The Brian Lehrer Show

As our centennial series continues, Valerie Paley, former chief historian at New York Historical, now senior vice president and director of its library, as well as the founding director of its Center for Women’s History, talks about several of NYC's Christmas traditions that date back to the early and mid-20th century, like the Macy's parade and the Rockefeller tree, as listeners share their families' favorites.

President Biden has issued pardons and commuted the sentences of hundreds of people -- on the heels of his controversial pardon of his son, Hunter. Meryl Kornfield, politics reporter for The Washington Post, reports on the latest pardons, plus the pressure on the president to issue preemptive pardons ahead of Trump taking office, and President-elect Trump's pledge to pardon people convicted of crimes related to the insurrection on January 6, 2021.

With the end of the year approaching, there are still hundreds of bills in Albany awaiting Gov. Kathy Hochul's signature, including one crucial piece of climate legislation. Jon Campbell, Albany reporter for WNYC and Gothamist, discusses the legislative landscape as deadlines draw near.

Nancy Solomon, an accomplished WNYC reporter and host of the call-in show, invites New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy to discuss pressing issues. They dive into a new bill aimed at curbing book bans in schools amidst ongoing censorship debates. The conversation shifts to the complexities of education funding, particularly the impact of potential changes at the federal level. They also touch on Governor Murphy's musical favorites, revealing how his playlist reflects his New Jersey roots and personal experiences.

Listeners share their favorite local food and drink businesses to support during the holiday season. Entrepreneurs promote unique offerings, like special coffee blends and delivery services from wine shops. The importance of community engagement shines through as experiences from the restaurant industry highlight the challenges faced by small establishments. A cookie company owner reveals the secrets to their delicious deliveries, showcasing popular flavors and inviting collaboration among local businesses. It's a festive celebration of supporting local!

Leah Nylen, an antitrust reporter for Bloomberg News, dives into the recent failed merger of Kroger and Albertsons, revealing its impact on grocery market competition. She discusses the evolving landscape of antitrust laws under potential shifts in the federal government, focusing on the implications for independent pharmacies and consumer prices. The conversation also touches on the tension between corporate consolidation and public interest, especially in the tech industry and issues of free speech on social media platforms.

Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez, the NYC Commissioner for the Department for the Aging, shares her insights on the critical issues surrounding aging and caregiving. She discusses the recent BOOM Conference, which tackled ageism and the necessity for enhanced support for older adults. Personal stories reveal the real challenges caregivers face, especially intensified by the pandemic. Lorraine emphasizes the need for city services to adapt while advocating for community-based care over institutional solutions to alleviate the financial and emotional burdens on families.

Jurors found Daniel Penny not guilty of criminally negligent homicide. Samantha Max, reporter covering public safety for WNYC/Gothamist, who was in the courtroom covering the trial. And Tiffany Cabán, NYC Council Member (District 22, Astoria, Jackson Heights, East Elmhurst, Woodside and Rikers Island), shares legislation she's working on related to mental health care.

The USDA recently announced plans to test milk for bird flu. Amy Maxmen, PhD, public health correspondent and editor at KFF Health News, explains why this is necessary, and what officials know about the spread of the virus and what the U.S. is doing to prevent another pandemic scenario.

As our centennial series continues, and as the shooting of UnitedHealthcare's CEO led to an outpouring of frustration from consumers, Elisabeth Rosenthal, senior contributing editor at KFF Health News, former ER physician and author of An American Sickness: How Healthcare Became Big Business and How You Can Take It Back (Penguin Press, 2017), breaks down the perception and reality of health care and health insurance in the United States over the last century.