The Brian Lehrer Show

In this discussion, Greg David, a fiscal and economic journalist and director at the Newmark Graduate School of Journalism, details the repercussions of Trump's tariffs on New York City's economy. He predicts worsening local conditions despite a temporary pause in tariffs. David highlights significant challenges for Wall Street, small businesses, and the tourism industry. He also examines the impacts on city budgets and the housing market amid financial uncertainty, emphasizing risks of a recession and rising operating costs.

Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson kicks off a new series of interviews with county executives as she talks about her work on maternal health disparities, her State of the Borough address, and other Bronx news, including the impact on The Bronx of Trump administration actions.

As our centennial series continues, Robert Coker, author of the book Roller Coasters: A Thrill Seeker's Guide To The Ultimate Scream Machines (Main Street, 2002) and Douglas Barnes, co-hosts of The Season Pass podcast, talk about the history of roller coasters, from the "Golden Age" of 1920's wooden coasters like Coney Island's Cyclone through modern steel "strata coasters," like the late lamented Kingda Ka, which was recently imploded to make room for a new ride. 

William Cohan, financial writer for Puck News and author of many books, including Power Failure: The Rise and Fall of an American Icon (Penguin Random House, 2022), offers analysis of the latest twists and turns of President Trump's trade war, and how Wall Street is reacting to the chaotic rollout (and rollback) of the tariffs.

Listeners share their stories of obtaining and advancing in white collar, nonmanual professions without a bachelor's degree.

Dive into the quirky world of unconventional sports! From catapulting contests to unique flying disc games, listeners share their passions for offbeat athletics. Discover the camaraderie in community-driven games like shuffleboard and korfball. Explore the vibrant traditions of Irish sports and whimsical village competitions. Get ready for a fun-filled conversation that captures the spirit and excitement of strange sports and the dedicated enthusiasts behind them!

Kirsten Gillibrand, U.S. Senator for New York, dives deep into pressing national issues, including challenges facing Social Security services for seniors. She highlights the troubling implications of recent changes on accessibility and takes a stand on voting rights under threat. Gillibrand also discusses the regulatory hurdles surrounding the Doge controversy and the importance of governmental integrity. Additionally, she emphasizes the power of grassroots activism, particularly in engaging disillusioned voters through creative strategies.

Amy Volz, head of workforce innovation at Trane Technologies, and Ebony Thomas, managing partner at Grads of Life, discuss the shift towards skills-based hiring. They explore how employers are embracing candidates with skills from boot camps rather than traditional degrees. The conversation highlights innovative workforce strategies that align skills with job requirements, promoting inclusivity and diversity. They also touch on the importance of apprenticeship programs for underrepresented workers, especially older individuals seeking new career paths.

Ras Baraka, the dynamic mayor of Newark and gubernatorial candidate, delves into pressing issues facing New Jersey. He champions equity and inclusion as pathways to economic growth, emphasizing their importance in education and housing for marginalized communities. Baraka also tackles immigration enforcement, advocating for protections against unjust deportations. Highlighting innovative public safety strategies in Newark, he presents a fresh perspective by framing crime as a public health issue, while reiterating his commitment to social justice and unity among diverse communities.

Nancy Solomon, a WNYC reporter and host focused on New Jersey politics, shares insights from her chat with Governor Phil Murphy. They dive into the effects of Trump’s tariffs on the local economy and the challenges facing affordable housing development. Solomon discusses how New Jersey Democrats are addressing red tape, the complexities of state versus local control in housing policies, and the unfolding dynamics of the gubernatorial primary race. Plus, they tackle the pressing issue of federal funding disparities affecting state services.