Kimbal Musks Farm of the Future (Yes, Elons brother) BEME News 2026-09-23 | Kimbal Musks Farm of the Future (Yes, Elons brother)
Will Netflix win the streaming wars? BEME News 2019-08-08 | HBOMax, Disney+, AppleTV+, Netflix, Hulu, Vudu, YouTubeTV… These are just SOME of the participants in the so-called streaming war. But the big question for Lou is - will these new services will affect the cost and experience of watching TV?SOURCES & FURTHER READINGPortals: A Treatise on Internet-Distributed Television (by Amanda Lotz)http://www.amandalotz.com/portals-a-treatise-on-internetdistributed-televisionRayburn’s blogstreamingmediablog.comConviva’s 2018 Annual State of the Streaming TV Industryconviva.com/research/convivas-2018-annual-state-streaming-tv-industryConsumer Reports on Cord-Cuttingconsumerreports.org/tv-service/cord-cutting-decision-what-you-need-to-knowPrince’s study on cord-cutting behaviorresearchgate.net/profile/Jeffrey_Prince4/publication/256055467_Measuring_Consumer_Preferences_for_Video_Content_Provision_Via_Cord-Cutting_Behavior/links/5b2fcc510f7e9b0df5c6d740/Measuring-Consumer-Preferences-for-Video-Content-Provision-Via-Cord-Cutting-Behavior.pdfCREDITSWriter: Louis FogliaEditor: m.choResearcher: Page EllersonSupervising Producer: Allison BrownFollow Beme onInstagram: instagram.com/bemenewsTwitter: twitter.com/bemenewsFacebook: facebook.com/officialbeme
Ending gang violence in Detroit BEME News 2019-08-07 | Detroit’s Red Zone is one of the most dangerous areas in America. Gun violence has been entrenched in its streets, but some residents are rising up to fight for change. Chris James meets up with Dhoruba Diallo, a local activist who is bringing warring gang factions together for a peace march. SOURCES & FURTHER READINGForce Detroithttp://forcedetroit.org CREDITSProducer: Chris JamesCamera: Martin BustamanteEditor: Will ColbySupervising Producer: Allison Brown
Whats behind all the movie remakes? BEME News 2019-08-01 | Remakes, reboots, and sequels like The Lion King, Top Gun, and Iron Man dominate at the box office… even though critics and audiences prefer original content. This paradox has a simple explanation: the power of nostalgia. Lou looks at the psychology behind our affection for old ideas.SOURCES & FURTHER READINGNostalgia Past, Present, and Futuresouthampton.ac.uk/~crsi/Sedikides%20Wildschut%20Arndt%20%20Routledge%202008%20CDir.pdfNostalgia: Content, Triggers, Functionspdfs.semanticscholar.org/1439/aca6a593a10c8ca1fa5d654c87063dd479e1.pdf Klein on Cycles, Sequels, Spin-offs, Remakes and Rebootshttps://utpress.utexas.edu/books/klein-palmer-cycles-sequels-spin-offs-remakes-and-reboots Leitch on There’s No Nostalgia like Hollywood Nostalgiamdpi.com/2076-0787/7/4/101/htm Ho on How Hollywood manipulates you by using your childhood memoriesqz.com/1108122/how-hollywood-manipulates-you-using-your-childhood-memoriesCREDITSWriter: Louis FogliaEditor: Page EllersonResearcher: Dushyant NareshSupervising Producer: Allison BrownFollow Beme onInstagram: instagram.com/bemenewsTwitter: twitter.com/bemenewsFacebook: facebook.com/officialbeme
Youll never be rich BEME News 2019-07-25 | Economic mobility – the heart of the American dream - is on the decline in the United States. That means if you’re born rich, you’ll likely stay there. But if you’re born poor, the odds are you’ll struggle to climb the socioeconomic ladder. Lou explains how inequality fosters this self-perpetuating system and what the US could do to level the playing field.SOURCES & FURTHER READINGThe Pew Charitable Trusts on Economic Mobility in the United Stateshttp://www.pewtrusts.org/~/media/assets/2015/07/fsm-irs-report_artfinal.pdfMiles Corak on Income Inequality, Equality of Opportunity, and Intergenerational Mobilitypubs.aeaweb.org/doi/pdfplus/10.1257/jep.27.3.79Raj Chetty on Improving Opportunities for Economic Mobility: New Evidence and Policy Lessonsstlouisfed.org/publications/bridges/fall-2016/improving-opportunities-for-economic-mobilityEdward Wolff - Household Wealth Trends in the United States, 1962 to 2016: Has Middle Class Wealth Recovered?nber.org/papers/w24085CREDITSWriter: Louis FogliaEditor: Page EllersonResearcher: Dushyant NareshSupervising Producer: Allison BrownFollow Beme onInstagram: instagram.com/bemenewsTwitter: twitter.com/bemenewsFacebook: facebook.com/officialbeme
Freedom of speech in the YouTube era BEME News 2019-07-18 | Have sites like YouTube and Facebook made sharing ideas too accessible? The internet promised to democratize publishing, but have they really encouraged misinformation, extremism, and conspiracy? Lou examines public discourse in the YouTube era.SOURCES & FURTHER READINGKlonick on “The New Governors: The People, Rules, and Processes Governing Online Speech”harvardlawreview.org/2018/04/the-new-governors-the-people-rules-and-processes-governing-online-speechNapoli on “What If More Speech Is No Longer the Solution? First Amendment Theory Meets Fake News and the Filter Bubble”http://www.fclj.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/70.1-Napoli.pdfBarrett on “Tackling Domestic Disinformation: What the Social Media Companies Need to Do” issuu.com/nyusterncenterforbusinessandhumanri/docs/nyu_domestic_disinformation_digital?e=31640827/68184927Lidsky on “Nobody’s Fools: The Rational Audience as First Amendment Ideal” illinoislawreview.org/wp-content/ilr-content/articles/2010/3/Lidsky.pdWall Street Journal Investigation – “How YouTube Drives People to the Internet’s Darkest Corners”wsj.com/articles/how-youtube-drives-viewers-to-the-internets-darkest-corners-1518020478NYT Opinion piece “YouTube, the Great Radicalizer”nytimes.com/2018/03/10/opinion/sunday/youtube-politics-radical.htmlCREDITSProducer: Louis FogliaEditor: Page EllersonResearcher: Dushyant NareshSupervising Producer: Allison BrownFollow Beme onInstagram: instagram.com/bemenewsTwitter: twitter.com/bemenewsFacebook: facebook.com/officialbeme
YouTube’s discrimination problem BEME News 2019-07-16 | For many transgender people, YouTube has become a platform to build a strong community. However, many trans YouTubers face discrimination in the from of algorithmic demonetization and creator harassment. To find out more, Bela visits creator and transgender advocate Ash Hardell. SOURCES & FURTHER READINGBrandon’s Miller study on the transgender Youtube community journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/2056305117716271 Williams Institute survey on Suicide Attempts among Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Adults https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/wp-content/uploads/AFSP-Williams-Suicide-Report-Final.pdfCNN’s reporting on YouTube’s transgender community cnn.com/2019/06/25/tech/youtube-transgender-creators/index.htmlYoutube declines to take down homophobic videos against Carlos Maza cnn.com/2019/06/05/tech/youtube-crowder-demonetize/index.html Full transcript of Susan Wojcicki’s interview at The Code Conference vox.com/recode/2019/6/11/18660779/youtube-ceo-susan-wojcicki-code-conference-peter-kafka-interview-transcript-maza-crowder-lgbtqCHANNELS MENTIONED: Ash Hardell youtube.com/user/HeyThere005DKettchen youtube.com/user/DKettchenPaboga youtube.com/channel/UCjAjzaLiLRgzpqgAX_LOTxA MacDoesIt youtube.com/user/MachaizelliDoesItRobin jaspers youtube.com/channel/UCq5_ElLKTyPPfo7BTFvtu3w Gigi Gorgeous youtube.com/channel/UCzco9CewPf0F-SP1p6LhWrw Nikita Dragun youtube.com/user/NycDRAGUN Ty Turner youtube.com/channel/UCPfeM2tm3T19uPf8pU3VHLg AJ Clementine youtube.com/user/TeaInWonderland14 Miles Chronicles youtube.com/user/AmandasChronicles Sonnis Love youtube.com/channel/UCKKiCZuh8HJ4GAcVYLns1kg TheRealAlexBertie youtube.com/user/TheRealJazzBertie ContraPoints youtube.com/user/ContraPoints Leo Mateus youtube.com/user/MrLeomateus Kailani Loren youtube.com/channel/UCES4yW5jmnSSqUIUpnyCufA Chella Man youtube.com/channel/UCa1vUXV2WMRobPo-ZfEeRhg PRINCESSJOULES youtube.com/user/princessjoules Jammidodger youtube.com/user/MrPinocchio17 Itsbambii playhouse youtube.com/channel/UC8OqHUtb4w50V4tzqnZ3Lsw Emma Ellingsen youtube.com/channel/UCpdmlPZMeDCqhGqzM4Zd1ww uppercaseCHASE1 youtube.com/user/uppercaseCHASE1 CREDITSProducer: Isabela QuinteroCamera: Alice YuEditor: m.choSupervising Producer: Allison BrownFollow Beme onInstagram: instagram.com/bemenewsTwitter: twitter.com/bemenewsFacebook: facebook.com/officialbeme
