WNY Insider for January 21st

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Seth Greene

Jan 21, 2026

The News, Eats & Events Shaping Western New York

Timmy the Penguin Makes Debut at Aquarium of Niagara

Timmy the Penguin has made his debut at the Aquarium of Niagara on Penguin Awareness Day, joining from Brookfield Zoo Chicago as part of a major conservation initiative.

Through collaborations with other accredited zoos, the Aquarium is boosting efforts to protect vulnerable species and keep populations genetically healthy.

Timmy was paired with Jules, a local female penguin, in a quiet setting to foster their bond—an approach that has already shown promise, with early signs of a mated penguin pair.

Now back among their colony, the two are watched closely, as hopes rise for future chicks and a lifelong partnership.

Visitors can spot Timmy and Jules at the Penguin Coast exhibit, where unique bands mark each bird.

Their story highlights the threats facing Humboldt penguins in the wild and underscores the Aquarium’s commitment to inspiring local conservation action through interactive Penguin Encounters.

Williamsville’s annual Soup Stroll returns on Saturday, February 28, 2026, promising a flavorful afternoon for both locals and visitors.

This heartwarming community event has grown into a beloved tradition since 2018, as local restaurants craft unique soups for attendees to sample along Main Street in the Village of Williamsville.

Soups are available for a small fee from noon to 3 p.m., with proceeds supporting charities like FeedMore WNY.

Families and foodies are encouraged to arrive early for the best selection and to dress warmly for the winter stroll.

No reservations are needed—just join the lines at participating spots, with small bills making purchases easy.

The event not only offers culinary enjoyment but also strengthens community bonds, with past strolls raising vital funds for local causes. At the end, attendees vote for their favorite soup, and one eatery claims the coveted Soup Stroll Trophy.

GameStop is set to close several stores across the U.S., including key locations in Western New York, as part of a major operational overhaul.

The company recently announced plans to shutter a significant number of stores by January 2026, citing declining sales of physical games and increased competition from digital downloads.

Stores closing in the region include sites in Buffalo, Depew, Lockport, Rochester, Victor, and Webster.

Many local customers and employees are disappointed by the closures, raising concerns about access to gaming products and the future for workers affected by the change.

This move comes as part of GameStop’s strategy to adapt to evolving shopping habits, with a renewed focus on collectibles and digital offerings as in-person sales decline.

Communities in Western New York now face a shifting retail landscape and the challenge of finding new gaming retailers and job options.