The birth of the modern consumer movement

May 3, 2024 - 4:50pm EDT
Photo Credit / Getty Images / AGGP

Today on the show, the story of the modern consumer movement in the U.S. and the person who inspired it: Ralph Nader. How Ralph Nader's battle in the 1960s set the stage for decades of regulation and sparked a debate in the U.S. about how much regulation is the right amount and how much is too much. This episode was made in collaboration with Throughline. For more about Ralph Nader and safety regulations, listen to their original episode, "Ralph Nader, Consumer Crusader."This Planet Money episode was produced by Emma Peaslee and edited by Jess Jiang. The Throughline episode was produced by Rund Abdelfatah, Ramtin Arablouei, Lawrence Wu, Julie Caine, Anya Steinberg, Casey Miner, Cristina Kim, Devin Katayama, Peter Balonon-Rosen, Irene Noguchi, and fact-checking by Kevin Volkl. The episode was mixed by Josh Newell.Help support Planet Money and get bonus episodes by subscribing to Planet Money+ in Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org/planetmoney.

Mar 18 - 2:52pm EDT

Two federal judges have ordered the Trump administration to reinstate thousands of probationary employees it illegally fired. Agencies report they are doing so but placing most of them on paid leave.

Mar 18 - 2:00pm EDT

Trump administration lawyers defended the weekend flights that deported hundreds of alleged Venezuelan gang members despite a federal judge's order to turn the planes around.

Mar 18 - 1:46pm EDT

President Trump has said he wants to broker an end to Russia's war in Ukraine. This was his second call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the issue.

Mar 18 - 10:58am EDT

President Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 against Tren de Aragua members, provoking a legal fight. Here's what to know about the controversial law, which was last used during World War II.

Mar 18 - 4:39am EDT

A review of the legislative session in Wyoming shows what the conservative Freedom Caucus can do when it can run the agenda — sometimes even bumping up against the state's Republican governor.

Mar 18 - 4:35am EDT

Democrats have few options to fight Trump in Congress, and it seems challenging to wield the little leverage they do have. We asked two Democratic strategists where the party goes from here.

Mar 18 - 4:35am EDT

Democrats have few options to fight Trump in Congress, and it seems challenging to wield the little leverage they do have. We asked two Democratic strategists where the party goes from here.

Mar 18 - 4:34am EDT

The U.S. Institute of Peace, a think tank funded by Congress, was the scene of a hostile takeover by the Department of Government Efficiency. DOGE has tried to install new leadership at the institute.

Mar 18 - 4:34am EDT

The U.S. Institute of Peace, a think tank funded by Congress, was the scene of a hostile takeover by the Department of Government Efficiency. DOGE has tried to install new leadership at the institute.