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The Brian Lehrer Show / June 30, 2009

The Brian Lehrer Show

Tuesday, June 30, 2009
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  • world trade center site

    Development Watch

    The original World Trade Center site was also mired in political and financial squabbling. So, what’s the latest for the planned redevelopment, and what can be learned from past efforts? Also, the stimulus bill has created jobs, but many transportation advocates are underwhelmed by the effects on roads and bridges. Plus, the rising price of female eggs used for stem cell research; and how good coffee finally took over New York.

Albany: Down to the Wire

WNYC reporter Beth Fertig will update the status of mayoral control negotiations and the contingency plans being worked on if it expires. Then, Lawrence Levy, Executive Director of the National Center for Suburban Studies at Hofstra and former columnist for Newsday, to discuss how Long Island and other local communities are preparing for the worst.

Gridlock at Ground Zero

New York Times reporter Charles V. Bagli, discusses the politics and funding issues surrounding the development at the World Trade Center site. Plus, Miriam Greenberg, assistant professor of Sociology at UC Santa Cruz and author of Branding New York: How a City in Crisis Was Sold to the World, explains the similarities between development at the site now and in the 70's.

WNYC Talk to Me Lecture Series: Miriam Greenberg on Branding NY

Coffee

Coffeetown

While New York is undoubtedly part of the culinary vanguard, it's only recently that top-notch coffee has come to the city. Even so, many New Yorkers will never relinquish their bodega brew. Liz Clayton, coffee blogger at Twitchy.org, recently wrote about the history of NYC coffee shops in Edible Manhattan. She assesses the state of brew culture in New York City.

What's your favorite cup of Joe? Are you still loyal to your bodega brew or do you savor every sip? Why is New York behind other cities when it comes to coffee? Comment below!

Eggs for Sale

The Empire State Stem Cell Board recently announced that stem cell researchers in New York can use public money to pay women who donate their eggs for research. Brooke Ellison, 2006 state senate candidate, quadriplegic and advisory board member to the Genetics Policy Institute and Fr. Thomas Berg, executive director of the Westchester Institute for Ethics & the Human Person and a member of New York State Stem Cell Science's ethics committee, discuss the decision.

Do you think it's ethical to compensate women for egg donation? Would you donate your eggs--and if so, why? For the money--or to further scientific research? Comment below!

In Transit

Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY8) is helping to craft the House's massive transportation bill. He talks about its priorities--and how it might be funded.

Summer Reading

Now that the rain has stopped (at least temporarily), it's possible to imagine a time when one might be able to lounge on beach blanket with a gripping book in hand. Laura Miller, senior writer at Salon.com and author of The Magician's Book: A Skeptic's Adventures in Narnia, talks about what to pack in your tote bag--from guilty pleasures to edifying reads.

What are you most looking forward to reading this summer? Comment below!

30 issues in 30 days graphic

30 Issues in 30 Days

The Brian Lehrer Show

Once again, 30 Issues in 30 Days is taking on the election season by going beyond the horse race and examining the real issues that are at stake for the people of New York and New Jersey in the Mayoral and Gubernatorial contest. See the schedule and help craft the segments at the 30 Issues Wiki!

Michael Moore on Brian's 20th Anniversary

The Brian Lehrer Show

Live from the Greene Space: Michael Moore talks about his new documentary, Capitalism: A Love Story and Brian celebrates the 20 year anniversary of The Brian Lehrer Show.

A person dressed as a bear to represent a bear market performs outside the New York Stock Exchange on October 6, 200 in New York. Wall Street tumbled after the opening bell as fallout from the credit crisis triggered concerns about the economy and the Dow fell below 10,000 for the first time in four years.

Uncommon Indicators

The Brian Lehrer Show

The Brian Lehrer Show wants to hear how the economy is affecting the little things in your daily life. Share your stories and photos of the downturn.

Help us map abandoned lots, stalled construction and unsold condos.

Digesting Politics

Brian, Bob, and Andrea

WNYC's political team of Brian Lehrer, Bob Hennelly, and Andrea Bernstein talk politics and more over lunch each week. Hear the latest episode and subscribe to the podcast here!

Video Picks

The Brian Lehrer Show

Check out some recent video clips of interviews with guests and Brian Lehrer's weekly Web video picks.