WBFO Brief

With the Buffalo driving ban over and many roads re opened—- we take a moment to tell personal stories of survival and grief and financial hardship. Holly Kirkpatrick looks at neighborhood relief on Buffalo's West side at the Gypsy Parlor restaurant. Emyle Watkins has the story of William Clay, a storm victim who died. And after being stranded for 18 hours , Shaquille Jones had to pay almost $360 in a towing fee, incurred in the one town that isn't covering those costs for people.

Roads in the city of Buffalo are still off limits, with MPs from New Jersey coming in to make sure people arent violating the traffic ban. Also, the latest on plowing- with a report on whichi areas are getting snow removal, and which ones aren't.

The latest on Winter Storm Elliot, including an emergency declaration from Pres. Biden, a hopeful forecast that everything will be done by tonight.

Hear a chat about representation, with Buffalo's original Kente Claus, an afro-centric counterpart to the more familiar depictions of Santa. We also have the latest on Blizzard preparations: garbage and recycling in Buffalo are cancelled, schools — including Buffalo - are closed Friday. And the state's first licensed cannabis retail outlet is opening... downstate.

It's official: NY lawmakers are seeking a raise and have introduced a proposal to boost the base salary to the highest in the nation- in exchange fora possible ban on outside income. Also, a candlelight vigil in support of Muslim women in Iran will be held tonight , and there is a spike in COVID-19 cases with 178 new ones reported in Erie County.

Concerns about disparities in discipline of Black, Brown and disabled students in Buffalo Schools when the suspension rate is compared to White students. Albany correspondent Karen DeWitt looks at Gov. Kathy Hochul's newly announced affordable housing plan. Also SUNY Erie (ECC) President David Balkin has resigned, and a judge has tossed out an activist group's challenge to the city council's new districts map.

The television coverage of the World Cup featured a lot of advertisement for online betting, prompting Canadian officials to speak out about the dangers of having small children exposed to gambling outreach. Also, a visit to Seneca Falls, and their recent "It's A Wonderful Life " Festival. And a shooting in Toronto at a condominium complex led to a police standoff with 5 dead.

If it's Friday, It's Theater Talk- today with Anthony and Peter on empathy and diversity in theater shown in-part by Anthony's one man show. Albany correspondent Karen DeWitt looks at talk of horsetrading that could possibly give state lawmakers a raise. Lake Effect snow warnings have triggered the re-positioning of utility crews and Gov. Kathy Hochul to say "Bring it on." Also, a new law banning the sale of dogs, cats and rabbits at pet stores. Also, hear jay Moran with Marvin Askew - director of Buffalo city Ballet, as they head into their last weekend of "the Nutcracker"

The NYS DMV and State Police are already gearing up for their annual holiday crackdown on drunk driving. Also, icy road conditions are already here Thursday, with Lake Effect snow expected to snarl traffic for Sunday's Buffalo Bills game.

The city of Buffalo is updating it's documents regarding Title II and the ADA, after reports from WBFO found them inadequate and out of date. Also, NYS legislators have begun the slow process of giving themselves a pay raise, with a possible special session on that soon. And a Siena poll says crime and the economy top New Yorkers concerns heading into 2023.