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NEW YORK Sunday, October 11, 2026

New York

Buffalo's Week Ahead: Trial, Tree Recovery, and Local Events

Key events include the start of Payton Gendron's federal trial, tree restoration efforts, and local business updates.

New York Editorial News Desk October 11, 2026 1 min read

The Brief

  • Jury selection begins Tuesday for the federal trial of Payton Gendron, accused of a 2022 Tops Markets massacre.
  • Re-Tree WNY has planted over 31,000 trees since the 2006 October Surprise storm caused widespread damage.
  • Famous Doughnuts returns to Main Street with original owner still involved in daily operations.

Jury selection is set to begin Tuesday for the federal trial of Payton Gendron, 23, who is accused of murdering 10 Black people and injuring three others during a racist attack at Tops Markets on May 14, 2022. Gendron has already been sentenced to consecutive life terms in state prison with no possibility of parole.

The 2006 October Surprise storm, which dumped 2 feet of snow on parts of the region in about six hours, caused significant damage. It is estimated that 57,000 trees were lost, prompting the formation of Re-Tree WNY, a volunteer group dedicated to restoring the region's tree canopy. The organization has since planted more than 31,000 trees across Western New York.

Famous Doughnuts, a 87-year-old bakery, is returning to Main Street with the same recipes and techniques. The previous owner, Richard Roehm, remains actively involved in teaching the new owners how to make the doughnuts. The new owners, Matthew Ram and Siddiqur Sadat, have stated they intend to maintain the original quality and approach.

Local sports teams are set to play this week, with the Buffalo Bills traveling to Los Angeles and Las Vegas before their Week 7 bye. The Sabres will host Florida on Monday before heading to Canada. The University at Buffalo Bulls will face UMass in a home game, and East Aurora's boys cross-country team is ranked first in the state.

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