The Brian Lehrer Show

Yasmin Tayag, a Staff Writer at The Atlantic, delves into the intriguing concept of city-owned grocery stores, examining Zohran Mamdani's proposal for New York City. She discusses how other municipalities have fared with similar experiments, highlighting both successes and failures. Yasmin also addresses the challenges of sourcing and pricing groceries in a city context and the unique operational difficulties these stores might face. Amid rising food insecurity, she explores public sentiments and the proposal's potential impact on small local businesses.

Dr. Lyle Cleary, an associate veterinarian at the Center for Avian & Exotic Medicine, delves into the complexities of caring for pet birds. He discusses why birds, particularly intelligent parrots, can be challenging to keep. The risks of escape and the contentious topic of wing clipping are explored, along with the unique personalities of various bird species. Lyle also highlights the emotional bonds birds can form with their owners and advocates for a NYC ban on bird sales to help curb rehoming challenges. Dive into the fascinating world of our feathered friends!

Listeners dive into a quiz that reveals intriguing connections between celebrities and their famous parents. From the Cuomo political dynasty to the Kennedy brothers, each question sparks fun conversation. Discover surprising family ties like Mahmoud Mamdani and director Mira Nair, or Liz and Dick Cheney's political legacy. Participants also identify Fred Trump, Andrew Giuliani, and Anderson Cooper, uncovering the fascinating lineages behind these well-known figures. It's a playful exploration of fame and family!

Elizabeth Kim, a political reporter for WNYC and Gothamist, shares insights from the last mayoral debate featuring candidates Zohran Mamdani, Andrew Cuomo, and Curtis Sliwa. She discusses Eric Adams' unexpected endorsement of Cuomo, sparking speculation about political alliances. The candidates debate Local Law 97, with diverse views on its affordability and implementation. Sliwa opposes it outright, while Mamdani seeks to make compliance easier. They also touch on energy policies and the future of nuclear power, revealing sharp political contrasts.

Bridget Bergen is a senior political reporter and analyst for Gothamist and WNYC, while David Brand covers housing for the same outlets. They dive into the last mayoral debate, unpacking candidates' plans for tackling record homelessness among public school children. Mamdani critiques Cuomo's leadership on this issue, while David explains vacancy rates and affordable housing funding. They also discuss e-bike enforcement strategies and the role of scandals, particularly Cuomo's, in shaping voter perceptions.

Errol Louis is a political anchor at Spectrum NY1, a columnist for New York Magazine, and host of multiple shows, including Inside City Hall. In this discussion, he critiques candidates' responses to recent ICE raids, particularly in Chinatown. He analyzes differing strategies, from Cuomo's assertive tactics to Sliwa's diplomatic approach. Louis also warns about the potential dangers of a clash between NYPD and federal agents, while considering local effects on quality of life and how federal actions might influence local elections.

Eliza Shapiro, a New York Times reporter specializing in affordability, dives into the pressing child care crisis in New York City. She reveals staggering costs that strain families and explores candidates' proposals for universal free child care. Eliza discusses operational challenges and political support, as well as the debate between universal versus targeted benefits. With potential funding sources and the impact of fiscal constraints, she highlights the complexities involved in making expanded child care a reality.

Join Chi Cho, owner of Pacific Aquarium Inc., as he shares his decades of expertise in fish care. He delves into the captivating world of fish, discussing their intelligence and how they recognize their owners. Chi also offers practical tips for beginners, like choosing the right tank size and the core rules for successful fishkeeping. Discover how aquariums can boost mental health and hear about common fish ailments and how to treat them. Plus, Chi shares a heartfelt memory of his first fish, sparking his ongoing passion for aquatic life.

Elizabeth Kim, a politics reporter for WNYC and Gothamist, provides a fascinating preview of the final mayoral debate featuring candidates Mamdani, Cuomo, and Sliwa. She discusses Cuomo's outreach to conservative voters and analyzes Sliwa's unexpected debate moments. The conversation also touches on Mamdani's strategies to address concerns about his age and experience. Additionally, Ben Feuerherd reports on a chaotic federal raid in Chinatown, hinting at how this may shape candidates' debate responses.

Stuart A. Thompson, a New York Times reporter focused on online influence, dives into the controversial use of AI-generated imagery by Donald Trump. He discusses a bizarre video featuring Trump as a crown-wearing pilot, examining its impact on supporters. Thompson shares how AI content targeting Democratic leaders, like voice-cloning Chuck Schumer, cleverly engages and riles up audiences. He argues that such content blurs the line between humor and propaganda, highlighting its potential to shape political narratives across parties.