffalo Mayor Chris Scanlon announced on Monday that Phase IV of the Niagara Street Streetscape Project is finished — Phase V is now underway to improve sidewalks, traffic signals, and pedestrian crosswalks.

The new work will cost about $8 million and redo Niagara Street from Porter Avenue to Hampshire Street.

Buffalo voters face a new mayoral election after Acting Mayor Chris Scanlon finished a term begun by former mayor Byron Brown as local groups demand fresh leadership to fix Humboldt Parkway.

Community coalitions say a strong plan can end political favoritism—boosting air quality, health, and transport across the city.

Lettuce Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Electric City — Tickets on sale now — Experience the magic of a six-member musical collective blending funk with hip-hop, rock, and jazz.

Smoking Popes & Off With Their Heads Concert

7-9 p.m. — Rec Room — No cover charge — Catch Smoking Popes deliver their upbeat blend of punk rock in an intimate setting.

Totally Buffalo Festival 2025

10 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Buffalo RiverWorks — Free entry — Celebrate Buffalo with local artisans, food, live music, and family-friendly fun on Memorial Weekend!

Monday Morning Holiday Paddle

10 a.m. — North Tonawanda Botanical Gardens — Participation at your own risk — A scenic paddle launch to embrace the holiday spirit before the rain sets in.

Grace Lougen Live Performance

7:30-10:30 p.m. — The Caz — $20 — Experience a captivating night of music featuring award-winning guitarist Grace Lougen and guests.

The Garcia Project Tribute Show

8-11 p.m. — Buffalo Iron Works — Tickets available — Experience a faithful performance of classic Jerry Garcia Band set lists spanning 1976-1995.

The Unlikely Candidates Live Concert

6:30-8 p.m. — Rec Room — $27.47 — After Dark presents an evening with The Unlikely Candidates and special guests for an entertaining night out.

Grappling Industries Buffalo Tournament

9 AM – 11 PM — Kevin T. Keane Sports Park at Nardin Academy — Check the website for registration fees — Experience an exciting day of grappling competitions in the heart of Buffalo.

Simple Plan Live Concert

6-9 p.m. — Terminal B — Ticket prices vary — Experience the energetic performance of Simple Plan at Buffalo Outer Harbor.

Wallows Live in Concert

7:00-9:30 p.m. — Terminal B — Visit website for ticket info — Experience an exciting night of music with Wallows and special guest Porches.