The Brian Lehrer Show

Three of our favorite segments from the week, in case you missed them. What does it mean that AI companies are scooping up office space in Manhattan? (First) | Why the Trump administration has requested the medical records of trans youths at NYC area hospitals (Starts at 40:10) | What to do in New Jersey if you're here for the World Cup (Starts at 1:15:45) If you don't subscribe to the Brian Lehrer Show on iTunes, you can do that here. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As early voting is about to get underway, Rebecca Lewis, state bureau chief at City & State New York, and Jon Campbell, Albany reporter for WNYC and Gothamist, talk about the themes and competitive races in the June 23 primary election, where candidates for congress, state comptroller and various seats in the legislature will be on the ballot. Photo: The NYS Senate begins the 2017 session of the NYS Legislature begins Wednesday Jan. 4, 2017 in Albany, NY. (Photo by John Carl D'Annibale /Albany Times Union via Getty Images)       Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Aziz Huq, professor of law at the University of Chicago Law School and author of The Rule of Law: A Very Short Introduction (Oxford University Press, 2024) previews the end of this year's Supreme Court term, including major cases concerning birthright citizenship, Temporary Protected Status and more. Photo: WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 6: The U.S. Supreme Court is seen at sunset on June 6, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Kevin Carter/Getty Images)     Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michael Scherer, staff writer at The Atlantic, talks about his reporting on the conflicts over the 250th anniversary celebration. Photo: LAKELAND, FL - MARCH 12: A detailed view of the special commemorative 250th anniversary American Flag flying during the spring training baseball game between the New York Yankees and the Detroit Tigers at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium on March 12, 2026 in Lakeland, Florida. The Yankees defeated the Tigers 4-3. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images)   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As visitors from around the world pour into North Jersey for the World Cup, local listeners share their recommendations for things to do outside of the attending the games. Photo: A FIFA World Cup advertisement featuring the hashtag #WEARE26 at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey. FIFA oversees international soccer competitions, including the World Cup. From June to July 2026, the United States, Canada, and Mexico will jointly host the world's largest international soccer tournament. (Photo by: Deb Cohn-Orbach/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

AI companies are scooping up office space in Manhattan at a pace that is reminiscent of the dot-com boom in the late 90s. Wall Street Journal reporter Isabelle Bousquette talks about what the office leases mean for the job market, plus weighs in on other related issues.   Photo: Large group of programmers working on computers in the office. Focus is on three women from the back. Credit: skynesher   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Francis Farrell, reporter at the Kyiv Independent, talks about the technology Ukraine is deploying against Russia, and how it's affecting the war, plus how the strategies Russia and Ukraine are using on the battlefield are resonating in the Iran war.    Photo: FPV kamikaze drone at sky. Drones at war - stock photo by Anton Petrus Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Franklin Foer, staff writer at the Atlantic and the author of How Soccer Explains the World: An Unlikely Theory of Globalization (Harper Perennial, new edition 2026), talks about the new edition of his book and looks ahead to the start of World Cup.   Photo: LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 09: General view of the Adidas Trionda, official match ball of the FIFA World Cup 2026 at SoFi Stadium on June 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Matt McNulty - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)     Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

