Samantha Christmann
@samchristmann.bsky.social
📤 154
📥 55
📝 205
Amateur human. First-time adult. Reporter for The Buffalo News.
I have been wanting to write about Diane Shiffer for a very long time. Our new feature, The Bright Side, gave me the perfect opportunity.
buffalonews.com/news/local/a...
loading . . .
Meet the 'chubby, vintage nana' in Albion who is comforting the internet
In an increasingly chaotic world, Albion resident Diane Shiffer's calm, loving acceptance has drawn more than 2 million followers on social media.
https://buffalonews.com/news/local/article_8fba8551-fa73-48bf-a1dd-bfdcb93e5d05.html#tracking-source=home-top-story
8 days ago
0
1
0
Visit Buffalo seizes viral "O Canada" moment with billboards, hockey guide.
buffalonews.com/news/local/b...
loading . . .
Visit Buffalo capitalizes on 'O Canada' moment
After nearly a year and a half of tension and a sharp drop in Canadian visitors, Buffalo’s tourism officials are hoping that a surge of hockey-fueled goodwill can help bring their neighbors back. And ...
https://buffalonews.com/news/local/business/article_5a7deeac-718b-42b3-a628-d5b2a71cceb3.html#tracking-source=home-top-story
17 days ago
0
0
0
"Eye-rolling over Gorka’s bombast has given way to anxiety about the administration’s preparedness to identify and stop major plots."
www.propublica.org/article/seba...
loading . . .
The Counterterrorism Czar Without a Counterterrorism Plan
Amid Trump’s war in Iran and an exodus of intelligence staffers, Sebastian Gorka has asserted that a blueprint for fighting terror threats is “imminent” — but has not released it. Iranian threats have...
https://www.propublica.org/article/sebastian-gorka-trump-counterterrorism-czar-iran-terrorism?utm_source=sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=weekly-newsletter
20 days ago
0
0
0
Their donuts are in the top 5!
buffalonews.com/news/local/b...
loading . . .
20 Wegmans foods you're bananas about
At Wegmans, shoppers are bananas for pantry staples, and they've got a hankering for avocados, too. But they also love their donuts and pizza.
https://buffalonews.com/news/local/business/article_b272266e-8e60-47f6-aed0-0181076f4cd6.html#tracking-source=home-the-latest
23 days ago
0
0
0
The print headline was so much better: "Fun!? Well ... Emotional roller coaster for fans who fret over former Fantasy Island's fate"
buffalonews.com/news/local/a...
loading . . .
Fans wonder if former Fantasy Island park will open for 2026
With the park's operators saying little, rumors have swirled on Grand Island that Niagara Amusement won't open for the 2026 season.
https://buffalonews.com/news/local/article_ee8a151b-b246-4176-9795-bf3a3c3915b0.html#tracking-source=home-top-story
about 1 month ago
0
0
0
Buffalo booksellers have kicked off a bookish scavenger hunt.
buffalonews.com/news/local/b...
loading . . .
WNY readers and sellers prepare for Independent Bookstore Day
From now until Independent Bookstore Day on April 25 readers can visit participating bookstores to collect stamps in a printable passport booklet and be entered to win prizes.
https://buffalonews.com/news/local/business/article_e9a57596-c670-4f9e-bd07-a18371870156.html
about 1 month ago
0
1
0
The last time I looked, there were 283 comments on this story.
buffalonews.com/news/local/b...
loading . . .
Canadians are boycotting America. How do they feel about Americans?
With Canadians feeling spurned by President Trump's rhetoric, Canadians have boycotted American products and visits to the States. But how do they feel about Western New Yorkers?
https://buffalonews.com/news/local/business/article_88a094b0-3fef-459f-8d9b-f52cb8fc8e2b.html
about 1 month ago
0
0
0
reposted by
Samantha Christmann
Dan Meyer
about 1 month ago
Solid piece penned by
@samchristmann.bsky.social
. Includes quotes from Heather Jackson, owner of "Merit Badge Books" in Hamburg (MY favorite bookstore.) Link to the printable passport booklet:
www.bflobookstores.com/_files/ugd/5...
