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In today’s WBFO Brief, a look inside JCOPE, the state’s ethics watchdog’s struggle to subpoena Gov. Cuomo’s vaccine czar as part of a broad investigation. And what to expect from tonight’s Super Flower Blood Moon.Also, Buffalo’s City Council approves money to fix the tunnel underneath Washington Street that used to connect two AM&A’s department store properties, so the stretch between Eagle and Clinton Streets could eventually re-open to traffic. And, a group of Black women are mobilizing behind Erie County Sheriff candidate Kimberly Beaty, alleging that the Democratic Party isn’t open to the idea of a Black woman running on a county-wide ticket.

Today on the WBFO Brief, our American Portrait series features Iraqi musician Hassan Al-Mufti on life in Buffalo, Albany correspondent Karen DeWitt looks at changes to sexual harassment laws being considered in the NYS Legislature, and Jay Moran talks with former TV reporter Rich Newberg about Buffalo’s history - from rust belt to resilience.Also, with Canada and the NHL coming up with an agreement allowing hockey players to go back and forth, split families and Congressman Chris Jacobs are pressing for rules that will allow more travel between the U.S. and Canada. And we’re looking at shoreline issues along Lake Erie.

In today’s WBFO Brief, hear our Thursday visit with former American Medical Association, Dr. Nancy Nielsen MD on COVID, and the “delightful” sight of people doing more things together. The quote of the morning however comes from Niagara Falls Ontario Mayor Jim Diodati who says for tourism industries, the closed U.S./Canadian border is “Like cutting off their oxygen, it’s devastating”.Meanwhile, hospitality is not the only job concern- we have reports on job seekers in Niagara County, and efforts to battle poverty with some expanded services in southern Erie County.On the ostensible last day of the legislative session in Albany, reporter Karen DeWitt checks in with what will and won’t be accomplished before they adjourn. And hear from folks gathered not so bright but definitely early to watch the eclipse of the sun from the roof of the Buffalo Museum of Science this morning.

In today’s WBFO Brief, what is your pandemic mental health music? WBFO’s Nick Lippa talks with mental health counselor Karl Shallowhorn about what has been getting them through tough times — and wants to hear what is on your playlist. Also, Albany correspondent Karen DeWitt looks at what was left on the table at the end of this year’s legislative session last week, and this week’s American Portrait Moment features Sara Ali, a second-generation Jordanian from Grand Island. We spotlight specialized return from prison programs on the Akwesasne nation, which straddles the US-Canadian border, and hear an update on weak turnout numbers released after the first two days of early voting in the June 22nd GOP primary election for Erie County Sheriff, and the City of Buffalo’s Democratic party primary for Mayor.

On today's WBFO Brief, an esteemed Niagara County arts campus makes plans for emerging from the pandemic, Buffalo unveils a mural devoted to a legendary Irish writer, local fairs wonder if they too can go full capacity like the State Fair, Albany corespondent Karen DeWitt tells us New York state was on the brink of an important COVID vaccination milestone, and correspondent Karen Franklin explains how the Black deaf community has especially hit hard by the pandemic.

On today’s WBFO Brief- the usual Friday installment of Theater Talk reveals that while it is not the old schedule of a show every Thursday through Sunday, Peter Hall has had to get a wall calendar and start mapping the slow return of some live “in-person” theater, often with advance registration. And from Albany, Karen DeWitt reports on a push to get rid of criminal records after someone has served their time.

In today’s WBFO Brief, hear how Black entrepreneurs around WNY are preparing for having cannabis licenses in their communities as promised by the state legislation. And it’s another Thursday visit with Dr. Nancy Nielsen MD, talking of COVID.Also, what do Albany, Westchester, Nassau and Manhattan counties have in common? Hear Albany correspondent Karen DeWitt outline how prosecutors in those places are beginning to look at sexual harassment allegations against Gov. Cuomo. And we have the latest on talks about a new Buffalo Bills stadium in Orchard Park, with remarks from County Executive Mark Poloncarz and analysis from Ben Fischer at the Sports Business Journal. And in Chautauqua County, it’s the start of the Gerry Rodeo, post-COVID.

If it’s Friday, it’s Theatre Talk- today with Peter Hall and Anthony Chase talking about Broadway on the small screen with Apple TV’s “Schmigadoon!” Also, hear about how Albany is funding 961 summer jobs in specific violent ZIP codes as part of the anti-gun problem. This was on a day when a BB gun that was a Glock look-alike prompts a lockdown at the Charles Drew Magnet School on the grounds of the Buffalo Museum of Science Thursday. And hear Ontario correspondent Dan Karpenchuk on how Canada is looking at a fourth wave of COVID and debating mandatory proof of vaccination.

In today’s WBFO Brief, Albany correspondent Karen DeWitt reports on a push to include the right to clean air and water in the NYS constitution. Also, a state arbitrator will look at whether deputies in the Erie County Holding Center will be allowed to wear body cameras or whether that violates their labor contract. And learn how the Community Health Center of Buffalo is reaching out to try and reverse some health inequities in Buffalo.

In today’s WBFO Brief, we have a lot to share about Gov. Cuomo. The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul has begun making calls to colleagues about a transition should the governor resign. They also have the latest on the resignation of top Cuomo Aide Melissa DeRosa, and WSJ Reporter Jimmy Vielkind talks about both today. Also, today, Albany Correspondent Karen DeWitt has more from the accusers, and Prof. Peter Galie, a Canisius College Professor Emeritus who is seen as the expert on the state constitution weighs in. Beyond that, hear about the re-opening of the Canadian border to US travelers, learn about the region’s first LGBTQ History marker in Buffalo, and get the latest on a push to change organ donation preferences on your NYS driver’s license.