The Brian Lehrer Show

 U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D NY) responds to the actions of the Trump administration  so far, when and how Democratic in the Senate can push back, and other matters affecting New Yorkers and the country.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D NY-8th, Brooklyn) talks about his 10-point plan and explains what he is calling for Democrats to do in response to President Trump's moves on federal funding and more.

As the U.S. Agency for International Development faces a shutdown from the Trump administration, Elissa Miolene, reporter covering the USAID and the U.S. government at Devex, an independent news organization covering global development, explains what the agency does, who might be impacted and why the agency is being targeted.

Following Groundhog Day, listeners call in to share how they beat back the winter blues and what sort of rituals they have this time of the year when it's so cold and grey, and Hannah Docter-Loeb, homepage editor for Slate and a freelance writer, shares her tip -- to spend one Saturday eating ice cream for breakfast.

The collision between a passenger jet and Army Blackhawk Helicopter resulted in the worst aviation tragedy in the United States in decades. Oriana Pawlyk, POLITICO’s aviation reporter, and Jeff Wise, aviation journalist and host of the Finding MH370 podcast, share their reporting on the incident, the issues surrounding air traffic controllers, and whether or not this tragedy could have been prevented. 

Francesca Chambers, White House Correspondent for USA Today, talks about the news from Washington focusing on the federal worker buyout offers and the announced tariffs on goods from Canada, Mexico and China.

Elizabeth Glazer, founder of the journal Vital City and former director of the New York City Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice, discusses a report that looks at data that illuminates surprising trends in crime in New York City and what it says about public safety and justice right now.

Stephen Nessen, a reporter for WNYC focusing on NYC's transit, shares insights from his "State of Collapse" series, revealing the subway's troubling delays and aging infrastructure. Kate Shaw, a law professor, tackles the complexities of presidential power, highlighting recent federal spending controversies and the legal implications of executive orders. David Remnick, editor of The New Yorker, reflects on its century-long impact on journalism and culture, celebrating its role in shaping political commentary and reader engagement.

Gary Trust, managing director of charts and data operations at Billboard Magazine, shares his expertise on the rich 100-year history of the Billboard Music Charts. He highlights the evolution of pop music, from rock and roll in the '50s to modern streaming. Listeners dive into nostalgic reflections, recalling personal memories tied to iconic songs like 'Sherry' and 'I Believe I Can Fly.' The discussion also touches on genre influences, the impact of television on music, and how today's charts mirror cultural trends.

Michael Elsen-Rooney, a reporter at Chalkbeat New York, discusses the anxious atmosphere in NYC schools due to fears of family separation linked to deportation policies. He highlights how immigrant families are coping with these anxieties and how schools are responding to reassure them. The conversation also touches on the emotional toll of deportation and challenges faced by undocumented families in accessing education and healthcare. Elsen-Rooney emphasizes the need for supportive environments as these students navigate their fears in an increasingly strained landscape.