Why aren’t Millennials buying homes? BEME News 2019-07-11 | Homeownership in the US is on the decline. Meanwhile, rental prices are soaring. For many Millennials with student debt, owning a home is a distant reality. So, will the Millennials stuck in the rental market ever break out of it? Is it a big deal if they don’t? And how are Millennials changing what American homes look like? Lou explains.SOURCES & FURTHER READINGUrban Institute on Millennial Homeownershipurban.org/research/publication/millennial-homeownershipPfeiffer’s paper on Millennial housing in citiestandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/17549175.2019.1626267?journalCode=rjou20&Cory Booker’s affordable housing planmedium.com/@corybooker/corys-plan-to-provide-safe-affordable-housing-forall-americans-da1d83662baaJulián Castro’s people first housing planissues.juliancastro.com/people-first-housingRedfin’s analysis of Elizabeth Warren’s student loan proposalhttp://press.redfin.com/news-releases/news-release-details/redfin-millennials-could-buy-homes-3-years-faster-under-senCREDITSWriter: Louis FogliaEditor: m.choResearcher: Hannah MillerSupervising Producer: Allison BrownFollow Beme onInstagram: instagram.com/bemenewsTwitter: twitter.com/bemenewsFacebook: facebook.com/officialbeme
Should felons be allowed to vote? BEME News 2019-07-09 | Could felons ever vote? An estimated 6.1 million Americans could not vote during the 2016 Presidential Election because of a felony conviction. Each state can set its own rules on whether and how felons can vote.. But, the issue has become a big topic in the 2020 presidential race. Is the right to vote being used as a political tool? SOURCES & FURTHER READINGSentencing Project’s Felony Disenfranchisement: A Primersentencingproject.org/publications/felony-disenfranchisement-a-primerChallenging Criminal Disenfranchisement Under the Voting Rights Act: A New Strategy https://digitalcommons.law.yale.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?referer=https://www.google.com/&httpsredir=1&article=7527&context=ylj'A Chicken-Stealer Shall Lose His Vote': Disfranchisement for Larceny in the South, 1874-1890 papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=1508526Voting Rights Restoration Efforts in Virginia brennancenter.org/analysis/voting-rights-restoration-efforts-virginiaThe Politics of the Restoration of Ex-Felon Voting Rights: The Case of Iowa https://www.sas.upenn.edu/~marcmere/workingpapers/IowaFelons.pdfPublic Attitudes Towards Felon Disenfranchisement in the United States https://www.sas.upenn.edu/~marcmere/workingpapers/IowaFelons.pdfCREDITSWriter: Nora Neus Producer: Jeesoo ParkEditor: Jesse ThreattImage research: Bela QuinteroSupervising Producer: Allison BrownFollow Beme onInstagram: instagram.com/bemenewsTwitter: twitter.com/bemenews
The two-party system has destroyed democracy BEME News 2019-07-04 | Why is there no third party in American politics? Lou explains how Republicans and Democrats seized power and designed a duopoly that prevents political innovation. He takes a look at some of the electoral reforms that might pave the way for new ideas – like ranked-choice voting and multi-member districts.SOURCES & FURTHER READINGVoter Study Group on Spoiler Alertvoterstudygroup.org/publication/spoiler-alertWashington’s Farewell Addressourdocuments.gov/doc.php?flash=false&doc=15&page=transcriptPostell on The Rise and Fall of Political Parties in Americaheritage.org/political-process/report/the-rise-and-fall-political-parties-americaDuverger’s Lawoxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/oi/authority.20110803095737871Jennifer Lawrence on Electoral Reformsact.represent.us/sign/the-problem-omazeJustin Amash leaving the Republican Partywashingtonpost.com/opinions/justin-amash-our-politics-is-in-a-partisan-death-spiral-thats-why-im-leaving-the-gop/2019/07/04/afbe0480-9e3d-11e9-b27f-ed2942f73d70_story.htmlCREDITSWriter: Louis FogliaEditor: Page EllersonResearcher: Hannah MillerSupervising Producer: Allison BrownFollow Beme onInstagram: instagram.com/bemenewsTwitter: twitter.com/bemenewsFacebook: facebook.com/officialbeme
The DO MORE mindset is ruining the planet BEME News 2019-06-27 | Modern consumer culture is obsessed with MORE. Economic growth is viewed as a universal good. Yet, the way we use the planet’s resources is unsustainable, pushing us towards catastrophes like climate change, food shortages, and drought. In other words, SOMETHING’S GOT TO GIVE. Lou explores the degrowth movement, a trend that calls for a simpler way of life.SOURCES & FURTHER READINGAlexander’s degrowth lifestyleyoutube.com/watch?v=WeNaMlibiakAlexander on life in the degrowth movementtheconversation.com/life-in-a-degrowth-economy-and-why-you-might-actually-enjoy-it-32224Our ecological footprint from the Global Footprint Networkfootprintnetwork.org/our-work/ecological-footprintKallis: In defence of degrowthsciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0921800910005021Paulson on degrowth: culture, power, and changehttps://journals.uair.arizona.edu/index.php/JPE/article/view/20882/20473CREDITSWriter: Louis FogliaEditor: Wes LattaSupervising Producer: Allison BrownFollow Beme onInstagram: instagram.com/bemenewsTwitter: twitter.com/bemenewsFacebook: facebook.com/officialbeme
Do presidential debates matter? BEME News 2019-06-20 | “Debate me, bro” is pretty much an internet slogan now. From Ben Shapiro to Steven Crowder, online debate culture is picking up steam. But on TV, this has existed for decades - in the form of presidential debates. Lou explains some of the most famous debate moments, and why we place so much importance on them.SOURCES & FURTHER READINGThe effect of TV on votinghttps://polisci.mit.edu/files/ps/imce/faculty/documents/Lenz_and_Lawson_AJPS_2011.pdfHDTV on perceptions of Obama and McCaintandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/08824096.2012.666769Schroeder’s book on presidential debatesbooks.google.com/books?id=K3q0CwAAQBAJMcCall on 2020 Democratic debatesthehill.com/opinion/campaign/431264-dncs-debate-plans-diminish-partys-2020-prospectsCREDITSWriter: Louis FogliaEditor: Page EllersonResearcher: Dushyant NareshSupervising Producer: Allison BrownFollow Beme onInstagram: instagram.com/bemenewsTwitter: twitter.com/bemenewsFacebook: facebook.com/officialbeme
Should student debt be erased? BEME News 2019-06-13 | Senator Elizabeth Warren has a plan to reduce the $1.5 trillion Americans owe in student loan debt. It’s a bold, expensive proposal from the 2020 presidential contender that could jump start the economy and close the racial wealth gap. Yet, the lion’s share of the benefit would go to wealthy Americans. Lou examines the fairness of Warren’s plan.SOURCES & FURTHER READINGWarren Medium post on proposalmedium.com/@teamwarren/im-calling-for-something-truly-transformational-universal-free-public-college-and-cancellation-of-a246cd0f910fShapiro & Charron-Chénier’s analysis of proposalelizabethwarren.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Experts-Letter-to-Senator-Warren-.pdfUrban Institute’s analysis of proposalurban.org/urban-wire/who-would-benefit-elizabeth-warrens-student-loan-forgiveness-proposalBrookings Institute’s analysis of proposalhttps://www.brookings.edu/blog/up-front/2019/04/24/how-progressive-is-senator-elizabeth-warrens-loan-forgiveness-proposal/McCluskey’s criticism of Warren’s plancato.org/publications/commentary/top-5-problems-warrens-higher-ed-proposalRuetschlin’s paper on macroeconomic effects of student debt cancellationhttp://www.levyinstitute.org/pubs/rpr_2_6.pdfAkers opinion piece on Warren’s plannydailynews.com/opinion/ny-oped-akers-20190429-xkiockn6brc7pbm4w7a3bs57sa-story.htmlCREDITSWriter: Louis Foglia Editor: Page EllersonResearcher: Dushyant NareshSupervising Producer: Allison BrownFollow Beme onInstagram: instagram.com/bemenewsTwitter: twitter.com/bemenewsFacebook: facebook.com/officialbeme
The military is afraid of climate change BEME News 2019-06-06 | President Trump is skeptical of climate change and its link to extreme weather events, but the U.S. Department of Defense takes the threat deadly serious. The Pentagon is fortifying military bases to withstand things like flooding and wildfire. Military leaders are also concerned that drought and water shortages in places like Syria and Pakistan can lead to violent conflict. Lou explains why climate change is a national security issue.SOURCES & FURTHER READINGRear Admiral Titley’s Ted Talkted.com/talks/david_titley_how_the_military_fights_climate_change?language=eReport on Effects of a Changing Climate to the Department of Defensemedia.defense.gov/2019/Jan/29/2002084200/-1/-1/1/CLIMATE-CHANGE-REPORT-2019.PDF2019 Worldwide Threat Assessment of the US Intelligence Communitydni.gov/files/ODNI/documents/2019-ATA-SFR---SSCI.pdfBusby on Climate Change and US National Security: Sustaining Security Amidst Unsustainabilitytobinproject.org/sites/tobinproject.org/files/assets/Busby%20-%20Climate%20Change%20and%20US%20National%20Security.pdfWater, Drought, Climate Change, and Conflict in Syriajournals.ametsoc.org/doi/full/10.1175/WCAS-D-13-00059.1CREDITSWriter: Louis FogliaEditor: Eavvon O’NealResearcher: Page EllersonSupervising Producer: Allison BrownFollow Beme onInstagram: instagram.com/bemenewsTwitter: twitter.com/bemenewsFacebook: facebook.com/officialbeme