#Buffalo
#BuffaloBookstorePassport
#IndependentBookstoreDay
add a skeleton here at some point
0
1
1
I lived at this park as a kid. This project will completely transform that space.
buffalonews.com/news/local/a...
loading . . .
Work on North Tonawanda aquatic facility to start in 2 months
North Tonawanda is moving ahead with a new aquatic facility that will replace its historic and well-loved Memorial Pool.
https://buffalonews.com/news/local/article_3afc6437-5555-4d83-a982-88b7080cae6f.html
2 months ago
0
2
0
reposted by
Samantha Christmann
Aaron Besecker
2 months ago
New
@buffalonews.com
: Buffalo officer's 'selective recall' in Internal Affairs interview benefited Granville, supervisor
buffalonews.com/news/local/c...
loading . . .
Buffalo officer's 'selective recall' in Internal Affairs interview benefited Granville, supervisor
A Buffalo police officer's answers about her involvement in the crash investigation of Daniel "D.J." Granville served to protect Granville and his sister-in-law, Lucia Esquilin, then a Buffalo police ...
https://buffalonews.com/news/local/crime-courts/article_9ccc0d17-1aa6-4828-8cb6-57d3ac167cc3.html
0
0
3
I'm still amazed at how many people don't know this incredible, giant bookstore in Niagara Falls exists.
buffalonews.com/article_7c92...
loading . . .
Buffalo Next: The Book Corner gets reprieve
Every year, Jeffrey Morrow makes a decision - whether to take on one more year as owner of The Book Corner, a beloved, sprawling bookstore on Main Street in Niagara
https://buffalonews.com/article_7c92cf56-477e-4871-aed4-b2722463ac16.html
2 months ago
0
2
0
reposted by
Samantha Christmann
Aaron Besecker
2 months ago
From
@buffalonews.com
&
@samchristmann.bsky.social
: Looking for something to do Friday in Buffalo with no NCAA games? These local attractions have a deal for you
buffalonews.com/news/local/b...
loading . . .
Looking for something to do Friday with no NCAA games? These local attractions have a deal for you
With 19,000 NCAA basketball fans in town and no local games on Friday, some of the region's tourist attractions are hoping to give them something to do.
https://buffalonews.com/news/local/business/article_c57e0189-75ae-4f13-89c1-ffaf988c39aa.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=bluesky&utm_campaign=user-share
0
1
1
www.retaildive.com/news/rei-cut...
loading . . .
REI cuts compensation as labor talks break down
The retailer declared an “impasse” in the bargaining process, which allows it to unilaterally make changes. The REI Union says the move was illegal.
https://www.retaildive.com/news/rei-cuts-compensation-labor-union-talks-break-down/814538/
2 months ago
0
0
0
More than 170 years after opening in downtown Buffalo, this one-of-a-kind shop will close this month.
buffalonews.com/news/local/b...
loading . . .
As M. Steffan's Sons closes, so does a portal to the past
Inside M. Steffan's Sons, leather was still cut by hand and repairs were done with tools older than electricity. Outside, the world moved toward Amazon orders and disposable fashion. With Linda Steffa...
https://buffalonews.com/news/local/business/article_6123d700-d1ee-443d-aeda-eb093e3cb017.html#tracking-source=home-top-story
2 months ago
0
0
0
Outlet malls don't have the same edge they once had over traditional enclosed shopping centers, but they foreclose at about half the rate.
buffalonews.com/news/local/b...
loading . . .
Fashion Outlets is at the edge of a cliff. Here's how it got there
Fashion Outlets owner Macerich is facing a $76.8M balloon payment on the mall due in October. But with the mall assessed at about $82M less than it was in 2010 when the loan was issued, it's a big cha...
https://buffalonews.com/news/local/business/article_59d99d3e-d8bf-45b4-b0c6-6f944360b8fe.html#tracking-source=home-top-story
2 months ago
0
0
1
Flock cameras:
www.wkbw.com/news/local-n...
loading . . .
Northtowns residents push back on license plate reader cameras
There is growing push back from citizens across Western New York against municipalities using Flock Cameras, automatic license plate readers.
https://www.wkbw.com/news/local-news/northtowns/northtowns-residents-push-back-on-license-plate-reader-cameras
3 months ago
0
1
0
loading . . .
