Bauerle and Bellavia

Joe Beamer fills in for Bauerle at day 10 of the Erie County fair and talks about SNAP with callers

On the show today, we hear from Kelly Clem, the daughter of longtime broadcaster and prominent figure in the Buffalo broadcasting scene, Art Wander, after his death at the age of 98. Also, we touch on a story out of North Tonawanda, a controversy over a towing contract. On that, we hear from MaryAlice Demler, who covered the story for WGRZ, and Mike Bellreng of Bellreng's Towing, who is at the center of this story, suing members of the Common Council, alleging political collusion. Also, we talk about the plight of North Tonawanda residents in regard to the Digihost factory, and to round things out, with the WBEN listener trip beginning next week, any of you that have been to France before, any suggestions on what to look out for, what to see in France?

In this episode, Tom discusses the worth of degrees and getting a trade.

In this episode, Tom talks about the JFK pool closing and if people should retake the driving test after a certain age

It has been a very hot and dry summer in Western New York, and that won't be letting up anytime soon, with temperatures hanging around the upper 80s to lower 90s these next couple of days. Is that too hot for you? What does your ideal weather look like, are you more of a hot or cold person? Also, what is the worst job you've had to work in grueling heat like this?

Yesterday, spurred by an article by a travel reporter who said they prefer Niagara Falls, New York over Niagara Falls, Ontario, we discussed the topic of Niagara Falls not being used to it's full potential and what you would do to reinvigorate the Falls and get more out of it. We got so many great calls and suggestions that we carry the topic into today's program as well.

On the show today, we rebuild Niagara Falls one dream at a time. Niagara Falls has the potential to be one of the premier tourist destinations in the northeast, but there is certainly some meat on the bone when it comes to the falls. What would you do or what do you think should be done to enhance the experience at Niagara Falls? Also, we touch on the state's report about the unsanctioned correctional officer strike earlier this year, to which the union issued a rebuke of their own. Has anything changed for COs since the strike, for better or for worse?

Today, we're back talking about the electrification of New York State, but with a slightly different angle. We're talked about how New York State's push to go full electric will hurt your wallet in the way of increased school taxes to fund electric busses, but have you thought about just how much it'll cost you in the way of appliances. Imagine it's 2030, you just had a gas powered appliance die on you, and can't get it repaired, hence you have to go out and buy a new electric powered version of the appliance. Had you thought about that yet?

It's a topic we bring out every once in a blue moon, but when we do it never disappoints. It is the Bauerle Bitch Desk. We all love a good complaining session, now is the time to do so, anything that bothers you, could be trivial, could be something larger. Also, where do you get you news from these days? Do you still trust mainstream media?

If you've listened to this show with any regularity over the past few years or so, you may have heard the shows railing against the placement of wind turbines in Lake Erie, Again today, we touch on wind turbines, of the land based variety. President Trump has been outspoken against wind turbines, saying they are 'driving the whales crazy', how do you feel about land based wind turbines. Also, we follow up on the new bike lanes that were recently painted on Sheridan Drive with Town of Tonawanda Supervisor Joe Emminger.

We did a show on Friday about the new bike lanes on Sheridan Drive that were recently painted despite the fact that neither Emminger or the town board were in favor of these bike lanes being there. Town of Tonawanda Supervisor Joe Emminger joins the show for a follow up on these bike lanes.

On the show today, we talk about the new bike lanes or Sheridan Drive, which have drawn the ire of Supervisor Joe Emminger who says he and the town board didn't ask for or approve this, and has caused confusion amongst motorists. We discuss that, as well as the recent brawl in Cincinnati, which if it wasn't controversial enough, a council member poured fuel on the fire by saying those who were attacked were 'begging for it'.

On the show today, prompted by some recent comments by HHS secretary Robert Kennedy Jr on the topic, we discuss autism. 30, 40, 50 years ago, autism cases were few and far between, now, it seems like the majority of children are afflicted with the disorder. Have you been touched by autism, do you have an autistic child? If so, what do you believe caused it?

There has been some talk recently about Canadians boycotting America or American products with the tariffs and 51st state talk, so we settle things here on this program. Canadians, Americans, how do you feel toward one another? Are you boycotting each other?

