Archive of the daily Bauerle and Bellavia Show on WBEN
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?
Trump's border czar Tom Homan talks in this week's episode about why the 'big, beautiful budget bill' has to pass for the sake of ICE continuing its mission. Plus, the latest on Iran and on Democratic leader efforts to keep sanctuary cities going.
Beamer is in for Bauerle once again and on the menu for the show today, we talk a little bit about the race for Buffalo Mayor, and Catholic Charities donations not being used for the Diocese abuse settlement. Also, we talk about the Iran/Israel conflict as it rages on, and as the GOP splits, what does America First truly look like? All that and much more.
Beamer is in for Bauerle and today, we talk the 'No Kings' protests over the Trump Administration's crackdown on illegal immigration. What have these 'No Kings' protests accomplished, if anything? Also, today is National Take Your Cat to Work Day, so we spend some time talking about pets. Are you a cat person, would you bring yours to work with you?
Other topics included Cotterfest 2025 (sponsored), craziest things seen on the road & best WNY staycations.
Other topics include illegal immigration, the diversity of thought graph and if you have something that's now worth big money.
Topics include the ATV ban, Brian Wilson's death, annoying noises, a Montel Williams interview about his new book 'The Sailing of the Intrepid', shooting sheep from helicopters in Texas, TikTok challenges, where in the world you would want to live other than here and more.
Jon Grayson is in once again for Tom Bauerle, and with filming getting underway for Hallmark's Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story, we talk Buffalo movies, what are some movies you enjoy that were filmed, at least partially, in Buffalo? Also on the docket today, we explore times you've cheated death or serious injury, inspired by a video out of SoCal where lightning struck a tree very close to a young child, and actress and Western New York native Maria Cina joins the program.
Actress/producer/dancer, and Western New York's own Maria Cina joins the show from Ibiza to talk with Jon Grayson about some of her career endeavors, like appearing in a Prince music video, upcoming projects she has going on, and how she has gone viral after recently striking up an unlikely companionship with a squirrel.
Jon Grayson is in for Bauerle today and covers a number of topics, including but not limited to, panhandlers, after having a recent brush with one, how do you deal with them? We also touch on the MAID Act, which has been in the news recently in New York State, places you've been that you'd never go back to, as well as many other wild and wacky news stories for all around.
Apart from picking up where we left off yesterday on things people do that have you annoyed, we have to spend some time commemorating D-Day, as today marks 81 years since that day. Do you have a personal connection to D-Day?
We've done this topic before, but after hearing Joe Beamer touch on the topic hosting David Bellavia's program today, Tom felt moved enough to re-visit the topic. Tipping. Where are you on tipping? Has tipping culture gotten out of hand? To close things out, we explore things that drive you absolutely bonkers
68 Western New York Rite Aid locations are set to close up shop, if not today, in the immediate future. Have you been impacted by any of these closures? You may have worked there or used Rite Aid as your primary pharmacy, how has this impacted you? Also, in the first half of the program, we talk with Ken Chase of Conservative Tours on the upcoming WBEN listener trip to France and Cassandra Joan Butler does your astrological readings.
As you may be aware, you have the chance this summer to go to France with Tom Bauerle and a cohort of WBEN listeners, this summer. Ken Chase of Conservative Tours joins us to discuss the trip itinerary, and all other things pertaining to the trip, the foods you can expect, the weather, and all the things you should have in order before embarking on the trip.
Bauerle returns and with the foreclosure process having been kicked off for the Walden Galleria after a loan default, in addition to a stabbing that took place there not too long ago, we spend some time talking about shopping malls. Do you still go to shopping malls anymore? Outside of that, we check in with meteorologist Andy Parker on the Canadian wildfires and how that could impact Western New York.