This obscure legal clause is holding back US malls. Simon Property Group got Saks Global to forfeit it.
What are reciprocal easement agreements and how did Simon accomplish what most shopping centers can only dream of?
https://www.retaildive.com/news/reas-holding-back-simon-property-group-saks-global/813181/?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Issue:%202026-03-05%20Retail%20Dive%20Newsletter%20%5Bissue:82432%5D&utm_term=Retail%20Dive
3 months ago
0
0
0
It's getting real, folks. Soon, Boulevard Mall will only exist in our memories.
loading . . .
Taste of China serves last meals at Boulevard Mall
The popular Taste of China restaurant will serve its last meal at Boulevard Mall on Tuesday as the mall prepares for at least partial demolition.
https://buffalonews.com/news/local/business/article_adb44b4f-3508-4d36-9037-98ae21267fe3.html
3 months ago
0
1
0
Our annual Prospectus edition will be out this Sunday. Here's a sneak peek at one of the stories you'll find inside.
loading . . .
Prospectus: WNY Tourism sites are feeling the absence of Canadians
Over the past year, visitation to Western New York from Canada has dropped 25%. That's a problem for the region's tourist sites, as well as the retailers and restaurants around them.
https://buffalonews.com/news/local/business/article_7213f06f-632b-40cf-acda-9081b26a7d5e.html#tracking-source=home-top-story
3 months ago
0
1
0
reposted by
Samantha Christmann
Sandra Tan
4 months ago
The big barrier to reforming government policies regarding employees being given take-home cars, access to free gas etc. isn't just updating a policy; it's ensuring the policy applies to everyone. How the
Erie County, NY
Legislature is wrestling with that:
loading . . .
Different rules govern Erie County's fleet of vehicles. The Legislature might change that
An Erie County audit found big problems with how the county assigns and monitors use of taxpayer-funded vehicles. Now the Legislature is tasked with creating a new policy.
https://buffalonews.com/news/local/article_ad1c8403-8fb5-4491-a563-3820b19b4417.html#tracking-source=home-top-story
0
1
2
reposted by
Samantha Christmann
The Buffalo News
4 months ago
After withdrawing a previous proposal, Dallas-based Stream has said it wants to build a data center campus in the town of Alabama that would double the project's square footage, to 2.2 million square feet, and would use twice as much power.
loading . . .
Massive data center project in Genesee County revising incentives request
After withdrawing a previous proposal, Dallas-based Stream has said it wants to build a data center campus in the town of Alabama that would double the project's square footage, to 2.2 million square feet, and would use twice as much power.
https://buffalonews.com/news/local/business/article_49ddf4ba-3e4a-4013-a700-f118c93b1f25.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=bluesky_
0
0
1
Time served and a $250k fine.
loading . . .
Sentence of time served and $250,000 fine ends Buffalo Billion bid-rigging case against Ciminelli
The corruption case against Louis P. Ciminelli – which spanned a decade and spawned a legal challenge that reached the U.S. Supreme Court – has ended with no additional prison time, but a $250,000 fin...
https://buffalonews.com/news/local/crime-courts/article_e263702a-06f1-44a2-9293-3be51995cca1.html#tracking-source=home-top-story
4 months ago
0
1
0
reposted by
Samantha Christmann
The Buffalo News
4 months ago
The retailers, along with a relocated Black & Blue Steak and Crab restaurant, are the latest tenants announced for the Station Twelve development in Amherst.
buffalonews.com/news/local/b...
loading . . .
Tempur-Pedic, Warby Parker, North Face shops set for Amherst's Station Twelve
The retailers, along with a relocated Black & Blue Steak and Crab restaurant, are the latest tenants announced for the Station Twelve development in Amherst.
https://buffalonews.com/news/local/business/development/article_00d6073e-49d4-4a1c-a620-b0d2aeebdeff.html
0
1
1
The state has very strict rules on how service charges are presented and divided. Hyatt ran afoul of those rules for years, the suit says.
buffalonews.com/news/local/b...
loading . . .
