Peter Norton is a historian of technology with particular interests in streets and people. He is an associate professor in the University of Virginia's Department of Engineering and Society, where he has taught since 1998. He is the author of 'Fighting Traffic: The Dawn of the Motor Age in the American City.'
Peter Norton on KCRW
More from KCRW
What are the differences between conservatism, Trumpism, and GOP?
PoliticsWhat is a “never Trump” Republican? Both Trump and Harris are trying to win over swing and Centrist voters. Plus, conflict in the Middle East turns to Lebanon.
These 10 companies run our ‘democracy’
Business & EconomyAmidst the hype, excitement and nervousness of the election, the bigger picture of what the United States is and how it operates often gets lost on people.
Everything your kids won’t learn in school about our democracy: Can parents fill the void?
Child developmentAt a time of book bans and the withholding of critically important struggles in our history, our education system has increasingly failed to provide our young with the tools to become…
Dr. Warren Hern: Abortion in the age of unreason
PoliticsThe election came and went, and despite Democrats’ heavy emphasis on abortion rights, the election of Donald Trump makes it clear that the rights of women across the country are in…
Confused on Prop 34? It’s about the politics of rent control
Election 2024Prop 34 – sponsored by the California Apartment Association – looks like health care reform, but it’s crafted to stop one nonprofit from spending on politics.
SoCal Dems head to swing state Nevada to turn out votes
Election 2024SoCal Democrats anxious to help win the presidential election for Kamala Harris are road-tripping to swing states where they can make a bigger impact.
Will lowest-paid CA workers get a raise? Voters to decide
Business & EconomyVoters will have the chance to raise the state minimum wage to $18 with Prop 32. Wages are usually a hot topic in the state, but campaign spending is low.
Irvine police buys $150K Cybertruck, critics call it unnecessary
LawThe Irvine Police Department purchased a Tesla Cybertruck to promote its D.A.R.E drug program. But some taxpayers say the money should be spent elsewhere.
Criminal justice reform hits a backlash this election season
Election 2024Four years after protesters called to defund the police, voters worried about crime are poised to toss out a reformer D.A. and pass a tough-on-crime bill.