The Brian Lehrer Show

Megan Messerly, POLITICO White House correspondent covering the Trump administration and GOP dynamics. She explores divides in the Republican Party over the war in Iran. Short takes examine MAGA skepticism of Middle East intervention, debates over military options and off‑ramps, questions about coalition‑building, and the role of key political figures.

Daniel Immerwahr, historian and New Yorker writer who wrote How to Hide an Empire, gives a wide-angle look at U.S.-Iran relations and recent policy choices. He traces roots back to the 1953 coup. He contrasts presidential caution with Trump's risk-taking and examines shifting U.S. strategies, covert operations, arms ties, and political pressures shaping conflict decisions.

Austin C. Jefferson, Albany bureau chief for Streetsblog Empire State, covers Governor Kathy Hochul's push to narrow 'serious injury' and limit pain-and-suffering claims. He explains proposed changes to injury definitions. He compares New York to other states and explores rising premiums, ride-hail driver complaints, fraud allegations, and who stands to benefit.

Nicholas Wolf, Associate Director for Research and Publishing Initiatives at Glucksman Ireland House, NYU, gives a concise mini bio and context. He discusses how few daily native speakers remain and why the language is called Irish not Gaelic. Conversation covers colonial causes of decline, diaspora revival efforts, school and media-driven resurgence, and growing visibility in films and music.

Richard Buery, CEO of Robin Hood and former NYC deputy mayor, discusses a new report on rising poverty in New York City. He explains how poverty is measured, who is most affected, and the roles of public benefits like SNAP and childcare. Conversations cover racial gaps, pandemic-era supports, risks from federal cuts, and policy priorities to keep working families in the city.

Jon Campbell, an Albany-based reporter for WNYC and Gothamist who covers New York state government, breaks down Gov. Hochul's push to delay the 2019 climate law. He explains progress gaps on 2030 targets, a controversial NYSERDA cost memo, political pressure from rising bills, and how data centers and electrification factor into the debate.

Jonathan Blitzer, New Yorker staff writer and author exploring immigration and Central America. He discusses the massive rise in U.S. detention numbers and how detention is being used to drive removals. He describes harsh facility conditions, legal moves limiting bond, and DHS plans to convert warehouses into large detention sites.

David Streitfeld, Pulitzer Prize–winning tech reporter at The New York Times, breaks down the landmark trial against Instagram and YouTube. He discusses allegations that infinite feeds and dopamine-driven design foster addiction. He contrasts company defenses, explores jury dynamics, whistleblower evidence, tobacco comparisons, and the trial's potential legal and regulatory ripple effects.

Dan Lamothe, U.S. military and Pentagon reporter at The Washington Post, gives frontline reporting on U.S. strikes and Pentagon policy. He breaks down what went wrong with targeting, why the Strait of Hormuz is effectively closed, and the risks of multinational naval escorts. He also explains shifts in Pentagon press access and possible military and diplomatic off‑ramps.

Sam Sanders, reporter and radio host who leads The Sam Sanders Show on KCRW, recaps the 2026 Academy Awards. He dissects Conan O'Brien's hosting, the ceremony's pacing and sound hiccups. He highlights historic wins like Autumn Duralt-Arkipaugh and Michael B. Jordan, and debates industry angst, campaigning, and whether big commercial films got shortchanged.