Servers sue Hyatt Regency Buffalo over alleged wage theft
A class-action lawsuit filed by two Hyatt banquet servers claims the Hyatt Regency Buffalo improperly kept almost half of banquet servers' tips for the past nearly seven years.
https://buffalonews.com/news/local/business/article_d64bce92-4498-4ae4-90f2-0932463cd9a1.html#tracking-source=home-top-story
4 months ago
0
1
0
reposted by
Samantha Christmann
The New York Times
4 months ago
Breaking News: A federal judge ordered immigration agents not to retaliate against people engaging in peaceful protests in Minnesota, among other restrictions.
loading . . .
Judge Restricts Immigration Agents’ Actions Toward Minnesota Protesters
A federal judge ordered agents not to retaliate against people “engaging in peaceful and unobstructive protest activity” in the state and not to stop drivers who are not “forcibly obstructing” officers.
https://nyti.ms/3NhLRjf
37
408
116
reposted by
Samantha Christmann
Sandra Tan
4 months ago
The Erie County Legislature wanted to make it easier for women and minority-owned businesses to be awarded county contracts. The county spent nearly $481,000 on a study to figure that out three years ago. So why isn't it done yet? That story:
buffalonews.com/news/local/a...
loading . . .
Erie County study costing $481,000 finally to be released – long after first requested and paid for
It has taken more than three years to deliver a costly Erie County disparity study that was supposed to take 12 months. But county leaders say it's finally ready.
https://buffalonews.com/news/local/article_e78305aa-27a4-4cfb-b9f7-7ecc8a73ebab.html
0
0
1
Wegmans - consistently a "Great Place to Work," is threatening that title with its use of bioemetric surveillance that monitors workers, Forbes suggests
www.forbes.com/sites/janice...
loading . . .
The Wegmans Debate And The Rise Of Surveillance In Workplaces
Wegmans’ biometric data practices point to a larger surveillance shift, raising urgent questions about privacy, equity, and the future of work.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/janicegassam/2026/01/13/the-wegmans-debate-and-the-rise-of-surveillance-in-workplaces/
4 months ago
1
2
0
In case you missed it, new bumps in the road for Amherst's planned town center.
buffalonews.com/news/local/b...
loading . . .
Macy's closing will make Boulevard Mall redevelopment even harder
Now that Macy's is closing its Boulevard Mall store, it throws a wrench into plans to transform the sprawling property into a town center, a planned walkable community with retail and residential offe...
https://buffalonews.com/news/local/business/article_45108ed3-4033-4d6c-83d9-cb0a8ea9337a.html
4 months ago
0
0
0
It's not clear what this will do to Benderson's plans for a town center and they declined to comment as they don't yet own the mall.
buffalonews.com/news/local/b...
loading . . .
Macy's to close at Boulevard Mall in Amherst
Macy's is closing its store in the Boulevard Mall in February, leaving just its Walden Galleria location for a department store chain that once had a big presence in Western New York.
https://buffalonews.com/news/local/business/article_5e7b51c5-7095-4a66-8865-5025bf642730.html#tracking-source=home-top-story
4 months ago
0
0
0
Biometric data collection happens all over New York, and not just at Wegmans. Here's what all the fuss is about.
buffalonews.com/news/local/b...
loading . . .
Why are people so fired up about biometrics?
Wegmans is facing a growing backlash after confirming Tuesday that it uses biometric data in some of its stores. But what is biometrics and why should shoppers care?
https://buffalonews.com/news/local/business/article_9e394d84-2a32-4ba8-874d-e7e6f07bb9f6.html
4 months ago
0
0
0
reposted by
Samantha Christmann
Texas Freedom to Read Project
5 months ago
Remember when they told us they were only interested in removing (ie censoring) books that are “obscene” and “harmful” to children? They lied. 😑
add a skeleton here at some point
14
560
224
The fallout from Wegmans' biometric data collection disclosure continues.
buffalonews.com/news/local/b...
loading . . .
