Morning briefing in Buffalo: May 13

Hello, Buffalo. Here’s what you need to know today.

Your weather planner

As the sun rises, a few scattered showers/thunderstorms will arrive from the west. Pockets of rain will persist until midday before becoming more random for the second half of the day.

Peaks : 60s The lowest: Upper fifties Rainy sky

Daily Forecast | Interactive radar

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Around Buffalo

1. Spotlight New York’s tourism industry

Many New Yorkers at this time of year turn their attention to the travel season. The travel industry is a huge source of revenue for the state. According to Empire State Development, it is a $79 billion industry and accounts for 7 percent of all jobs in the state. This makes it the third largest employment sector in the state.

2. One-on-one with Rep. Tim Kennedy as he finishes his first week in Congress

Kennedy was sworn in last Monday night, less than a week after winning a special election to represent his Buffalo, House district.

3. A wave of new approvals is expected to change the cannabis landscape in Western New York

Green Philosophy 716 is a state-licensed hemp retail store in West Seneca. On Friday, OCM moved forward with a flurry of approvals, including Green Philosophy’s application. Aaron Van Camp, owner of Western New York’s first dispensary, said it’s good for the industry.

Around the nation

1. Thousands flee as Russia launches border offensive near Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city.

2. Pro-Palestinian protests dwindle to small numbers and subtle acts of defiance at US college graduations

3. Red, yellow, green… and white? Smarter vehicles could mean big changes for traffic lights

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