Press Play with Madeleine Brand
L.A.’s New Transportation Plan, Women and the GOP, and For-profit Rescue
Many American cities, including Los Angeles, once had thriving public transit. So what happened? And Republican candidates like Donald Trump seem to be making the party’s job of attracting women voters that much harder. But there are still lots of women who are staunch supporters of the GOP. Remember: 44 percent of women voted for Mitt Romney in 2012.
By Madeleine Brand • • 49m ListenThe Los Angeles City Council is on the verge of approving a transportation plan called “Mobility Plan 2035.” It’s supposed to get people out of their cars and cut traffic over the next 20 years. But opponents say the plan could backfire and end up increasing traffic. Many American cities, including Los Angeles, once had thriving public transit. So what happened? Then, so-called “disaster rescue organizations” promise to save you when you’re trapped on the mountain and can’t get down—all for a price of course. But their services are not available to non-paying victims of natural disasters like avalanches or earthquakes, raising touchy ethical questions about the for-profit rescue industry. Finally, if you loved the TV show Empire, you’re about to get even more from the world of Cookie and Lucius than you could have ever imagined.
Banner Image: Train leaving to Downtown LA.
In this episode
5 storiesL.A.'s New Transportation Plan
The Los Angeles City Council is on the verge of approving a transportation plan called 'Mobility Plan 2035.' It's supposed to get people out of their cars and cut traffic over the next 20 years. But opponents say the plan could backfire and end up increasing traffic.
Read the story8 minWhat Happened to L.A.’s Public Transit?
The U.S. spends more on public transportation than most European and Asian countries, but it gets much less bang for its buck. History and geography are part of the explanation: American cities are younger than the European capitals, which were built for walking. Meanwhile, our sprawling suburbs seem to call for automobiles to connect them.
Read the story8 minWomen Voters in the GOP
Republican candidates like Donald Trump seem to be making the party’s job of attracting women voters that much harder. But there are still lots of women who are staunch supporters of the GOP. Remember: 44 percent of women voted for Mitt Romney in 2012. What does this mean for 2016?
Read the story7 minFor-Profit Disaster Rescue Services
If you like risky adventures, you’ve probably considered signing up for a disaster rescue service. These organizations promise to save you when you’re trapped on the mountain and can’t get down—all for a price of course. But their services are not available to non-paying victims of natural disasters like avalanches or earthquakes.
Read the story11 minTV Roundup: Empire Spin-off and More
If you loved the TV show Empire, you’re about to get even more from the world of Cookie and Lucius than you could have ever imagined. Fame, fortune and spin-offs. That and more on our TV roundup.
Read the story11 min
