WBFO Brief

On Today’s WBFO Brief, incoming NYS Governor Kathy Hochul spent Sunday doing national media appearances before showing up for a truly local media event at the Erie County Fair. Meanwhile, parents are talking about safety and preparation for the return to school at a pack the backpack donation event. And in Canada, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has called for a national election in September.

On today’s WBFO Brief— If it’s Friday, it’s Theater Talk- and today Anthony and Peter talk of our theater-going incoming governor Kathy Hochul and how the sexual harassment and abuse of power issues that brought her to power are not unfamiliar on Broadway and in movies. Also Msgr. David LiPuma unveils the upcoming centennial celebration at Our Lady of Victory Basilica in Lackawanna and we have an extended report on cervical cancer screening among under-insured women of color.Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes weighs in against impeaching Gov. Andrew Cuomo, and Tom Dinki reports on a senior housing project in Buffalo, that has been labeled “Gentrification done right”. Also, Census data shows Erie county is growing and becoming more diverse—but today hear from a UB professor Henry Louis Taylor who says the systems of power aren’t changing even though the population is. And Niagara County is starting to look at the numbers before they redraw legislative districts.

On today’s WBFO Brief, hear from incoming Governor Kathy Hochul with an extended excerpt of her first remarks to the media yesterday since Governor Cuomo announced his resignation. Also, hear reporting from Albany Correspondent Karen DeWitt on Hochul’s plans regarding staffing and COVID strategy. And WBFO’s Marian Hetherly talks with Sonia Ossario, President of the National Organization for Women NY about Hochul's ascent and what it means for New York to soon have its first female Governor. Also, take a look at COVID cases in Chautauqua County, and Jay Moran once again talks with former American Medical Assoc. Pres. Nancy Nielsen MD on masking, the return to school, and “an unfortunate war between politicians and public health officials” in places where COVID-19 cases are surging.

In this special bonus edition of the WBFO Brief Podcast, we bring you our coverage from Aug. 10, when host Jay Moran had live analysis of the resignation of Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

In today’s WBFO Brief, there is one major topic: The resignation of Governor Andrew Cuomo and his replacement in 2 weeks by Buffalo’s Kathy Hochul, the Lt. Governor. Hear former Congressman John LaFalce say that Hochul was once “the best-liked person on my entire staff.” Similarly, longtime Buffalo-area politico Len Lenihan recalls a high school intern in his office—who is about to become the state’s first female governor, and the first NYS governor from Buffalo, since Grover Cleveland in 1883. And WBFO Reporter Tom Dinki looks at whether impeachment will still move forward even after Cuomo’s resignation. We do have a little other news too: A new Child Victims Act lawsuit against Child and Family Services, an organization that serves already traumatized kids, and the latest on an infrastructure package in Washington.

In today’s WBFO Brief, hear from local women in The Black Women Health Study, a landmark effort that turns 25 years old. Also the latest on the state Assembly Judiciary Committee’s timetable for probable impeachment of Gov. Andrew Cuomo and fresh plans for the city's New York Central Terminal complex. Also, The Buffalo Bisons return to Sahlen’s Field for the first time since 2019, and they are mandating masks at all common areas as you move to and from your seat. And the city of Buffalo planning board has given the green light to changes in the plans for a Niagara Street movie studio, and a big Elmwood Ave. apartment development near Bidwell Parkway.

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.

On today’s WBFO Brief, hear Assembly judiciary committee member Phil Steck say “at this point I think it is hard to imagine that impeachment is not one of (the charges warranted).” Albany correspondent Karen DeWitt reports on the speedy investigation timetable that is pressing in on Gov. Cuomo, with many urging him to resign. And if it’s Friday, it’s Theater Talk and today local auditions abound, including news that Shea’s Buffalo is producing a show of their own. Also the Buffalo Urban League pressing for revitalization of Jefferson Avenue, PUSH Buffalo and other activist groups are speaking out on the need for more grassroots input into the city’s plans for spending COVID relief and clergy in Niagara Falls are organizing against street violence.

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.

On today’s WBFO Brief, we have a lot of news about Gov. Cuomo and the Attorney General’s report that says he sexually harassed 11 women illegally. Hear the latest from Albany correspondent Karen DeWitt and hear Capitol Pressroom host David Lombardo count up the public statements and tally how many Assemby judiciary committee votes there are for impeachment . (Hint: they are there). Also hear an extended segment of highlights from Attorney General Letitia James news conference with her investigators outlining what’s in the report, and reaction from an attorney who works with sexual harassment victims in WNY.And in a little bit of non- Cuomo news, hear about an increasing number of young COVID cases, and from Canada correspondent Dan Karpenchuk on Ontario’s latest on masks and schools.