After last night's thrilling comeback win, Knicks fans call in to share their mini "Knicks in five" poems, inspired by a fan's viral moment from last week where he cried "My mayor Muslim, my bagel Jewish. My Christian Dior — Knicks in four!" Photo: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks celebrates after his team's 107-106 victory against the San Antonio Spurs in Game Four of the 2026 NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden on June 10, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Brigid Bergin, WNYC's senior political correspondent, recaps the NY1 and WNYC debate she co-moderated with Brian Lehrer and Errol Louis with the candidates in New York's 12th congressional district, who are running in this month's primary for the Democratic nomination to replace the retiring Rep. Jerry Nadler. Photo: Voters cast their ballots at the Community Presbyterian Church on election day in Merrick, New York, on Nov. 4, 2025. (James Carbone/Newsday RM via Getty Images) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Listeners weigh in on the perennial debate, which was reignited recently thanks to Jennifer Lopez's controversial opinion shared in her appearance on Subway Takes. Photo: Danny Lyon July 1974, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As trust in science and institutions has eroded, Laura Lindenfeld, PhD, executive director, Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science and professor of communication at Stony Brook University, explains how improv (and the actor Alan Alda), is helping scientists improve their communication skills with the hope of winning back the skeptics.   Photo: Teacher With Male And Female Drama Students At Performing Arts School In Studio Improvisation Class. Photo by monkeybusinessimages.   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As part of the yearlong series "Wild NYC," Marielle Anzelone, urban botanist and ecologist and the founder of NYC Wildflower Week, and Clara Holmes, plant ecologist at New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, talk about the challenges facing local wildflowers and native plants and how to preserve them. => NYC Native Plants (NYC Parks)   Photo: Narrow-leaved Blue-eyed Grass -  native wildflower with grasslike leaves and small blue-violet flowers. Grows in open sandy meadows in low wet spots. Uncommon in NYC and locally rare. {Marielle Anzelone) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Bill Bradley, two-time NBA champion with the Knicks and former U.S. Senator (D NJ), host of American Voices on Sirius XM and featured in the autobiographical documentary "Rolling Along: Bill Bradley" talks about this year's NBA finals, reflects on his own championship season, and more.   Photo: NEW YORK - CIRCA 1970: Bill Bradley #24 of the New York Knicks in action against the San Francisco Warriors during an NBA basketball game circa 1970 at Madison Square Garden in the Manhattan borough of New York City. Bradley played for the Knicks from 1967-77. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)     Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In an ongoing push to end gender affirming care for minors, the Trump administration has requested the medical records of trans youths at both NYU Langone and Mount Sinai. Caroline Lewis, health care reporter for WNYC and Gothamist, shares her reporting on how the hospitals are complying with the subpoena and the broader reaction from parents, politicians, and trans-rights advocates.     Photo: Medical records in file cabinet at doctor's office. (Photo by fotofrog/Getty Images)     Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Amid the ongoing Ebola outbreak, doctors in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are treating symptomatic patients and facing shortages of crucial protective and diagnostic equipment. Amy Maxmen, PhD, public health correspondent and editor at KFF Health News, reports on the situation.   MONGBWALU, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO - MAY 24: Community members watch as health workers wearing protective equipment prepare for a safe burial operation in the community of Mongbwalu on May 24, 2026 in Mongbwalu, Ituri Province, Democratic Republic of Congo. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda a "public health emergency of international concern," as the death toll and number of confirmed cases continue to rise. The current epidemic is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, one of several Orthoebolaviruses that can cause Ebola disease, and for which there are no approved vaccines. The highest number of cases have been reported in Congo's eastern Ituri province, bordering Uganda. Global health officials have expressed grave concern over the capacity to contain the outbreak in a region already facing a humanitarian crisis, with highly mobile populations displaced by conflict and economic factors. (Photo by Michel Lunanga/Getty Images)   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As Flag Day and America's 250th approach, Pride month is underway, and the World Cup is about to kick off. Listeners call in to share what flags they are flying, and what they mean.   Photo: Flags of different countries waving in the wind. Photo by: Oliver Helbig/Getty Images Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Antonio Reynoso, Brooklyn borough president, Claire Valdez, NYS assembly member (37th district, Long Island City, Sunnyside, Woodside, Maspeth, and Ridgewood), union organizer and artist, and Julie Won, New York City council member (district 26), discuss the key issues in their campaign to be the Democratic nominee in New York's 7th Congressional district. Photo: An election ballot box is seen at a polling site in upper Manhattan where people cast their vote for the 2020 U.S Presidential Election, in New York City, United States on November 03, 2020. (Photo by Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

