The Brian Lehrer Show

Stephen Nessen, a transportation reporter for WNYC and Gothamist, discusses mayoral candidates' stances on public transportation in New York City. He highlights Assemblyman Mamdani's push for free bus services and contrasts it with the Staten Island Ferry. Nessen reveals the struggles of the 'summer of hell' subway crisis and improvements in service performance. He also covers the Vision Zero initiative's focus on street safety, plus the challenges of e-bikes and scooters in urban traffic.

Nancy Solomon, WNYC reporter and co-creator of the podcast "Dead End," engages with Governor Phil Murphy on New Jersey's 2025 political landscape. They discuss the gubernatorial primary outcomes, contrasting the approaches of Democrats and Republicans on affordability and job creation. Immigration policies also take center stage, revealing the challenges posed by Trump-era regulations. Solomon highlights the looming budget crisis and its impacts on healthcare funding, underscoring the delicate balance between political priorities and the needs of New Jersey residents.

In this discussion, psychiatrist Jack Turban, who specializes in treating transgender youth, shares his insights on the recent Supreme Court ruling that upholds Tennessee's ban on gender-affirming care for minors. He delves into the mental health implications this ruling carries for transgender children and their families. The conversation emphasizes the complexities of understanding gender identity, the challenges of navigating assessments for care, and the importance of open dialogue between youth and parents. Turban also highlights the urgent need for compassionate support amidst shifting policies.

Carl Hancock Rux, a multifaceted artist known for his poetry and playwriting, discusses Lincoln Center’s fifth annual Juneteenth celebration. He delves into the power of folklore as a tool of resilience, highlighting how storytelling has shaped African American culture. The conversation touches on the significance of the proverb 'Sankofa,' emphasizing the importance of understanding history. Rux also explores the legacy of trickster tales in Black storytelling, showcasing their cleverness in challenging oppression and celebrating cultural heritage.

Join Jeffrey Mays, a political reporter from The New York Times, and Juan Manuel Benitez, a local journalism professor at Columbia, as they dive into the fierce ad wars leading up to the NYC mayoral primary. They discuss how super PACs are shaping the narrative for candidates like Andrew Cuomo, and the diverse strategies used to connect with Black, Latino, and Muslim voters. The conversation also tackles the impact of negative campaigning and allegations of anti-Semitism, illustrating the complex intersection of local issues and voter sentiments.

In this engaging discussion, Robin Wright, a seasoned journalist and expert on Iran, unpacks Israel's ongoing military actions against Iran and the dire humanitarian consequences. She sheds light on Prime Minister Netanyahu's ambitions for regime change and the complex U.S.-Israel-Iran relationship. Wright also explores the historical context of U.S. interventions in the Middle East and the impact on Iranian civilians. The conversation touches on the intricate dynamics of nuclear negotiations and the geopolitical challenges faced by global powers in the region.

Kate Shaw, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School and co-host of the Strict Scrutiny podcast, dives into recent Supreme Court rulings. She unpacks the Tennessee case on gender-affirming care for minors, examining its implications for the Equal Protection Clause. The discussion also touches on parental rights, debates surrounding intersex individuals, and the legality of the National Guard's deployment under presidential orders. Additionally, Shaw addresses the chilling trend of courthouse arrests impacting migrants.

Join Elizabeth Kim, a WNYC and Gothamist political reporter, as she dives into the chaotic New York City mayoral race. She discusses the arrest of Comptroller Brad Lander during an immigration protest and its political fallout. The conversation shifts to Assemblymember Mamdani's heightened security measures amidst rising threats. Kim also explores how these events impact voter sentiment and the ever-changing landscape of endorsements, revealing the challenges candidates face as they navigate public perception in a heated primary.

As early voting approaches, listeners voice their top three mayoral election issues, highlighting affordability, public safety, and healthcare equity. Participants share personal anecdotes about education access and the need for reliable transportation. The challenges of housing, including poor conditions and struggles with public transit, are also critical topics. Additionally, urban management concerns, like inadequate street cleaning and e-bike regulations, emphasize the community's desire for candidates who truly understand their priorities.

Wafaa El-Sadr, a professor at Columbia University and global health expert, joins Jon Cohen, a senior correspondent at Science, to discuss the implications of dwindling U.S. aid for HIV/AIDS treatment. They dive into how Lesotho and other countries are adapting to diminished support. The conversation highlights the urgent need for community resources and transportation for pregnant women in treatment. They also explore the overall impact of policy changes on global health, stressing the importance of local capacity building amidst shifting U.S. contributions.