Good evening, Buffalo. We're wrapping up the day for you with the most important stories you need to know and your weather outlook.

Your Weather Planner

Look for snow flurries and snow showers tonight and into the overnight. Thursday will present a few clouds early, but otherwise it will be mostly sunny with a few flurries or snow showers possible. High 28F. 

Tomorrow's Forecast

  Highs: High 20s
 Lows: Low 20s
 Snow

7-Day Forecast | Interactive Radar

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Today's Big Stories

1. Live updates: Fears grow war could spread in region after senior Hamas leader killed

 Israel was on high alert for an escalation with Hezbollah on Wednesday after one of the top leaders of the Palestinian Hamas was killed in a strike in Beirut that was widely blamed on Israel and heightened the risk of a broader Middle East conflict.

2. Poll shows rising interest in foreign policy as Biden's Israel, Ukraine aid request hangs in limbo

A new poll shows an increase in attention on foreign policy among Americans in 2024 as President Joe Biden heads into the new year with mounting challenges overseas and his request for billions in foreign aid in limbo on Capitol Hill. 

3. Iran says at least 103 people killed, 141 wounded in blasts at ceremony honoring slain general

Two bombs exploded Wednesday at a commemoration for a prominent Iranian general slain in a U.S. drone strike in 2020, Iranian officials said, killing at least 103 people as the Middle East remains on edge over Israel's war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

4. DeSantis and Haley's CNN debate to run at the same time as Trump's Fox town hall

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley are set to appear at next week's Republican presidential debate on CNN, while former President Donald Trump participates in a Fox News town hall at the same time.

5. 5 things to watch as NY's 2024 legislative session begins

As lawmakers return to Albany on Wednesday, they'll brace for six months of legislative work they hope to boast about to constituents when they campaign for re-election in the second half of the year amid a torrent of national contests.

6. Concerns about fitting new New York school holidays into future calendars

Asian Lunar New Year was the latest holiday to be recognized by New York State public schools. Gov. Kathy Hochul signed the bill in September. While it's seen as an important way to recognize the AAPI community and give others the chance to learn more about the day, it could pose difficulties for school districts.

Your Notes for Tomorrow

  • Unemployment Insurance Weekly Claims Report - Initial Claims
  • United Nations launches its World Economic Situation and Prospects report
  • 20th anniversary of NASA 'Spirit' rover reaching Mars

In Case You Missed It

Spectrum News 1
 

Buffalo State grad authors children's book about spreading kindness

It’s a new year, and a lot of people want to revamp themselves. The focus tends to be on a healthy diet and exercise. What about just being a kinder, more patient person? In the hustle and bustle of life, that can go by the wayside.
Ruth Caro Mack is an author who went to Buffalo State. While she was studying psychology, she switched gears to study early childhood development. She also wrote the book "The Precious Gift of Patience."