After shamelessly stealing the topic from Joe Beamer, we talk about the proposed expansion of the Metro Rail out to UB North Campus. The project probably wouldn't be completed until 2032 at the earliest, and would cost upwards of $1 billion, not even figuring in the inevitable cost overruns. Even if you're a fan of public transit, is this even worth it?

Shortly after 1 p.m. Tuesday, a pedestrian was injured after being struck in the head by a brick that is believed to have fallen fro around the 13th floor of the Liberty Building in downtown Buffalo. WBEn's Brayton Wilson was on the scene and joined the program to provide the latest info on that.

Former MSNBC host Chris Matthews recently said the country is moving towards President Trump, despite polls that have indicated the opposite. Do you agree with Matthews, do you even believe the polls anymore? Also discussed today, illegal immigration, do you think all illegals should be deported? Also, there was a stabbing at a Walmart in Traverse City, Michigan over the weekend, and it was brought to a stop by an armed citizen conceal carrying. Do you conceal carry? How often?

Western New York will be entrenched in some extreme heat to begin the week, with temperatures being in the 90-100 Fahrenheit range and the heat index being in that range as well lasting through Wednesday. Meteorologist And Parker joins us to discuss this and give us a general look at the forecast as well.

Today, we focus on the electrification of New York State as a judge recently backed New York State's ban on gas hookups starting in 2026 for new builds. Also, the state recently committed $200 million to fund zero emission, or electric, school buses. Clearly, the state is going all in on the electric push. What are your thoughts on this, is this a giant disaster in the making?

What better day to talk about boating than a day where temperatures reached 90 in Buffalo. Proper boating etiquette can be taken multiple ways, if you're captaining the boat, what is proper etiquette amongst boat captains sharing the seas, if you're invited on a boat, what are the do's and dont's of being a guest on a vessel. Whatever the situation, we take your calls on proper etiquette on all things seafaring. Also, we talk about President Trump's appearance touring the Federal Reserve with Fed Chair Jerome Powell.

President Trump made the bombshell claim yesterday when asked in the Oval Office Tuesday in an appearance with Philippines leader Ferdinand Marcos Jr. accusing former President Obama of treason, and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard said Wednesday in the White House briefing room that Obama and his advisors 'conspired to subvert the will of the American People." This is a huge story, what are your thoughts on this, given what President Trump has had to endure over the years, do you buy this?

Shortly before the live airing of this program, we received the news that the music world lost a true giant. Iconic Black Sabbath frontman and accomplished solo act Ozzy Osbourne, the Prince of Darkness, died at age 76 today. For many, this news may have come as a gut punch. Exploring this a little further, what celebrity deaths bothered you the most?

To begin today, we pick up where we left off late last week with the fallout of the murder of Amanda Thompson. Would you support 'Amanda's Law'? No such law exists, but the proposal would be that if one person has an order of protection against another, and that order of protection is violated, the offender would automatically go to jail and remain until their trial on whatever they were initially charged with, would you support such legislation Also, we talk about some news in the political realm, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard accused former President Barack Obama of a longstanding effort to subvert President Donald Trump, going so far as to send a criminal referral to the DOJ, and we talk about Trump suing Rupert Murdoch for $10 billion over a Wall Street Journal story about a supposed birthday letter Trump wrote to Jeffrey Epstein.

We open up the show with Buffalo Attorney Paul Cambria to explain New York State's much maligned bail reform laws in the wake of the murder of 44-year-old Amanda Thompson, and whether it played a role in her murder, and we pose that question to you as well. Do you think the system failed Amanda Thompson? Given that the alleged perpetrator had an extensive criminal record, including one arrest which posted a $50,000 bail and the District Attorney's office requested he not be released, and he violated an order of protection yet was allowed to be a free man until allegedly committing the murder, did the system fail?

New York State's bail reform laws have been under intense scrutiny ever since Thursday morning when the news broke of the murder of 44-year-old Amanda Thompson in Buffalo's Lovejoy District. The alleged perpetrator had multiple prior arrests, including one which posted a $50,000 bail and the District Attorney's office requested he not be released. With there being so much conversation around bail reform, Buffalo Attorney Paul Cambria joins the show to discuss what exactly bail reform is and if it played a role in Thompson's murder.

In keeping with yesterday's topic of questionable President Trump decisions, we begin today with the latest new idea floated by the President, reopening Alcatraz as a federal prison. It seems like more than just mere hyperbole from Trump, as Attorney General Pam Bondi and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum toured the facility Thursday. Does this make any sense to you? As far as local news is concerned, discussions have been had about converting the old NRG plant in Dunkirk into a nuclear power plant. Would you support nuclear power in Western New York, and in the case of Dunkirk residents, in your backyard?

