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The Brian Lehrer Show: Resources & Digital Briefing Go beyond the conversation. We’ve compiled the full list of reports, legislative documents, and interactive maps discussed in today’s episode. 📊 ACCESS THE FULL BRIEFING HERE: 👉🏻 https://goo.su/bCg2fNd (Updated daily for the WNYC community) 📻 This conversation matters. Keep it alive. 🔥 [YOUR CLICK FUELS INDEPENDENT MEDIA — DO IT NOW] 🔥
Episodes
- What's in the New York State Budget?
Jimmy Vielkind, reporter for WNYC, analyzes the details of the $268 billion New York State budget, which is not yet finalized.
- How to Fix Penn Station
Tom Wright, CEO and president of the Regional Plan Association, presents the RPA's report on revamping Penn Station, focusing on increasing capacity and improving the transit hub for commuters.
- Kimberlé Crenshaw's Life and Work
Civil rights scholar Kimberlé Crenshaw discusses key moments in her life that shaped her legal concepts like intersectionality and Critical Race Theory. She is the author of "Backtalker: An American Memoir."
- The Persistent Gender Gap in Housework
Jessica Grose, an opinion writer for The New York Times, joins The Brian Lehrer Show to discuss the persistent and still-mostly-unequal division of household labor.
- Brian Lehrer Weekend: Spirit Airlines; Rent Guidelines Board; Avoiding Scams
This episode of The Brian Lehrer Show features segments on the demise of Spirit Airlines, the Rent Guidelines Board, and how to avoid phishing scams. It covers the cessation of Spirit Airlines operations and related topics.
- NAACP Legal Defense Funds Weighs in on SCOTUS and Voting Rights
Janai Nelson, president-director counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, discusses the Supreme Court's decision in Callais V. Louisiana. She also reacts to the Virginia Supreme Court's decision to overturn a redistricting ballot measure.
- Will Mayor Mamdani's Rent Guidelines Board Deliver the Rent Freeze?
David Brand, a housing reporter, discusses the Rent Guidelines Board's vote on rent regulations for a million apartments. He also covers other housing news.
- Where Western Leaders Went Wrong
Ian Shapiro, professor of political science and global affairs at Yale University, discusses the breakdown of democratic institutions. He traces this to missteps by Western leaders following the fall of the Soviet Union.
- The Emotional Labor of Mothers
Author Alva Gotby introduces the concept of emotional reproduction from her book "They Call it Love: The Politics of Emotional Life." The episode explores how this labor, often falling on women, manifests in listeners' lives, with a focus…
- Why the Demise of Spirit Airlines is Bad For Consumers
Corporate news reporter Dean Seal explains that the Iran war and higher fuel prices were key factors in Spirit Airlines' demise. The closure of this budget carrier may result in higher fares for consumers across the board.
- Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg on the Decline in Crime, Remedying Wrongful Convictions, and More
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg discusses his office's work on vacating wrongful convictions. He also addresses the statistical decline in crime.
- The Trump Administration vs. Smith College and The New York Times
Suzanne Goldberg discusses the Trump administration's investigation into Smith College's policy on admitting transgender students and the administration's lawsuit against The New York Times concerning alleged hiring discrimination.
- Shout Out Your Favorite Audiobook
In this episode of The Brian Lehrer Show, listeners call in to share their favorite audiobooks and discuss their preferences for listening over reading.
- Call Your Senator: Sen. Andy Kim on Iran & Redistricting
U.S. Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ) joined The Brian Lehrer Show to discuss his work in the Senate, focusing on the war with Iran and the issue of partisan redistricting in New Jersey and across the country.
- Bellevue Hospital's Program for Torture Survivors Faces Closure
Dr. Allen Keller and a former patient, Ibrahim, discuss the potential closure of the Program for Survivors of Torture at Bellevue Hospital. The segment explores the program's significance and the reasons behind the efforts to keep it opera…
- Why U.S. Birth Rates Are Dropping
The U.S. fertility rate has reached a new low, dropping 23% since 2007. Attorney Jill Filipovic explains the factors contributing to this decline and examines policy initiatives intended to increase birth rates.
