WBFO Brief

On the WBFO Brief today, SUNY Erie/ECC is looking forward to stimulus money to help with a financial crisis, and you'll hear from a doctor at Roswell Park Cancer Center on a new camera that you can swallow and whether it could replace colonoscopies. Also, you'll hear the latest from Albany on the possible ethics probe of Governor Cuomo, and in Ontario, Premier Doug Ford is getting criticism for not implementing more drastic COVID-19 lockdown procedures.

On the WBFO Brief podcast today, getting the neighborhood involved in the cleanup of the former American Axle plant site on Delevan Ave in Buffalo, an Ontario COVID-19 lockdown, and also a look at what COVID has meant in jails where transfers were on hold. And in our weekly Theater Talk segment, hear about Irish Classical Theater Company’s “The Year of Magical Thinking,” a one-woman show directed by Kyle LoConti starring Victoria Pérez.

Dr. Nancy Nielsen MD, a UB associate dean and former president of the American Medical Association, is on today’s podcast for her weekly COVID-19 chat with Jay Moran. Also today -- what marijuana legalization means at a Niagara County hemp, garlic, and cherry farm; the debate over making sure nursing homes spend profits on patients; and a Buffalo Board of Education vote that will shutter Westminster and Enterprise charter schools.

Remember when 9/11 sparked a lot of sign-ups for the armed forces? On the podcast today we look at a similar spike in public health careers seen at area colleges in the wake of COVID-19. And from Albany, correspondent Karen DeWitt has the latest on New York’s approval of recreational marijuana use. Also, we have some fresh numbers on COVID-19 vaccinations (Erie County reports 31 percent of residents have received at least their first dose of the vaccine). And despite some criticism, Buffalo’s police reform plan is headed to Albany.

Today on the podcast, Part II of our report on Meditation and Mindfulness for Caregivers, and the latest from Albany with a woman – this one represented by noted attorney Gloria Allred- coming forward to say she felt Governor Cuomo “was coming on to her” in an encounter in 2017. Also, hear from the WNY National Organization for Reform of Marijuana Laws, and from the Chautauqua County District Attorney on the pending legalization of marijuana in the state.

On the Podcast today, an agreement to allow recreational marijuana use in New York State, a look at diversity at Chautauqua Institution, and the death of a Buffalo-area priest whose confessions launched a deluge of claims against the Diocese of Buffalo. Also, we have news from across the state. From Albany: How one of Governor Cuomo’s accusers has joined the reform push to make it easier to sue for sexual harassment. From Canada, preparations to possibly vaccinate children against COVID-19. From Rochester: A look at how (or if) meditation and mindfulness can help caregivers.

Today on the podcast — If it’s Friday, Peter Hall and Anthony Chase have Theater Talk, today with Adam Yellen from the Jewish Repertory Theatre. Albany Correspondent Karen DeWitt brings us a nursing home anniversary observance after state policies returned sick patients to homes one year ago.

Also - a big Buffalo cocaine bust, activists hold their own State of the City summit as a counterpoint to Mayor Brown’s effort, and Erie County approves its police reform plan mandated after this summer’s BLM protests.

On the podcast today, Feed More has seen demand for its Meals on Wheels service double during the pandemic. Also, Buffalo Schools debate adding more charter schools, and a Williamsville school's report looks at the reopening struggles and leadership issues. We get the latest from Albany and Jay Moran’s weekly COVID chat with Dr. Nancy Nielsen MD. All on today's WBFO Brief.

Today in the podcast, parents push for a return to 5 days of in-person schooling, and a look at social distancing in classrooms. Also, the latest in the race for Erie County Sheriff, police reform plans in Tonawanda, and the start of the state Assembly’s impeachment probe into Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

On the podcast today, a look at PTSD in health care workers, budget talks in Albany under a cloud of scandal, and a chance that the Buffalo 5 will receive a new trial after a long-ago murder charge.