Good morning, Buffalo.

7-year-old twins Ben and John Emerson started the Happiness Project in Amherst in August by using leftover felt to create handmade banners featuring a buffalo and heart design—spreading kindness across Western New York and beyond.

They hang the banners in public spots and share updates on social media to track the project’s growing reach.

Nearly 500 SUNY students from 43 campuses, including University at Buffalo and Buffalo State, are in the second Empire State Service Corps group this school year — they work at least 300 service hours and earn up to $1,500 in awards — to build community ties and career skills.

New York state launched SUNY Reconnect with $47 million in funding to offer tuition-free associate’s degrees for adults ages 25 to 55, covering tuition, books, fees and supplies — over 16,500 New Yorkers have already applied.

The program will let students in fields like tech, nursing, engineering and teaching start classes this fall — it aims to break down barriers to education and boost job opportunities.

The Buffalo Board of Education set up a committee at its September 17th meeting at the Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts—where the process began—to pick two schools to close by December as part of its new financial plan.

The board will approve all committee members by October 15th.

Satish Tripathi, the longest-serving president at UB since 1962, will step down next July and return to his faculty role in the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences next fall—he said he had been considering the decision for several months.

The state DEC sued the Buffalo Sewer Authority, saying it discharges nearly 3 million gallons of untreated sewage into local waterways like the Niagara River and Buffalo River every year—raising concerns about water quality.

The authority said it is starting a 15-year, $1 billion+ plan called the Queen City Clean Waters Initiative to upgrade its treatment system and meet water quality goals.

Today the House Commerce Committee amended a bill that will require every new vehicle sold to have AM radio for the next eight years—Congressman Nick Langworthy said WBEN saved lives during storms and stressed that the rule will keep local voices heard and drivers safe without extra cost to consumers.

After NYSDOT reset the Kensington Expressway tunnel project because it lacked a required Environmental Impact Statement, community supporters remain hopeful the tunnel will be built—state officials will gather public input from across Western New York before beginning a study that may take two to three years.

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen spoke during a postgame news conference after his team's Week 3 home win against the Miami Dolphins on September 18—his remarks focused on the game performance.

The Buffalo Bills will host the Dolphins on Thursday night as they try to improve to 3-0 this season.

Kevin Carroll and Andy Young said the team has been dominant recently—though injuries to Ed Oliver and Matt Milano may affect defense—while Josh Allen wears a new helmet visor after a bloody nose.

Josh Allen will wear a teen's custom cap at the Bills-Dolphins game Thursday night — he will support sickle cell awareness by raising funds for Oishei Children's Hospital.

South City Performance at Cotter Fest

3:30-6 p.m. — Buffalo River Fest Park — Free entry — Enjoy classic rock and roll amidst music, food, and family activities along Buffalo's waterfront.

Creed Fisher Concert

8-11 p.m. — Buffalo Iron Works — Tickets start at $58 — Enjoy a night of live music with country artist Creed Fisher in a vibrant venue.

An Evening with Rosanne Cash

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Kleinhans Music Hall — $86.50 — Enjoy a night of captivating music with Rosanne Cash and John Leventhal in an intimate setting.

Trey Lewis Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — Buffalo Iron Works — Tickets from $38 — Enjoy a night of live music with Trey Lewis in Buffalo.

Mariah the Scientist Concert

8-10 p.m. — Buffalo Outer Harbor — Tickets from $138 — Experience a night of live music with Mariah the Scientist at the scenic waterfront.

On The Canal

4:00-5:30 p.m. — Shea's Buffalo Theatre — Tickets from $76 — Experience an unforgettable event featuring On The Canal in Buffalo.

Marianas Trench – The Force Of Nature Tour

7-8:30 p.m. — Buffalo RiverWorks — Ticketed event — Experience the captivating sounds of Marianas Trench with special guests The Summer Set and senses.

Bass Drum Of Death - Six USA Tour 2025

7-8:30 p.m. — Rec Room — $30.61 — Experience the electrifying sounds of Bass Drum of Death with special guests Farmer's Wife and Ancient Spaceship.

Buffalo Sabres vs. Pittsburgh Penguins

7:00-8:30 p.m. — KeyBank Center — Tickets required — Catch the thrilling NHL matchup as the Sabres face off against the Penguins.

California Honeydrops Concert

8:00 - 9:30 PM — Electric City — Tickets from $58 — Enjoy a vibrant night of music with the California Honeydrops in Buffalo.