- Radical Joy and Music in Prospect Park
BRIC president Wes Jackson discusses the BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! festival lineup, which will take place in Prospect Park with a theme of 'radical joy.'
- The Abortion Pill Lands in the Courts
The Supreme Court has temporarily allowed mifepristone prescriptions via telemedicine. The episode details the legal challenges surrounding the abortion pill and its potential impact on reproductive healthcare access in the US.
- Justice for Epstein Victims Through NYS
New York State Senator Zellnor Myrie explains his bill enabling sexual abuse survivors to pursue damages from Jeffrey Epstein's estate. The discussion also covers other budget-related news.
- The Constitution, For Better Or Worse
NYU law professor Melissa Murray discusses the U.S. Constitution, arguing that the founding document contains inherent problems rather than solving them. Murray is the author of The U.S. Constitution: A Comprehensive and Annotated Guide fo…
- How to Avoid Sneaky Phishing Scams
Rachel Tobac of Social Proof Security and WNYC’s Kenneth Atkins discuss identifying and handling phishing scams after WNYC was targeted by imposters soliciting fees. The episode provides insights on how to stay secure and navigate deceptiv…
- Monday Morning Politics: The Coming 'Redistricting Wars'
New York Times reporter Nick Corasaniti discusses how a recent Supreme Court voting rights decision may lead to future redistricting challenges and its potential impact on midterm elections.
- Meet NYC's New Human Rights Commissioner
Christine Clarke, the new Human Rights Commissioner for the NYC Commission on Human Rights, discusses her role, the current administration's human rights priorities, and the status of anti-discrimination laws in New York.
- Uniting Amazon Workers
Derrick Palmer, cofounder of the Amazon Labor Union and author of Handbook for the Revolution, discusses the history of organizing the first successful Amazon labor union at the JFK8 Warehouse and offers advice for workers.
- Your College Decisions
High school seniors' college decisions for the fall were the focus, with listeners calling in to share how political factors or the job market influenced their choices.
- Theater of War on the Radio: Our Longing for Inconvenience
Kai Wright and Bryan Doerries host a program featuring actors Adepero Oduye and Jumaane Williams performing Hanif Abdurraqib's essay 'Our Longing for Inconvenience.' The discussion explores the modern desire for convenience versus older te…
- Brian Lehrer Weekend: AI Classrooms; PEN Word Voices; ED Admissions
This episode of The Brian Lehrer Show features segments on the integration of AI in classrooms, the PEN World Voices festival and its focus on global free expression, and the increasing difficulties in gaining hospital admission. The discu…
- The Latest on Iran Negotiations
Farnaz Fassihi, UN Bureau Chief for The New York Times, reports on the ongoing negotiations concerning the Iran war and the potential reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
- A Plan to Force 'Super Speeders' to Slow Down
A bill in Albany aims to require speed governors in cars for "super speeders," defined as drivers caught speeding more than 16 times a year. Streetsblog NYC associate editor J.K. Trotter discusses the legislation and a case of an NYPD offi…
- The 'New Era' in the Politics of Birth Control
Mary Ziegler, a law professor and author, explains new HHS guidance prioritizing childbirth over contraception. She argues this represents a significant effort to restrict access to birth control, potentially linked to the Trump administra…
- The New York Times Picks the Greatest Living Songwriters
Lindsay Zoladz from The New York Times discusses the publication's list of the 30 greatest living American songwriters. The pop music critic shares details about the artists featured and discusses some notable songwriters who were not incl…
- TPS for Haitians and Syrians Hangs in the Balance
The Supreme Court heard arguments regarding the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian and Syrian nationals in the U.S. Ciarán Donnelly and Daniel Berlin of the International Rescue Committee discussed the legal basis…
- NY & NJ Work Requirements for SNAP Benefits
The Trump administration's changes to federal SNAP work requirements are now in effect. Reporter Karen Yi discusses what these changes mean for SNAP recipients in New York and New Jersey.
