Trans swimmer on public misperceptions of ‘biological advantages’

Malfunctioning high-power transmission lines weren't the only cause of January’s devastating Eaton Fire. Small distribution lines, which feed power to individual homes, were sparking throughout January 7, well before the blaze started, according to an NPR investigation.

Little fakes everywhere: Sora 2 is a new, extremely realistic video generator from OpenAI. It’s pushing the rules of consent on the internet in unprecedented ways. 

When it comes to trans people and sports, the debate and new laws have focused on women. Trans activist Schuyler Bailar is the first openly transgender athlete to compete in Division 1 sports on a men’s team. He says, “What does it mean to have these ‘biological advantages,’ and when are biological advantages permitted, and to whom are they permitted? Right? Michael Phelps, winningest Olympian of all time, he is praised for his ‘freak of nature’ body. He produces half the levels of lactic acid than the average athlete. He has double the lung capacity. He has freakishly long arms, or really long torso with short legs. … When people talk about him, they say, ‘Amazing!’ … But then, if we shift over to Caster Semenya, who supposedly produces more testosterone than the average woman, people say, ‘That's unfair.’”

The Dodgers are heading back from Philadelphia, up two games to zero against the Phillies in their playoff series. Will they close it out on Wednesday? Meanwhile, as the WNBA grows in fans, prominent players are questioning the league’s leadership.

Today's episode was produced by Brian Hardzinski, Angie Perrin, Robin Estrin, Jack Ross, Zeke Reed, and Nihar Patel.

Host Madeleine Brand looks at news, culture and emerging trends through the lens of Los Angeles.