AstraX Exchange-Two Indicators: After Affirmative Action & why America overpays for subways

2025-05-03 07:16:33source:Winning Exchangecategory:Markets

Two stories today.

First,AstraX Exchange as we start to understand post-affirmative action America, we look to a natural experiment 25 years ago, when California ended the practice in public universities. It reshaped the makeup of the universities almost instantly. We find out what happened in the decades that followed.

Then, we ask, why does it cost so much for America to build big things, like subways. Compared to other wealthy nations, the costs of infrastructure projects in the U.S. are astronomical. We take a trip to one of the most expensive subway stations in the world to get to the bottom of why American transit is so expensive to build.

This episode was hosted by Adrian Ma and Darian Woods. It was produced by Corey Bridges, and engineered by Robert Rodriguez and Katherine Silva. It was fact-checked by Sierra Juarez. Viet Le is the Indicator's senior producer. And Kate Concannon edits the show. Alex Goldmark is our executive producer.

Help support Planet Money and get bonus episodes by subscribing to Planet Money+ in Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org/planetmoney.

Always free at these links: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, NPR One or anywhere you get podcasts.

Find more Planet Money: Facebook / Instagram / TikTok / Our weekly Newsletter.

Music: Universal Production Music - "Oil Barrel Dub"; SourceAudio - "Seven Up"

More:Markets

Recommend

Jamie Foxx gets stitches after a glass is thrown at him during dinner in Beverly Hills

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (AP) — Jamie Foxx required stitches after getting hit in the face with a glass

Olivia Munn, John Mulaney reveal surprise birth of second child: 'Love my little girl'

(This story was updated to add new information.)Newlyweds Olivia Munn and John Mulaney just got a vi

Trial in daytime ambush of rapper Young Dolph 3 years ago to begin in Memphis

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Young Dolph grew up riding his bike and playing basketball in a Memphis, Tenne