Buffalo All Local

No matter the day, the Erie County Fair's Agriculture Discovery Center is one of the top spots to visit. Barry Flansburg from the Ag Center tells us about the exciting entertainment you can check out everyday at the building.

Monday is Taste of the Fair! More than 125 vendors will have samples for $3, allowing you to have some of your favorites while trying something new without paying full price. Fair concessions manager Paula Struble tells us what's on the menu.

Developer and former congressman Chris Jacobs is one vocal critic of a 30-year tax break New York State is giving to developers of the North Aud Block. Jacobs believes transparency is the heart of the issue. He tells WBEN what the state should have done instead.

A new 6% surcharge is being applied to all purchases at Highmark Stadium. The money from the tax will go toward a fund for future stadium improvements. Erie County Comptroller Kevin Hardwick tells WBEN Erie County taxpayers are getting a better deal now as only stadium-goers will have to pay for those improvements.

A new Siena poll of likely voters shows Republican Bruce Blakeman is gaining ground on Governor Kathy Hochul ahead of November's gubernatorial election. Hochul's lead has fallen to 10 points from 20 in June. Siena pollster Steve Greenberg has more on the numbers.

Flock cameras are gaining more scrutiny nationwide and here in Western New York. What are they and what's their purpose? Are they being used correctly? Retired BPD Captain Jeff Rinaldo breaks down the controversial surveillance system's intended purpose, and whether the information it gathers can be used for nefarious means.

How are fans feeling after seeing Highmark Stadium for the first time Saturday night? We're hearing reaction from people who were at the practice, including WBEN's Lucas Buckley.

Today Lucas and Tom fill in for Susan and Brian to get a preview of what's inside the new Highmark Stadium and what fans should expect if they are going to the Blue and Red scrimmage.

Tom Puckett and Lucas Buckley fill in for Susan and Brian on August 6th to discuss the Buffalo School system and what their board members are voicing their frustrations about

The Bills have two practices left at St. John Fisher University, and new wide receiver DJ Moore is showing exactly why the Bills paid a premium to acquire him. WGR's Sal Capaccio tells us more about training camp so far and what's coming to Highmark Stadium aside from football games.

North Tonawanda's City Council will vote on a reassessment proposal during a meeting this afternoon. Mayor Austin Tylec tells us how residents will be impacted if its approved and what the benefits may be for homeowners.

Rain poured over the weekend across Western New York, but especially in Niagara County. If your home took on any water damage, Hammertime Radio's Domenic Cortese is here to help! Also, what to know about a smart meter opt out.

As homeowners in the Town of Niagara continue to face uncertainty over the discovery of radiation on their property, State Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt tells WBEN lawmakers are working to update the state's Superfund to include radiological materials. How long could it take? Ortt tells us.

NYS Education Commissioner Dr. Betty Rosa took steps Wednesday to right the course within Buffalo Public Schools, but Buffalo School Board member Larry Scott says more needs to be done. Hear what he had to say on WBEN Thursday morning.

The crew at St. John Fisher University is ready to go as Buffalo Bills training camp gets underway. It's an abbreviated stay as the team looks to get acclimated to its new home in Orchard Park. Director of Camp Operations Paul Hemingway tells us what's new for fans this year and what the energy is like.

The Bills new grey uniform has drawn mixed reaction from fans, mostly negative, as many in Bills Mafia push for a traditional throwback. Andrew Lind, NFL Reporter for SportsLogos.net helps us understand why uniforms are such a touchy topic these days for sports fans.

Homeowners in the Town of Niagara are still looking for answers after being alerted about radiation being found in their yards. Lexi Hawk is with Save Our Backyards Niagara. They're holding a community meeting Monday night in Niagara Falls where residents will have a chance to share their concerns. Hawk tells us what else is happening.

Three days of Polish music, food, and culture will once again fill Cheektowaga Town Park this weekend. Jim Lawicki, President of the Polish American Arts Festival, tells us what's planned for its 46th year.

Hadi Matar, the man convicted of attempting to kill author Salman Rushdie in Chautauqua County in 2022, is now on trial in Buffalo for federal terrorism charges. This trial is happening just months before the federal death penalty trial of Tops shooter Payton Gendron begins. Attorney John Elmore compares the cases.

Calls for transparency are growing from advocates and sexual abuse survivors against the Buffalo Diocese regarding the case of Fr. Jeffrey Nowak. James Faluszczak, priest and abuse survivor, specifically wants secret Canon Law files released that may contain details of psych evaluations and claims from seminarians against Fr. Nowak. Faluszczak has more reaction.

While some Buffalo lawmakers and businesses push to make parts of Chippewa Street inaccessible to anyone under 21 years old at night, other businesses are pushing back. Bottoms Up and VENU Manager Tim Walton tells us why he is against the plan.

Cindi McEachon resigned from Buffalo's School Board in June. Now, she's speaking out about the dysfunction that led to her leaving the job. This as allegations of sexual harassment are made against former superintendent Pascal Mubenga and current board member Muki Hawkins. McEachon tells us what needs to happen for the culture to change.

Buffalo School Board member Larry Scott on WBEN Friday reacted to the sexual harassment scandal rocking Buffalo Public Schools. A district employee has accused Dr. Pascal Mubenga of sexual abuse and abuse of authority. School board member Muki Hawkins is accused of harassing, threatening and retaliatory conduct. Scott shared his initial reaction.

How much of an impact is poor air quality and high heat having on NY's already strained grid? Also, is New York's data center moratorium the right way forward? State Senator Rob Ortt weighs in.

Fallout continues from the sudden resignation of Buffalo Schools Superintendent Pascal Mubenga. The news has reverberated across Buffalo's business community as Golisano Institute trustee and former Buffalo Board of Education member Larry Quinn breaks down what needs to change within the district.

