The Brian Lehrer Show

Susan Page, USA Today Washington bureau chief and the author of the forthcoming book The Queen and Her Presidents (HarperCollins, 2026), talks about the latest national political news, including the pending shutdown at DHS and congressional pushback on tariffs. Photo: MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - FEBRUARY 12: A woman looks on at a memorial for Renee Good who was shot and killed by an ICE agent last month on February 12, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. White House "Border Czar" Tom Homan announced today that the federal immigration enforcement surge in the state would conclude. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)

Ahead of this year's midterm elections, Mark Leibovich, a staff writer for The Atlantic, talks about his reporting on how the Democrats are searching for a new identity and winning formula, against the backdrop of what many of them see as a descent into fascism in President Trump's second term.

Jimmy Vielkind, New York State issues reporter for WNYC and Gothamist, discusses Mayor Mamdani trip to Albany on Wednesday for "Tin Cup Day" to make his case to the legislature for more funding, including a millionaire's tax, for his agenda.

Justin Peters, a correspondent for Slate, discusses some standout moments from the 2026 winter Olympics, and listeners share what they've been tuning in to.

New York City nurses are returning to work at some hospitals, while the strike drags on at NewYork-Presbyterian. Nancy Hagans, president of the New York State Nurses Association, talks about the latest and responds to criticism from rank-and-file members who say top union brass circumvented their negotiating committee to force a vote on a previously rejected proposal. 

Jasmine Gripper and Ana María Archila, co-directors of the New York Working Families Party, discuss Mayor Zohran Mamdani's proposed tax hike—and Gov. Kathy Hochul's resistance to it.

Listeners describe switching from TV and local papers to BBC, NPR and international outlets. Many mention turning to Substack newsletters and independent writers for context. The conversation highlights canceled subscriptions, concerns about newsroom cuts, and shifts toward digital and niche sources.

Lee Bollinger, First Amendment scholar, law professor and former president of Columbia University and the author of University: A Reckoning (WW Norton, 2026), argues that universities are essential to preserving democracy.

Crystal Hudson, the City Council Member for District 35, delves into the city's response to the recent extreme cold. At least 18 people have died from the frigid temperatures, spurring oversight hearings. Hudson, whose district encompasses Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, Crown Heights and Prospect Heights, walks us through how the city confronted the cold spell.

Jordan Lauf, producer for All Of It and its book club, Get Lit with All Of It, offers recommendations for new books to read that are coming out in the next few weeks, plus shares the details on the new Get Lit With All of It newsletter.Sign up for the newsletter at wnyc.org/getlitnewsletter