The Brian Lehrer Show

Matt Brown, a national politics reporter for the AP, and Ursula Perano, a Senate reporter at NOTUS, dive into the heated negotiations over the 'big, beautiful bill.' They discuss the contentious provision prohibiting states from regulating AI for a decade, revealing the bipartisan support behind it. Tensions rise as they explore complex budgetary debates involving firearm silencers and Medicaid cuts. They also shed light on how prominent figures like Elon Musk influence the legislative process, highlighting the intricate dance of democracy and policymaking.

John B. King, Jr., Chancellor of SUNY and former U.S. Education Secretary, shares insights from his book, 'Teacher By Teacher: The People Who Change Our Lives.' He discusses the vital role teachers play in shaping student lives and the potential fallout of eliminating the Education Department. King emphasizes education as a pathway to opportunity and critiques funding cuts impacting vulnerable students. He also highlights the transformative power of inspired educators and touches on policies affecting international students at American colleges.

Otis Brawley, a renowned oncology professor at Johns Hopkins, and Delavitt Castor, an infectious disease expert at Columbia University, discuss the pressing challenges in U.S. cancer research. They tackle the consequences of recent funding cuts, particularly from the Trump administration, and the implications for clinical trials. The conversation reveals alarming disparities in cancer treatment and the urgent need for innovative solutions in public health to bridge these gaps. They also reflect on the intertwined relationship between politics and funding in advancing cancer research.

Paul Goldberg, editor and publisher of The Cancer Letter and co-editor of The Cancer History Project, shares insights on a century of cancer treatment advancements. He discusses the pivotal role of U.S. government funding in forging cancer research breakthroughs, especially in early detection and prevention. Goldberg also highlights the historical impact of initiatives like the National Cancer Act of 1971 and grassroots advocacy from families affected by cancer. Through personal anecdotes, he illustrates how these efforts shaped the modern landscape of oncology.

Katie Barnes, a senior writer at ESPN and author of 'Fair Play', dives into the heated debate surrounding trans women in competitive sports. She addresses the recent controversy following a trans athlete's triumph in California and the political fallout from it. The discussion covers the spectrum of policies sports associations have adopted, the balance between inclusivity and fairness, and the ramifications of hormone therapy. Barnes also emphasizes the need for constructive dialogue to navigate the evolving landscape of gender in athletics.

Jonathan Lemire, a contributing writer at The Atlantic and co-host of MSNBC's Morning Joe, dives into the latest political landscape. He discusses Sen. Joni Ernst's alarming remarks on Medicaid cuts, detailing the implications for voters and the Republican Party. The conversation shifts to the Democrats' outlook for the 2028 election and the ideological divide within Republican views on essential services versus tax cuts for the wealthy. Lemire also clarifies myths about Medicaid and undocumented immigrants, shedding light on the complexities of healthcare debates.

Nancy Solomon, a WNYC reporter and host of the 'Ask Governor Murphy' call-in show, dives into the dynamics of the upcoming New Jersey gubernatorial primary. She discusses the strong Republican front-runner and explores the competitive nature of the Democratic candidates. Solomon highlights internal struggles within the Democratic Party over progressive issues and sheds light on disparities in educational funding. The significance of early voting and voter behavior trends round out this insightful political analysis.

Listeners share their ambivalence about parenthood, highlighting financial fears and societal pressures. A grandmother reflects on her daughter's choice to remain child-free due to climate crisis concerns, showcasing deep emotional struggles. The discussion delves into modern challenges like infertility, while participants navigate the evolving landscape of family planning. This thought-provoking dialogue reveals the intricate factors shaping decisions about having children in today's world.

Nicole Gelinas, a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute and author of 'Movement,' joins Dave Colon, a Streetsblog NYC reporter, to dive into New York City's mayoral candidates' plans for public transportation. They dissect the challenges of making mass transit safe and affordable, exploring the debate over fare-free buses and subway crime solutions. The conversation touches on the complexities of urban mobility, safety concerns surrounding micro-mobility, and the critical need for regulatory reforms in the bustling city.

Natalie Wynn, known as ContraPoints, shares her insights as a YouTuber tackling complex philosophical questions, including the psychology behind conspiracy theories and their impact on democracy. Medina Touré discusses the pressing child care crisis in New York City, focusing on mayoral candidates' proposals for addressing high costs and their implications for families. They also delve into the Supreme Court's recent political dynamics, examining how 'vibes' may influence judicial decisions and the broader implications for democracy.