Good morning, Buffalo.

Neighbors on Covington Drive say Thruway noise has become constant after mature trees were removed and they want permanent sound barriers, while the Thruway Authority says no project is planned and applies federal noise rules; West Seneca will conduct a noise study to evaluate next steps.

Brothers Quentin and Grant Littleton launched nonprofit We Got Next to provide sports equipment to kids and recently surprised 9-year-old Killeon Williams with new cleats, gloves and football gear after his coach asked for help; they plan to expand donations to neighborhood youth teams.

Costco Wholesale opened a new store in Amherst on Wednesday, Oct.

28, drawing a steady stream of customers on its opening morning.

Say Yes and Niagara University announced a ($1 million) scholarship carveout to help Niagara Falls public school graduates attend Niagara University starting next year, with about 25 students expected to enroll; the gift is part of a $5 million local fund that leaders hope will grow into a $20 million endowment.

D’Youville University announced a new School of Business to expand opportunities for students and centralize its business programs on campus, with President Lorrie Clemo saying the move reflects momentum and the university’s commitment to Western New York.

The U.S. Army Corps has $249 million to begin cleaning the Guterl Steel site in Lockport, which is contaminated with thorium and uranium, and work will start in 2027 (the site covers 70 acres).

New York declared influenza prevalent earlier this week after more than 3,500 flu cases and 230 hospitalizations were reported for the week ending Oct.

17, and Niagara Falls Memorial has already treated 15 cases as hospitals brace for more; health officials urge residents to get vaccinated and stay home if sick.

The State Office of Cannabis Management offered Halloween safety tips Wednesday, urging people to store cannabis edibles locked and separate from treats, arrange safe transportation before using, have age-appropriate talks with kids, and call the Poison Center (1-800-222-1222) or 911 for emergencies.

UB tennis won multiple titles at the MAC Fall Championships in Western Michigan this past weekend: men’s Flight B doubles Chase Zao and Michael Malkin beat UIC 8-3, Miko Lapalme won Flight B singles, and Sarah Hartel won the women’s singles 6-2, 6-3 to qualify for the ITA Conference Masters (Rome, Georgia). Women's tennis hosts Colgate on Friday, Oct. 30.

The Buffalo News' Ice Time podcast takes stock of the Sabres' slow start, explains the uncertain goaltending situation, and previews the team's upcoming California road swing; stream the episode on The Buffalo News.