Your boss wants you to lose weight BEME News 2019-05-30 | Google’s nap room. Facebook’s onsite laundry. Beme’s Juicero (RIP). Workplace perks and amenities are becoming increasingly common. Wellness programs that encourage healthy lifestyles are particularly prevalent. But new evidence has emerged that they may not make employees healthier, more productive, or cheaper to insure. Lou examines whether or not an ulterior motive is at work.SOURCES & FURTHER READINGEffect of a Workplace Wellness Program on Employee Health and Economic Outcomesjamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2730614 What Do Workplace Wellness Programs Do? Evidence from the Illinois Workplace Wellness Studyhttp://www.nber.org/workplacewellness/s/IL_Wellness_Study_1.pdfToward a Critical Theory of Corporate Wellnesspapers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3010313Effect of an Employer-Sponsored Health and Wellness Program on Medical Cost and Utilizationrand.org/pubs/external_publications/EP201200173.htmlCREDITSWriter: Louis FogliaEditor: Page EllersonResearcher: Arielle SacksSupervising Producer: Allison BrownFollow Beme onInstagram: instagram.com/bemenewsTwitter: twitter.com/bemenewsFacebook: facebook.com/officialbeme
Fixing the war on drugs BEME News 2019-05-23 | Marijuana crimes have led to over 40 million arrests since Richard Nixon launched the war on drugs in the 1970s. The so-called “collateral consequences” of these arrests can prevent offenders from getting certain jobs, certain public benefits, and even student loans. Now that marijuana is being legalized in places across the country, there’s a growing movement to expunge – or wipe away - these arrests. Lou examines the pros and cons.SOURCES & FURTHER READINGCollateral Consequences Resource Centerhttp://ccresourcecenter.orgBerman on Leveraging Marijuana Reform to Enhance Expungement Practicespapers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3165001Thompson on “Good moral characters”: How drug felons are impacted under state marijuana legalization lawshttps://www.academia.edu/32705806/_Good_moral_characters_how_drug_felons_are_impacted_under_state_marijuana_legalization_lawsACLU’s War on Marijuana in Black and Whiteaclu.org/report/report-war-marijuana-black-and-whiteNational Inventory of Collateral Consequences of Convictions’ databaseniccc.csgjusticecenter.orgExpungement of Criminal Convictions: An Empirical Studypapers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3353620CREDITSWriter: Louis FogliaEditor: Page EllersonResearcher: Dushyant NareshSupervising Producer: Allison BrownFollow Beme onInstagram: instagram.com/bemenewsTwitter: twitter.com/bemenewsFacebook: facebook.com/officialbeme
Atomic bombs destroyed this paradise BEME News 2019-05-22 | The US conducted 67 nuclear bomb tests in the Marshall Islands after World War II, including Castle Bravo on Bikini Island - the largest nuclear device ever exploded by the US. The testing destroyed the lives of the local residents who can never return to their island home. Klaus travels to the Marshall Islands to learn about the legacy of the US nuclear testing, and hear what the residents hope for the future. He meets one of the caretakers of Bikini Island, still uninhabitable decades after the tests. Through wreck diving, he encounters the thriving coral reef among what’s left of the Navy ships used in the tests.Thank you to Jack Niedenthal, Secretary of Health & Human Services for the Marshall Islands &Stephen Palumbi, professor of biology at Stanford for speaking to us for this story.SOURCES & FURTHER READINGJack Nidenthal's Bikini Atoll website has a lot of historical information from a local perspective:bikiniatoll.comStanford professor Stephen Palumbi is studying the long term impact of radiation on Bikini's land and watermedium.com/stanford-magazine/stanford-research-on-effects-of-radioactivity-from-bikini-atoll-nuclear-tests-on-coral-and-crab-dna-48459144020c'Quite odd': coral and fish thrive on Bikini Atoll 70 years after nuclear teststheguardian.com/world/2017/jul/15/quite-odd-coral-and-fish-thrive-on-bikini-atoll-70-years-after-nuclear-testsBrief History of Nuclear Testing in the Marshall Islandsmarshallislands.llnl.gov/testhistory.phpA ground zero forgotten washingtonpost.com/sf/national/2015/11/27/a-ground-zero-forgotten/?utm_term=.59dc10c3bee3America at the Atomic Crossroadsnewyorker.com/tech/annals-of-technology/america-at-the-atomic-crossroadsCREDITSProducer: Klaus Thymann Camera: Klaus ThymannEditors: Nick Blatt, Kevin TadgeImage Research: Isabela QuinteroSupervising Producer: Allison BrownFollow Beme onInstagram: instagram.com/bemenewsTwitter: twitter.com/bemenewsFacebook: facebook.com/officialbeme
How will Facebook and Google handle your death? BEME News 2019-05-16 | Facebook is on its way to becoming the world's largest cemetery. What happens to all our digital media, like photos and emails, when we die? Lou explores the "digital afterlife", and why we need to prep our important data now... before it's too late.SOURCES & FURTHER READINGÖhman’s paper: Are the dead taking over Facebook?journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/2053951719842540Brubaker’s Tedx Talkyoutube.com/watch?v=AcDCFVnHF_EBrubaker’s paper on Facebook mourningresearchgate.net/publication/262893624_Beyond_the_Grave_Facebook_as_a_Site_for_the_Expansion_of_Death_and_MourningBlog post by the man whose recently deceased daughter was in his Facebook “Year in Review”meyerweb.com/eric/thoughts/2014/12/24/inadvertent-algorithmic-cruelty2015 Revised Uniform Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act uniformlaws.org/committees/community-home?CommunityKey=f7237fc4-74c2-4728-81c6-b39a91ecdf22CREDITSWriter: Louis FogliaEditor: Eavvon O’NealResearcher: Page EllersonSupervising Producer: Allison BrownFollow Beme onInstagram: instagram.com/bemenewsTwitter: twitter.com/bemenewsFacebook: facebook.com/officialbeme
The Green New Deal isn’t new BEME News 2019-05-15 | The Green New Deal, proposed by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, has sparked a national debate on how to combat climate change. But is it a new idea, and can it work? Nora looks at the big picture.The goal of the Green New Deal is to combat climate change and poverty at the same time through a program of massive public investment in renewable energy sources. It would create jobs while also focusing on the impact of climate change on people’s lives. The idea is that you can’t just focus on climate change, but have to do it within a larger social context. This would be the biggest role for the federal government since the original New Deal in the wake of the Great Depression. But, what and how and how much will it cost questions are still unanswered.SOURCES & FURTHER READINGPlanet has only until 2030 to stem catastrophic climate change, experts warncnn.com/2018/10/07/world/climate-change-new-ipcc-report-wxc/index.htmlThe Green New Deal, explainedvox.com/energy-and-environment/2018/12/21/18144138/green-new-deal-alexandria-ocasio-cortez Green New Deal resolutionocasio-cortez.house.gov/sites/ocasio-cortez.house.gov/files/Resolution%20on%20a%20Green%20New%20Deal.pdfSen. Manchin: Green New Deal Is A Dream, I Have To Work With Reality; How Do We Bring On China?realclearpolitics.com/video/2019/02/14/sen_manchin_green_new_deal_is_a_dream_i_have_to_work_with_reality_how_do_we_bring_on_china.htmlCREDITSWriter: Nora NeusEditor: Jesse ThreattProducer: Jeesoo ParkSupervising Producer: Allison BrownFollow Beme onInstagram: instagram.com/bemenewsTwitter: twitter.com/bemenewsFacebook: facebook.com/officialbeme
