Zach Wahls, Iowa state senator and executive director of The Next 50, discusses the resurgence of Democratic interest in Iowa as polling shifts. Poppy Damon reports from Pennsylvania, capturing the charged atmosphere at a Trump rally. The conversation also highlights significant infrastructure upgrades at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport and the vital efforts of architects Lee Ann and Michael Gamble in preserving Atlanta's historic buildings. Together, they explore the intersection of politics, architecture, and community identity.
Recent polling in Iowa indicates a potential shift back to Democratic support, influenced by abortion legislation and local candidates' efforts.
Atlanta is balancing modernization with historical preservation, emphasizing adaptive reuse to maintain its cultural identity amid urban development.
Deep dives
Voter Sentiments in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania plays a critical role in the upcoming election due to its 19 electoral votes, making it a key focus for both candidates. Recent polling indicates a significant turnout from voters, with many expressing concerns over voting access, particularly in Bucks County, where Donald Trump has contested mail-in ballot procedures. Interactions with local voters reveal that economic issues are top-of-mind, alongside concerns about immigration and crime, suggesting that the electorate is grappling with a mix of both traditional Democratic and emerging Republican ideologies. The sentiment among canvassers indicates that while there's hope for Harris' victory, underlying tensions about election legitimacy persist, with many voters skeptical about the integrity of the voting process.
Iowa's Shifting Political Landscape
Recent polling data shows a surprising resurgence of Democratic support in Iowa, highlighting the potential for a shift back to a swing state status. Factors influencing this shift include the impact of abortion legislation following the overturning of Roe v. Wade, which has sparked strong backlash among independent voters and women. Key demographics, particularly independent women and seniors, demonstrate a growing discontent with aggressive Republican policies, indicating a broader trend away from Trump’s endorsement in the state. Additionally, ongoing efforts by local Democratic candidates resonate with voters as they seek to address radical changes introduced by Republicans at the state level.
Atlanta's Historic Preservation Efforts
Atlanta is undergoing significant transformations as it navigates the preservation of its rich historical landmarks while adapting to modern needs. Architecture firms such as Gamble& Gamble emphasize the importance of adaptive reuse, ensuring that historical buildings retain their essence while serving contemporary functions. This ongoing dialogue around preservation and modernity reflects a broader commitment to sustain the city's cultural identity amidst rapid development. Stakeholders argue that preserving these structures not only honors past narratives but also fosters a vibrant urban environment that integrates history into the fabric of daily life.
Challenges of Upgrading Hartsfield-Jackson Airport
Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, known as the world's busiest airport, is currently undergoing critical expansion to accommodate larger aircraft and increased passenger volume. Key projects involve the widening of Concourse D, utilizing innovative modular construction techniques to minimize disruption during ongoing operations. This strategy allows for simultaneous construction activities both on-site and remotely, significantly reducing the impact on travelers. Given the urgency of the upgrade, the collaboration between airport management and engineers is crucial in maintaining operations while enhancing the airport's capacity to meet future demands.
The latest poll out of Iowa suggests that this Midwest state might be back in play for the Democrats. We talk to Iowa state senator Zach Wahls and ask if voters are getting their swing back. Then: Monocle’s Chris Cermak reports from Donald Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania and we hear from Georgina Godwin down in South Carolina. Plus: we meet the team at WSP working to revamp the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and meet the architecture duo at G+G working hard to preserve Atlanta’s historic landmarks.