Brian Lehrer Weekend: El Niño; NYC Schools & AI; Jeff Spurgeon
Summary
Kusha Avidar hosts a special episode featuring two segments. First, she interviews New York Times reporter David Gellis about the early onset of El Niño, its intensified effects due to climate change, and the resulting economic and public health impacts. Second, WNYC education reporter Jessica Gould discusses NYC’s new policy pausing AI use for students through eighth grade, alongside delays in payments for the city’s new pre-K program.
Topics discussed
Show intro and weekend segment overview
Explaining El Niño mechanics and guest introduction
Early onset El Niño and attribution science
California weather impacts and listener call-in
Study on climate change intensifying El Niño
Regional weather variations and Kiribati case study
US winter forecasts and listener call on climate
Economic impacts of extreme weather on businesses
Behavioral changes: summer camps and NYC advice
Promotion of Times Climate Forward event
NYC schools AI policy announcement and context
Details of AI moratorium and implementation challenges
Free 2K program funding issues for providers
Listener calls on AI risks and education concerns
Teacher perspectives on AI and testing logistics
Paraprofessional shortage and union legal dispute
Classroom adaptations and AI literacy debates
Wrap-up of education segment
Jeff Spurgeon retirement and radio medium reflection
Classical music 101 and listener tributes
Closing remarks and sponsorship info
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