New York City's unemployment rate is higher than it was before the coronavirus pandemic, and job growth has stalled. James Parrott, senior fellow and senior advisor at the Center for New York City Affairs at the New School, talks about factors contributing to these economic concerns. Photo: A 'help wanted' advertisement is displayed in Manhattan on January 09, 2026, in New York City. The Labor Department reported on Friday that employers added 50,000 jobs in December, bringing the unemployment rate down to 4.4% (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ben Rhodes, contributing opinion writer for the New York Times, co-host of Pod Save the World, an advisor to former president Barack Obama and the author of All We Say: The Battle for American Identity: A History in 15 Speeches (Random House, 2026), talks about his new book that tells the history of the United States and its central conflicts through public speeches, from Benjamin Franklin to Donald Trump. Photo: U.S. President Barack Obama speaks to supporters during his farewell speech at McCormick Place on January 10, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Darren Hauck/Getty Images) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Christina Norman, chief creative officer at The Moth, and Juan Rodriguez, senior manager, community engagement at The Moth, talk about their new workshop for potential storytellers, related to their new project with the National September Memorial and Museum for the 25th anniversary of the attacks. The Moth & The 9/11 Memorial & Museum Information Session, virtual, June 10 at 7pm. Photo: The Corn Moon rises behind the skyline of lower Manhattan as the Tribute in Light is tested ahead of the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks in New York City on September 8, 2025, as seen from Jersey City, New Jersey. (Photo by Gary Hershorn via Getty) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Three of our favorite segments from the week, in case you missed them. Ask the Mayor  (First) | Queer Saints (Starts at 30:16) | New Slang (Starts at 51:45) If you don't subscribe to the Brian Lehrer Show on iTunes, you can do that here. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Elana Schor, senior Washington editor at Semafor, talks about the news out of Washington this week, including how some Republican senators are standing up to President Trump on war powers, the $1.8 billion dollar payout fund and more. Photo: Martin Falbisoner, US Capitol and Grant Memorial, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Chair and executive director of the NYC Civic Engagement Commission (CEC) Sarah Sayeed, and the "People's Artist" at the CEC Yazmany Arboleda, talk about this year's round of citywide participatory budgeting for projects in each borough and how and where to vote.   Photo: Paul Stein, Hooping at New York City Dance Parade, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Sarah Kliff, investigative health care reporter for The New York Times, talks about her reporting on the booming business of autism treatment clinics, where she found allegations of fraud, and even harm to the children the centers aim to help. Photo: Karen Lajmoraki, L, an instructional assistant, works with Steven Moshuris, R, an autistic student who uses an iPad as a communication device, at Belle View Elementary School on April 11, 2012, in Alexandria, VA. This is an autism classroom where students are using iPads as communication devices and also to work on social skills and conversation. (Jahi Chikwendiu/The Washington Post via Getty Images) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Co-hosts of WNYC's Radiolab Latif Nasser and Lulu Miller preview their live Tribeca Festival event where they will explore how and why we get goosebumps and how we experience sweetness.   Photo: Kai Oberhäuser memoryonsounds, Microphone (Unsplash), CC0, via Wikimedia Commons  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

U.S. Representative Adriano Espaillat (D, NY-13) and challenger Darializa Avila Chevalier, an organizer and activist, discuss the key issues in their campaign to be the Democratic nominee in New York's 13th Congressional district.   Photo: diego_cue, Harlem - New York (NYC) - USA, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

New Jersey reporters for WNYC and Gothamist Michael Sol Warren and Mike Hayes recap this month's "Ask Governor Sherrill" call-in show, hosted by Michael Hill, including the discussion on the Delaney Hall ICE facility, this week's primary election results and more. Photo: New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill holds hold a press conference regarding Delaney Hall, located in Newark, N.J., with Attorney General Jennifer Davenport, New Jersey State Police Acting Superintendent Jeanne Hengemuhle, and Deputy Superintendent Lieutenant Colonel David Sierotowicz, at New Jersey State Police Newark Station in Newark, N.J. on Sunday, May 31, 2026. (Office of Governor / Tim Larsen) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Martha Raddatz, ABC News' chief global affairs correspondent and 'This Week' co-anchor and the author of The Hero Next Door: Stories of Patriotism and Purpose (Avid Reader Press/Simon & Schuster, 2026), highlights the courage and heroism of members of the U.S. military.Photo: Kyle Osterhoudt, U.S. Military Academy, Celebration Time: Graduates of the U.S. Military Academy celebrate as the Army's newest officers during a commencement ceremony at West Point, N.Y., May 24, 2025. For the Class of 2025 Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tweens, teenagers and their parents call to share a language lesson on some of the popular slang of 2026.   Image: TikTok app icon on a mobile phone (Solen Feyissa, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

David Remnick, editor of The New Yorker and the host of The New Yorker Radio Hour, talks about the latest national political news, including the latest regarding the midterm elections, the Democratic Party's identity crisis and more.Photo: U.S. Senate candidate from Maine Graham Platner speaks during a campaign event at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6859 on May 17, 2026, in Portland, Maine. Platner is expected to be the presumptive Democratic nominee and would face off against Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) for the Senate seat in the general election. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Elizabeth Kim, Gothamist and WNYC reporter, discusses the issues Mayor Mamdani talked about in his first "ask the mayor" segment, including his defense of hiring more NYPD officers.Photo: Mayor Mamdani briefs the media regarding security for the Israel Day Parade with NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch. 1 Police Plaza, Manhattan. Thursday, May 28, 2026. Credit: Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Reilly Steel, associate professor of law at Columbia Law School, talks about the ways that businesses interact with politics, especially as it relates to their public support (or lack thereof) of LGBTQ issues during Pride month.Photo: DimiTalen, LGBT pride flags, Zeedijk, Amsterdam, 2022, Date 2 August 2022, 11:13:15, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Where do you draw the line? World Cup tickets at MetLife Stadium and Knicks home tickets for the NBA Finals are going for thousands of dollars. Listeners tell us what sporting events they're attending at affordable costs?  Photo: Fans wait for tickets prior to the start of the game between the Florida Marlins and the New York Mets during their Opening Day game at Citi Field on April 5, 2010. (Chris McGrath/Getty Images) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

