The Brian Lehrer Show

Fred Kaplan, Slate's War Stories columnist and the author of many nonfiction books and his latest, a novel, A Capital Calamity (Miniver Press, 2024), discusses recent Trump administration moves to define The United States' relationship with The European Union and why the U.S. seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela on Wednesday.

Jimmy Wales, the founder of Wikipedia and the Wikimedia Foundation and the author of The Seven Rules of Trust: A Blueprint for Building Things That Last (Crown Currency, 2025), talks about how Wikipedia was able to rely on the "wisdom of the crowd" even as distrust climbed in the larger culture.

Nancy Solomon, an insightful host and reporter known for her coverage of New Jersey politics, joins Governor Phil Murphy to recap their recent call-in show. They tackle a controversial comptroller bill that sparked public uproar and a viral clip that influenced its withdrawal. Solomon discusses the implications for Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill and the importance of statutory protections for gender-affirming care. The duo also dives into parole reform, emphasizing treatment for addiction over punishment, making for a thought-provoking and engaging discussion.

Jay Caspian Kang, a staff writer for The New Yorker, tackles the intricacies of reading in the digital age. He discusses quitting social media to focus on books but found that this shift didn’t necessarily increase his reading time. Contradicting statistics reveal that while book readership may be declining, online reading is on the rise. Kang warns about the dangers of algorithmic optimization, which can isolate opinions and stifle real-world connections, and shares stories of listeners finding renewed focus after stepping away from social media.

Elizabeth Kim, a political reporter from WNYC and Gothamist, dives into the dynamics of Mayor-elect Mamdani's transition. She highlights the emerging opposition from key business leaders and analyzes Brad Lander's congressional run, emphasizing his strategic endorsements and messaging. Kim also discusses the implications of Israel policy in the upcoming primary and Mamdani's controversial stance on homeless encampment sweeps. The conversation reveals how local politics are shifting and what it means for New York's future.

Valerie Trapp, assistant editor at The Atlantic, dives into the intriguing trend of self-checkouts, where longer lines often form compared to traditional lanes. She discusses why people prefer avoiding cashier interactions, exploring the rise of social anxiety and introversion. Trapp also examines the implications for jobs and the potential for theft. Listeners share their varied experiences, highlighting both the convenience of self-checkouts and the value of human connection, raising questions about our evolving shopping habits.

Tina Nguyen, a Senior reporter for The Verge and author of the Regulator newsletter, dives into Trump's attempts to halt state AI regulations. She explores the legal limits of presidential power and the debates surrounding federal versus state control. Nguyen also highlights public anxieties about AI, the concept of digital twins, and potential workforce threats. Further, she discusses bipartisan concerns over AI's impact on mental health and identifies tech billionaires influencing Trump's stance on AI regulation.

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.