The Brian Lehrer Show

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.

Gwynne Hogan, a senior reporter for The City known for her investigative work in NYC politics, dives into the shocking story of an ICE family separation involving a Chinese father and his 6-year-old son. She reveals harrowing details of their arrest during a routine check-in and the father's transfer to a distant jail. Hogan contextualizes the frequent separations, highlighting the fear within immigrant communities, and discusses legal responses aimed at reuniting families, painting a vivid picture of the ongoing immigration crisis.

Listeners share their unique holiday gift-giving strategies. Some focus on practical gifts, while others emphasize humor or personalized touches. Collecting ideas year-round proves popular, as does gifting books and supporting libraries. Others suggest thoughtful gifts that reflect personal connections. Creative concepts like Secret Santa and experiences over physical items emerge as alternatives. It’s all about making gifting meaningful and memorable this season!

Julie Bessonen, a journalist, reveals her East Village building's clever anti-theft tactics during the pandemic. Dominic Romeo, a veteran superintendent, shares practical advice for preventing package theft, emphasizing community vigilance and security measures. The discussion shifts to Mayor Eric Adams' administration as political reporters Elizabeth Kim and Jeffrey Mays assess his tumultuous legacy, from promising public safety reform to mishandling migrant crises, while Ben Max critiques governmental management under his leadership.

Brian Vines, a Marketplace equity reporter and co-host of the Talking Carts podcast, dives into the nuances of holiday tipping etiquette. He shares insights on who to tip in large buildings and the importance of cash preference, timing, and visibility. Vines advises that heartfelt notes or continued patronage can substitute for cash when funds are tight. He also highlights that tipping is discretionary, allowing flexibility based on satisfaction and gives guidelines for mailing and delivery workers. Tune in for thoughtful advice!

Julie Rovner, Chief Washington Correspondent for KFF Health News, teams up with NPR's Jude Joffe-Block to unpack crucial health news. They dive into proposed changes to SNAP and the implications of new work requirements, highlighting potential impacts on benefits and food banks. The discussion also covers the chaotic ACIP meeting regarding hepatitis B vaccines, expressing concerns over transparency and trust in health policies. Lastly, they analyze the state of Affordable Care Act subsidies and the risks posed if they expire, touching on widespread effects on millions of Americans.

David Brand, a dedicated housing reporter for WNYC and Gothamist, joins Chris Bragg, Albany bureau chief at New York Focus, to unravel the complexities of New York's foreclosure auction process. They share the story of Barbara Small, who lost her home due to flawed calculations on auction proceeds. The duo delves into systemic issues, revealing that 95% of foreclosure cases apply misleading interest calculations. They also discuss proposed legislation aimed at standardizing these practices and highlight the racial disparities tied to foreclosures in the city.

Tracy K. Smith, Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and former U.S. Poet Laureate, discusses her new book, Fear Less: Poetry in Perilous Times. She highlights how poetry cultivates empathy and counters snap judgments. Tracy shares her journey to discovering poetry in college and emphasizes the importance of live readings in the age of AI. She also explores the role of ambiguity in poetry, encouraging readers to embrace uncertainty. Through listener submissions, she reflects on themes of identity, grief, and the transformative power of verse.

Julia Besonen, a freelance writer for the New York Times, shares how a surge in package theft during the pandemic united her East Village building's residents to combat the issue. She recounts the clever tactics thieves used and the security upgrades that followed. Dominic Romeo, a seasoned superintendent, offers practical advice on camera installation and tenant education. They discuss creative deterrents, like decoy packages, while highlighting the importance of reporting failures and building community vigilance to keep deliveries safe.