Peaceful protests in Algeria are working BEME News 2019-05-09 | The Arab Spring never took hold in Algeria back in 2011. But in recent months, millions of Algerians engaged in street protests and called for the ouster of President Abdelaziz Bouteflika. The peaceful demonstrations succeeded in ending Bouteflika’s 20 year reign, but Algerians want to purge the whole corrupt system – the so-called “pouvoir.” Lou explains how the ruling elite took control of Africa’s largest nation, and the challenges that lay ahead.SOURCES & FURTHER READINGWhy are Algerians protesting?cnn.com/2019/03/08/africa/algeria-mass-protests-explainer-intl/index.htmlJames McDougall in Foreign Affairs - The Fall of Abdelaziz Bouteflikaforeignaffairs.com/articles/algeria/2019-04-10/fall-abdelaziz-bouteflikaThomas Hill on the protests in Algeriausip.org/publications/2019/03/will-algerias-protests-lead-change-and-second-arab-springForeign Policy - The Fight for Freedom in Algeria Isn’t Finishedforeignpolicy.com/2019/03/13/the-fight-for-freedom-in-algeria-isnt-finished-abdelaziz-bouteflika-arab-spring-protestsHuman Rights Watch - reforms needed after Bouteflika’s resignationhrw.org/news/2019/04/09/algeria-bouteflika-resignation-opening-rightsCREDITSWriter: Louis FogliaEditor: Eavvon O’NealResearcher: Dushyant NareshSupervising Producer: Allison BrownFollow Beme onInstagram: instagram.com/bemenewsTwitter: twitter.com/bemenewsFacebook: facebook.com/officialbeme#Algeria #Algerie
These soldiers are fighting a military ban BEME News 2019-05-07 | Trump’s ban on transgender Americans joining the military is now in effect. Logan Ireland is one of nearly 15,000 transgender people currently serving in the US Military. Logan served in Afghanistan and has been outspoken about transgender rights. His wife Laila, a transgender woman, also served in the Army. Their request? For transgender soldiers to be given the same rights afforded to anyone willing and capable to serve their country. We traveled to Colorado to met the couple, as well as other members of the trans military community who are committed to pushing back on this policy.SOURCES & FURTHER READING: Pentagon transgender ban goes into effectcnn.com/2019/04/12/politics/transgender-troop-ban-starts/index.html5 Things to Know About DOD's New Policy on Military Service by Transgender Persons and Persons With Gender Dysphoriadefense.gov/explore/story/Article/1783822/5-things-to-know-about-dods-new-policy-on-military-service-by-transgender-persoNew Rule for Transgender Troops: Stick to Your Birth Sex, or Leavenytimes.com/2019/03/13/us/transgender-troops-ban.html‘Transgender, at War and in Love’nytimes.com/2015/06/04/opinion/transgender-at-war-and-in-love.htmlCheck out the feature documentary TransMilitary here: http://www.transmilitary.org/see-the-film CREDITSProducer: Chris James Camera: Martin Bustamante & Jeremy Moorhead Editor: Will ColbySupervising Producer: Allison BrownFollow Beme onInstagram: instagram.com/bemenewsTwitter: twitter.com/bemenewsFacebook: facebook.com/officialbeme
Your plane ticket should be more expensive BEME News 2019-05-02 | Baggage fees. Cramped seats. Bad food. It’s easy to complain about flying, but it’s also cheaper than ever before. Lou explains why the airline industry is a tough business and why major airlines in places like India and Iceland are shutting down.SOURCES & FURTHER READINGUS Airline Bankruptcieshttp://airlines.org/dataset/u-s-bankruptcies-and-services-cessationsPwC 2018 airline industry reportpwc.com/us/en/industries/industrial-products/library/tailwinds-airline-industry-trends.htmlAirline deregulation act of 1978congress.gov/bill/95th-congress/senate-bill/2493IATA’s 2018 year-end reportiata.org/publications/economics/Reports/Industry-Econ-Performance/IATA-Economic-Performance-of-the-Industry-end-year-2018-report.pdfAirlines for America 2018 surveyhttp://survey.airlines.orgCREDITSWriter: Louis FogliaEditor: Page EllersonResearcher: Dushyant NareshSupervising Producer: Allison BrownFollow Beme onInstagram: instagram.com/bemenewsTwitter: twitter.com/bemenewsFacebook: facebook.com/officialbeme
The fight for Brazil’s rainforest BEME News 2019-05-01 | Deforestation in the Amazon is on the rise. Brazil’s far-right president Jair Bolsonaro plans to open the rainforest to ranching, farming and mining. This threatens indigenous populations and impacts climate change. We visited the Amazon to meet with an indigenous community fighting for survival, and a farmer who hopes the new policies will help future economic growth.SOURCES & FURTHER READINGHighway BR-319What Lies Behind the Recent Surge of Amazon Deforestationhttps://e360.yale.edu/features/what_lies_behind_the_recent_surge_of_amazon_deforestationPresident Jair Bolsonaro Why Brazil's Jair Bolsonaro has environmentalists worried for the Amazoncnn.com/2019/01/05/americas/bolsonaro-amazon-global-warming/index.htmlJair Bolsonaro launches assault on Amazon rainforest protectionstheguardian.com/world/2019/jan/02/brazil-jair-bolsonaro-amazon-rainforest-protectionsBrazil's new leader promised to exploit the Amazon—but can he?nationalgeographic.com/environment/2018/10/brazil-president-jair-bolsonaro-promises-exploit-amazon-rain-forestBrazil: indigenous people rally in capital to protest against Bolsonaro onslaughttheguardian.com/world/2019/apr/24/brazil-indigenous-people-bolsonaro-protestCREDITSProducers: Klaus Thymann and Marcia ReverdosaCamera: Klaus ThymannEditors: Kevin Tadge, Jesse ThreattAnimations: Jesse ThreattResearch: Dushyant NareshAdditional protest footage: Eduardo Duwe, Nomade FilmesSupervising Producer: Allison BrownFollow Beme onInstagram: instagram.com/bemenewsTwitter: twitter.com/bemenewsFacebook: facebook.com/officialbemeRelated stories:In Ecuador, and indigenous won a suit to protect their land:New Update:Amazon tribe wins legal battle against oil companies. Preventing drilling in Amazon Rainforestdisclose.tv/amazon-tribe-wins-lawsuit-against-big-oil-saving-millions-of-acres-of-rainforest-367412
Were running out of water BEME News 2019-04-25 | The world is facing a major water crisis thanks to irresponsible policies and climate change. A third of people already face water scarcity, and that number is growing. In other regions, too much water is causing problems, with floods and hurricanes causing billions of dollars in damage. Lou explains why there is such a water disparity, and what needs to be done to save the planet.SOURCES & FURTHER READINGUN report on Water (2018)sustainabledevelopment.un.org/HLPWaterMoore on water conflictshttp://oxfordre.com/environmentalscience/view/10.1093/acrefore/9780199389414.001.0001/acrefore-9780199389414-e-104Water conflicts around the worldhttp://www.worldwater.org/water-conflictHoekstra’s water footprint explanationwaterfootprint.org/en/water-footprint/what-is-water-footprintD’Odorico on water use in agriculturenature.com/articles/s41561-017-0004-5CREDITSWriter: Louis FogliaEditor: m.choResearcher: Dushyant NareshSupervising Producer: Allison BrownFollow Beme onInstagram: instagram.com/bemenewsTwitter: twitter.com/bemenewsFacebook: facebook.com/officialbeme
Will World War III happen in space? BEME News 2019-04-18 | Trump recently called for a “Space Force” to defend the United States’ extraterrestrial operations. After all, satellites are integral to almost every aspect of modern life – from GPS and banking to telecommunication and drone strikes. Meanwhile, Russia, China, and India have also beefed up their military capabilities in space. So, are we headed for a cosmic conflict? Lou explains the pros and cons of militarizing outer space.SOURCES & FURTHER READINGCSIS Space Threat Assessment 2019csis.org/analysis/space-threat-assessment-2019Donald Trump’s Space Force directivewhitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/president-donald-j-trump-building-united-states-space-force-21st-century-militaryRumsfeld’s report on space securityfas.org/spp/military/commission/report.htmUnion of Concerned Scientists: Satellite databaseucsusa.org/nuclear-weapons/space-weapons/satellite-databaseCassandra Steer on militarizing spacepapers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3031086CREDITSWriter: Louis Foglia Editor: m.choResearcher: Dushyant NareshSupervising Producer: Allison BrownFollow Beme onInstagram: instagram.com/bemenewsTwitter: twitter.com/bemenewsFacebook: facebook.com/officialbeme
