Good morning, Buffalo.

Ralph Wilson Park in Buffalo is nearing the end of Phase One construction as community meetings highlight progress on new soccer fields, baseball diamonds, and an eco-friendly shoreline—plans show the southern end will open in summer and Phase Two, with a kayak launch, dog park and playground, will start this summer supported by a $10 million grant.

A manufacturer in Niagara Falls will lay off 32 of its 68 workers between Aug.

8 and the end of the year based on a WARN notice filed with the state Department of Labor — the company makes speed reducer gear sets for industries such as aerospace and transportation.

Five Western New York companies are getting cheap hydropower from the New York Power Authority to fund expansion projects — the move aims to lower their operating costs.

Buckminster's Cat Cafe on Niagara Street announced on May 19 that it will permanently close on June 15 after five and a half years and almost 1000 cat adoptions.

Owner Molly Hutton said the cafe's lease is expiring and adoptions will move to PetSmart sites run by its longtime rescue partner (Second Chance Sheltering Network).

Students at Gaskill Prep join a new after-school Bike Repair Club that teaches them to take apart and fix bicycles—each participant will receive a new bike and safety gear when the program ends.

The club, supported by GObike Buffalo and Create a Healthier Niagara Falls Collaborative, may expand to more schools soon.

Acting Mayor Scanlon announced a $17 million plan—funded by state, federal, and city budgets—to repave nearly 200 streets in Buffalo.

Crews began milling in the Masten District last week and paving will continue based on weather conditions.

Mayor Scanlon has raised overtime budgets for police, fire and public works departments, yet spending already exceeded these new estimates as of April.

City leaders are tightening staffing and schedule checks—steps that will be reviewed during upcoming union talks—to better control rising costs.

Schneider Development Services sold the first condominium at The HUB on Swan Street for $325,000 — the third-floor unit spans 1268 square feet with two bedrooms and two bathrooms.

Seventeen units are under contract while 33 remain available as interest grows during the spring buying season in downtown Buffalo.

The Bills finalized their preseason schedule with a home game against the Giants on August 9 at 1 p.m. in Orchard Park, along with road games in Chicago on August 17 and Tampa Bay on August 23 — they will open the regular season at home against the Ravens on September 7 and face the Buccaneers again on November 16.

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.

Heart Attack Man Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Rec Room — Buy Tickets — Experience an electric performance by Heart Attack Man in Buffalo's vibrant music scene.