Daily
Buffalo
Wednesday, December 31st, 2025
Good morning, Buffalo. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 31st of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ National Grid distributed free water and dry ice on Monday at fire departments in Buffalo, Batavia, and Niagara Falls after treacherous winds and ice left 76,000 customers without power. Restoration was set by Tuesday at 11:30 p.m. and additional giveaways were planned if outages continued (officials said). ABC 7
- ➤ Buffalo is preparing to ring in 2026 as police advise residents to plan ahead by using a taxi & rideshare and bundling up when heading downtown. WGRZ
- ➤ The water buffalo club 7-1-6 launched a GoFundMe fundraiser in honor of Josh Allen’s birthday to support the Patricia Allen fund at Oishei. WGRZ
- ➤ Crews continue to restore power to thousands across western New York + repairs progress steadily for customers + utilities expect service improvements in the coming hours. WGRZ
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Lee Enterprises announced Tuesday a $50 million deal with billionaire investor David Hoffmann to stabilize the newspaper chain's finances—Hoffmann, whose family firm owns over 40 publications, will serve as chairman as CEO Kevin Mowbray retires after 39 years. WBEN
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Buffalo State will launch its first doctoral program in Creativity and Change Leadership—an online Doctor of Professional Studies with 72 credits delivered in compressed seven-week sessions starting Fall 2026. The program was approved by SUNY trustees to meet the evolving workforce need for creative leadership. Buffalo State University
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ On Tuesday, a winter storm left over 7,500 National Grid customers without power as wind gusts reached 75 mph. A storm warning is in effect through Friday for Wyoming, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and Southern Erie counties, and crews are working & dry ice pick-up locations are open to help residents. WBFO
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Residents in West Seneca saw fewer power outages after NYSEG removed and trimmed over 100 dead ash trees near overhead lines. Town Supervisor Gary Dickson said the move helped stabilize service for the grid of 250 households that had long dealt with frequent outages. ABC 7
- ➤ Utility crews from National Grid & NYSEG restored most outages by Tuesday morning following Monday’s storm in Buffalo, though high winds, falling trees and broken poles have delayed full repair with restoration possibly extending into today. WBEN
- ➤ Buffalo officials announced Tuesday that the Skyway reopened after being closed Monday due to hazardous winter conditions; they remind drivers to proceed with caution as the weather remains challenging. WGRZ
- ➤ National Grid crews restored power for nearly 68,000 of 76,000 affected customers in Western New York after a storm yesterday — 500 crews will continue working today to restore remaining service while bottled water and dry ice are distributed in Niagara and Genesee counties. WGRZ
- ➤ Power restoration efforts are ongoing in Buffalo with help from out-of-town crews from Ontario+Canada, Michigan, and other states providing mutual aid assistance. Local utilities say the teams are working quickly to restore service for residents. WGRZ
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Highmark Stadium saw a historic comeback in a game that thrilled fans earlier this season. The video highlights dramatic plays that continue to spark local conversation. WGRZ
- ➤ The Bills lost on Sunday and will play their season finale this weekend at Highmark Stadium — the venue built in 1973 is expected to host its final game. The Buffalo News
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The Strictly Hip: Road Apples
8-11 p.m. — Babeville — $4 – $100 — Experience a night honoring the music of The Tragically Hip with the dedicated tribute band The Strictly Hip.
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Buffalo NY Speed Dating for Ages 24-39
6:30-8:30 p.m. — Fattey Beer Co. — Ticket required — Meet up to 12 potential matches in a fun, engaging environment.
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Mozart's Mass
10:30 a.m. — Kleinhans Music Hall — $9.00 — Experience the sublime blend of Mozart's Symphony No. 38 and the Great Mass in C minor with the Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus.
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Mozart's Mass and Symphony No. 38
7:30-9:30 p.m. — Kleinhans Music Hall — Ticketed — Experience the emotional journey of Mozart’s symphony alongside his magnificent ‘Great’ Mass in C minor.
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Mamma Mia!
2-4 p.m. — Shea's Buffalo Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy the timeless ABBA hits in this beloved musical spectacular.
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Handmade Pasta Class
6-9 p.m. — Artisan Culinary Loft — $100.00 — Experience the art of pasta making, perfect for all skill levels.
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Saving Waves Concert
6:30-8:30 PM — Buffalo Iron Works — Details on ticket cost pending — Experience the vibrant sounds of Saving Waves in a lively setting.
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The Jazz Lounge at Milton's
7-10 p.m. — Milton's at Statler Buffalo — $20 — Experience an elegant evening of live jazz and crafted cocktails in downtown Buffalo.
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The Strictly Hip: Day For Night
8-11 p.m. — Babeville — $4 – $100 — Experience the music of The Tragically Hip through the talented tribute band The Strictly Hip in an intimate venue.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable.
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Buffalo
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