The News, Eats & Events Shaping Western New York

The Buffalo Sabres have introduced Mac, a 10-week-old Newfoundland, as their new official team dog for the 2025-26 season.

Mac is in training through the Pawsitive for Heroes program, an effort from WNY Heroes designed to offer service dogs to veterans with service-related disabilities.

During his training, Mac will attend select home games and meet fans, preparing him for a variety of social settings.

After completing his service dog training, Mac will be paired with a local veteran, providing essential support and companionship.

He continues the legacy of past Sabres’ team dogs like Audie, Blue, Nikki, and Rick, all of whom found their homes with veterans in Western New York.

Fans can look forward to meeting Mac at upcoming Sabres events, where he’ll help champion service for veterans and community connection.

In August 2025, tragedy struck near Pembroke when a tour bus overturned on the New York State Thruway, leaving five dead and dozens injured among 54 passengers.

Emergency responders from across Western New York rushed to the chaotic scene, working tirelessly side by side.

Volunteers from the Newstead and Akron fire companies were among the first to arrive, immediately facing the urgent challenge of rescuing those trapped in the wreckage.

With helicopters landing beside them, responders braved surreal and perilous conditions to save lives, at times lifting the bus itself to free victims.

Their unwavering dedication made a lasting impact on survivors and families, evoking deep gratitude in the aftermath.

In recognition of their extraordinary efforts, the Daughters of the American Revolution honored 22 local responders with the Distinguished Citizen Medal—marking a first for the district.

This powerful act of service highlights the critical need for more volunteer first responders and celebrates their profound role in the Western New York community.

Dr. Kristen Oehlrich, originally from Williamsville, has taken on the position of CEO and Executive Director at the National Women’s Hall of Fame in Seneca Falls.

She highlights strong ties between Buffalo and the Hall’s mission, noting many Western New York women are among its more than 300 celebrated inductees.

Noteworthy Buffalo-area figures include Mary Burnett Talbert, Harriet Williams Russell Strong, and Marian de Forest, whose legacies span civil rights, innovation, and journalism.

Oehlrich is passionate about amplifying these women’s achievements, stressing that their stories have often been overlooked or erased from traditional history.

She calls for greater local and national support, as funding for women’s history remains alarmingly sparse—just over two percent.

The Hall recognizes women from all fields and encourages the community to engage, discover personal connections, and support upcoming events like the 2026 induction ceremony.

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