Can podcasts survive the billion dollar hype? BEME News 2019-04-11 | The growing popularity of podcasts has attracted massive hype and even bigger corporate investment. Lou explains the scientific and cultural reasons behind the “podcast revolution,” and why great expectations might damage the medium.SOURCES & FURTHER READINGEdison Research’s “The Infinite Dial 2019”http://www.edisonresearch.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Infinite-Dial-2019-PDF-1.pdf Nature Journal article on how podcasts impacts the brainnature.com/articles/nature17637 Webster: Where Does Podcasting Go Next?medium.com/s/story/podcastings-next-frontier-a-manifesto-for-growth-7e8b88d32fdeNew York Magazine on The Golden Age of Podcastshttp://nymag.com/press/2019/03/on-the-cover-the-great-podcasting-rush-has-only-begun.html The New Yorker on How Podcasts Became a Seductive—and Sometimes Slippery—Mode of Storytellingnewyorker.com/magazine/2018/11/19/how-podcasts-became-a-seductive-and-sometimes-slippery-mode-of-storytellingLA Times opinion piece on Why the Podcasting Revolution is Here to Staylatimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-oe-mainland-optimism-podcast-revolution-20181230-story.htmlCREDITSWriter: Louis FogliaEditor: m.choResearcher: Page EllersonSupervising Producer: Allison BrownFollow Beme onInstagram: instagram.com/bemenewsTwitter: twitter.com/bemenewsFacebook: facebook.com/officialbeme
Is your internship illegal? BEME News 2019-04-09 | Unpaid internships came under fire after Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez called out fellow colleagues for not paying their interns. Every year, over a million college students and recent grads join the “intern workforce” in hopes of getting the experience necessary to pursue their careers. But, many internships are unpaid, unregulated, and without employee protections. What’s more, not everyone can afford extracurricular job training with no pay, and that puts these students at a disadvantage when they are later seeking jobs. TOPFRIG discusses how this form of unpaid labor came to be, and how to make access to this experience more fair and inclusive.SOURCES & FURTHER READINGProPublica on Obama era regulation propublica.org/article/how-the-labor-department-let-companies-off-hook-for-unpaid-internshipsDepartment of Labor’s six factor testdol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/whdfs71.pdfPay Our Interns’ congressional report http://payourinterns.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Payourinternsreport.pdfMatthew Hora’s college internship study http://ccwt.wceruw.org/documents/CCWT_Results%20from%20the%20College%20Internship%20Study%20at%20University%20of%20Wisconsin-Parkside.pdfAndrew Mark Bennett on unpaid internshipspapers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2188979CREDITSProduced and Edited by: Isabela Quintero, Dushyant Naresh, Page EllersonSupervising Producer: Allison BrownFollow Beme onInstagram: instagram.com/bemenewsTwitter: twitter.com/bemenewsFacebook: facebook.com/officialbeme
Moms raising kids from prison BEME News 2019-04-04 | The women’s state prison population in the United States has grown 834% since 1978. More than half of these women are mothers to children under the age of 18. Separation after incarceration leaves families severely impacted and children traumatized. But, support systems do exist that allow women to keep a connection with their children. Jeesoo spent time with Taliah, Sarah, and Kamilah who are each participating in programs that help them keep a relationship with their kids. This helps the child’s mental health and lowers the chance that these women will return to prison.SOURCES & FURTHER READINGPrison Policy report on women's state prison growth prisonpolicy.org/reports/women_overtime.htmlThe Sentencing Project on incarcerated women and girl sentencingproject.org/publications/incarcerated-women-and-girlsEconomic Policy Institute on mass incarceration and children epi.org/publication/mass-incarceration-and-childrens-outcomesCREDITSProducer: Jeesoo ParkCamera: Michelle PomeroyEditor: Nick BlattSupervising Producer: Allison BrownFollow Beme onInstagram: instagram.com/bemenewsTwitter: twitter.com/bemenewsFacebook: facebook.com/officialbeme
India, Pakistan and the deadly conflict in Kashmir BEME News 2019-04-02 | India and Pakistan have been fighting over Kashmir for more than 70 years. In February the tensions reached the highest they’ve been in decades. How did one of the most beautiful areas in the world turn so ugly? Lou explains the roots of the conflict and whether the people of Kashmir will ever see peace.SOURCES & FURTHER READINGKashmir: Roots of Conflict, Paths to Peace - Sumantra Bosehttp://www.hup.harvard.edu/catalog.php?isbn=9780674018174UN Peacekeeping on India-Pakistanpeacekeeping.un.org/mission/past/unipombackgr.htmlAlyssa Ayres on the Kashmir bombingcnn.com/2019/02/15/opinions/kashmir-bombing-america-needs-to-get-tougher-on-pakistan-ayres/index.htmlThe rigged 1987 Kashmir electionshttps://caravanmagazine.in/vantage/mufti-mohammad-sayeed-shaped-1987-kashmir-electionsWhy the Pakistan-Terrorist Nexus Persistsproject-syndicate.org/commentary/pakistan-india-conflict-taliban-terrorism-by-brahma-chellaney-2019-03UN on human rights abuses in Jammu & Kashmirohchr.org/Documents/Countries/IN/DevelopmentsInKashmirJune2016ToApril2018.pdfCREDITSWriter: Louis FogliaEditor: m.choResearcher: Dushyant NareshSupervising Producer: Allison BrownFollow Beme onInstagram: instagram.com/bemenewsTwitter: twitter.com/bemenewsFacebook: facebook.com/officialbeme#Kashmir
Why are so many teachers striking? BEME News 2019-03-28 | Teacher strikes have swept across the United States. In the last 13 months, K-12 educators in places as diverse as West Virginia, Oklahoma, Colorado, and California have protested for better pay and better resources. But this isn’t just about money. It’s a fight for the future of public education, and charter schools are at the center of it. Lou explains.SOURCES & FURTHER READING Economic Policy Institute’s paper on “The Teacher Pay Penalty”http://irle.berkeley.edu/files/2018/09/Teacher-pay-penalty-has-hit-a-new-high.pdfCenter on Budget and Policy Priorities on “A Punishing Decade for School Funding”cbpp.org/research/state-budget-and-tax/a-punishing-decade-for-school-fundingNational Education Association on “Teacher Compensation: Fact vs. Fiction”http://www.nea.org/home/12661.htmPew Research on “U.S. students’ academic achievement still lags that of their peers in many other countries.”pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2017/02/15/u-s-students-internationally-math-scienceCNN on “Here's what teachers accomplished with their protests this year” cnn.com/2018/05/29/us/what-teachers-won-and-lost/index.htmlCREDITSWriter: Louis FogliaEditor: m.choResearcher: Page EllersonSupervising Producer: Allison BrownFollow Beme onInstagram: instagram.com/bemenewsTwitter: twitter.com/bemenewsFacebook: facebook.com/officialbeme
Should school start later? BEME News 2019-03-27 | The majority of American middle and high schools start super early - with some school bus pick-ups beginning before sunrise. Studies have shown that it can be dangerous and unhealthy for teens to start school early for a whole host of reasons. There’s even a a nationwide movement to delay school start-times. What’s the reason behind early morning hours? It turns out, the main factor is cost. Nora looks at the cost and consequences of school start times.SOURCES & FURTHER READINGStart School Later organization startschoollater.net CDC on School Start Timescdc.gov/features/school-start-times/index.html NYTimes on School Start Timesnytimes.com/2018/12/12/well/mind/starting-school-later-really-does-help-teens-get-sleep.html Academic study on Seattle http://advances.sciencemag.org/content/4/12/eaau6200 A way more readable version of the Seattle story: npr.org/sections/health-shots/2018/12/12/676118782/sleepless-no-more-in-seattle-later-school-start-time-pays-off-for-teens?utm_source=twitter.com&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=npr&utm_term=nprnews&utm_content=2042CREDITSWriter: Nora NeusProducer: Jeesoo ParkEditor: Jesse ThreattImage Researcher: Isabela QuinteroSupervising Producer: Allison BrownFollow Beme onInstagram: instagram.com/bemenewsTwitter: twitter.com/bemenewsFacebook: facebook.com/officialbeme
