Buffalo All Local

The 5/14 Memorial Commission continues to take steps toward building the permanent, physical memorial at the corner of Jefferson and Best in Buffalo. Rev. Mark Blue, Commission Chair, tells WBEN a construction manager has been named and groundbreaking is set for sometime this year.

Peter Baker is owner of Can Bottle Return in Hamburg. He's part of a coalition pushing for New York to update its bottle bill, which has been the same for more than 40 years. Baker tells us about the changes that need to be made and why.

Want to go to the first game at the Bills' new stadium? Get ready to fork over $650+ for the cheapest seat in the building. Nick Giammusso expects prices to stay high throughout the entire first season at the stadium. He has more insight on what the secondary market is looking like.

State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli Friday released his office's findings on the City of Buffalo's financial situation. The review found the City relies too heavily on non-recurring transactions and needs to establish a reserve fund, among other issues. Ellicott District Councilwoman Leah Halton-Pope shares her reaction.

Thursday was a strange day in Albany as Governor Hochul announced the framework of a budget deal. The only problem is there isn't actually a deal. Albany insider Jack O'Donnell of O'Donnell & Associates tells WBEN there's still lots that needs to be worked on before the budget is finalized.

The Sabres are in the driver's seat in their second round series with the Montreal Canadiens after a 4-2 win Wednesday night. WGR's Paul Hamilton recaps the game.

Erie County has surplus funds, but where will they go? County Executive Mark Poloncarz wants to use them for lawsuit settlements. Comptroller Kevin Hardwick wants to split it three ways, including with the cities of Buffalo, Lackawanna and Tonawanda. Hardwick has more detail on the matter, which will be discussed by the Legislature Thursday.

It's Sabres vs. Canadiens in Round 2 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Former Sabres goalie, now broadcaster, Marty Biron gives his thoughts on Montreal and tells us how this series will be different from Round 1.

The Sabres are on to the 2nd round, and ticket prices are still sky high as excitement builds. VIPTix President & CEO Nick Giammusso tells us about prices and availability.

4-30-26 Brian and Susan discuss a bill that could possible ban businesses from using biometrics.

Erika Shields will be Buffalo's first female police commissioner after the Common Council voted 5-4 to confirm her appointment Tuesday. University District Councilmember Rasheed Wyatt is one of five on the Council that voted in favor of Shields. He told us more about his decision.

Disaster was narrowly avoided Saturday in the nation's capital after an attempted mass shooting at the White House Correspondents' Dinner. Dave Levinthal, Senior Editor for NOTUS, says it's business as usual for the administration as government duties resume.

Cole Allen, the suspected shooter at Saturday's White House Correspondents' Dinner, will be arraigned Monday. He was staying at the Washington Hilton as a guest, sneaking down to the hotel's ballroom before being caught by security. Could anything else have been done to prevent the close call? Security consultant and retired Buffalo Police Captain Jeff Rinaldo has expert analysis.

One of North America's greatest tourist attractions is open for the season as Maid of the Mist welcomed its first passengers this morning. Captain Joe Curtis tells us what's new and how America's 250th birthday ties into this season's festivities.

It's NFL Draft Day! Also happening, Game 3 between the Sabres and Bruins in Boston. WGR's Bills beat reporter, Sal Capaccio, tells us what he expects from the Bills tonight.

Today Lucas fills in for Susan Rose as he and Brian discuss Game 2 of the Buffalo Sabres NHL Playoffs as the series shifts over to Boston for Games 3 and 4.

What do the Sabres need to change if they want to take a 2-0 series lead over the Boston Bruins Tuesday? Not much, says WGR's Brian Koziol, Sabres gameday host. He has a preview of tonight's game.

Today Lucas fills in for Susan while he and Brian discuss Game 1 of the NHL Playoffs for the Sabres, and the excitement for them to be back

Days after Buffalo Mayor Sean Ryan released his first proposed city budget, it's not just the 25.8% tax increase that's getting attention from Council members. Deep in the budget is a policy provision that is raising questions. Councilwoman Zeneta Everhart tells us about it, and how it would take power away from the Council.

National Weather Service meteorologist Phillip Pandolfo has the forecast.

The tax filing deadline for most of us is today, April 15. 'The Tax Lady' Esther Gulyas tells us her office is swamped as people try to file at the last minute. She has tips if you're one of those late filers.

The Sabres are division champions for the first time since 2010 after beating Chicago 5-1 Monday night. It caps off a remarkable worst-to-first story. WGR's Paul Hamilton recaps the season and looks ahead to the playoffs.

It's a great day for the City of Buffalo as tech company Ingram Micro moves its local operations downtown. The company's North America President Bill Brandel tells us what went into the decision to move more than 1,200 employees to the heart of the city.

Oil and gas prices started dropping this week following news that the US and Iran agreed to a two week ceasefire. Anyone hoping to see a quick drop in gas prices though may be disappointed. Patrick De Haan, head of Petroleum Analysis at Gas Buddy explains why.

The deadline to file your taxes is April 15th. Do you have everything in order? 'The Tax Lady' Esther Gulyas is here to make sure you do.

The City of Tonawanda is using a machine that recycles asphalt into material that can be used to fill potholes. It could be a game-changer for roads everywhere. Public Works Superintendent David Fronczak tells us how the machine works.

Artemis II’s lunar flyby, which lasted seven hours Monday, is the highlight so far of the nearly 10-day test flight that will end with a splashdown in the Pacific on Friday. The journey has been special to watch for Tim Collins of the Buffalo Astronomical Association.

