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New York State says it is attempting to correct its 70-year-old mistake of the original Kensington Expressway project. However, many in the community most affected by the highway feel slighted by the state's proposed plans.

We continue our Project 2025 series as Jay Moran is joined by Ekua Mends-Aidoo and Kim LaVare from Clementine Gold Group. Together, they dive into a compelling discussion on the future of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the context of Project 2025. From fostering inclusive leadership to dismantling systemic barriers, the three sheds light on the role of DEI in shaping a more equitable and forward-thinking future.

Anthony enjoyed the play ARSENIC AND OLD LACE at Lancaster Opera House, the first professional production in our area in 20 years. Both Anthony and Peter took in the free reading produced by Second Generation Theater of the one-act play PURE GLITTER by Douglas Lyons (whose play CHICKEN&BISCUITS premiered on Broadway in 2021). Peter enjoyed last week's production of Henrik Ibsen's A DOLL'S HOUSE at Niagara University, and Anthony notes how his Gen Z students at Buff State are really embracing the plays of Ibsen. Yet to see for both is THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION, an ambitious project which opens this weekend at Desiderio's Dinner Theatre.For 31 years (as of November 2023), Theater Talk has been appointment listening on WBFO, featuring the insights of theater critic and historian Anthony Chase, who joins Peter Hall for a five-minute weekly broadcast at 6:45 and 8:45 Friday mornings on 88.7 WBFO with a podcast available on wbfo.org. NOTE: Theater listings are included with the podcast. As part of BTPM (Buffalo Toronto Public Media), their beat is primarily Buffalo theater, but Broadway, The Shaw Festival, The Stratford Festival, and Chautauqua are covered as are other relevant art forms, including ballet and opera.

Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown resigns today.

On today’s show, we welcome Jessica Forgette, an English teacher at Niagara Falls High School. Jessica recently started the Native American Youth Club, a program meant to connect students at Niagara Falls High School to their Indigenous backgrounds by fostering an environment of education and cultural understanding. Alex Simone sat down with her to discuss the club’s mission, her journey with her own Indigenous roots, as well as dive into the world of Native American education in Western New York.

Over the past couple of days, police in Toronto have ramped up their presence ahead of the October seventh anniversary.

This weekend on Theater Talk in an extended online episode, Anthony recalls a recent trip to see Veanne Cox in Mel Brooks' YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN at Rochester's GEVA Theatre, Peter recalls a first-rate production of Mozart's opera THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO, we note the untimely passing of Broadway's Gavin Creen, and chat with Lisette DeJesus about BIPOC issues in the theater. For 31 years (as of November 2023), Theater Talk has been appointment listening on WBFO, featuring the insights of theater critic and historian Anthony Chase, who joins Peter Hall for a five-minute weekly broadcast at 6:45 and 8:45 Friday mornings on 88.7 WBFO with a podcast available on wbfo.org. NOTE: Theater listings are included with the podcast. As part of BTPM (Buffalo Toronto Public Media), their beat is primarily Buffalo theater, but Broadway, The Shaw Festival, The Stratford Festival, and Chautauqua are covered as are other relevant art forms, including ballet and opera.

Today, on What’s Next? we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. First, Jay Moran speaks with Dinorah Baines from the Hispanic Heritage Council of WNY Inc. about the rich heritage of Hispanic culture in Western New York and the various celebrations happening throughout the month. Later, Jay Moran is joined by Valerie Cruz and Mykia Gibson from the Buffalo Prenatal Perinatal Network to discuss the critical work of the organization and its impact on the Hispanic community.

We observe Orange Shirt or Every Child Matters Day. Ryan Zunner reports. Holly Kirkpatrick takes a closer look at how a state pilot program looks to solve the problem of residents spending nearly a thrid of their paychecks on rent.

Today, we speak with two influential voices in the fight against Parkinson's disease. Nancy Nealon, Director of Education and Outreach for the Northeast Region of the National Parkinson’s Foundation, and Dr. Peggy Brooks-Bertram, President of the Uncrowned Queens Institute and National Parkinson’s Foundation volunteer. They discuss with Jay Moran the critical challenges facing African American communities. And they also discuss the historical exclusion from healthcare and research, and how it affects our understanding of Parkinson’s within these communities.