The Brian Lehrer Show

A Washington Post article explained how most families have a secret language that only they understand, or a "familect" as some linguists call it.  Listeners call in to share the words in their family that only they use, which are often conjured in the minds of small children and then used for years down the road.

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Kyle Cheney, senior legal affairs reporter for Politico, talks about President Trump's attempts to send National Guard troops into Portland and Chicago, how states are reacting and why a federal judge keeps blocking the plan for Portland.

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Three of our favorite segments from the week, in case you missed them.

Christopher Eisgruber, president of Princeton University, talks about issues of free speech (First) | A 30 Issues in 30 Days debate about involuntary hospitalization of New Yorkers with severe and untreated mental illnesses (Starts at 29:48) | Your favored (and least favored) seasons (Starts at 1:17:46)

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Sophia Wohl , deputy director of stewardship, environment and planning at NYC Parks Department, talks about Saturday's celebrations of City of Forest Day with events around town, plus offers guidance for caring for the trees and forests near you.

=> City of Forest Day events

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Giulia Heyward, WNYC and Gothamist reporter, talks about how New York officials are dealing with the Trump administration's attempts to roll back legal protections for the LGBTQ community.

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Larry Higgs, commuting and transport reporter at NJ Advance Media, talks about the state of NJ Transit and where the candidates stand on tolls, construction of new transit projects, congestion pricing and more.

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Russell Berman, a staff writer at The Atlantic, talks about the New Jersey governor's race and its national bellwether status, plus the latest shutdown news.

"The Blue State That’s Now a Bellwether" (The Atlantic, Sept 29, 2025)

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More young people under the age of 50 are getting diagnosed with early-onset cancers and researchers are trying to figure out why. Nina Agrawal, health reporter for The New York Times, explains what they have found so far, and what is still unknown.

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Politico congressional reporter Nicholas Wu talks about the latest on the federal shutdown and other national political news.

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Inspired by an article in The Atlantic that shares recommendations for a "happy start to the day," listeners call in to share their morning routines, and explain why it helps them get going; plus Michael Hill, WNYC's Morning Edition host, shares his ultra-early routine.

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