Good morning, Buffalo.

A new study from Homeless Alliance of WNY shows three in four people experiencing homelessness are facing it for the first time amid a worsening housing crisis.

The report highlights growing local needs as numbers continue to rise.

Monday, Sept. 21 marked the start of International Deaf Awareness Week in Buffalo as St. Mary’s School for the Deaf students and county officials raised a flag and discussed accessibility.

City Hall will host a Deaf Artifact History display until September & advocates stressed the community’s rich cultural heritage.

Buffalo State University Theatre Department, AnsariSaxon Productions, and Starring Buffalo are set to present a staged concert version of In the Heights for four performances at the Warren Enters Theater the weekend of November 13-15.

Theater students will perform with Broadway and local actors, gaining experience and community connections.

Visit Buffalo has launched a new billboard campaign in Southern Ontario featuring an homage to the Bills game when the Canadian anthem was sung live on Sept.

17, aimed at celebrating ties between Buffalo and its Canadian neighbors. The billboards appear along Highway 427, Gardiner Expressway, and at the Peace Bridge.

Eggert Elementary School's principal was placed on leave on Monday (due to an ongoing internal review of administrative compliance and credentialing), and assistant principal Lindsey Kubera covered daily duties.

Acting principal Jackie Clinard will assume leadership on Wednesday.

Ken-Ton Schools and the Town of Tonawanda will implement traffic improvements near Benjamin Franklin schools and Adams Field to reduce congestion during school cycles and athletic events.

The new plan includes closing the Parker entrance during events and building a connecting road & improving lighting to boost safety.

Residents in Lake View asked the Planning Board to reject a proposed battery energy storage project amid concerns about its community impact.

The board will consider local feedback during its upcoming review.

Clarence Center Fire Department hosted a screening event using the EsoGuard test — a pill-sized device — to catch early signs of esophageal cancer in firefighters.

Chief Paul Herberger noted the test is critical as firefighters face high risks from occupational hazards.

Erie County officials & mental health advocates raised the Flag of Hope last Friday at the Rath Building to stress available suicide prevention resources and encourage community members to learn warning signs and support each other.

Buffalo General Medical Center will be renamed Scott Bieler Buffalo General Medical Center in January, following a major donation announced by West Herr CEO, Scott Bieler.

The gift will fund new equipment—like a Da Vinci surgical robot—to upgrade the hospital and improve patient care.