The Brian Lehrer Show

Marisa Donnelly, an epidemiologist and New York correspondent for Your Local Epidemiologist, delves into the public health policies put forth by mayoral candidates. She emphasizes the mayor's significant role in shaping health initiatives, touching on issues from maternal health to chronic disease management. Donnelly also confronts the alarming maternal mortality rates among black women and the need for actionable solutions. Additionally, she critiques the transition from traditional Medicare to Medicare Advantage for retirees and discusses the candidates' approaches to tackling obesity and sugary drink regulations.

Keanu Arpels-Josiah, a climate justice organizer with Fridays for Future NYC and a Swarthmore College student, joins Julie Tighe, president of the New York League of Conservation Voters. They dive into mayoral candidates' stances on climate change, linking environmental policies to public health concerns. The duo discusses the urgency of youth activism in the climate movement and the need for addressing inequalities faced by marginalized communities. They highlight critical perspectives on candidates' records and the importance of informed voter engagement in the upcoming election.

Errol Louis, a seasoned political anchor and columnist, teams up with Zeran Mamdani, State Assemblyman from Queens, to dissect the current mayoral primary campaign. They dive into the recent debates, focusing on candidates' integrity and the importance of authentic community engagement. Louis and Mamdani discuss voter sentiments amid early voting, the intricacies of ranked choice voting, and missed opportunities to address key issues like public health and climate change. Their insights shine a light on the evolving dynamics of local politics and the challenges candidates face.

Robert Macfarlane, a nature writer and author of 'Underland' and 'Is a River Alive?', delves into the fascinating concept of rivers as living entities deserving legal rights. He discusses the declining health of English rivers and shares compelling recovery stories from Ecuador, India, and Canada. The conversation highlights a shift in environmental law that recognizes nature's intrinsic rights and the spiritual connections we form with rivers. Macfarlane emphasizes the hopeful potential for global guardianship, inviting listeners to rethink our relationship with these vital waterways.

Susan Glasser, a staff writer at The New Yorker and co-host of the Political Scene podcast, dives into the latest in national politics. She discusses the tragic shooting of lawmakers in Minnesota and the implications for political dissent. Glasser highlights the mixed public reaction to President Trump's military parade and its impact on democracy. The conversation also touches on the shifting landscape of immigration policy and the diverse demographics at the No Kings Day rally, showcasing the evolving political affiliations across the country.

David Brand, a housing reporter for WNYC and Gothamist, dives into the heated debate among mayoral candidates about New York City's housing crisis. He highlights innovative affordable housing proposals inspired by the historic Mitchell-Lama program. The discussion also touches on the YIMBY vs. NIMBY conflict, revealing contrasting strategies for funding and development. Brand analyzes candidates’ plans, focusing on rent stabilization complexities and the political influences affecting housing policies, making for an insightful and engaging conversation.

Join Nancy Solomon, a WNYC reporter covering New Jersey politics, as she dives into the recent gubernatorial primary outcomes and their implications. Eric Piepenberg, a journalist and author, shares fascinating insights on the vital role of gay restaurants as cultural sanctuaries for the LGBTQ community. Finally, Jackie Faraday, an astrophysicist, takes us on a journey through the Milky Way, discussing the Gaia mission's fascinating discoveries about our galaxy's motion and its future implications for Earth.

Candidates in the mayoral race passionately debate traffic and pedestrian safety, spotlighting initiatives like Vision Zero to reduce fatalities. They confront the chaos introduced by e-bikes and scooters, pushing for stricter regulations to improve urban traffic safety. The discussion centers on the need for better infrastructure and accountability, driven by the challenges posed by delivery apps. Technology is highlighted as a potential ally in protecting both pedestrians and cyclists in the bustling streets of New York City.

Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo joins leading Democratic candidates in a fiery mayoral primary debate. They delve into Cuomo's sexual harassment allegations, weighing their impact on leadership and public trust. The discussion shifts to pressing public safety issues, including rising crime perceptions and strategies for a safer New York City. Candidates advocate for a 'Housing First' approach to tackle homelessness and emphasize the importance of collaborative efforts between police and social services to foster community support.

Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo joins Assemblymember Zaron Momdani, who is running for mayor of NYC. They dive into a heated debate, focusing on community safety for Jewish and Muslim New Yorkers amidst the ongoing war in the Middle East. The candidates tackle challenges related to affordable housing and the decline of Black families in the city, while also addressing the impact of COVID-19 on nursing homes. Tensions rise as they question each other's qualifications and the influence of money in politics, striving for unity in a divided landscape.