To the Point
GM Recall: How Much Did They Know and When Did They Know It?
For ten years, GM failed to recall Chevy Cobalts and other cars with defective ignition switches linked to at least 13 fatal accidents. Was there criminal action?
By Warren Olney • • 51m ListenOver the weekend, General Motors increased this year's vehicle recalls to 4.8 million — six times more than it recalled last year. But, for almost 10 years, it failed to recall Chevy Cobalts and other cars with defective ignition switches linked to at least 13 fatal accidents. Was there criminal action? We get the background as CEO Mary Barra prepares to testify on Capitol Hill starting tomorrow. Also, a UN 'Climate Change' report says entire planet being affected, and Cesar Chavez, warts and all. A recent biography reveals a more complex life than the new movie.
Banner image: Consulting materials engineer Mark Hood shows the ignition assembly which has a faulty 2005 ignition switch (black piece at left), in the mechanical testing laboratory at McSwain Engineering, Inc. in Pensacola, Florida, March 28, 2014. Photo: Michael Spooneybarger/Reuters
In this episode
3 storiesUN 'Climate Change' Report Says Entire Planet Being Affected
More than 110 governments across the globe have now agreed that climate change already threatens the systems that support human existence, and that global action must be taken immediately. That's the latest report of the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Eric Holthaus is a meteorologist who writes for Future Tense on Slate.com.
Read the story8 minGM on the Hot Seat — All Over Again
For many years, General Motors knowingly installed ignition switches that failed to meet specifications in Chevy Cobalts and other small cars. Since then, at least 13 people have died in accidents linked to defective switches GM could have replaced for $2.
Read the story33 minCesar Chavez Gets Close-up in a First-of-Its-Kind Biography
Ten states recognize this as Cesar Chavez Day . In California, Colorado and Texas it's an official holiday. Arguably the most important Latino leader in US history, in the 1960's Chavez organized poor Mexican farm workers against rich California farmers using boycotts, marches and other forms of nonviolent action.
Read the story11 min
