The News, Eats & Events Shaping Western New York

NHL stars have returned to the Olympic spotlight, bringing electric matchups and renewed excitement for hockey fans worldwide.

After an intense round-robin, the tournament moves into qualification, where top-seeded teams await challengers hungry for an upset.

Buffalo’s own are in the thick of it, with Team USA’s Tage Thompson and Team Sweden’s Rasmus Dahlin both leading their squads and turning heads.

Thompson, who leads the Sabres with 20 goals this season, earned his Olympic spot with standout play.

Meanwhile, Dahlin’s strong scoring pace, including a recent power-play assist, has bolstered Sweden’s hopes.

If these teammates collide in the quarterfinals, Buffalo fans will witness local stars turned international rivals—a unique moment blending city pride and Olympic competition.

The valuable experience gained promises to uplift the Sabres as both players return to chase an NHL playoff berth.

Black theater makers have played an essential role in shaping the local arts scene, yet much of their vibrant history remains unrecorded.

Aaron Joshua, both an actor and director, was moved to bridge this gap by creating a living archive of Black theatrical work through photography.

He began documenting performances and behind-the-scenes moments, capturing the creativity that too often fades without record once the curtain falls.

Launching each Black History Month with a special photoshoot, Joshua highlights individuals who deeply impact local theater yet often remain unseen.

Photographer Willie David Short V soon joined the effort, contributing his own artistic lens and experiences from working on nearly 150 shows in various technical roles.

Both artists stress the importance of a supportive Black creative network, crediting people like Angelique Nina Powell for inspiring their journeys.

Together, they are determined to honor and uplift the magnificence of their community’s talent for generations to come.

Tesla’s Buffalo factory has officially surpassed its job creation targets, hiring over 300 new workers and bringing the total to 2,399 full-time employees at the South Buffalo site by the end of 2025.

Including staff at other Tesla locations in New York, the company now exceeds its lease agreement’s benchmark of 3,460 positions.

This achievement follows years of scrutiny from state lawmakers, some of whom considered clawing back part of New York’s $1 billion investment after Tesla previously missed workforce goals.

State officials and local leaders, including Buffalo Mayor Sean Ryan and Assemblymember Pat Burke, have welcomed the progress but stress the need for ongoing oversight to ensure promises are upheld.

Tesla has also launched production of upgraded residential solar panels at the Buffalo facility, with first deliveries due in early 2026.

The factory's transformation marks a renewed push for Buffalo as a hub for solar technology and electric vehicle manufacturing.

Buffalo Brews: A Craft Beer Lover’s Guide to WNY

• Community Beer Works – Vibrant taproom with a rotating lineup of beers like The Whale brown ale, pilsners, and session IPAs, plus food and outdoor seating.

• BriarBrothers Brewing Company – Highly rated brewery known for quality craft beers and a great local vibe.

• Big Ditch Brewing Company – One of downtown Buffalo’s most popular breweries with solid core beers and seasonal releases.

• Spotted Octopus Brewing Co. – Small-batch brewery with excellent reviews and creative brews.

• Resurgence Brewing Company – Industrial-style brewery celebrated for Buffalo-flavored brews like Loganberry Wit.

• Froth Brewing Co. – Well-liked craft brewery serving fresh ales, lagers, and a laid-back taproom.

• Mortalis Brewing – Popular Buffalo taproom with tasty beer selections.

• Belt Line Brewery & Kitchen – Brewpub with solid beer and food menu along Swan Street.

• Other Half Brewing - Buffalo Taproom – Buffalo location of one of the Northeast’s most hyped breweries.

• Buffalo Brewing Company – Local favorite with good beer and a cozy taproom.

• Frequentem Brewing Co. Buffalo – Highly rated small brewery with craft beer offerings.

• Steel Leaf Brewing – Hertel Avenue brewery with a local crowd.

• Britesmith Brewing – Williamsville and Niagara Street brewpubs with beer and pizza — both great stops on the WNY Beer Trail.

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