China’s billion-dollar shopping obsession BEME News 2019-03-21 | Livestream shopping in China is a multi-billion dollar industry, with a reported 425 million users as of July 2018. Some hosts feature well known luxury brands, but you can buy just about anything. Alice met up with a top livestream host in China, as well her biggest fan, to learn what makes this experience so addictive. Alice and Sophia also look into how the US is starting to catch on.SOURCES & FURTHER READING‘QVC on steroids’: China sees the rise of web video commercedigiday.com/marketing/livestreaming-transforming-chinas-gray-market-digital-ageJuly 2018 China Internet Development Report - China Internet Network Information Centerhttp://cac.gov.cn/wxb_pdf/CNNIC42.pdfAlibaba Group December Quarter 2018 Resultsalibabagroup.com/en/news/press_pdf/p190130.pdfCREDITSProducers: Alice Yu, Sophia LiCamera: Alice Yu, Siyi ChenEditor: Will ColbyAssistant editor: Heying ChenSupervising Producer: Allison BrownFollow Beme onInstagram: instagram.com/bemenewsTwitter: twitter.com/bemenewsFacebook: facebook.com/officialbeme
Haitians are rising up against the 1% and political elite BEME News 2019-03-19 | In Haiti, a widespread protest movement has called for an investigation into political corruption. The country’s elites have long benefitted from a broken system that enriches the wealthy and well-connected, while repressing the rest of the population. Meanwhile, foreign interference – particularly from France and the United States – has undermined the country’s democratic institution. Lou explains how everyday Haitians are rising up to reverse these destructive historical trends.SOURCES & FURTHER READINGCouncil on Foreign Relations on Haiti’s Troubled Path to Developmentcfr.org/backgrounder/haitis-troubled-path-developmentThe John Carter Brown Library’s “Remember Haiti”http://www.brown.edu/Facilities/John_Carter_Brown_Library/exhibitions/remember_haiti/index.phpThe New Yorker on The Long Legacy of Occupation in Haitinewyorker.com/news/news-desk/haiti-us-occupation-hundred-year-anniversaryForeign Policy in Focus on Terror, Repression, and Diaspora: The Baby Doc Legacyfpif.org/terror-repression-diaspora-baby-doc-legacySlate on The Truth About the Clintons and Haitislate.com/news-and-politics/2016/09/the-truth-about-the-clintons-and-haiti.htmlNACLA on NGOs and the Business of Poverty in Haitinacla.org/news/ngos-and-business-poverty-haitiCREDITSWriter: Louis FogliaEditor: m.choResearcher: Page EllersonSupervising Producer: Allison BrownFollow Beme onInstagram: instagram.com/bemenewsTwitter: twitter.com/bemenewsFacebook: facebook.com/officialbeme
Is facial recognition technology too powerful? BEME News 2019-03-14 | Facial recognition technology has prompted sharp debate. On the one hand, law enforcement groups say it can help locate missing children, solve crimes, and prevent terrorists attacks. On the other hand, critics worry it can lead to abusive government surveillance, corporate manipulation, and the end of privacy. Lou sorts out the pros and cons.SOURCES & FURTHER READINGLawfare Blog on the costs and benefits of facial recognition softwarelawfareblog.com/facial-recognition-software-costs-and-benefitsSelinger and Hartzog on why Facial Recognition Is the Perfect Tool for Oppressionmedium.com/s/story/facial-recognition-is-the-perfect-tool-for-oppression-bc2a08f0fe66World Economic Forum on how smart cities fight crime and terrorismweforum.org/agenda/2018/06/cities-crime-data-agile-security-robert-muggahNewsweek on how FBI uses FRT to fight crimenewsweek.com/2016/04/29/fbi-biometrics-facial-recognition-next-generation-identification-449146.html2016 Government Accountability Office report on Law Enforcement use of FRTgao.gov/assets/680/677099.pdfCREDITSWriter: Louis FogliaEditor: m.choResearcher: Page EllersonSupervising Producer: Allison BrownFollow Beme onInstagram: instagram.com/bemenewsTwitter: twitter.com/bemenewsFacebook: facebook.com/officialbeme
Zimbabwe’s deadly struggle for democracy BEME News 2019-03-05 | In Zimbabwe, a recent wave of protests has been met with a brutal government crackdown. Over a dozen demonstrators have been killed and hundreds more have been injured. This has all happened on the watch of President Emerson Mnangagwa, who came to office a year a half ago promising reform. Instead, he’s relied on the same repressive tactics of his predecessor, Robert Mugabe. Lou explains the history of violence and mismanagement in Zimbabwe and how it’s its led to the current popular uprising.SOURCES & FURTHER READINGThe Economist on Zimbabwe’s economic crisis prompts protests and repression - economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2019/01/19/zimbabwes-economic-crisis-prompts-protests-and-repression The Atlantic on How to Kill a Country - theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2003/12/how-to-kill-a-country/302845 The New Yorker on Robert Mugabe and the Destruction of Zimbabwe - newyorker.com/magazine/2008/10/27/the-destroyer The Conversation on Three reasons why it’s all going so wrong for Mnangagwa - theconversation.com/zimbabwe-three-reasons-why-its-all-going-so-wrong-for-mnangagwa-111443 CSIS on Who’s Running the show in Zimbabwe - csis.org/analysis/whos-running-show-zimbabwe CREDITSWriter: Louis FogliaEditor: m.choResearcher: Dushyant NareshSupervising Producer: Allison BrownFollow Beme onInstagram: instagram.com/bemenewsTwitter: twitter.com/bemenewsFacebook: facebook.com/officialbeme
Taxing the rich BEME News 2019-02-28 | Democrats like Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez want the wealthy to pay more in taxes. Why? The American economy is booming…but the government is strapped for cash. The national debt just reached a record 22 trillion dollars. Meanwhile, wealth inequality threatens the cohesion of society. One solution: tax the rich. There are a few specific policy proposals out there. Will they work and are they fair? Lou explains. SOURCES & FURTHER READING Oxfam’s “Reward work, not wealth” reportoxfam.org/en/research/reward-work-not-wealth Statistics on Global Inequality inequality.org/facts/global-inequality/#global-wealth-inequality Gales on a better way to tax the rich cnn.com/2019/01/22/perspectives/alexandria-ocasio-cortez-tax-plan-alternative/index.html Stasavage on the history of taxing the rich theconversation.com/are-we-ready-to-raise-taxes-on-the-rich-history-says-no-57777 The Economist on how to tax the rich economist.com/leaders/2019/02/02/how-to-tax-the-richCREDITSWriter: Louis FogliaEditor: m.choResearcher: Dushyant NareshSupervising Producer: Allison BrownFollow Beme onInstagram: instagram.com/bemenewsTwitter: twitter.com/bemenewsFacebook: facebook.com/officialbeme
When is a presidential pardon obstruction of justice? BEME News 2019-02-21 | Will President Donald Trump pardon his former associates? With Robert Mueller’s ongoing investigation, the names that come to mind are Michael Flynn, Michael Cohen, and Paul Manafort. When asked, the president has indicated it’s “not off the table.” For some critics, implication of a pardon before someone is convicted of a crime is at the least legally troubling. So what is behind the presidential power to pardon or commute a sentence? Nora looks into the complicated - and controversial - history of the presidential pardon.SOURCES & FURTHER READINGDepartment of Justice’s office of the Pardon Attorneyjustice.gov/pardon/about-officeHere’s a list of all of President Trump’s pardons and orders of clemencyjustice.gov/pardon/pardons-granted-president-donald-trump The Washington Post article in which Giuliani said the President was asking for advice about whether he could pardon former associateswashingtonpost.com/politics/trump-sought-his-lawyers-advice-weeks-ago-on-possibility-of-pardoning-manafort-but-they-counseled-against-it-giuliani-says/2018/08/23/17dce5c6-a70a-11e8-8fac-12e98c13528d_story.html Vox piece: “I asked 11 legal experts if Trump’s lawyer obstructed justice”vox.com/2018/3/29/17174042/trump-pardons-manafort-flynn-mueller-probe “Trump's pardon power is a double-edged sword” from former special agent in the FBI, Asha Rangappacnn.com/2018/06/05/opinions/what-pardon-power-means-to-trump-rangappa-opinion/index.html Why Paul Manafort would have reason to hope for a Trump pardoncnn.com/2018/08/17/opinions/manafort-and-the-prospect-of-a-trump-pardon-meyler/index.htmlCREDITSWriter: Nora NeusProducer: Jeesoo ParkEditor: Jesse ThreattImage Researcher: Isabela QuinteroSupervising Producer: Allison BrownFollow Beme onInstagram: instagram.com/bemenewsTwitter: twitter.com/bemeappFacebook: facebook.com/officialbeme
The crisis in Venezuela BEME News 2019-02-19 | In Venezuela, current president Nicolas Maduro has shown a brutal authoritarian streak, hyperinflation has rendered the currency useless, and hunger is widespread. Millions of people have fled the country in recent years. Lou explains how things got this way and breaks down the parties in the South American nation's latest upheaval.
