Good morning, Buffalo.
It's Thursday, February 26th. Clouds giving way to some sun today with a high around 27°F. Bundle up out there.
Here's what you need to know.
🔴 Refugee Found Dead on Perry Street After Border Patrol Release
A nearly blind Bangladeshi refugee named Nurul Amin Shah Alam was found dead on Perry Street late Tuesday night. He had been missing for nearly a week after being taken into custody by U.S. Border Patrol agents. Congressman Tim Kennedy is now calling for a full investigation into what happened. Kennedy called the death heartbreaking and said Alam should still be alive with his loved ones. Buffalo Police and federal authorities are involved, and a lot of questions remain unanswered about how Alam ended up alone in the cold after his release.
👮 Buffalo Police Ends Popular Foot Patrol Program
Remember those officers walking the beat in your neighborhood? That program is done, at least for now. The Buffalo Police Department's Foot Patrol Integration Unit officially ended after its trial agreement expired on January 2nd. Interim Commissioner Craig Macy said the concept worked well and residents loved it, but the overtime costs and staffing strain made it tough to sustain, especially through winter. Council members pushed back during a Police Oversight Committee meeting this week, with Majority Leader Leah Halton Pope saying she received nothing but positive feedback from constituents. The department says it is looking at ways to bring walking patrols back, possibly by summer.
🏗️ Golisano Institute Taking Shape Inside the Old Buffalo News Building
Construction is moving fast at the former Buffalo News building on Washington Street downtown. The $12 million renovation for the Golisano Institute for Business and Entrepreneurship is now about 25% complete. Regional Director Jim Dentinger said they are working in two phases, with part of the first floor expected to open in late spring and the rest of the building finishing up by July. The school plans to welcome 75 students this fall with a two year certificate program in business and entrepreneurship. There will also be a one year AI and business certificate. Terry Pegula has committed to endowing 10 scholarships, and tuition will run $8,900 per year.
🎵 Ziggy Marley and Blackberry Smoke Coming to Artpark This Summer
Summer concert season is shaping up nicely. Artpark just announced two more outdoor shows for 2026. Reggae legend Ziggy Marley will perform at the Outdoor Amphitheater in July as part of his Brightside Tour, with special guest J Boog. Georgia blues rock group Blackberry Smoke is also headed to the amphitheater on their Rattle, Ramble and Roll Tour. Tickets for both shows go on sale tomorrow, February 27th at 10 AM. The rest of the Artpark summer lineup includes Sarah McLachlan on July 14, Tori Amos on August 4, O.A.R. with Gavin DeGraw on September 12, and Ray LaMontagne on September 22.
🏈 Bills at the NFL Combine: Wide Receiver is the Big Need
Brandon Beane and new head coach Joe Brady kicked off the 2026 NFL Combine in Indianapolis this week. Both made it clear that this is a fresh start for the organization. Brady said he wants players who love football and fit what they want to do on offense. The biggest position of need is wide receiver, and Brady told reporters that understanding each prospect's individual skill set matters more than just raw speed or size. The Bills currently sit about $10 million over the salary cap, so Beane will need to make some moves before free agency opens on March 11th. Potential cap casualties could include Dawson Knox and Curtis Samuel. On field workouts for prospects begin today.
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See you tomorrow morning, Buffalo. ☀️🦬