In today’s WBFO Brief, Albany Correspondent Karen DeWitt reports on criticism of some new rules that change current absentee ballot procedures in New York State - and she looks at the prospect of same-day voting in future years. Also, Cheektowaga police talk about taking care of each other after the sudden death of Chief Michael Sliwinski, and there’s a chance that if COVID-19 cases rise, Erie County would reconsider restrictions on large scale events- like Buffalo Bills games at Highmark Stadium. And hear about veterans’ struggles to get toxic exposures to things like burn pits recognized as a service-related injury.

On today’s WBFO Brief, Governor Cuomo has apparently appeared to answer questions in the Attorney General’s probe of sexual harassment allegations against him. We also have a bit of an environmental theme this morning - with a story that looks at efforts to help preserve the emerald shiner population, and another looking at sewer system upgrades in Buffalo.

Today’s WBFO Brief has news that is bound to have you dust off the duds for the red carpet. If it’s Friday, it’s Theater Talk and today we bring word that the annual Artie Awards will return live and in person at Shea’s 710 Theatre on Monday, September 20, 2021.Also, hear Morning Edition Host Jay Moran’s conversation with Cong. Brian Higgins on plans to open the US/Canadian border to fully vaccinated individuals in mid-August, and Albany correspondent Karen DeWitt discussing possible reform of the state’s ethics commission.And we also have an explanation on why Buffalo News reporters are going on a byline strike, and COVID-related news involving a short-term spike in cases, and a Buffalo City Council discussion on how to spend some federal COVID relief funds.

On the WBFO Brief today, we hear several stories about policing in Buffalo. You’ll hear about a community push-back against gun violence, learn that the Buffalo Police are wearing some extra-large nametags with their badge numbers now, and you’ll hear concerns that national incidents of white supremacists infiltrating into police forces nationwide could be an issue in Buffalo.Also today, Albany correspondent Karen DeWitt reports on a meeting with NYC Mayoral candidate Eric Adams talking about gun violence; Ontario correspondent Dan Karpenchuk looks at the province’s debate over use of an electronic “vaccine passport”; and hear, quite literally, about how a Rochester church is dealing with loitering.PS - You’ll want to hear the podcast tomorrow, for a special Theater Talk announcement from Peter Hall and Anthony Chase.

Today’s WBFO Brief hears from Prof. Phil Stevens, a University at Buffalo anthropologist that says there are ways to combat the growth of conspiracy theories in American politics and culture. Also, a look at a summer camp in Lake Placid, NY, teaching computer coding to middle school girls. We also check in on the return of Larkinville’s Food Truck Tuesday, have more on the sexual abuse allegations against former Buffalo Diocese Auxiliary Bishop Edward Grosz, and look at a Siena Poll that says over half of New Yorkers are concerned about a COVID resurgence in the fall.

Today on the WBFO Brief Albany correspondent Karen DeWitt looks at a growing controversy—whether some virtual meetings violate the state’s open meetings law. And get your first chance to hear from incoming Buffalo Toronto Public Media President and CEO Tom Calderone.Also, The Buffalo Roman Catholic official responsible for handling sexual abuse claims against priests-- retired auxiliary Bishop Edward Grosz-now faces sexual abuse allegations himself. And hear about a new training program for restaurant workers, and accelerated plans for a movie studio – and even a backlot- on Niagara Street.

In today’s WBFO brief, Congressman Brian Higgins says the Canadian government is choosing politics over science by resisting the reopening of the border (we later check in with correspondent Dan Karpenchuk for more from across the border). A Rochester lawmaker is raising concerns for the state’s Thruway service area renovations over one particular business lining up to be a tenant. Senator Schumer asks the Department of Justice to investigate the National Rifle Association for what he suggests is bankruptcy fraud. The rain didn’t stop many from enjoying the second day of the Taste of Buffalo. And there are concerns for another tick-borne illness in New York State.

Spirits and fools abound, abound. In today’s WBFO Brief, It’s Theater Talk Friday. Today, Peter Hall and Anthony Chase chat with Shakespeare in Delaware Park’s Kyle Conti, who’s directing a collection of scenes from "A Midsummer's Night Dream," scattered in various locations around the Rumsey Woods area of Delaware Park.Also today, Correspondent Karen DeWitt goes deep on Perdue Pharma’s settlement with New York State over their role in the nationwide opioid crisis. And a look at how extra child care credit money from the feds will help with foster care in greater Buffalo.

On the WBFO Brief, a look at gun violence as it plays out in the City of Buffalo Mayoral campaign — and an in-depth report on Gov. Cuomo’s gun violence state of emergency. And we take a look at the Cayuga Nation of Indians' quest for a land of their own. And on every other Thursday, we are joined by Dr. Nancy Neilsen MD for her regular talk with Jay Moran about all things COVID-19.

Today on the WBFO Brief, Governor Andrew Cuomo has declared a “border war” state of emergency to curb gun violence statewide. Also, the Williamsville school board discusses mask mandates as COVID eases. Correspondent Dan Karpenchuk reports on the new Governor-General in Canada — an indigenous woman who is now the Queen’s representative as Head of State. And hear from prominent WBFO alumni Eileen Buckley on her selection into the Buffalo Broadcasters Hall of Fame.