Behind New York City’s fight against Amazon HQ2 BEME News 2019-02-15 | Amazon backed out of its plans to build HQ2 in New York City after over two months of backlash from politicians, community activists, and residents over details of the agreement. This is the story of how the deal went wrong. Neha began covering Amazon’s move to New York City in November 2018 when Amazon announced their HQ2 plan. At the time- real estate brokers were thrilled by the rush of property interest, but local residents living without regular heat in city-owned buildings wondered about their future. We spent time with one of the politicians who led the fight against HQ2, a real estate agent who was optimistic about the deal, local residents, and a warehouse worker who works at the Amazon fulfillment center in the Staten Island borough of New York City. SOURCES & FURTHER READINGHow Amazon Blew its Chance in New Yorkcnn.com/2019/02/15/tech/amazon-nyc-hq2-fail/index.html Read Amazon’s Full Statement on why it scrapped New York’s HQ2cnn.com/2019/02/14/tech/amazon-hq2-statement/index.html Amazon’s Track Record of Worker Abuse nytimes.com/2018/02/01/technology/amazon-wristband-tracking-privacy.html businessinsider.com/amazon-warehouse-workers-share-their-horror-stories-2018-4 CREDITSProducer: Neha ShastryCamera: William Colby Editor: William ColbySupervising Producer: Allison BrownFollow Beme onInstagram: instagram.com/bemenewsTwitter: twitter.com/bemeappFacebook: facebook.com/officialbeme
Alexa, are you exploiting me? BEME News 2019-02-14 | Amazon Echo and Google Home are two of the most popular voice-activated digital assistants. But are these so-called smart speakers really a high-tech trojan horse that is allowing your home to infiltrated by powerful spies and manipulative salespeople?SOURCES & FURTHER READINGCalo on Digital Market Manipulationpapers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2309703Calo on Tiny Salespeoplepapers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2353115Selinger on 21st Century Techno-Social Engineeringpapers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3243613Stucke on The Subtle Ways Your Digital Assistant Might Manipulate Youwired.com/2016/11/subtle-ways-digital-assistant-might-manipulateJay Stanley on The Privacy Threat From Always-On Microphones Like the Amazon Echoaclu.org/blog/privacy-technology/privacy-threat-always-microphones-amazon-echoCREDITSWriter: Louis FogliaEditor: m.choResearcher: Page EllersonSupervising Producer: Allison BrownFollow Beme onInstagram: instagram.com/bemenewsTwitter: twitter.com/bemeappFacebook: facebook.com/officialbeme
Self-driving cars: navigating the hype BEME News 2019-02-07 | In 2013, Google said they’d have a self-driving car on the road in 3-5 years. It’s been 6 years since then, and we’re still stuck with our hands on the wheels and eyes on the road. Lou explains why autonomous vehicles are still far away from being a regular staple in our lives.SOURCES & FURTHER READINGRodney Brooks in IEEE Spectrum: The Big Problem With Self-Driving Cars Is Peoplespectrum.ieee.org/transportation/self-driving/the-big-problem-with-selfdriving-cars-is-peopleCGPS: Autonomous Vehicles, Driving Jobs, and the Future of Workhttps://www.law.gwu.edu/sites/g/files/zaxdzs2351/f/downloads/Stick-Shift-Autonomous-Vehicles-Driving-Jobs-and-the-Future-of-Work.pdfMotion sickness in driverless carstheconversation.com/driverless-cars-may-make-you-sick-but-theres-a-fix-106646Sivak’s motion sickness countermeasure patenthttp://pdfpiw.uspto.gov/.piw?PageNum=0&docid=09862312&IDKey=0A36011EF4C5WHO: Global status report on road safety 2018https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/277370/WHO-NMH-NVI-18.20-eng.pdfCREDITSWriter: Louis Foglia Editor: m.choResearcher: Dushyant NareshSupervising Producer: Allison BrownFollow Beme onInstagram: instagram.com/bemenewsTwitter: twitter.com/bemeappFacebook: facebook.com/officialbeme
An uprising in Sudan BEME News 2019-01-29 | Protest movements are springing up all across Sudan in an attempt to overthrow the corrupt and brutal President, Omar al-Bashir. Hundreds of citizens are being arrested, tortured, and murdered in broad daylight, with no apparent end in sight. Lou explains how anger over rising bread prices has escalated into a countrywide movement.SOURCES & FURTHER READINGMampilly: “Recent protests in Sudan are much more than bread riots”washingtonpost.com/news/monkey-cage/wp/2018/12/28/recent-protests-in-sudan-are-much-more-than-bread-riotsEric Reeves’ research on Sudanhttp://sudanreeves.orgHuman Rights Watch: Security Forces Killing, Detaining Protesters in Sudanhrw.org/news/2019/01/07/sudan-security-forces-killing-detaining-protestersAmnesty International report on Sudanamnesty.org/en/countries/africa/sudan/report-sudanSudanese child soldiers in Yemennytimes.com/2018/12/28/world/africa/saudi-sudan-yemen-child-fighters.htmlDying in Darfurnewyorker.com/magazine/2004/08/30/dying-in-darfurCREDITSWriter: Louis FogliaEditor: m.choResearcher: Dushyant NareshSupervising Producer: Allison BrownFollow Beme onInstagram: instagram.com/bemenewsTwitter: twitter.com/bemeappFacebook: facebook.com/officialbeme#SudanProtests #SudanUprising
The experience economy is coming BEME News 2019-01-24 | Money can buy happiness - if you spend it the right way. Lou explains how millennial spending habits align with what social science tells us about well-being, and why spending money on experiences is way better than buying a material good. SOURCES & FURTHER READINGWe’ll Always Have Paris: The Hedonic Payoff from Experiential and Material Investmentsstatic1.squarespace.com/static/5394dfa6e4b0d7fc44700a04/t/547d571fe4b094d782c0e634/1417500738967/Gilovich+Kumar+%28in+press%29+Always+Have+Paris+Advances.pdfTo Do or to Have? That is the Questionhttp://psych.colorado.edu/~vanboven/research/publications/vb_gilo_2003.pdfKumar on the relationship between experiences and happinesssciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S105774081400093XMaterialism, experiential purchases, and social comparisonpsychologytoday.com/files/attachments/2557/howell-and-hill2009the-mediators-experiential-purchases.pdfMcKinsey report: Cashing in on the US experience economymckinsey.com/industries/private-equity-and-principal-investors/our-insights/cashing-in-on-the-us-experience-economyCREDITSWriter: Louis FogliaEditor: Page EllersonResearcher: Dushyant NareshSupervising Producer: Allison BrownFollow Beme onInstagram: instagram.com/bemenewsTwitter: twitter.com/bemeappFacebook: facebook.com/officialbeme
The shutdown makes federal prisons more dangerous BEME News 2019-01-24 | Federal corrections officers are working without pay during the shutdown. This has led to staffing shortages when people call out sick, safety concerns, and a reported increase in tensions between inmates and staff… not to mention, potential for longer-lasting issues, even once the government reopens. How? Nora spoke to federal corrections officers to find out.SOURCES & FURTHER READINGThe shutdown is still going on: cnn.com/politics/live-news/government-shutdown-month-2019/index.html Conditions in prisons are deteriorating: cnn.com/2019/01/20/politics/prisons-shutdown/index.html What’s this like for inmates? themarshallproject.org/2019/01/07/what-the-government-shutdown-looks-like-inside-federal-prisons Washington Post reporting on Hazleton: washingtonpost.com/national/tensions-rise-in-federal-prisons-during-shutdown-as-weary-guards-go-without-pay-and-work-double-shifts/2019/01/10/fc1042e8-136a-11e9-803c-4ef28312c8b9_story.html?utm_term=.303dd95f6884 CREDITSWriter: Nora Neus Producer: Jeesoo ParkEditor: Jesse ThreattImage research: Bela QuinteroSupervising Producer: Allison BrownFollow Beme onInstagram: instagram.com/bemenewsTwitter: twitter.com/bemeappFacebook: facebook.com/officialbeme
