The Brian Lehrer Show

Elizabeth Kim, a Gothamist and WNYC reporter known for her insights on City Hall and mayoral races, dives into the dynamic landscape of the upcoming mayoral primary. She discusses the shifting priorities of voters, especially regarding police accountability and disability rights. The conversation touches on the fallout from Cuomo's COVID controversies and how it shapes local politics. Kim also highlights the candidates' strategies around education and housing, emphasizing community engagement and listener-driven questions for the debate.

Marianna Sotomayor, a Congressional reporter for The Washington Post, dives into the tumultuous negotiations around Trump's budget bill. She discusses the intense political tensions reverberating within the Republican Party, particularly regarding cuts to Medicaid and the SALT tax cap's implications for blue states. The debate over raising taxes on billionaires adds another layer, showcasing the fractures among GOP members. Last-minute changes to the bill are looming, heightening the stakes in this high-stakes budget showdown.

Tina Jordan, deputy editor of The New York Times Book Review, shares her insights on the compelling history of best-selling books over the past century. She discusses how pivotal titles like 'The Great Gatsby' and 'A Handmaid's Tale' reflect broader cultural changes. The conversation dives into marketing strategies that shaped reader preferences in the 60s and 70s and examines the rise of genres such as young adult fiction and romanticy. Each bestselling book reveals not just literary trends but the evolving narrative of American society.

Dive into an engaging quiz about urban wildlife and the critters that call the city home. Test your knowledge on local animals like pigeons and raccoons, and discover fun facts about popular dog breeds in NYC parks. The discussion even highlights endangered species, providing insight into the conservation efforts impacting local biodiversity. Plus, there's a chance to win local prizes while expanding your understanding of the fascinating relationship between city life and its animal inhabitants!

Elliott Forrest, the midday host of WQXR, discusses the vibrant summer classical music scene in New York City. He highlights the New York Philharmonic’s outdoor concerts and the festive atmosphere in Central Park. The joys and challenges of outdoor performances, including weather and acoustics, are explored. Forrest also showcases summer programming at Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall, emphasizing accessibility. Additionally, he promotes unique events beyond the city, like concerts at Little Island and innovative performances in graveyards.

Listeners dive into an engaging quiz about iconic films set in New York City. They tackle ten fun questions and listen to classic clips that serve as hints. Excitement builds as participants compete for themed merchandise. With a mix of nostalgia and contemporary references, the lively interactions between the host and callers create a playful atmosphere. It's a perfect blend of film trivia and city pride, perfect for cinephiles and casual fans alike!

Nina Totenberg, NPR's seasoned legal affairs correspondent, dives into recent Supreme Court discussions surrounding birthright citizenship and nationwide injunctions. She unpacks the complexities of the 14th Amendment and the varying interpretations across jurisdictions, revealing how 'judge shopping' impacts citizenship rulings. Totenberg discusses the tense dynamics between the Supreme Court and the Trump administration over immigration, shedding light on key cases that underscore due process rights for those facing deportation.

Kelsey Brugger, a dedicated reporter on energy and climate politics for Politico's E&E News, discusses the GOP's recent moves to cut clean energy tax incentives from the Biden administration's climate law. She highlights internal conflicts among Republicans, especially moderates concerned about the impact on renewable energy investments. Brugger also sheds light on the contentious proposed changes to environmental reviews for fossil fuel projects, sparking debates about public health and long-term climate goals.

Frank Pallone, U.S. Representative for New Jersey's 6th district, delves into the recent GOP proposals to cut Medicaid and Obamacare funding. He highlights alarming projections by the Congressional Budget Office, indicating that 8.6 million Americans could lose health insurance. Pallone also discusses the proposed Medicaid work requirements, which risk disproportionately affecting disabled individuals. The conversation touches on restricting Medicaid funding for reproductive health services, raising concerns about patient care and the operational impact on clinics.

James Sanders, an esteemed architect, author, and filmmaker famous for his work on the PBS series about New York, discusses the evolution of the city in films. He explores how NYC has been portrayed from the silent film era to modern classics, emphasizing its dynamic depiction as a storytelling backdrop. Sanders dives into the impact of technological advancements, the gritty realism of films from the 70s and 80s, and iconic works like 'The Naked City.' Intriguingly, he also reflects on how political changes shaped the film landscape.