WBFO Brief

WBFO Brief

By WBFO NPRNews
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WBFO Brief episodes

  • WBFO Brief June 23, 2021

    This morning on the WBFO Brief- the aftermath of a historic primary election that ousted four-time incumbent Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown and replaced him with an upstart activist India Walton.  Hear her first chat with reporters, and listen to what Brown told his supporters as the results rolled in last night.

    Also, hear from another upset winner- with Kimberly Beaty, winning the Democratic Primary for Erie County Sheriff.  And we have an interview with an analyst who says all the upsets last night were a ‘gut punch’ for the area’s Democratic, Republican and Conservative party chairs.  And lest you think there was no other news beyond the elections- Albany Correspondent Karen DeWitt weighs in with the latest on a possible change to environmental liability rules in NYS.

    24 min
  • WBFO Brief June 22, 2021

    In today’s WBFO Brief, a look at spending in Buffalo’s Mayoral race on this primary day, and how it’s been 50 years since an incumbent lost the seat. Reporter Nick Lippa is out at the polls as Republicans and Democrats select a candidate for Sheriff, and Democrats select a mayoral candidate in the City Of Buffalo, where no Republican opponent is on the November ballot. 


    Correspondent Dan Karpenchuk takes a look at some easing of quarantine restrictions on the U.S- Canadian border for vaccinated people. 


    Also, a rising rate of unemployment for disabled people in Western New York- is disproportional to the rest of the population, and a look at how COVID and socialization issues have affected our pets.

    17 min
  • WBFO Brief June 21, 2021
    On today's WBFO Brief, despite some important races, early voting trends suggest low interest in local primary elections. Erie Community College’s interim president discusses local job prospects. State legislators say building the Kensington Expressway was a mistake that needs to be corrected. Erie County reverses a vaccination requirement to attend Buffalo Bills games this fall. Advocates in the disability community express concern over a gap of workers who support members of that community. Albany correspondent Karen DeWitt tells us that state Republicans look for hope amid Governor Cuomo’s troubles, as they eye next year’s gubernatorial election.
    17 min
  • WBFO Brief June 18, 2021
    On today's WBFO Brief, planners continue to figure out how to reconfigure the Scajaquada. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand warns scams targeting seniors are on the rise, and not just because of the pandemic. The "Free Them" walk is entering its final stretch as it heads to Buffalo to wrap up on Juneteenth. Senator Charles Schumer's recent use of an outdated term offends members of the disabilities community. We take you to an interactive learning center in Buffalo offering art and construction. And Albany correspondent Karen DeWitt reports on Governor Cuomo's continuing grip on COVID emergency powers, despite lifting many public restrictions
    26 min
  • WBFO Brief June 17, 2021
    On today's WBFO Brief, the Buffalo Public Schools announces a full in-person return to classrooms for the fall semester on the same day students from across Western New York call for more inclusive programs and wellness resources. WNY's congressmen ask for help getting people employed and an end to the US-Canada border closure. More festivals and events are going forward without restrictions on capacity. And D'Youville College marks the opening of its Health Professions Hub with a celebration in the community it aims to serve.
    16 min
  • WBFO Brief June 16, 2021
    On today's WBFO Brief, the vast majority of COVID restrictions have been lifted across New York now that the state has reached a 70% first-dose vaccination rate. But while some in government are celebrating, others are asking questions about the necessity of Governor Cuomo's continued emergency powers. We also look at how various agencies are trying to overcome the impacts of the pandemic, from elder abuse, to art institutions, and what to do with federal stimulus money for education. And WBFO Canada Correspondent Dan Karpenchuk reports on the Ontario government's plan to launch a $10 million investigation into the deaths and burials of native children at residential schools in the province.
    17 min
  • WBFO Brief June 15, 2021
    On today's WBFO Brief, an esteemed Niagara County arts campus makes plans for emerging from the pandemic, Buffalo unveils a mural devoted to a legendary Irish writer, local fairs wonder if they too can go full capacity like the State Fair, Albany corespondent Karen DeWitt tells us New York state was on the brink of an important COVID vaccination milestone, and correspondent Karen Franklin explains how the Black deaf community has especially hit hard by the pandemic.
    19 min
  • WBFO Brief June 14, 2021
    In today’s WBFO Brief, what is your pandemic mental health music? WBFO’s Nick Lippa talks with mental health counselor Karl Shallowhorn about what has been getting them through tough times — and wants to hear what is on your playlist. Also, Albany correspondent Karen DeWitt looks at what was left on the table at the end of this year’s legislative session last week, and this week’s American Portrait Moment features Sara Ali, a second-generation Jordanian from Grand Island. We spotlight specialized return from prison programs on the Akwesasne nation, which straddles the US-Canadian border, and hear an update on weak turnout numbers released after the first two days of early voting in the June 22nd GOP primary election for Erie County Sheriff, and the City of Buffalo’s Democratic party primary for Mayor.
    20 min
  • WBFO Brief June 11, 2021
    If it’s Friday, you know today’s WBFO Brief features Theater Talk, with Anthony Chase and Peter Hall -- talking this week about dinner theater's debut (sort-of) during continued COVID restrictions. Wander with reporter Karen DeWitt through the usually busy halls of the NYS Capitol where COVID shutdowns have kept lobbyists and activists on the outside.Also, hear a debate between two of the three candidates for Buffalo Mayor (India Walton and LeCandice Durham) running in the Democratic party primary on June 22.
    22 min
  • WBFO Brief June 11, 2021

    If it’s Friday, you know today’s WBFO Brief features Theater Talk, with Anthony Chase and Peter Hall -- talking this week about dinner theater's debut (sort-of) during continued COVID restrictions. Wander with reporter Karen DeWitt through the usually busy halls of the NYS Capitol where COVID shutdowns have kept lobbyists and activists on the outside.    


    Also, hear a debate between two of the three candidates for Buffalo Mayor (India Walton and LeCandice Durham) running in the Democratic party primary on June 22.

    22 min

About WBFO Brief

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The WBFO Brief podcast brings you the award-winning reporting from the newsroom of WBFO, Buffalo Toronto Public Media's NPR station, each weekday morning. To get up to the minute news, tune into WBFO…