Poloncarz calls for laws regulating biometric data use in Erie County
Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz is pushing for a county law that would regulate the use of biometrics by stores and businesses, days after reports that Wegmans was using the technology at a store...
https://buffalonews.com/news/local/business/article_64f6bf1a-ac8f-4d53-ac28-bef444bcbe71.html#tracking-source=home-top-story
5 months ago
0
1
1
reposted by
Samantha Christmann
MuckRock
5 months ago
Recently,
@freedom.press
and
@404media.co
obtained a data-sharing agreement between the Department of Homeland Security and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services that would include ICE receiving the personal data of nearly 80 million Medicaid patients.
freedom.press/the-classifi...
loading . . .
Here’s the document giving ICE 80 million Medicaid patients’ data
FPF and 404 Media won access to it in our joint FOIA lawsuit
https://freedom.press/the-classifieds/heres-the-document-giving-ice-80-million-medicaid-patients-data/
0
2
5
reposted by
Samantha Christmann
Justin Baragona
5 months ago
"Marco Rubio, we salute you!" A real thing that was said by the CBS Evening News anchor tonight.
714
6294
1630
loading . . .
Does Wegmans collect biometric data in WNY? It won't say.
Wegmans is collecting biometric data from customers and workers at its stores in Manhattan and Brooklyn – including scans of their eyes, likeness and voice – but the supermarket chain won't say whethe...
https://buffalonews.com/news/local/business/article_2eb0888c-dcdd-463f-8c4b-b538fa64c28b.html
5 months ago
0
0
0
I made your favorite: a Costco update
buffalonews.com/news/local/b...
loading . . .
Costco is coming soon. But just how soon?
Costco just updated its website for stores that will be opening soon. That update offered some new insight into how soon the store it's building in Amherst could open.
https://buffalonews.com/news/local/business/article_01b91195-2ded-4f1e-855d-79471f98a90f.html
5 months ago
0
0
0
reposted by
Samantha Christmann
The Poynter Institute
5 months ago
“This is for me a love letter to journalism,” said photojournalist Ann Hermes. “But I do want it to do more than that.” Meet some of the photojournalists documenting disappearing local newspaper newsrooms:
www.poynter.org/local-news/2...
loading . . .
This photographer is documenting old newspaper newsrooms while they’re still around - Poynter
Ann Hermes' images show what's left and what we stand to lose
https://www.poynter.org/local-news/2025/ann-hermes-photographs-newsrooms/
0
21
12
reposted by
Samantha Christmann
jane
5 months ago
tom Brady saw his wife marry that karate man and decided to wear one glove about it.
3
44
7
reposted by
Samantha Christmann
The New York Times
5 months ago
"What makes Costco’s Champagne so great is that it isn’t made by Costco," our Wirecutter tester writes. "This Champagne is really, really good for the price."
loading . . .
The Fizzy Joy of Cheap Costco Champagne
Stocking up on bottles of Champagne ahead of New Year’s Eve doesn’t have to empty your bank account.
https://nyti.ms/3YasxGJ
11
107
15
There's still time to say goodbye.
buffalonews.com/news/local/b...
loading . . .
Market Arcade AMC theater to close at year's end
The AMC movie theater at the Market Arcade downtown will close by the end of the year, as ticket sales and patron traffic still haven't recovered from the pandemic and aren't high enough for the compa...
https://buffalonews.com/news/local/business/development/article_74af8607-4857-4fe8-8b57-2aeb4b68e30a.html#tracking-source=home-top-story
5 months ago
0
1
0
reposted by
Samantha Christmann
Keri Blakinger
5 months ago
STOP WHAT YOU'RE DOING EVERYONE (or everyone who is a FOIA nerd): There's a public records request advent calendar. h/t Cam Rodriguez
docs.google.com/spreadsheets...
loading . . .
The Very Official 2025 FOIA Advent Calendar
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1kRiMOJDPYjmVemvdIKFLRcsGpwBiDy0RfrKVgJJRzO4/edit?gid=0#gid=0
3
33
14
George & Co. used to supply my favorite store when I was little, Four Jokers Magic Shop on Main Street in the City of Tonawanda.
buffalonews.com/news/local/b...
loading . . .
