Good morning, Buffalo.

Heaven's Countertop Soul Food Dining and Catering opened at 1641 Hertel Ave. in North Buffalo as its owners Tye and Kenny Pope quickly launched the restaurant in two weeks to serve soul food staples like fried chicken, mac and cheese, and collard greens—it now operates Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and offers Sunday brunch from 1 to 3 p.m.

Dalfonso’s Italian Imports will move from its current location at 445 Rhode Island St. in Five Points to 162 Allen St. in Allentown this fall—bringing its premium sandwiches and imported Italian goods to a new neighborhood.

The relocation was announced on Instagram by the deli and nonprofit Shop Allen Street.

Amherst police investigated a homicide at a motel on Niagara Falls Boulevard on July 29 when a 27-year-old Amherst woman, Emmeya Sims, lost her life + a second-degree murder arrest warrant was issued for 37-year-old Daniel Negron, who is now in custody in Erie, PA on separate charges.

Residents in Tonawanda saw unmarked SUVs—manned by ICE agents—arrest a man on a quiet street last month, while over 20 local workers were detained between June and July; business owners and neighbors remain unsettled as ICE defends its actions as strict enforcement of court orders.

Dan Higgins explains that the Buffalo accent shows a rich local history and unique vowel sounds.

A linguist and a retired broadcaster say our way of speaking reflects generations of immigrant influence—strengthening our local identity.

Erie County unveiled its first publicly funded mural at the Erie County Health Mall on Broadway Avenue on Friday, August 2nd under the Public Art Act—local artist Laura Valkwitch painted the piece, chosen from over 50 submissions, which shows billowing white clouds and a deep blue sky. A second public art installation is scheduled later this month—further expanding county support for local artists.

Peninsula Montessori Academy in Getzville will open in September next to the North French Soccer Complex to serve children aged 6 weeks to 5 years & offer hands-on classrooms for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.

The academy follows the Amherst Central Schools calendar from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, is the first full-day infant and toddler program in Buffalo, and plans to expand its class offerings and teacher training programs.

A state comptroller audit found Cheektowaga-Maryvale schools did not test 207 water outlets for lead—some in hallways, classrooms and bathrooms—and lacked a full plan for remediation.

District superintendent Joseph D’Angelo said no students or staff were at risk and that the district has already improved its procedures while the state Department of Health works with officials on compliance.

Interest resumed on the SAVE plan student loans last Friday after a legal pause, and millions of borrowers saw their balances increase.

New rules will phase out PAYE and ICR repayment options by July 1, 2028 and set new limits for Graduate and Parent PLUS loans taken after July 1, 2026 — these changes affect nearly 43 million borrowers.

Bills fans gathered from near and far on Friday for the final Return of the Blue + Red practice at Highmark Stadium, where a record 39,224 attended before the season starts.

Young fans enjoyed locker room tours, autographs, and raised funds for Oishei Children's Hospital.

Graham Nash Concert

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Babeville — Tickets available — Experience the sweet sounds of folk rock legend Graham Nash.

Jackie Venson Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Buffalo Iron Works — Tickets from $40 — Experience a night filled with soulful music from Jackie Venson in a vibrant venue.

Goo Goo Dolls with Dashboard Confessional

7-9 p.m. — KeyBank Center — Concert by Grammy-nominated bands — Experience a night of nostalgia with Goo Goo Dolls and Dashboard Confessional at their hometown venue.

Sunny Side - The Big Easy in Buffalo

6:30 PM - 12:30 AM — Duende at Silo City — Free entry — Experience live New Orleans music and culture in an outdoor setting.

Davey O. at Nietzsche's

8-11:55 p.m. — Nietzsche's — No cover — Experience local talent at the Songwriter Showcase and Buffalo's Longest-Running Open Mic Nite.

Anberlin Concert

8-10 p.m. — Electric City — Tickets from $69 — Experience the energy of Anberlin at Electric City in Buffalo.

TOAST - The Ultimate Bread Experience

7:30-9 p.m. — Riviera Theatre — $33 — Experience the top tribute to the iconic band Bread with a show that promises nostalgia and flawless performances.

Junior History Buffs

10 AM – 12 PM — The Longshed Building — Free entry — Dive into the interactive stories of the Erie Canal with friends at Canalside.

Molly Conrad with Bryan Dubay

7:30-11 p.m. — The Caz — $15 — Experience heartfelt indie-folk music with Molly Conrad and the emerging talent of Bryan Dubay.

The Eaglez Tribute Concert

2-5 p.m. — The Caz — $20 — Experience the timeless classics of the Eagles performed by Western New York's premier tribute band.