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Mayor Bloomberg’s 2009 budget cuts funding to most city agencies, but not the Department of Education. We crunch the numbers and look at the city’s spending priorities. Also: the FDA holds hearings on LASIK surgery, and cutting-edge sustainable transportation ideas from around the world. Finally: it’s not just Friday, it’s Follow-Up Friday, with more of listener poetry in honor of National Poetry Month.
Mixed Fiscal Forecast
Yesterday Michael Bloomberg unveiled the 2009 budget for New York City. The speech wasn't all doom and gloom, but Bloomberg made one thing very clear: New York is living beyond its means. New York Daily News reporter Kate Lucadamo crunches the numbers.
Budget Snapshot: Education
WNYC reporter Elaine Rivera unpacks what's in store for 2009 on the educational front.
Looking Down on LASIK
LASIK eye surgery is losing popularity, and dissatisfied patients are becoming increasingly vocal about botched procedures. The FDA recently held hearings last week to research the problems behind LASIK. Barnaby Feder from The New York Times tells us more. Plus, we're holding our own hearing: Have you had LASIK surgery? ...
How They Do It There: Transportation
Walter Hook, executive director of the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy, talks about cutting-edge transportation ideas from around the world.
Follow Up Friday: High Rent
On Wednesday, we did a segment on the high cost of rent in New York City. We follow-up with the story that city landlords may ask to for a 15% rent hike in rent-regulated buildings. What's behind the sharp increase? Daily News reporter Adam Lisberg explains.
Open Phones: Subway Musicians
The "Subway Idol" auditions took place yesterday, part of the MTA's Music Under New York program. We open the phones and the comment page for those who have performed in the subway, and to hear about your favorite subway musician. Comment below!
Poetry Follow Up Friday
To celebrate National Poetry Month, we asked for poetry submissions from listeners about their favorite Brian Lehrer segments. Each poet was instructed to begin their verse with the words, "I heard." On Wednesday, we arranged for some of our favorites to be read on-air. Alas, when we called poet ...