WBFO Brief

Sexual harassment and abuse are the focus of two bills in the state legislature, one taking aim at loopholes for personal staff of government officials. The days are numbered for the Tonawanda Coke towers, and there's a new path for the potential demise of the Skyway using federal infrastructure funding. The public has a new way to access Niagara Falls State Park and ECC tuition remains flat for next year. We take a look at the impact of protests of George Floyd's killing one year later, and Theater Talk hosts a very special guest.

Buffalo’s newest firehouse will feature stained art glass depictions of fire. In today’s WBFO Brief, hear from the artist designing it. In education, learn about SUNY’s 4-year tuition-free offer being put forth as a vaccine incentive, and hear new numbers from Investigative Post that show only one-third of Buffalo’s school kids are attending school often. Also today, the Erie County District Attorney sounds off on proposed reforms in Albany that could cap prison sentences after a person reaches a certain age- saying it could lead to the release of “Son of Sam” serial killer David Berkowitz, or Buffalo’s Altemio Sanchez known as “The Bike Path Rapist”.

In today’s WBFO Brief, a look inside JCOPE, the state’s ethics watchdog’s struggle to subpoena Gov. Cuomo’s vaccine czar as part of a broad investigation. And what to expect from tonight’s Super Flower Blood Moon.

Also, Buffalo’s City Council approves money to fix the tunnel underneath Washington Street that used to connect two AM&A’s department store properties, so the stretch between Eagle and Clinton Streets could eventually re-open to traffic. And, a group of Black women are mobilizing behind Erie County Sheriff candidate Kimberly Beaty, alleging that the Democratic Party isn’t open to the idea of a Black woman running on a county-wide ticket.

In today’s WBFO Brief, the standout sound bite is a question: “Why is a disabled life less valuable?” It’s a cry that comes from someone who is trying to get higher wages for disabled workers and is featured in a report this morning from WBFO’s Emyle Watkins. 

Also hear more about a debate among the Democratic party primary candidates for Erie County Sheriff, our weekly PBS American Portrait moment, and the latest poll on Governor Cuomo’s popularity – up overall, but slipping among independent voters.

On today’s WBFO brief, a University at Buffalo study looks at workplace culture and backlash when some employees step up too much inside organizations. And having women deacons in the Roman Catholic church is a little closer to reality after recent moves from the Vatican.

If it’s Friday, today’s WBFO Brief includes the latest edition of Theater Talk. Today, Anthony Chase and Peter Hall look at an interesting concept at the Alleyway Theater -- small audience groups will watch from seats on the sidewalk, listen through headphones as the actors perform behind storefront glass, then stroll to the next window to peek in on another story.

Also hear how Governor Cuomo responds to a widening investigation of nursing home deaths and his tax returns that include details of his book deal. We also hear what music the CEO of Crisis Services uses to help with her mental health. 

And on today's episode, the Erie County legislature is moving ahead to allow youth hunting, the Erie County Fair unveils procedures for re-opening, and Ontario has a plan to allow outdoor events to proceed as the first step in re-opening the economy there.

On today’s WBFO Brief, we go in-depth on three COVID-related topics. First, reporter Michael Mroziak looks at the COVID “Long-haulers” that continue to work through symptoms months after their infections go away. Albany correspondent Karen DeWitt looks at the statewide changes in mask mandates and how the NYS Capitol is still requiring them. And, Jay Moran has his usual Thursday discussion with Dr. Nancy Nielsen M.D. today looking at the incredibly small number of “breakthrough infections” that occur even after the COVID vaccine.  

Also, a look at the push to reopen the US/Canadian border by offering vaccines in the US to Canadians, new misdemeanor charges against four WNY-area people for allegedly being at the Jan. 6 Capitol riots, and Westminster and Enterprise Charter schools sue Buffalo Public Schools to stay open.

Today’s WBFO Brief podcast includes a look at the cleanup of the former Bethlehem Steel site where some of the waste would remain entombed, with a restriction that housing never be placed there. Also, a press to have certain criminal records expunged, and a look at new restrictions in the Adirondack Park in trying to balance safety and access.

Today’s WBFO Brief includes the first real in-depth look at Governor Cuomo’s book deal released along with his tax return. Listen to the journey of the FC Buffalo Women's soccer club, and hear the latest on the lifting of COVID restrictions about mask-wearing. Also, The Erie County Fair will return in 2021, and the Buffalo’s Colored Musicians Club and a Canalside amphitheater landmark both get project approvals from city hall.

Today on the WBFO Brief, a look ahead to some of the COVID restrictions that go away later this week. Also hear from The Seneca Iroquois museum on the return of a medal that George Washington gave to noted orator and Seneca Chief Red Jacket in 1792. It’s Monday so we also have this week’s American Portrait.

Also, the latest on a drop in international student population at UB, and Nardin Academy’s president talks about how the private school got through COVID.