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    Back to To the Point

    To the Point

    Bridges, Roads and Power Grids: Our Aging Infrastructure

    Last week's bridge collapse in Washington has focused attention on our aging infrastructure. Is it time for federal spending for repair and to stimulate the economy?

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    By Warren Olney • May 29, 2013 • 51m Listen

    Last week's bridge collapse on an Interstate freeway in Washington State has re-focused attention on America's aging infrastructure. Could it happen to you? What are the consequences for the economy? Is it time for federal spending for repair and construction, and to stimulate the economy? Also, the first drone strike after Obama's policy shift roils Pakistan, and Michele Bachmann drops out of politics.

    Banner image: Workers remove the second vehicle from rive after the Skagit River Bridge collapse. Photo: Washington State Department of Transportation

    In this episode

    3 stories
    1. 0:00

      First Drone Strike after Obama's Policy Shift Roils Pakistan

      An American drone strike has killed the deputy leader of Pakistan's Taliban, a group with close links to al Qaeda. It's the first such attack since President Obama called for a new drone policy and two weeks since Pakistan's presidential election.

      Read the story
      8 min
    2. 8:14

      Will Fixing the Infrastructure Help Repair the Economy?

      The collapse of the Skagit River Bridge on Interstate 5 in Washington State has shut down a major artery between Seattle and Vancouver, Canada. All it took was a truck with an oversized load. A pickup truck and an SUV fell into very cold water.

      Read the story
      35 min
    3. 43:44

      Michele Bachmann Is Calling It Quits

      Minnesota Republican Michele Bachmann won her fourth term in Congress last year by less than 5000 votes. Now says she won't run for re-election next year. Bachmann has a gift for raising money and for arousing the passions of conservative voters. What could her decision mean for the GOP — and for the Democrats?

      Read the story
      8 min
    • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

      Warren Olney

      former KCRW broadcaster

    • KCRW placeholder

      Christian Bordal

      Managing Producer, Greater LA

    • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

      Evan George

      Director of Content, News

    • KCRW placeholder

      Katie Cooper

      Producer, 'One year Later'

      NewsNationalPolitics

    In this episode

    3 stories
    1. 0:008 min

      First Drone Strike after Obama's Policy Shift Roils Pakistan

    2. 8:1435 min

      Will Fixing the Infrastructure Help Repair the Economy?

    3. 43:448 min

      Michele Bachmann Is Calling It Quits

    Back to To the Point