The podcast discusses the shift of tornado activity eastward, the challenges of tracking political finances, and the trend of early morning activities. Topics include early bird dinner reservations, a dance party for elder Millennials, and the rescue of an orphaned baby elephant. The intriguing study on African elephants using name-like calls for communication is also explored.
Tornado activity is shifting eastward in the US, exposing new regions to severe weather risks.
Campaign finance loopholes enable hidden donations, highlighting the need for transparency and accountability in political funding.
Deep dives
Changing Patterns in Tornado Activity
Researchers have noted a shift in tornado activity towards the east of the traditional 'tornado alley,' with the highest concentration moving from Oklahoma to Mississippi. This change, observed over 70 years of data, indicates a significant eastward movement of tornado occurrences, reaching as far as Maryland. While tornadoes are associated with the Midwest, this shift raises concerns for regions unaccustomed to such weather patterns.
Campaign Finance and Donor Influence
Investigative reporting by The Hill exposes the intricate network of money in politics, detailing an $800,000 donation from billionaire Hank Mahare to the US Chamber of Commerce following the endorsement of his son. The disclosure reveals how these transactions fund ad campaigns without explicit donor transparency, exploiting legal loopholes and posing challenges in tracking political influence. Despite legal maneuvers, such financial interactions underscore the complexities of campaign finance regulations and the need for greater transparency.
Changing Social Trends towards Early Events
A societal trend towards early engagements, including dinner reservations, events, and parties, reflects a shift in preferences towards earlier timings. Initiatives like earlier Broadway showings and weddings ending by 9 or 10 p.m. cater to changing lifestyles, promoting better rest and convenience. Businesses, especially in the hospitality sector, benefit from increased foot traffic and improved employee work-life balance in response to these evolving social patterns.
It’s a New York edition of “Make Me Smart”! Marketplace’s Kristin Schwab joins Kimberly in the NYC bureau to discuss a growing trend in the city that never sleeps: Nightlife is winding down a lot earlier these days, and that might be good for businesses. But first, why Tornado Alley may be migrating east, and a deeper look into the legal loopholes of campaign finance. Plus, the rescue of an orphaned baby elephant is making us smile.