The News, Eats & Events Shaping Western New York

Bishop Michael Fisher has returned from the Vatican after meeting with Pope Leo XIV and senior church leaders about the Diocese of Buffalo's ongoing bankruptcy and parish restructuring.

Central to his discussions were the diocese’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy, prompted by numerous sexual abuse lawsuits since 2020, and the ambitious Road to Renewal plan, which proposes merging or closing nearly half of parishes in Western New York.

In September 2024, the diocese announced it would reduce from 160 to 79 parishes and designate 39 secondary worship sites, citing declining attendance, priest shortages, and bankruptcy pressures.

Several parish closures are under Vatican review, causing temporary merger suspensions.

Bishop Fisher acknowledged deep community pain but stressed that restructuring is essential due to dwindling resources.

The reorganization plan includes a $274 million settlement fund for survivors, keeping healing and renewal central for Western New York Catholics.

The reflecting pool at Kleinhans Music Hall has been beautifully restored, unveiled during a ribbon-cutting ceremony that marked the completion of this landmark project.

A new plaque now recognizes the pool as The Stenclik Family Reflecting Pool, honoring the local family's impactful support.

This restoration forms a key part of a $15 million renovation, largely backed by New York State, to protect this cherished National Historic Landmark.

The 17,000-square-foot pool was drained, resurfaced, and relined, showcasing the visionary work of designers Eliel and Eero Saarinen.

Originally lost to a lawn in the 1950s, the pool's return echoes Buffalo’s renewed commitment to historic preservation—a movement sparked by passionate community efforts and groups like the Preservation Board.

This achievement was made possible by the City of Buffalo, Erie County, and the generosity of the Stenclik family.

The restored pool now stands as a powerful symbol of Buffalo's pride and cultural resilience.

Western New York tattoo studios are facing mounting challenges after U.S. tariffs caused Canadian supplier Eikon to halt shipments to the United States.

Jeffrey Bagneschi of North Star Tattoo shared his frustration as reliable, rapid delivery from Eikon has vanished, forcing him and other artists to seek costly alternatives.

Bagneschi recently encountered a steep 40% tariff when ordering from another Canadian company, pushing many shops to rethink where they source their essential supplies.

Christopher Coronado of Coronado Ink noted that supply costs have soared since the pandemic, with much-needed materials also imported from China, complicating the industry’s supply chain.

Trade tensions escalated with a new 10% tariff announced on Canadian imports, deepening regional impacts like declining tourism and hotel stays in Niagara Falls.

Local tattoo businesses are adapting, determined to overcome shortages and rising costs by exploring new suppliers and business strategies.

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