State lawmakers have finally approved a budget; now what? Jimmy Vielkind, New York State issues reporter for WNYC, talks about the work left to do as the Albany session comes to a close, and lawmakers mull over the redistricting process, pricing rules and other big legislative priorities. Photo: New York State Capitol viewed from the south, located on the north end of the Empire State Plaza in Albany, New York (Photo by Matt H. Wade via Wikimedia Commons/CC-BY-SA-3.0) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Nancy Redd, a writer covering health and personal care at Wirecutter,  the product recommendation service from The New York Times, talks about what to look for in choosing the best sunscreen. Photo: Stock image by fcafotodigital/iStock via Getty Creative Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Zohran Mamdani, New York City mayor, takes questions from listeners and talks about the big news in the city, and other issues important to New Yorkers, including trans healthcare, pedestrian safety and childcare. Graphic by WNYC Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Charles Stile, political columnist at The Record / northjersey.com, offers a preview of the competitive congressional primaries in New Jersey. And Dustin Gardiner, co-author of Politico's California Playbook, previews of the big races in California that voters are deciding on Tuesday, including for governor and mayor of Los Angeles. Photo: Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass greets customers at Pann's Restaurant on June 01, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Susan Glasser, staff writer at The New Yorker and author of a weekly column on life in Washington and co-host of The Political Scene podcast and the author (with Peter Baker) of The Divider: Trump in the White House, 2017-2021 (Doubleday, 2022), as well as Evan Osnos, staff writer at The New Yorker, co-host of the podcast "The Political Scene" and the author of The Haves and Have-Yachts: Dispatches on the Ultrarich (Scribner, 2025), comment on the latest national political news, including the outlook for the 2026 midterm elections. Photo: James Talarico, Democratic nominee for a closely-watched U.S. Senate race in Texas this year, delivers remarks at a rally in September 2025. (Credit: H. Michael Karshis via Wikimedia Commons CC BY 4.0) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Arya Sundaram, WNYC and Gothamist reporter covering race and immigration, breaks down the latest in New Jersey, including why the mayor of Newark on Sunday announced a partial curfew following repeated clashes near a federal immigration detention center, and Charles Stile, political columnist at The Record / northjersey.com, offers a preview of Tuesday's NJ congressional primaries. Photo: Police clash with protesters outside the federal immigration center at Delaney Hall, where ICE is housing detained immigrants, on May 30, 2026 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Antonio Pagliarulo, writer and author of Queer Saints: A Radical Guide to Magic, Miracles, and Modern Intercession (Weiser Books), talks about the role of saints in people's lives, within the Catholic Church and beyond, and offers his list of saints specifically for the LGBTQ+ community. Photo: Cover art for Queer Saints. (Credit: Red Wheel/Weiser Books) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani will be joining the show tomorrow for his inaugural "Ask the Mayor" segment. Listeners call in to share questions they'd like to ask the new mayor. Photo: New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani delivers remarks about the fiscal year 2027 budget in New York City Hall, New York, U.S., May 12, 2026. (Photo by Mostafa Bassim/Anadolu via Getty Images) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Three of our favorite segments from the week, in case you missed them. The States and Redistricting (First) | Marriage in Context (Starts at 31:00) | All of It Summer Reading Challenge (Starts at 57:15) If you don't subscribe to the Brian Lehrer Show on iTunes, you can do that here. Photo: Oliver Larkin, Democratic candidate for Congress in Florida's 23rd district, speaks during an emergency town hall that he held to address Florida Republicans' newly approved congressional redistricting map (seen on wall) on May 04, 2026 in Coral Springs, Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Rockland County legislator Beth Davidson, Tarrytown Village trustee Effie Phillips-Staley, lawyer, former television reporter and democracy advocate Mike Sacks and Cait Conley, army veteran, former director for counterterrorism on the National Security Council and senior executive at cybersecurity and infrastructure security agency, discuss key issues as they campaign in the June primary election to be the Democratic nominee for Congress for New York's 17th congressional district. Photo: Views of West Haverstraw and Haverstraw in Rockland County, New York (Photo by Alexisrael via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.