The Brian Lehrer Show

WNYC/Gothamist reporters Paige Oamek and Stephen Nessen dive into the NYPD's crackdown on cyclists. Oamek shares insights from her data analysis on enforcement hotspots, while Nessen highlights the stories of affected riders. They discuss the shift from civil to criminal handling of cycling violations and its implications. The conversation also explores helmet laws for young cyclists and the debate over street safety. Advocates call for balanced regulation and safety education to protect all road users, emphasizing collaboration for a safer city.

Adam Platt, features writer and former restaurant critic at New York Magazine, dives into the fascinating world of salt in cooking. He reveals how restaurants use salt to elevate flavors, often in surprising ways. The conversation also tackles health implications, emphasizing the growing sodium levels in dining. Platt shares anecdotes illustrating whether the heavy use of salt enhances culinary excellence or compensates for lackluster cooking. Tune in for a flavorful discussion that might change the way you think about your next meal!

Annie Polland, a historian and president of the Tenement Museum, teams up with Clint Smith, a poet and staff writer at The Atlantic, to discuss innovative ways teachers can effectively share Black and immigrant histories. They delve into the challenges educators face while navigating America’s complex past, emphasizing the importance of personal narratives in understanding social issues. Polland and Smith also highlight the museum's immersive storytelling methods, connecting individual stories to broader historical contexts and promoting dialog about racism and social justice.

Mehdi Hasan, editor-in-chief of Zeteo and former MSNBC host, shares insights from his fiery debate with 20 far-right conservatives. He highlights the normalization of extreme rhetoric in today's political landscape and the role of social media in shaping beliefs. The conversation also touches on Trump's controversial actions and his ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Hasan critiques the current NYC mayoral race, emphasizing the need for empathy in political discussions and the complexities surrounding American identity and racism.

Elizabeth Kim, a seasoned politics reporter for WNYC and Gothamist, dives into the intriguing landscape of the NYC mayoral race. She discusses Mayor Adams' evolving relationship with Tom Homan and the implications of his recent campaign strategies. Kim highlights Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani's eye-catching trip to Uganda and the humorous video he shared to address criticism. The conversation also touches on Adams' playful 'Pull-Ups for Peace' initiative and the shifting dynamics in press engagement, demonstrating how candidates are adapting in real time.

Christine Carrig, head of Carrig Montessori School and Substack writer, delves into how involving children in household chores can yield lifelong benefits. She emphasizes the importance of fostering responsibility and ownership through positive reinforcement. By modeling tasks, parents can promote essential life skills while engaging their children in collaborative work. Carrig shares insights on the developmental advantages of chores and discusses how to balance expectations across generations, ensuring that children feel empowered rather than overwhelmed.

Matthew Choi, co-writer of The Washington Post's Early Brief, dives into Texas's controversial redistricting efforts driven by Trump’s aim to solidify Republican power. He details the challenges the Texas legislature faces, including disaster recovery and public school reforms. The conversation highlights the stark differences in redistricting strategies between Texas and California, and the complexities of gerrymandering. Choi also addresses the impact of political maneuvers on congressional competitiveness, exploring how these changes could reshape future elections.

Jen Gunter, an OB/GYN and author known for her insightful work on women's health, dives into the hot topic of hormone replacement therapy. She discusses the FDA's proposal to remove warning labels, sparking a critical look at menopause and treatment options. Gunter clarifies the differences between vaginal estrogen and systemic therapies while addressing the personal success stories that shape treatment decisions. She also navigates the delicate balance of hormone therapy and breast cancer risks, urging the need for personalized assessments and careful evaluation of healthcare policies.

Richard Buery, the CEO of Robin Hood and former deputy mayor, shares insights as the chair of the Charter Revision Commission. He dives into the significant ballot measures for revising the city charter, including the absence of open primaries. Buery discusses critical changes aimed at improving housing approval processes, enhancing community engagement, and the challenges faced by affordable housing developers. He emphasizes the need for public discourse on urban innovation and aligning local elections with presidential ones to increase voter participation.

Explore the closure of a beloved indie theater in Maplewood, NJ, and its community's fight to revive it. Delve into the deep connections residents have with their historic cinema and the cultural void its absence has created. Listen to personal stories highlighting the theater's role as a community hub amidst ongoing redevelopment threats. Discover how adapting to new film consumption trends can breathe new life into small-town theaters, blending diverse offerings with engaging local events.