WBFO Brief

Today on the podcast, we check in with Tim Clark, the head of the Buffalo-Niagara Film Commission with a roundup of the local projects filming around WNY. And correspondent Dan Karpenchuk looks at a new round of public restrictions in Ontario, as they deal with the third wave of COVID infections that has intensive care units “bursting to capacity.”   

If it’s Friday, today’s podcast includes the weekly Theater Talk segment—and in a week when Shea’s Performing Arts Center unveiled a fall season, Anthony and Peter talk with Shea’s Broadway Season Partner-Producer Albert Nocciolino. Also today, a look at Ramadan celebrations, state aid to Buffalo schools, alcohol takeout rules for restaurants, and Albany correspondent Karen DeWitt looks at vaccine distribution in NYS nursing homes.

Today’s WBFO Brief dives deep into the recent vaccine risk discussions around both Moderna and Johnson & Johnson in our weekly chat with Dr. Nancy Neilsen MD. Also, restaurants get another hour of operation in the latest changes to statewide COVID curfews. And, Gov. Cuomo pushes back on Erie County’s plans for Bills and Sabres games saying of the call to allow open attendance as long as you are vaccinated. Gov. Cuomo and County “I don’t think the county executive is legally correct”. And Buffalo Schools concerns about kids that just aren’t returning to school- mostly children of color.

In today’s WBFO Brief podcast, picture yourself on a bike by a Great Lake—with trees and nature, and manufacturing nearby. Hear the latest on plans for a trail system along with the former Bethlehem Steel site. Also-- you’ll hear how the pause in the distribution of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine is hitting students. And the latest on some big public gatherings: Bills and Sabres games will be open to fans—as long as they can provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination, and Shea’s Performing Arts Center announces a fall (In-person) season including Hamilton.

In today’s edition of the WBFO Brief, the latest in a string of prison reforms being considered in Albany is “elder parole”. Hear the latest from Albany correspondent Karen DeWitt. The Harvey Weinstein saga continues with local proceedings to decide if he is extradited to Los Angeles rather than just continuing to serve his rape sentence in NYS at Wende Correctional Facility in Alden. Also and a push for more Amtrak service between Canada and NYC, with upgrades in Niagara Falls and a look at the Buffalo Sabres trades of forwards Taylor Hall and Curtis Lazar for Bruins forward Anders Bjork

Today on the podcast, why disability reporting is important. Hear from WBFO’s newest reporter Emyle Watkins on her background and approach to the newly re-launched disabilities desk. Also today, more than 600 people are in ICUs across Ontario, and the province is now not allowing any elective surgeries as of today. And hear a Buffalo contribution to the new PBS American Portrait project, the latest on a big weekend bridge and transportation issue in southern Erie County, and schools preparing to adopt the new state 3-foot social distancing rule in classrooms.

On The podcast today, out-of-work Broadway actors that say they “want to sing to someone other than my cat” have found a new outlet by singing telegrams over the phone.  And Friday’s usual Theater Talk hears from actor Andre De Sheilds (Hadestown, the Full Monty) about the ubiquitous Buffalo connection that is in almost anyone’s backstory.

Also hear from the latest Republicans who want to run for Governor, and the latest on plans to revitalize Buffalo’s vacant Central Terminal, and the abandoned neighborhood areas around it.

Today’s quote of the day from the WBFO Brief podcast: “It’s a beautiful day to tax the rich”. It’s the first soundbite you’ll hear in Karen DeWitt’s latest report on the state budget.  Also today— Jay Moran’s weekly chat with Dr. Nancy Neilsen MD and listen in as a young girl works to make sure that an endangered spotted salamander doesn’t get hit on the road during their usual springtime migration.  And in other news, hear how blood banks deal with COVID-19,  and get the latest on t increased opposition to a possible asphalt plant near Niagara University.

On Today's podcast, New York’s budget is approved albeit one week late. With that, State Senator Tim Kennedy breaks down the infrastructure money coming to WNY in the state budget. Also, vaccine eligibility opens to 16+, but are younger people signing up? Emlye Watkins has that report.

Marian Hetherly reports that COVID decreases the already dire gap between needy kids and available foster parents. Hear this story and more on today's WBFO Brief.

On the WBFO Brief podcast today, hear an 1878 Edison recording placed on what amounts to a piece of tin foil.  It’s been transferred to a digital recording at a museum in Schenectady, an early home of Edison’s General Electric.  Also today, the latest on an NYS budget agreement that includes $4 billion in new taxes, higher income tax brackets on millionaires, and a tax increase for some large corporations. We also have news on COVID Vaccine availability to anyone age 16 and over. And hear about some of the costumes worn at Buffalo’s Dyngus Day parade.