Recently, President Trump has said and done some things that have angered some of his base, admonishing his 'past' supporters for their insistence that the Epstein files get released, executive inaction on protecting the Second Amendment, his stance on Ukraine, whatever the case may be, many of Trump's core supporters have become disenchanted with him lately. If you supported him to begin with, has he since lost your support? When did he lose you?

President Trump has said and done some things recently that have alienated members of his core base. One of those crowds is the pro Second Amendment crowd, due to the lack of executive initiative on firearms so far, and Pam Bondi's failure to reply to some members of Congress written inquiries on helping some blue states with protecting their Second Amendment rights. Frank Panasuk of the 1791 Society joins the show to give us his thoughts on where he and other pro Second Amendment people stand on President Trump at this point in his second term.

We start out the show discussing downtown Buffalo and what would have to change for you to come back downtown, with an extended aside on the book 'America's crossroads' about Canal St. and Dante Place in the post canal era. And since it has been brutally hot as of late, and there's been some incidents of local musicians passing out on stage due to the heat, we talk about dehydration, have you had any struggles with that? And, in order to stay cool in this scorching heat, what are the best ice cream spots in WNY?

E-bikes have been a topic of conversation recently as some towns around Buffalo, with Clarence being the latest, are trying to make changes to their local laws when it comes to the use of e-bikes on town trails. Are you in favor of this, do we need more stringent regulations when it comes to e-bikes? And to close things out, while the deadline for some parishes to make their payment toward the abuse settlement has been pushed back, tomorrow is July 15th, the original deadline for parishes to pay up. What do you hope your parish does?

On the program today, in the first third, we talk about the controversial cartoon that drew the ire of many after appearing in 'The Buffalo news commenting on the flooding in Texas. In the middle third, we also talk about those who don't vote, why is that if you're one of those people? And the situation with ICE agents, videos have come out showing protestors hurling rocks at ICE agents in California. Should they be permitted to use deadly physical force when attacked like this. And we'd be remiss if we didn't have some fun on a Friday, The final third of the show is dedicated to your best dad/mom jokes.

We start out with Buffalo Beatles Connection member and Ringo Starr drum historian Gary Astridge joining the show and talking about the Beatles and Paul McCartney as he will be performing in Buffalo this coming November for the first time in a decade. Following that, Taste of Buffalo is this weekend, and they strongly suggest leaving your dogs at home. What is with people bringing their dogs to human places and functions like festivals and grocery stores?

Gary Astridge, a member of the Buffalo Beatles Connection and Ringo Starr's drum historian, joins the show on the heels of the announcement that Paul McCartney will return to Buffalo for the first time in a decade this coming November for a show at the KeyBank Center. Hear Gary's thoughts on that, some stories from Ringo Starr's 85th birthday party, and more.

Still somewhat on the topic of the car theft by juveniles in Cheektowaga yesterday, that brings up the larger question of respect, are people in positions of power receiving less respect than they used to? As far as these kids acting out, is it a lack of discipline thing? How did your parents discipline you, what was their 'nuclear' punishment option?

Since it's July and you may be looking for some plans to fill out the summer without breaking the bank, we take your suggestions on some of the best trip ideas that can be made with a tank or so of gasoline. Also, we touch on the situation out of Cheektowaga Park last night where three teens were charged with stealing a car and driving it through Cheektowaga Park last night, endangering hundreds. It seems like incidents like this are on the rise as of late, has this happened to you, ever had your car jacked or anything stolen off your vehicle?

If you've managed to avoid the much maligned smart meters to this point, they'll be even harder to evade as National Grid is expected to begin installing smart meters in Erie County and greater Buffalo. If you're a NYSEG customer, you may have already had dealings with the smart meter. If so, did you get one installed? What changed?

Meteorologist Andy Parker joins the show as there is the potential for some severe thunderstorms to brew up across Western New York in the immediate future.

