The Brian Lehrer Show

Brad Lander, New York City's Comptroller and former mayoral candidate, shares his experiences from his campaign, critiques of Mayor Adams, and insights on the city’s balanced budget. Thomas Daniels discusses the escalating tick risks and Lyme disease awareness, offering vital outdoor safety tips. Michael Lang highlights the surge of young voters turning out for Zohran Mamdani, revealing their frustration with the status quo and the importance of civic engagement in reshaping NYC politics.

Join Richard Haass, an American diplomat discussing America's evolution from isolationism to a superpower. Annie Polland shares Frances Perkins' groundbreaking labor reforms, while Kevin Young explores a century of poetry in The New Yorker. Clay Risen dives into the chilling effects of McCarthyism on arts and society, and Felix Contreras celebrates Celia Cruz's vibrant legacy in the world of music. They weave together history, culture, and the enduring impact of these figures in shaping America.

Ashley Stimpson discusses the evolution of summer camps, highlighting their transition from military roots to modern-day inclusivity challenges. Victoria Rosner explores how modernism reshaped domestic life post-World War I, particularly addressing women's roles and the impact of technology. Maureen Corrigan analyzes 'The Great Gatsby,' unpacking its lasting cultural significance and relevance today. Lastly, Avery Trufelman delves into the history of preppy fashion, tracing its origins from elite educational institutions to its influence in contemporary style.

Thomas Daniels, a research scientist in vector ecology and director of the Louis Calder Center, sheds light on the alarming rise in tick populations, with a perfect 10 risk level this summer. He discusses practical outdoor strategies to avoid ticks and shares insights into Lyme disease, particularly the tricky nature of nymph ticks. Daniels also addresses the challenges of tick removal and the hurdles in developing a human vaccine for Lyme disease, while highlighting the health risks tied to the growing Lone Star tick population.

Elizabeth Kim, a politics reporter for WNYC and Gothamist, shares insights on recent shifts in New York City's political landscape. Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani solidified his lead with ranked choice voting, raising questions about voter engagement and city dynamics. The discussion dives into the influence of identity politics on campaigns and the complex nature of coalition-building among diverse electorates. Kim also addresses skepticism towards progressive leadership and its potential ramifications for the city's future.

Michael Lange, a researcher, strategist, and author of 'The Narrative Wars,' discusses the surprising Democratic primary win of Zohran Mamdani in New York. He highlights the pivotal role of young and first-time voters in shifting the electorate. Lange delves into the grassroots mobilization that energized diverse communities, particularly in areas like North Brooklyn. He emphasizes how this political earthquake showcases the power of civic engagement and evolving voter dynamics in urban landscapes, making waves beyond traditional campaigning methods.

Julie Rovner, Chief Washington Correspondent for KFF Health News and host of What the Health?, dives deep into the ramifications of proposed federal budget bills on healthcare access. She discusses potential Medicaid cuts that could leave millions uninsured and the challenges posed by work requirements on vulnerable populations. The conversation also highlights state-level experiences, particularly from Arkansas, and examines the impact on programs like Medicare and the Affordable Care Act, stressing the risks of reversing healthcare advancements in the U.S.

Ruth Marcus, a contributor to The New Yorker and author of Supreme Ambition, analyzes significant recent Supreme Court decisions. She highlights Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson's dissenting perspective, especially on birthright citizenship, and the ideological divides within the court. The discussion covers the implications of executive power and judicial checks, raising concerns about the legitimacy of the court amid political pressures. They also debate potential judicial reforms and explore the evolving nature of constitutional interpretation in this charged environment.

Steven Romalewski, the Director of CUNY Mapping Service, shares his insights into ranked choice voting in New York City. He discusses the exciting unpredictability of voter behavior and the potential impacts on election outcomes. The episode explores the mechanics of vote redistribution and candidate elimination, shedding light on how second-choice votes can alter results. Romalewski also looks ahead to the implications for future elections, including a hypothetical examination of Andrew Cuomo's prospects under this new voting system.

Patrick McGeehan, a New York Times reporter specializing in infrastructure, dives into Governor Hochul's ambitious plan for a new nuclear plant upstate, aimed at bolstering clean energy efforts. He discusses the challenge of meeting renewable goals after the shutdown of the Indian Point facility and the ongoing debate around nuclear energy's role in climate solutions. The conversation also touches on community concerns about plant siting, modern technology's potential, and the crucial balance between safety and efficiency in reimagining nuclear power.