Dyngus Day celebrations in Western New York don't begin and end in Buffalo's old Polonia neighborhoods. They've spread far across the area as more people look to get in on the fun. Matt Parish tells us about the changes to this year's parade.

"Unbelievable," said Buffalo School teacher Marc Bruno, to new information that a 17-year-old Buffalo student, who tried to bring an unloaded gun into School 197, on East Delavan Avenue this week, had been arrested just over two weeks ago on felony charges. Bruno tells us what changes he thinks need to be made.

Immigration attorney Rosanna Berardi says there likely won't be a criminal indictment in the death of blind refugee Nurul Amin Shah Alam, who was found dead in Buffalo in February after being dropped off at a closed Tim Hortons by Customs and Border Protection agents. Berardi has expert analysis on the case, and what the realistic outcomes are.

Gowanda may have been the hardest hit town as heavy rains, wind and hail slammed Western New York Tuesday. Gowanda Fire Chief Steve Raiport says it looked like "a drive-by shooting" hit homes and cars. He joined WBEN to describe the scene as the storm hit.

New poll numbers show New Yorkers would welcome new rules to require showing a photo ID in order to vote in elections. Republicans' SAVE Act would require US citizens to show proof of citizenship when registering to vote, as well as ID at the polls. Siena pollster Steve Greenberg tells us more about the numbers. Also, a shift in the race for governor.

Buffalo's Dyngus Day parade turns twenty this year. Two decades of celebrating Polish-American heritage in the Historic Polonia District on the day after Easter. Eddy Dobosiewicz, co-founder of Buffalo's Dyngus Day parade, tells us how the celebration has grown over the decades.

March 27th Susan and Brian discuss the Senate passing a Bill early on Friday to end the 42-days without pay for TSA Employees

Travel chaos continues at the nation's largest airports as TSA employees go unpaid because of a partial government shutdown. The shutdown may extend even further as Congress gets ready to go on Easter recess. Congressman Nick Langworthy tells us he isn't sure the Senate will approve funding before Friday's deadline.

Questionnaires for potential jurors in the federal death penalty trial of Payton Gendron will soon go out to 3,000 people. Former Erie County DA John Flynn walks us through the process of identifying jurors and bringing the total down from 3,000 names to 12.

There's new questions about Buffalo Public Schools financial situation after an email was sent to the district informing schools that extra spending is being put on hold as the district looks to lower its deficit. School Board Member Larry Scott tells us what the total deficit is and what steps the district is taking to resolve it.

Buffalo's North District Council Member Joe Golombek is the latest lawmaker in Buffalo to share his dissatisfaction with Mayor Sean Ryan's proposed 25% property tax increase. Golombek tells WBEN he was "outraged" at the number and would like to see it come down. How far can it realistically drop, though? Hear what the Council Member had to say.

The city of Buffalo is in a $109 million hole, and Mayor Sean Ryan is getting aggressive to get the city out of that hole. He's proposing a 25% property tax hike for Buffalo residents while his administration also begins collecting fines and fees that had been ignored. Mayor Ryan breaks down his plan for getting the city out of financial peril.

Travel is easy at the Buffalo Niagara International Airport, but the same can't be said at bigger airports across the US. Staffing shortages brought on by a partial government shutdown, weather and the spring break travel rush are compounding issues. Elizabeth Carey from AAA Western and Central NY tells us what to look out for if you have a trip planned.

The Seneca Babcock Community Association will soon be closed after losing its nonprofit status. Now, families in Buffalo's Lovejoy District will be looking for a new place to send their kids to daycare, while seniors will search for a new community center and food provider. Bryan Bollman is the Lovejoy District's representative in Buffalo's Common Council. He shared his thoughts on the closure with WBEN.

Today Lucas Buckley fills in for Brian Mazurowski and discusses a cold 2026 St. Patrick's Day with Susan Rose

Fans of 8 college basketball programs will be in Buffalo this week as the March Madness basketball tournament takes over KeyBank Center Thursday and Saturday. Visit Buffalo President & CEO Patrick Kaler is looking forward to the economic benefits the tournament will bring to the city. He tells us more about expected ticket availability and when people will begin to arrive.

Buffalo's annual St. Patrick's Day Parade will go off rain or shine this Sunday at 2. Daniel O'Sullivan is Grand Marshal of this year's parade. He joins WBEN to talk about his proud Irish heritage and what it means to lead the parade.

Two shows are beginning their tours in Buffalo this season at Shea's. The lineup for 26-27 is star-studded as Broadway producer Albert Nocciolino tells us what to expect.

A DHS shutdown is straining resources at airports across the country, causing longer lines at TSA checkpoints and overall travel chaos. AAA's Elizabeth Carey has tips for avoiding the hassle.

Riverdance is celebrating 30 years, and they're bringing the show to Shea's this coming weekend...which just so happens to be St. Patrick's Day weekend. Lead dancer Kieran Bryant - who's actually Australian! - tells us all that goes into the Irish dance performance.

Fighting continues in the Middle East for a second week as oil and gas prices soar across the US. Depending on how long the war goes we may see other everyday necessities impacted. CBS' Jill Schlesinger takes a look ahead.

A harsh winter took its toll on WNY's gardens, lawns, shrubs and trees, but changing weather means it's time to bring your pride and joy back to life. Chris Zeis from Russell's Tree & Shrub Farm has tips for restoring your hard work as spring approaches.