New York has enacted a law setting stricter rules for AI companion chatbots that interact with children under 18.

Signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul, the measure bars developers from designing chats that lead children to believe a bot is a real person with feelings or a genuine relationship with them.

It also restricts flattery, sexually explicit content, and messages that encourage secrecy or unhealthy behavior.

For families across New York, the concern is that an always-available chatbot may feel like a trusted friend to a child seeking comfort.

Supportive language can become harmful when it steers a child toward dependence.

The law allows the state attorney general to sue developers over violations, with possible consequences including financial damages, chatbot shutdowns and data destruction.

Some rules may prove difficult to interpret as chatbot language evolves.

But New York’s approach places more responsibility for children’s safety on the companies building these tools, rather than on parents alone.

Thanksgiving night in Orchard Park will have a hometown soundtrack when the Goo Goo Dolls perform at halftime of the Bills’ game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Buffalo-born band will take the stage at Highmark Stadium during the prime-time matchup, which kicks off at 8:20 p.m.

Fans will find light-up bracelets at their seats, creating synchronized effects that make the crowd part of the show.

Known for hits including Name, Iris and Slide, the Grammy-nominated group will bring a familiar Buffalo sound to a national audience.

No set list has been announced, but the occasion is about more than which songs the band plays.

For fans in the stadium and families watching after Thanksgiving dinner, it is a chance to see one of Buffalo’s best-known bands share the spotlight with its team.

New York’s improving budget outlook offers some breathing room for Buffalo and Erie County, but it will not make groceries, rent or utilities cheaper.

State officials now project an $8.9 billion shortfall over three years, down from $14.7 billion, as stronger tax collections and financial-sector gains boost revenue.

Next year’s projected gap has also shrunk, from $6.4 billion to $2.9 billion.

That could help protect state support for schools, transit, housing and health care, though new local funding is not guaranteed.

Budget officials favor building reserves and paying debt before committing to more spending, mindful that an economic downturn could erode today’s gains.

Gov. Kathy Hochul has emphasized affordability measures, while Republican challenger Bruce Blakeman calls for lower taxes and tighter spending.

For Western New Yorkers facing stubborn household costs, the question is whether Albany can deliver relief without weakening essential services.