Saying 'So long' to George & Co., a Buffalo institution for more than a century
George & Co − a novelty store that has been delighting magicians, actors, pranksters and other consumers in the Buffalo market since 1901 − will close its brick-and-mortar store in the Transitown Plaz...
https://buffalonews.com/news/local/business/article_9d06055c-df4d-49a8-ba39-ba03f2d92d66.html#tracking-source=home-top-story
5 months ago
0
1
0
"The so-called audit of the foundation was a manufactured inquiry — engineered to attempt to discredit me. It is important to understand that this is not simply an attack on me as chair. It is Unilever’s attempt to undermine the authority of the Board itself."
loading . . .
Exclusive: Ben & Jerry's board chair does not plan to resign as pressure mounts from Unilever unit
Magnum is inheriting a deepening corporate feud between Unilever and Ben & Jerry's.
https://www.reuters.com/business/ben-jerrys-board-chair-does-not-plan-resign-pressure-mounts-unilever-unit-2025-12-07/?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Issue:%202025-12-08%20Food%20Dive%20Newsletter%20%5Bissue:79590%5D&utm_term=Food%20Dive
6 months ago
0
1
0
ICYMI: Can you believe it took more than a decade for Trader Joe's to put a second store here?
buffalonews.com/news/local/b...
loading . . .
After 12 years, Buffalo area will get its second Trader Joe's
The region's second Trader Joe's grocery store will open in Clarence on Friday.
https://buffalonews.com/news/local/business/article_efe59a31-4cc9-4652-b583-8de3a2098133.html
6 months ago
0
0
0
reposted by
Samantha Christmann
Justin Sondel
6 months ago
Buffalo lawmakers are exploring a progressive tax or fees and fines for property owners who sit on property without maintaining or improving it. My latest:
buffalonews.com/news/local/g...
loading . . .
Vacant properties are a problem in Buffalo. Some city officials think a new tax could help
Buffalo lawmakers are exploring a new tax as one way to force the hand of property owners and speculators who sit on real estate while their lots and buildings cause blight and reduce property values ...
https://buffalonews.com/news/local/government-politics/article_6406b0b4-034f-453f-ba1d-93857b26cbae.html
0
3
2
In case you missed it, Dank will soon close permanently. Here's why.
buffalonews.com/news/local/b...
loading . . .
It was Buffalo Niagara's first cannabis dispensary. Now it's among the first to close
Western New York's first legal cannabis dispensary is going to be among the first to close.
https://buffalonews.com/news/local/business/article_2bd9533a-2612-4f7d-b9d0-94f70c2627a4.html
6 months ago
0
0
0
Have you ever wondered what happens to Santas when their malls close? Fortunately, it looks like they're doing just fine.
buffalonews.com/news/local/b...
loading . . .
A trip to the mall might be mostly a thing of the past. But a visit with Santa Claus endures
Santa Claus may not have as many malls for his helpers to call home this holiday season, but new professional opportunities are helping Santa performers expand their earning potential with
https://buffalonews.com/news/local/business/article_18de2883-edde-4b25-9969-762f629ff0af.html
6 months ago
0
1
0
reposted by
Samantha Christmann
The Buffalo News
6 months ago
Enjoy a shopping trip down memory lane with photos of stores that are no more, from downtown Buffalo institutions including Hens & Kelly, Hengerer's and AM&As to Gold Circle and Two Guys.
buffalonews.com/multimedia/c...
loading . . .
Photos: Stores we loved and miss
Enjoy a shopping trip down memory lane with photos of stores that are no more, from downtown Buffalo institutions including Hens & Kelly, Hengerer’s and AM&As to Gold Circle and
https://buffalonews.com/multimedia/collection_d0d0e783-e64a-5b79-9c86-1b84057e1a18.html
1
3
1
I've never spent $28 on socks, but I think they're going to make amazing Christmas presents.
loading . . .
$692 penny loafers? Timeless style, classic service make O'Connell's a global destination
O'Connell's Clothing on Main Street has been recognized as one of the top 50 clothing stores in America by the New York Times. It's easy to see why.
https://buffalonews.com/news/local/business/article_8debed38-054f-40dd-9e4a-32b4c6f8ab65.html
6 months ago
0
1
0
Load more
feeds!
log in
