Press Play with Madeleine Brand
For Some, a Chaotic Morning Commute on the New Expo Line
A car crash led to commute chaos on the first day of regular Expo Line service to Santa Monica. Commuters endured long delays, but no one has waited longer than Alan Weeks, who rode the rail again to the beach after 63 years.
By Madeleine Brand • • 51m ListenIt was an inauspicious official first day of service on the Expo Line after a drunk driver crashed through a fence and onto the tracks Monday morning. Will the commute chaos dissuade new potential riders? Commuters may have endured delays Monday, but it’s been a much longer wait for retired Metro worker Alan Weeks, who rode the last Santa Monica Air Line car from downtown to Santa Monica in 1953 before the line was abandoned.
Also, Bernie Sanders supporters filed a lawsuit in California demanding the state extend the voter registration deadline. What are voter registration rules so confusing?
Then, in his new book, Ron Miscavige writes about working in the Church of Scientology’s Sea Org, how he escaped, and how his son, David Miscavige, became the secretive leader of Scientology.
And finally, the ongoing migrant crisis and economic stagnation in Europe has boosted the popularity of right-wing, anti-immigrant political parties. Is something similar happening in the U.S?
In this episode
5 storiesCar Crash Disrupts Morning Commute on the Expo Line
At the height of the commute Monday morning, the first day of regular service for the new Expo Line, the optimism was quickly tamped down because a drunk driver crashed through a fence and onto the tracks near Western Avenue, blocking trains from running in both directions.
Read the story9 minAfter More than 60 years, Rail Enthusiast Takes Train to Santa Monica Again
Retired Metro worker and rail enthusiast Alan Weeks waited more than 60 years to ride the train to Santa Monica again. In 1953, he was one of just a few passengers who rode the last Pacific Electric Railway car – also known as the Santa Monica Air Line – to Santa Monica from downtown Los Angeles before it was demolished.
Read the story8 minSanders Supporters Sue to Extend Calif. Voter Registration Deadline
Both Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton visited Los Angeles Monday to try to gin up new voters and campaign contributions. May 23 is the last day for voters to register to be eligible to vote in the June 7 California primary. That deadline to register could be pushed back, however, if a group of Bernie Sanders supporters has its way.
Read the story9 minRon Miscavige's 'Ruthless' Chronicles His Escape from Scientology, and His Son David’s Rise
It was March 25, 2012 and Hemet residents Ron and Becky had loaded up their Ford Focus wagon to set out to start a new life in Wisconsin. It was not a typical cross-country move. In the months leading up to it, the couple had to slowly and surreptitiously mail most of their belongings to Becky’s mom.
Read the story15 minThe Popularity of Right-Wing Political Parties in Europe
The ongoing migrant crisis and economic stagnation in Europe has boosted the popularity of some right-wing, anti-immigrant political parties. On Monday, a candidate with the far-right, anti-immigrant Freedom Party lost the presidential race in Austria, but only by a tiny margin. The election came down to mail-in votes.
Read the story7 min
