The Brian Lehrer Show

Listeners share their favorite biking spots outside the city, highlighting a variety of trails and routes. Discover the scenic Empire State Trail in Poughkeepsie and the popular George Washington Bridge route to Nyack. Families can enjoy easy rides on Long Island, including trips from Robert Moses State Park to Fire Island. Northern New Jersey offers mixed terrain adventures in South Mountain Reservation and Wachung Reservation. This lively conversation showcases the best places to bike and enjoy the great outdoors!

U.S. Senator Cory Booker, former mayor of Newark and a key voice in national politics, dives into pressing issues like the ongoing government shutdown and the Trump administration's controversial actions. He critiques the impact of the shutdown on transportation funding and Newark Airport operations. Booker also highlights the political targeting of the Gateway Tunnel project and the threats to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. He stresses the importance of grassroots activism and shares insights on the challenges facing healthcare and immigration policies.

Nicole Gelinas is a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute focused on urban policy, while Ligia Guallpa leads the Worker's Justice Project, advocating for delivery workers' rights. They delve into the heated debate surrounding e-bike safety after a tragic crash in Brooklyn. Nicole highlights alarming pedestrian injuries, calling for regulatory measures like licensing and insurance for delivery e-bikes. Ligia emphasizes the risks delivery workers face and warns against policies that could criminalize marginalized groups. Both agree on the need for better infrastructure and accountability.

Bridget Bergen, a senior political correspondent for WNYC and Gothamist, and Elizabeth Kim, a political reporter from the same outlets, dive into the dynamics of the NYC mayoral race. They explore the surge of young, first-time voters and discuss how a recent video spurred a remarkable spike in voter registrations. The guests analyze how new residents lean towards certain candidates, the impact of campaign strategies, and the contrasting perceptions of candidates like Curtis Sliwa. They also assess the significance of clearer governance plans as election day approaches.

Jim Walden, a former federal prosecutor and ex-mayoral candidate, discusses the legal implications of BDS-related actions and defends Cuomo's anti-BDS stance. He warns of consequences if Mamdani enacts BDS as mayor. Jeremy Cohen, a member of the NYC Democratic Socialists of America, counters by advocating for Mamdani's human rights-focused approach and the need to challenge war crimes. The conversation dives into issues of international law, free speech, and how NYC candidates should align with moral stances on global conflicts.

Peter Harnik, co-founder of the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy and director at the Trust for Public Land’s Center for City Park Excellence, shares his passion for transforming abandoned railbeds into vibrant multi-use trails. He delves into the origins of this movement, highlighting Mae Watts's pivotal role in its inception. Harnik discusses the charm of these trails, as experienced by numerous enthusiasts, and tackles the challenges posed by legal disputes and community opposition. The discussion also touches on innovative reuse models, like rail banking, and celebrated examples such as the High Line.

Daniel Griffin, an infectious disease physician and researcher, discusses the groundbreaking Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine for immunology. He delves into the significance of T cells in immunity, including their role in combating viruses and cancer. Griffin highlights the discovery of regulatory T cells and their potential in treating autoimmune diseases and enhancing cancer therapies. He also addresses the importance of long-term basic research and shares insights on current COVID vaccination recommendations. T cell science could transform future treatments!

Jim Walden, a former federal prosecutor and independent mayoral candidate, discusses the legal angles of NYC's policy choices on the Israel-Palestine conflict. He supports Andrew Cuomo's anti-BDS stance, arguing against potential economic repercussions. Jeremy Cohan, a sociologist and DSA leader, advocates for Zohran Mamdani's Not On Our Dime Act, aiming to halt funding for Israeli settlements. The conversation dives into free speech implications, the economic stakes of divestment, and the urgency of addressing U.S. complicity in global conflicts.

Meg Kelly, a senior reporter for The Washington Post's Visual Forensics team, sheds light on the tragic outcomes of the USAID funding pause during the Trump administration. She recounts the heartbreaking stories of Souza and Gilbert, two children who depended on medications that remained undelivered due to bureaucratic delays. Meg discusses the widespread impact on 41 countries, highlighting logistical challenges and the confusion over ownership of supplies. With estimates of numerous preventable deaths, she emphasizes the urgent need for effective aid delivery and policy accountability.

Discover the whimsical world of 'familects,' unique words families create that spark nostalgia and laughter. Listeners share gems like 'snoodle,' referring to the skin between the nostrils, and 'skinny finger,' a term for a tiny dessert slice. Explore delightful expressions such as 'bougie' for something soft and 'expoculated' as a hilarious euphemism for passing gas. Each story showcases the quirky, beautiful bond formed through language—a joyful reminder of family dynamics and the innocent creativity of childhood.