How do we keep self driving cars from killing us? BEME News 2019-01-22 | Autonomous vehicles aren’t just futuristic tech - they could solve some real world problems. The biggest one? Safety. A pedestrian is killed by a car roughly every 90 minutes in the United States. But is the solution to this problem, a driverless car? Neha meets up with Zoox and Luminar to see how they envision our driverless future. SOURCES & FURTHER READINGThe WIRED Guide to Self Driving Carswired.com/story/guide-self-driving-cars Are Autonomous Cars Really Safer than Human Drivers?theconversation.com/are-autonomous-cars-really-safer-than-human-drivers-90202 After Uber Accident, Fewer People Want Self Driving Carssfchronicle.com/business/article/After-Uber-accident-fewer-people-want-13159087.php Planes May Hold the Key for Self Driving Carscnn.com/2018/11/27/tech/zoox-self-driving-car-safety/index.html CREDITSProducer: Neha ShastryCamera: Martin Bustamante and Will ColbyEditor: Will ColbySupervising Producer: Allison BrownFollow Beme onInstagram: instagram.com/bemenewsTwitter: twitter.com/bemeappFacebook: facebook.com/officialbeme
Forced to work without pay at the TSA BEME News 2019-01-16 | With no end in sight, the US government shutdown has officially entered its fourth week. Over 800,000 federal employees haven’t been paid due to a stalemate between Republicans and Democrats. Chris travels to Atlanta to meet a TSA officer on the brink of losing everything, and speaks with government workers at a rally in Washington DC, all with the same impassioned plea to lawmakers: “Do your job.”SOURCES & FURTHER READING:The government is STILL shut down cnn.com/politics/live-news/government-shutdown-january-2019/index.htmlThe Longer the Shutdown Lasts, the More It Hurts the Economyhttp://nymag.com/intelligencer/2019/01/the-longer-the-shutdown-lasts-the-more-it-hurts-the-economy.htmlThe warnings are getting starker: Trump's government shutdown is becoming catastrophic for the economybusinessinsider.com/government-shutdown-trump-democrats-standoff-damaging-us-economy-2019-1Georgia credit unions offer help to furloughed workersajc.com/business/georgia-credit-unions-offer-help-furloughed-workers/liB9PpbaQiqYCnEvltjqKJCREDITSProducer: Chris James Camera: Erik Ljung & Jeremy Moorhead Editors: Nick Blatt & Jesse ThreattResearch: Dushyant Naresh & Isabela Quintero Supervising Producer: Allison BrownFollow Beme onInstagram: instagram.com/bemenewsTwitter: twitter.com/bemeappFacebook: facebook.com/officialbeme
Whats behind Frances Yellow Vest movement? BEME News 2019-01-15 | In France, the Yellow Vest movement is entering its second month of nationwide protests. It began after a fuel-tax was increased, but has since expanded and taken aim at a government seen as favoring privileged urbanites at the expense of the rural working class. Lou explains why Emmanuel Macron lost so much support so fast, and why unrest in France is the last thing the European Union needs.SOURCES & FURTHER READINGGoldhammer on “The Yellow Vest Protests and the Tragedy of Emmanuel Macron”foreignaffairs.com/articles/france/2018-12-12/yellow-vest-protests-and-tragedy-emmanuel-macron Martin on “Shockwaves from French ‘yellow vest’ protests felt across Europe”theconversation.com/shockwaves-from-french-yellow-vest-protests-felt-across-europe-108578 New Yorker on “The Yellow Vests and Why There Are So Many Street Protests in France”newyorker.com/news/daily-comment/the-yellow-vests-and-why-there-are-so-many-street-protests-in-france Washington Post on “What France’s ‘yellow vests’ protests say about Emmanuel Macron”washingtonpost.com/news/monkey-cage/wp/2018/12/05/what-frances-yellow-vests-protests-say-about-emmanuel-macron CREDITSWriter: Louis FogliaEditor: m.choResearcher: Page EllersonSupervising Producer: Allison BrownFollow Beme onInstagram: instagram.com/bemenewsTwitter: twitter.com/bemeappFacebook: facebook.com/officialbeme
Why are we afraid of vaccines? (and why we shouldnt be) BEME News 2019-01-10 | Vaccines might be one of the greatest medical accomplishments in history, mitigating deadly diseases such as smallpox, polio, and measles. Then why, in the last two decades, has the anti-vaccine movement gained significant traction? Lou discusses how misinformation and bad “science” can put children all over the world at risk.SOURCES & FURTHER READINGCDC - Vaccines do not cause autismcdc.gov/vaccinesafety/concerns/autism.htmlThe Autism-Vaccine Mythpbs.org/wgbh/nova/article/autism-vaccine-mythWakefield’s study debunkedncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3136032Vaccines are not associated with autismsciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0264410X14006367Peter Hotez - Vaccines Did Not Cause Rachel's Autismhttps://jhupbooks.press.jhu.edu/content/vaccines-did-not-cause-rachels-autismRob Brotherton - Suspicious Minds: Why We Believe Conspiracy Theoriesbloomsbury.com/us/suspicious-minds-9781472915641Bots spread false vaccine informationajph.aphapublications.org/doi/pdf/10.2105/AJPH.2018.304567CREDITSWriter: Louis FogliaEditor: m.choResearcher: Dushyant NareshSupervising Producer: Allison BrownFollow Beme onInstagram: instagram.com/bemenewsTwitter: twitter.com/bemeappFacebook: facebook.com/officialbeme
Beware of fake underdogs BEME News 2019-01-03 | Pampered athletes, rich politicians, powerful businesses: everyone thinks they’re an underdog, even the obviously privileged. Lou explains why we’re so susceptible to the underdog effect and how it could damage democracy.SOURCES & FURTHER READINGVandello & Goldschmied on The Appeal of the Underdogjournals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0146167207307488Vandello & Goldschmied on The Advantage of Disadvantage: Underdogs in the Political Arenatandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/01973530802659810Frazier & Snyder on The Underdog Concept in Sportsjournals.humankinetics.com/doi/abs/10.1123/ssj.8.4.380?journalCode=ssjSlate on the Underdog Effectslate.com/technology/2010/04/why-do-we-love-to-root-for-the-underdog.htmlCREDITSWriter: Louis FogliaEditor: m.choResearcher: Page EllersonSupervising Producer: Allison BrownFollow Beme onInstagram: instagram.com/bemenewsTwitter: twitter.com/bemeappFacebook: facebook.com/officialbeme
Could nuclear energy save the planet? BEME News 2018-12-27 | Nuclear energy is the proven climate change solution staring us in the face. Yet, concerns about its safety have prevented widespread adoption. Are these fears irrational? And how can nuclear power compete with oil and natural gas on price?SOURCES & FURTHER READINGIPCC Reporthttp://www.ipcc.ch/report/sr15/ Fourth National Climate Assessmentnca2018.globalchange.gov/downloads/NCA4_Report-in-Brief.pdf Union of Concerned Scientists on The Nuclear Dilemmaucsusa.org/sites/default/files/attach/2018/11/Nuclear-Power-Dilemma-full-report.pdf Goldstein on using the Nuclear Optionhuffingtonpost.com/entry/opinion-nuclear-power-climate-change_us_5bbe08b0e4b01470d057b4c0 Abdulla on the Demise of Nuclear Powertheconversation.com/the-demise-of-us-nuclear-power-in-4-charts-98817 US Energy generation by power sourceeia.gov/tools/faqs/faq.php?id=427&t=3 Nuclear Power Reactors in the Worldwww-pub.iaea.org/MTCD/Publications/PDF/RDS-2-38_web.pdf Our World in Data on what is the safest form of energyourworldindata.org/what-is-the-safest-form-of-energyCREDITSWriter: Louis FogliaEditor: m.choResearcher: Dushyant NareshSupervising Producer: Allison BrownFollow Beme onInstagram: instagram.com/bemenewsTwitter: twitter.com/bemeappFacebook: facebook.com/officialbeme
Is President Trump breaking the law at the US border? BEME News 2018-12-21 | President Trump has deployed thousands of active duty U.S. military troops on the border of the U.S. and Mexico. What will they be doing there, and is that even legal? Nora Neus looks at the history of the U.S. Border Patrol and a law called the Posse Comitatus Act.SOURCES & FURTHER READING:Cost of troops on the bordercnn.com/2018/11/20/politics/border-troop-cost-estimate/index.html History of CBPcbp.gov/border-security/along-us-borders/history Posse Comitatushttps://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/1385Extension of missionwashingtonpost.com/world/national-security/trump-administration-expected-to-extend-military-mission-along-border-through-the-holidays/2018/11/28/392c3734-f338-11e8-bc79-68604ed88993_story.html?utm_term=.27fc1898f51c CREDITSWriter: Nora Neus Producer: Jeesoo ParkEditor: Jesse ThreattImage research: Bela QuinteroSupervising Producer: Allison BrownFollow Beme onInstagram: instagram.com/bemenewsTwitter: twitter.com/bemeappFacebook: facebook.com/officialbeme
