Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Commuter Train Safety and Sexual Assault Allegations at Bikram Yoga
Early this morning, a Metrolink commuter train derailed after crashing into a truck on the tracks in Oxnard, injuring 28 people. We look at Metrolink’s accident and safety records. Also, inflation at “the happiest place on earth.”
By Madeleine Brand • • 52m ListenEarly this morning, a Metrolink commuter train derailed after crashing into a truck on the tracks in Oxnard, injuring 28 people. We look at Metrolink’s accident and safety records. Then, prices are up at Disneyland: We look at the economics of amusement parks, and an auction of Disneyland memorabilia happening next weekend. Next, in two recent, high-profile cases of police officers killing suspects -- in Ferguson, Missouri and Staten Island, New York -- grand juries decided not to prosecute the officers involved. Is it time to handle these cases differently? We hear about a California State Senator’s new bill. And finally, the founder of Bikram yoga is facing sexual assault lawsuits. What are the cases alleging, and how did Bikram Choudhury turn an ancient discipline into a multi-million dollar empire?
Banner Image: Bikram Choudhury leading a class at Bikram's Yoga College of India in San Diego
In this episode
5 storiesMetrolink’s Safety Record
Early this morning, a Metrolink commuter train derailed after crashing into a truck on the tracks in Oxnard, injuring 28 people. Seven years ago, a deadly crash in Chatsworth prompted Metrolink to implement new safety measures. Congress also demanded more sophisticated safety systems be implemented across the country by the end of 2015.
Read the story9 minPrices Up at Disney Theme Parks
Disney announced this week that it would hike ticket prices at theme parks across the country. But Disney’s theme parks made $15 billion in revenue last year. They’re the second biggest money maker for the company, just behind its media properties division, the part of Disney that manages the Disney Channel and ESPN.
Read the story7 minA Disney Auction
A book of eight tickets to Disneyland would have set you back $2.50 when the theme park opened 60 years ago. You can’t get original prices anymore, but you can buy one of those original ticket books, and whole lot of other Disneyland stuff, next weekend.
Read the story9 minGrand Juries and Police Shootings
The police have a dangerous job. And when they kill a suspect, we tend to give them the benefit of the doubt. It’s rare that officers are prosecuted for killing or harming a suspect. Just yesterday, Los Angeles’ district attorney refused to indict three officers involved in the fatal shooting of an unarmed man who lead them on a high speed chase.
Read the story14 minBikram Yoga and Sexual Assault Allegations
There’s a new twist in a long-running sex scandal involving a Beverly Hills-based yoga guru. A sixth woman is suing Bikram Choudhury, the founder of Bikram yoga, over sexual assault allegations. Choudhury built an empire on his brand of hot yoga, which involves a 90-minute sequence of poses performed in 105-degree rooms.
Read the story8 min