- Behind the Scenes at USAID
Nicholas Enrich, a former civil servant and author, details the consequences of DOGE cuts on USAID and his attempts to raise awareness about their impact on nations receiving U.S. aid. The episode also touches upon his experiences within U…
- When Dad's Wisdom Comes From ChatGPT
Halle Newman, a writer, joins The Brian Lehrer Show to discuss her Slate article about individuals, particularly fathers, who are now using ChatGPT to generate advice and answers.
- PEN World Voices & Global Free Expression
Clarisse Rosaz Shariyf, co-chief executive officer of PEN America, and novelist Dinaw Mengestu, president of PEN America, discuss worldwide free expression issues and the ongoing World Voices Festival.
- Are You Hiring for a Cool Job?
Listeners called into The Brian Lehrer Show to discuss unique job openings or positions they have recently acquired. The episode features discussions about out-of-the-box hiring.
- SCOTUS: TPS Arguments & Voting Rights Decision
Emily Bazelon provides legal analysis on the Supreme Court's arguments regarding Temporary Protected Status for refugees and the Louisiana redistricting decision.
- Close Rikers Czar Dana Kaplan
Dana Kaplan, a criminal justice reform expert, discusses her new role as the Close Rikers Czar for Mayor Mamdani. She is leading New York City's efforts to close the Rikers Island jail complex and establish borough-based jails as mandated…
- What Are You Ambivalent About?
On The Brian Lehrer Show, listeners call in to discuss their feelings of uncertainty amidst prevalent certainty and political polarization. The episode references an external digital archive for official documents and transcripts.
- Why Hospital Admission Is Getting Harder
Elisabeth Rosenthal, senior contributing editor at KFF Health News, discusses her reporting on the increasing difficulty of hospital admissions, where patients face multi-day waits in emergency departments for transfer to inpatient wards.
- National Politics with Senator Booker
U.S. Senator Cory Booker discusses his efforts to pass a war powers resolution to halt the war in Iran and other national news topics. He is also the author of Stand.
- Status of Settler Violence in the West Bank
Gideon Levy, a columnist for Haaretz, discusses the current state of settler violence and settlements in the West Bank. He highlights recent attacks, including property damage and killings attributed to settlers.
- Monsanto's Roundup at the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court heard oral arguments concerning Monsanto and Bayer's weedkiller Roundup and its active ingredient glyphosate. Maureen Groppe and Lianne Sheppard provided legal and scientific context for the case.
- Mamdani Administration Tackles Deed Theft
WNYC/Gothamist reporter David Brand details the Mamdani administration's Office of Deed Theft Prevention and a six-month lien moratorium. This initiative follows Councilmember Chi Ossé's arrest during a deed theft protest.
- AI Creeps Into the Classroom
Staff writer Jessica Winter discusses her reporting on the increasing presence of artificial intelligence in educational settings, such as AI tools on Chromebooks, and the rising concerns of parents and educators.
- White House Correspondents' Dinner Chaos
Brian Stelter analyzes the White House Correspondents' Association dinner shooting, noting the increasing prevalence of such traumatic events for Americans.
- Why RFK Jr. is Projecting a More 'Moderate' MAHA Stance
Chelsea Cirruzzo, Washington Correspondent for STAT News, analyzes why Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. has seemingly moved away from some of the more radical Make America Healthy Again messaging he previously pro…
- Brian Lehrer Weekend: What La Guardia Taught Mamdani; The Defeat of Desegregation in Detroit; 'How to Start'
This episode of The Brian Lehrer Show features segments on lessons from Mayor La Guardia for Mayor Mamdani, Michelle Adams' book about the fight over school integration in Detroit, and career advice from Jodi Kantor.
- Buffer Zone Bills on the Table
New York City council passed 'buffer zone' bills last month, and similar proposals are being considered in Albany. WNYC and City & State New York reporters discuss the bills' status, potential inclusion in the state budget, and Democratic…