To start the show off today, we re-visit the claims made against Buffalo Public Schools by Richard Hy. As it turns out, as WBEN uncovered via a FOIA request, a rape did take place at McKinley High School recently. Knowing that now, if you didn't believe Detective Hy before, do you now? Also, we'd be remiss if we didn't cover some Independence Day topics, including a Facebook post where someone questions if they will fly the American Flag this 4th of July, and what your lineage has contributed to American history. Also discussed today, Congress has passed the Big Beautiful Bill, and a dog was fatally shot and killed by a Buffalo police officer.

Happy Fourth of July! You must've been wondering throughout the week if tomorrow would be a good enough day weather wise to bust out the grill, have a backyard barbecue, and engage in other outdoor patriotic pursuits. Well, you're in luck! Meteorologist Andy Parker details what is shaping up to be a spectacular holiday in terms of weather, one of the best we've had in recent memory, as well as the rest of the forecast for the extended weekend.

Calling all Catholics: what are your feelings on the state of the Buffalo Catholic Diocese right now? Recently, the Saint Timothy Parish in the Town of Tonawanda was asked to pay $5 million toward the $150 million clergy sexual abuse settlement, and numerous other parishes have been asked to pony up as well. Are you upset that many local parishes are being asked to bail out the Buffalo Catholic Diocese financially to settle these sexual abuse claims? Has this situation made you lose faith in the church and/or its leadership?

In an appearance on David Bellavia's program today, Erie County Clerk Mickey Kearns hinted at a potential run for mayor of Buffalo, despite the fact the primary elections have passed, saying there are 'things that can be done'. If he were somehow able to get his name on the ballot or launch a write-in campaign à la Byron Brown, should he throw his name in the ring for the next mayor of Buffalo?

Today, we're talking garbage picking, no shame in that. Are you a garbage picker? And to close things out, given that we live in the technological and communication age, we've all been in this position before. Whether you were the sender or receiver, have you ever sent the wrong text to the wrong person?

Also on today's program, how into politics are you? How much of your screen time is dedicated to consuming political content? Since it's coming up on fireworks season, should fireworks be legal to purchase in New York State. And we get a check of the weekend forecast with meteorologist Andy Parker.

With some thunderstorms set to migrate up to metro Buffalo from Chautauqua County early this afternoon that could impact your afternoon travel plans or plans in general, meteorologist Andy Parker joins the show to discuss what to expect weather wise this afternoon, as well as looking towards what the weekend forecast will bring.

We've done the show about having 'the conversation' with elderly family members about driving, today we put a different twist on that. Have you ever had to have the conversation with someone about their hearing faltering? How do you approach that conversation? Also, to round things out, do you think the rest of New York State would be better off if it were to detach itself from New York City?

In addition to dropping bombs on nuclear sites in Iran, another bomb was dropped by President Trump on Tuesday, perhaps the most controversial of any of the bombs he's dropped over the last week or so. This of course being the 'F' bomb, which he used in front of reporters lamenting how both Iran and Israel violated a US-brokered ceasefire. Were you bothered by President Trump's use of the 'F' bomb publicly?

The future of the Kenmore Days festival is now in limbo after multiple fights broke out at this year's festival. Should the festival be discontinued due to the unruly behavior of individuals in attendance? Why does it seem crowds at large gatherings (festivals/concerts) have become increasingly belligerent and we're seeing more and more violent outbursts at these types of functions?

Tom also talks with Meteorologist Andy Parker about the heat wave.

Mike Lomas and Glenn Wiggle are in for Bauerle and today, we hop in the way back machine and walk down memory lane, reviewing some old news stories, tweets, and other media about various topics, the market, the economy, politics, and look at the guys' stance on the issues then compared to now, as well as talking illegal immigration, and Governor Hochul committing over $60 million of the New York State budget to immigration legal aid.

Beamer is in for Bauerle once again, and we start out with some somber news, the death of Joe's 100 year old grandmother this morning, which had him reflecting. Do you fear death? How do you look back and reflect when a loved one dies? On a somewhat lighter note, we talk about the City of Buffalo's plans to take over Buffalo Grand Hotel, and if you had the keys to Main Place Motel, what would you do with it? Some quick hitters as well, ICE paid a visit to Dodger Stadium this morning, what is the adult equivalent to the last day of school, and an unforgettable moment in Buffalo sports history 26 years ago today.

Beamer is in for Bauerle once again and today we recap last night's debate between the Mayoral candidates for the City of Buffalo, a verdict comes down in the Karen Read trial, and we talk garbage picking. Have you ever done it before? What have been some of your best finds garbage picking?