The Brian Lehrer Show

Elizabeth Kim, Gothamist and WNYC reporter, talks about the latest news from Mayor-elect Mamdani's transition plans, including a new emerging opposition from influential business leaders and Brad Lander's announcement to run for Congress.

Valerie Trapp, assistant editor at The Atlantic, discusses how grocery self-checkout lines are now often longer than the staffed ones, and listeners call in on when and why they have chosen the self-checkout option.

Tina Nguyen, senior reporter for The Verge and author of the Regulator newsletter, discusses Trump's latest efforts to stop states from regulating AI.

Elie Mystal, a justice correspondent and bestselling author, dives deep into the implications of recent Supreme Court decisions. He discusses how the potential expansion of presidential power could reshape the Federal Trade Commission. Mystal argues for court expansion as a democratic safeguard and critiques the current conservative court's use of the shadow docket. He also highlights the historical significance of birthright citizenship and warns against eliminating it, while exploring issues of gerrymandering and civil rights erosion under recent rulings.

Rohan Goswami, a business reporter at Semafor, and Katie Campione, a TV reporter at Deadline, dive into the intense bidding war where Paramount aims to acquire parts of Warner Bros. Discovery, including a staggering $108 billion 'hostile' bid. They unpack the implications for shareholders, the potential cultural shifts at CNN, and the growing concerns about worker job security amidst consolidation. The discussion highlights regulatory challenges and the power dynamics influencing mergers in today’s entertainment landscape.

Dan Rivoli, a politics reporter at Spectrum News NY1, shares insights on Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani's bold plan to end homeless encampment sweeps in NYC. They discuss the polarized reactions to this decision and the alternative approaches Mamdani proposes, focusing on humane housing solutions. Rivoli explains the contrasting definitions of 'success' between Mamdani and Mayor Adams, the critiques from advocates regarding trust and outreach, and the operational hurdles Mamdani will face in making his vision a reality.

Marion Nestle, a renowned professor emeerita of nutrition and author of "What to Eat Now," shares her insights on navigating today's food landscape. She discusses significant food system changes, including the rise of plant-based meats and ultra-processed foods. Nestle explains how supermarkets influence consumer choices through tactics and design. She also highlights the importance of organic produce and criticizes U.S. food subsidies. Additionally, her take on school gardens reveals their positive impact on children's diets, while she warns about microplastics in our food.

Listeners join in to share their creative holiday gifts under $50. Shayla pitches flavorful Indian spice kits, while Diane highlights her small-batch organic skincare. A protest umbrella that doubles as a sign garners attention, and Oma introduces award-winning math card games. Custom jingles for just $10 make for quirky gifts, along with Nate's pizza dough kits and gluten-free pastries from Bohemian Baked Goods. Roscoe showcases a high-tech insulated bottle, and Debbie presents her eco-friendly book filled with daily choices for a sustainable lifestyle.

David Bier, director of immigration studies at the Cato Institute, exposes the surprising statistics behind ICE detentions. He reveals that nearly 75% of those detained have no criminal convictions, challenging the narrative of data-driven enforcement. Bier contrasts the Trump administration's claims of targeting dangerous criminals with actual practices that widen the net of enforcement. He also discusses the pervasive fear among communities, racial profiling, and the shift in resources from serious criminal investigations to mass roundups, advocating for a more humane immigration approach.

Oren Cass is the founder and chief economist of American Compass and a contributing writer known for his thoughts on trade policy. He argues for a balanced approach to global trade, reflecting on past strategies like Cold War containment versus postwar hegemony. Cass critiques the consequences of integrating China into the global economy, exploring overlapping concerns about deindustrialization from both conservative and left perspectives. He emphasizes the importance of clear long-term goals for tariffs, advocating for a reciprocity-based alliance to strengthen U.S. trade and national security.