Two stories today.

First, as we start to understand post-affirmative action America, we look to a natural experiment 25 years ago, when California ended the practice in public universities. It reshaped the makeup of the universities almost instantly. We find out what happened in the decades that followed.

Then, we ask, why does it cost so much for America to build big things, like subways. Compared to other wealthy nations, the costs of infrastructure projects in the U.S. are astronomical. We take a trip to one of the most expensive subway stations in the world to get to the bottom of why American transit is so expensive to build.

This episode was hosted by Adrian Ma and Darian Woods. It was produced by Corey Bridges, and engineered by Robert Rodriguez and Katherine Silva. It was fact-checked by Sierra Juarez. Viet Le is the Indicator's senior producer. And Kate Concannon edits the show. Alex Goldmark is our executive producer.

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It has its ups and downs, but Harald Buschbacher's idea might be the best of both transit worlds.

More than 250 homeless people were moved out of New York City subway trains, as the city's subway system closed early Wednesday to begin its first scheduled shutdown to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

The New York governor, left, fumed about the issue, inset, during his daily briefing Tuesday. An MTA official said the situation was a 'problem of de Blasio's, right, own making'.

Since the pandemic exploded in New York City and millions stopped going to work, ridership has decreased by 90 percent but there has been an increase in crimes on the underground network.

Starting 1am on May 6, the subways will shut down for four hours every night to be cleaned. The Long Island Rail Road and Metro North trains will also be cleaned.

The modern technology will be trialed to clean trains, buses and work areas in the city, officials announced on Sunday.