The Brian Lehrer Show

Arlan Fuller, the Director of Emergency Preparedness and Response at Project HOPE, shares critical insights on the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica and surrounding areas. He discusses the challenges in communication and damage assessment, stressing the importance of local contacts for finding loved ones. Arlan highlights the effectiveness of monetary donations over in-kind aid for relief efforts. Additionally, he addresses concerns about Cuba's safety amid communication blackouts and the potential U.S. governmental response to the crisis.

Calder McHugh, a reporter at POLITICO Magazine, dives into the scandal surrounding the leaked Young Republicans group chat. He defines edgelord and groiper culture, revealing how offensive jokes serve as loyalty tests within far-right circles. Calder discusses the troubling content of the chat, including misogynistic and racist remarks. The conversation delves into the implications for GOP grassroots trends and how the rise of younger staffers influences real political dynamics. He also reflects on the consequences for participants, including resignations and firings.

Sam Rivera is the executive director of OnPoint NYC, a nonprofit focused on harm reduction, while Ethan Geringer-Sameth serves as a healthcare reporter covering public health policy, and Gustavo Rivera is a New York State Senator advocating for harm reduction. They discuss the varying positions of mayoral candidates on overdose prevention centers and explore how these facilities can save lives through effective interventions. Listeners share personal experiences, highlighting community concerns and support for the centers amidst political tensions.

Elizabeth Kim, a political reporter for WNYC and Gothamist, dives into the surge in early voting with Bridget Bergen, a senior political reporter focusing on election data. They discuss a fivefold increase in early voters, particularly among those aged 55 and up. Additionally, Kim sheds light on candidate Mamdani's strategic silence regarding housing proposals, while both reporters analyze voter coalition shifts and the implications for equity in housing. They also compare grassroots efforts versus paid campaigns, revealing the evolving dynamics as election day approaches.

Seth Berkley, an infectious disease epidemiologist and former CEO of Gavi, discusses urgent lessons from the COVID pandemic. He highlights the critical need for vaccine equity, arguing that vaccinating all countries protects global health. Berkley critiques wealthy nations for hoarding vaccines and explores logistics of delivering doses to low-income areas. He warns against anti-vaccine sentiments and emphasizes the importance of trustworthy science amid rising skepticism, while also addressing the ongoing challenges in developing an HIV vaccine.

Nick Garber, a politics reporter at Crain's New York Business, shares insights on the NYC mayoral candidates' stances on jobs and the minimum wage. He discusses Andrew Cuomo's $20 wage proposal and Zoran Mamdani's push for a $30 minimum, framing it as a living wage. The conversation dives into how candidates are addressing business concerns and the perceived flight of companies from the city. Garber also highlights the complexities of taxes and regulations affecting small businesses, along with the candidates' varying promises to ease red tape.

Listeners express their struggles about voting decisions, revealing their ambivalence towards candidates and ballot questions. A caller weighs the experience of Cuomo against the energy of Mamdani. Discussions turn to concerns over national politics affecting local choices. New Jersey voters share skepticism over negative campaign strategies and demand clearer candidate positions. One caller debates the pros and cons of syncing city elections with federal ones, while another voices confusion over misleading charter revision proposals. The segment wraps up with advice and encouragement.

Grace Yarrow, a food and agriculture policy reporter for POLITICO, and Karen Yi, a local reporter for WNYC and Gothamist, discuss the looming impacts of the government shutdown on SNAP benefits. They highlight how millions could miss payments, particularly affecting vulnerable populations like children and the elderly. Grace explains the federal contingency fund's limitations, while Karen shares how New York plans to allocate $11 million for food banks. The conversation reveals urgent community needs and explores local resources for those affected.

Joyce Vance, a legal analyst for MSNBC and former U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama, University of Alabama School of Law professor, and author of the Civil Discourse Substack, and of the new book, Giving Up Is Unforgivable:  A Manual for Keeping a Democracy (Dutton, 2025) talks about the rule of law and offers legal and historical context for the current moment in American history as she calls for citizens to uphold the Constitution.

Nick Corasaniti, New York Times reporter covering national politics, with a focus on voting and elections, talks about how both Republican Jack Ciattarelli and Democrat Mikie Sherrill say they would deal with President Trump if they are elected governor, and other ways the president's influence is being felt in the tight race.