Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 23rd of May.
Good morning, Buffalo.
Vietnam veteran Jim Kestner got a surprise visit from his granddaughter Abigail Ballantyne on the Buffalo Niagara Honor Flight mission to Washington, D.C. — he and other veterans visited the Memorial Wall and other memorials before they received a proper welcome home at the Buffalo Niagara International Airport and in Baltimore.
The Farmer's Market is returning to East Side to offer local residents fresh produce and community goods—official dates and vendor details will be announced soon.
Buffalo Niagara Honor Flight brought 35 veterans and their guardians to Washington to visit Arlington National Cemetery—where 99-year-old George Morreale and 97-year-old Leonard Barkley joined a wreath laying—and other memorials before they returned to a hero’s welcome in Buffalo.
Markus Genovese was sentenced to 5–15 years for causing a crash that killed an 8-year-old boy.
Attorneys for Tops shooter Payton Gendron requested a delay in his federal death penalty trial because a key defense lawyer withdrew due to a cancer diagnosis—although the trial is still set to begin in January 2026 and a new trial date is expected on June 17.
The Erie Canal opened bringing growth to Buffalo—its construction led to the forced removal of the Haudenosaunee from their ancestral lands through treaties like the Canandaigua Treaty.
Indigenous leaders stress that this painful legacy is often missing from local history as the bicentennial celebration approaches in October.
Governor Hochul announced 22 projects in Tonawanda, Aurora and Gowanda as part of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward programs—10 in Tonawanda, seven in Aurora and five in Gowanda—that will enhance public spaces and local business opportunities.
The projects are set to improve downtown access, preserve historic sites and support community facilities across the region.
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.
EXTC & XTC’s Terry Chambers & Friends Concert
7:30-10:30 p.m. — The Caz — $30 — Experience the iconic sounds of XTC live with original drummer Terry Chambers and his band.
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