The Brian Lehrer Show

Staphylococcus aureus (University of Liverpool)

What to do about MRSA?

Wednesday, October 31, 2007

The family of a Brooklyn boy who died from the “superbug” staph infection MRSA has sued the hospital that initially treated him. City Health Commissioner Thomas Frieden is trying to allay parents’ fears about the spread of the bacteria in local schools. Frieden will join us to discuss MRSA, and field your calls. Also, some of the area’s spookiest places; Democratic debate analysis; and educating high-achieving lower-income students.

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MRSA Risks

Dr. Thomas Frieden, New York City Commissioner in the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, talks about the risks of contracting MRSA in New York City.

Debating Parties

Todd Gitlin, professor of journalism and sociology at Columbia University and the author of The Bulldozer and the Big Tent: Blind Republicans, Lame Democrats, and the Recovery of American Ideals (Wiley, 2007), analyzes the Democratic candidates' debate and talks about political affiliation in general.

Listen to the debate

The Bulldozer and the Big Tent is available for purchase at Amazon.com.

Talent-Rich and Resource-Poor

Joshua Wyner, executive vice president of the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, argues the nation is ignoring the needs of lower-income gifted students in their report, Achievement Trap: How America is Failing 3.4 Million High-Achieving Students from Lower-Income Families (9/10/2007). For the local story, he’s joined by John King, managing director of the Excellence and Preparatory Networks for Uncommon Schools, a nonprofit charter management organization and Jacqueline Wayans, freelance reporter for InsideSchools.org and a former PTA president of the Talented & Gifted School for Young Scholars. Ms. Wayans is a co-author of New York City's Best Public High Schools: A Parents' Guide, Third Edition (Teachers College Press; 3rd edition, 2007)

Spooky Spots

Chris Gethard is the author of Weird New York. He joins us this Halloween to discuss scary local people and places. Comment below with your spookiest local spot.

Weird Stories