The Brian Lehrer Show

Elizabeth Kim, a WNYC and Gothamist reporter specializing in Mayor Eric Adams, recaps a key press conference where the mayor discussed the fate of undocumented migrants amid Trump's proposed mass deportations. They dive into tensions between local and federal immigration policies and how these affect asylum seekers. Adams faced questions on due process rights and the implications of his controversial crime policies, all against the backdrop of a politically charged landscape and ongoing legal challenges.

Dan Goldman, US Representative (D, NY-10) and former lead counsel for Trump's impeachment, shares insights into the political landscape ahead. He discusses Trump's alarming remarks on presidential term limits and the normalization of self-pardoning. Goldman highlights potential federal funding retaliation against New York and debates the implications of the SALT tax cap on middle-class families. He also touches on the political ramifications of pardons, particularly in relation to Hunter Biden, advocating for compassionate, equitable policies.

Ellen Blain, former chief of Civil Rights for the Southern District of New York, discusses the crucial role of the Civil Rights Division within the Justice Department. She emphasizes the potential repercussions of another Trump administration on civil rights enforcement, particularly concerning police misconduct. The conversation also highlights landmark cases, including algorithmic discrimination against social media and the urgent need for accountability in the NYPD's handling of sexual assault. Blain sheds light on the emotional impact this has on survivors seeking justice.

The holiday spirit comes alive as online business owners promote their unique gifts, fostering community support. Creative ideas for weddings and holidays take center stage, showcasing personalized services that make special occasions unforgettable. Artists share their handmade creations, from celebrity-inspired cat figurines to innovative multilingual jewelry. Plus, discover the affordability of pre-owned high-end carbon fiber road bikes for fitness enthusiasts, and get inspired by local business stories, including an Indian cooking kit and handcrafted socks.

David Rohde, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and national security editor at NBC News, discusses the significant implications of Kash Patel's potential appointment as FBI director during Trump's presidency. He reveals how this reflects a troubling climate within the FBI and Justice Department, where fears of retaliation loom large for those speaking out against Trump. Rohde also tackles the impact of misinformation on democracy, analyzing how propaganda affects public beliefs and emphasizing the urgent need for factual journalism in these politically charged times.

Georgina Gustin, a reporter specializing in agriculture and food systems for Inside Climate News, discusses Brooke Rollins' controversial appointment as the new Agriculture Secretary. They dive into the challenges farmers face due to climate change and the implications of a climate skeptic in leadership. The conversation highlights the agricultural sector's role in greenhouse gas emissions and examines the paradox farmers encounter when political choices clash with the reality of extreme weather impacts on their livelihoods.

Domenico Montanaro, NPR's senior political editor/correspondent, talks about the latest national political news from over the holiday weekend and looks back at the election results, now that the final demographic breakdowns are in.

Timothy Snyder, a Yale history professor and author known for his insights on tyranny and freedom, tackles the history of fascism from its origins in the 1920s to today's political climate. He discusses the precarious balance between freedom and chaos, emphasizing the necessity of organization to prevent authoritarianism. Snyder reflects on the resurgent fascism seen through figures like Hitler and Mussolini and its relevance to modern governance, particularly amid the influence of oligarchs in politics. Personal narratives further enrich this exploration of how history shapes current events.

Jenny Fox, children's book editor and author and the co-founder of Librarians = Literacy, calls for the New York City Department of Education to provide more schools with librarians and supports a new City Council bill to track the data.

Three of our favorite segments from the week, in case you missed them.100 Years of 100 Things: Shirley Chisholm (First) | Daniel Penny's Subway Chokehold Trial Nears the End (Starts at 41:34) | Shop Listener 2024: Brick and Mortar Stores  (Starts at 1:01:55)If you don't subscribe to the Brian Lehrer Show on iTunes, you can do that here.