There will be another person in charge of Buffalo Public Schools next year following the abrupt resignation of superintendent Dr. Pascal Mubenga Monday night. Marc Bruno, an outspoken teacher at Riverside High School, describes Mubenga's departure as another example of instability within the district.

A stomach bug called cyclosporiasis, with symptoms including "explosive" diarrhea, is spreading across the country. Dr. Josh Lynch, Professor of Emergency Medicine at UB's Jacobs School and Medical Director at DeGraff tells us about it, and how something as simple as cleaning your produce can keep the virus away.

Households in New York State are paying the fourth highest electricity prices in the country. So what gives? Zilvinas Silenas, President of Empire Center, breaks down how the system works and why your rates are through the roof.

What is a teen takeover? One such event led to 11 people being shot in Buffalo over the holiday weekend, and the events are growing in popularity across the country. ABC crime and terrorism analyst Brad Garrett tells us how police departments handle these events.

Taste organizers are letting people know they are prepared for the large two day food festival downtown, which is coming days after a violent weekend in which 11 people suffered gunshot wounds during a street takeover event on the East side. Festival Chair Adam Roma tells us about the precautions being taken at this year's Taste of Buffalo.

Many Town of Lancaster residents are up in arms after Buffalo Police E-District Chief Todd McAlister said that teens from Lancaster were partly responsible for the chaos and violence over July 4th in Buffalo. Town Supervisor Bob Leary joined WBEN to respond.

On July 6th, Brian and Susan talk about the SIX separate shootings that happened over the 4th of July weekend across Buffalo. They also preview the World Cup Round of 16 matchup between USA and Belgium after US Striker Folarin Balogun's red card suspension was suspended.

Brian talks about the extreme heat warning as well as the heat advisory that is posted all over WNY and dives into tips that can keep you hydrated and safe for both you and your pets.

Brian sits in solo today as Susan is off to talk about the extreme heat WNY will be experiencing up until the 4th of July.

Susan and Brian today discuss the extreme heat WNY is looking to have just days before the 4th of July and also talk about lead in water lines.

Today Brian and Susan discuss the extreme heat for the week as it is expected to cool down a little before celebrating America's 250th. They also talk about the first beams going up for the apartments on Marine Drive.

More than 6,000 riders will participate in this weekend's Ride for Roswell with the goal of raising $6.6 million for cancer research and Roswell Park. Roswell President & CEO Dr. Candace Johnson tells us about this year's event.

Players have left, and players have come in. That's only scratching the surface of what's been a busy start to the team's offseason. WGR's Brian Koziol reacts to the losses of Bo Byram and Alex Tuch and previews Friday's NHL Draft, which takes place at KeyBank Center.

Republican strategist Carl Calabrese says Jeremy Zellner's loss in Tuesday's primary is 'a stinging loss and embarrassment'. What happens next for Zellner, and what does the direction of the Democratic party look like? Calabrese gives his take.

It's been three years in the making. The Bills cut the ribbon at Highmark Stadium Tuesday morning. Steve Renalli, President of the Erie County Stadium Corporation joined WBEN in the lead up to the event to share his excitement.

Tuesday morning marks another milestone for Highmark Stadium as the Bills cut the ribbon on their new home. Bills & Sabres President of Business Operations Pete Guelli tells us what he is most excited for at the stadium. Also, will fans be able to get a glimpse inside without having to go to a game? Guelli also has the latest on KeyBank Center renovations and the possibility of an outdoor Sabres game at the stadium.

Buffalo Mayor Sean Ryan announced new community programs at the city's public pools beginning this summer, ranging from free swimming lessons to senior swims. Deputy Mayor Maria Whyte tells us what else is planned.

New York's Board of Regents has announced plans to switch to competency-based diplomas for high school grads. Is it a sign of shifting norms? Niagara Falls City Schools Superintendent Mark Laurrie believes it is. Laurrie tells us why he's in favor of the change.

The jury selection process is underway in the trial of the Tops mass shooter. 130 out of approximately 1200 jurors appeared in federal court yesterday to fill out lengthy questionnaires about their background and attitudes about the case. Attorney John Elmore, who represents survivors and families of the shooting's victims, tells us more about the process.

The economic impact of peace with Iran will be far reaching. From gas to groceries, Bankrate's Mark Hamrick tells us how it will all be impacted.

The Banshee Irish Pub in downtown Buffalo is a premier spot for Buffalo's soccer fans to gather on match days. Now, they're about to get even busier as the World Cup gets underway. Owner Conor Hawkins tells us what he saw on the first day of the tournament and what it will be like as the US begins play Friday night.

Councilwoman Zeneta Everhart has secured $50K in funding for the city's Office of Gun Violence Prevention. Everhart tells WBEN the funds will help the city get to the root cause of gun violence in the city. She has specifics on what leads to violent crime.

A collision between an Iranian drone and US Apache helicopter reignited fighting between the US and Iran. Where do we go from here as peace gets further away? WBEN's David Bellavia has expert analysis.

Big Boy, a 1940s steam train that was built in Schenectady and used to transport war materiel to the west coast during World War 2, arrives in Ripley Tuesday afternoon. Its journey is part of America 250 festivities. Ed Dickens is a Locomotive Engineer with Union Pacific. He joined WBEN Tuesday morning from aboard Big Boy to tell us about the history of the locomotive.

State lawmakers passed a one-year moratorium on data center construction just before the end of session late last week, but the discourse over the controversial projects hasn't stopped. State Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt says the framing of the conversation around data centers is faulty, and puts the blame on NY's energy infrastructure.