The News, Eats & Events Shaping Western New York

Buffalo Bert, the city's beloved groundhog, has confidently predicted six more weeks of winter during the 13th annual Buffalo Groundhog Day celebration.

The lively event at The Banshee Irish Pub on Franklin Street drew a cheerful crowd hoping for spring but left with Bert’s famously accurate forecast unchanged from last year.

The festivities filled two floors with live music, animal exhibits, and hands-on activities, creating a vibrant atmosphere for all ages.

Admission offered full access to entertainment and a drink token, with proceeds aiding animal nonprofits like the Hawk Creek Wildlife Center and City of Buffalo Animal Shelter.

Over $70,000 has now been donated by organizers, highlighting genuine dedication to local wildlife and animal welfare.

Even as winter lingers, Buffalo’s community pride shines through events that bring neighbors together and support charitable causes.

The Buffalo Sabres have launched a meaningful road trip to Florida, bringing their mothers along for an up-close look at NHL life.

Their journey began with a tough 4-2 home loss to the Montreal Canadiens, but the emotional boost from family in the stands was clear.

Owen Power broke a 24-game scoring drought, celebrating his goal alongside his mother, Trish Power, whose joy in the crowd mirrored his own.

While many moms are regulars at home games, this trip lets them truly experience the demands their sons face.

The Sabres will now test themselves against the Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning, crucial matchups with playoff implications.

Buffalo currently holds a wild card spot, but challenges loom from surging rivals like the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Depth additions like Isak Rosen and the return of Josh Norris could prove vital as the Sabres fight to solidify their postseason hopes.

Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a robust initiative to expand artificial intelligence education and research throughout the SUNY system, aiming to democratize access to advanced AI tools and knowledge statewide.

Through the Empire AI program, SUNY’s leading university centers in Albany, Binghamton, Buffalo, and Stony Brook are collaborating with colleges and community colleges to offer hands-on AI research, workshops, and microcredentials that emphasize both technical skills and ethical responsibility.

The Empire AI supercomputer at the University at Buffalo is central to this push, providing shared computing power for institutions of all sizes.

Each campus is driving specialized programs, such as Albany’s interdisciplinary research, Binghamton’s free AI microcredential series, Buffalo’s “AI in Action” fellowship, and Stony Brook’s paid summer research opportunities.

These efforts back a larger vision: making New York a leader in ethical, inclusive AI innovation and workforce readiness, with plans for the nation’s first independent, university-based AI research center to open at Binghamton by 2026.

Heart of the Community: Local Charities in Buffalo & WNY

• Buffalo C.A.R.E.S. Animal Rescue
  Volunteer-driven animal rescue facilitating pet placement and care.
• Catholic Charities of Buffalo
  Comprehensive human services across all of WNY — including emergency assistance, counseling, refugee & immigration support, family stability programs, and more.
• FeedMore WNY

Region’s leading hunger-relief nonprofit combining Food Bank of WNY & Meals on Wheels, helping families, seniors, and children facing food insecurity.

• Buffalo City Mission
  Provides meals, shelter, and support programs for people experiencing homelessness and poverty in Buffalo.

• Variety the Children’s Charity of Buffalo & Western NY
  Focused on supporting children in need through fundraising events and community programs.

• WNY Women’s Foundation
  Advances gender equity and economic opportunities for women through advocacy, policy work, and leadership initiatives.

• Habitat for Humanity Buffalo
  Helps families achieve affordable homeownership and runs a ReStore to support its mission.

• GLYS Western New York, Inc.
  Provides support, advocacy, and safe spaces for LGBTQ+ youth and young adults.

• Housing Opportunities Made Equal (HOME)
  Promotes fair housing rights and combats discrimination in the housing market.

• Justice for Migrant Families WNY
  Advocates for immigrant and asylum-seeking families, offering support and education.

• Free the People WNY
  Grassroots coalition focused on criminal justice reform and community empowerment.

• Ronald McDonald House Charities of WNY
  Provides housing and support for families with hospitalized children.

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