Listen Live
Donate
 on air
    Schedule

    KCRW

    Read & Explore

    • News
    • Entertainment
    • Food
    • Culture
    • Events

    Listen

    • Live Radio
    • Music
    • Podcasts
    • Full Schedule

    Information

    • About
    • Careers
    • Help / FAQ
    • Newsletters
    • Contact

    Support

    • Become a Member
    • Become a VIP
    • Ways to Give
    • Shop
    • Member Perks

    Become a Member

    Donate to KCRW to support this cultural hub for music discovery, in-depth journalism, community storytelling, and free events. You'll become a KCRW Member and get a year of exclusive benefits.

    DonateGive Monthly

    Copyright 2026 KCRW. All rights reserved.

    Report a Bug|Privacy Policy|Terms of Service|
    Cookie Policy
    |FCC Public Files|

    Back to Press Play with Madeleine Brand

    Press Play with Madeleine Brand

    Downtown Fire, 'Sons of Anarchy' Says Goodbye, and Sleepless in America

    We look at the controversial history of an under-construction apartment complex in downtown L.A. that burned in a huge fire early this morning. Also, what do we know about the last episode ever of Sons of Anarchy?

    • rss
    • apple-podcasts
    • spotify
    • Share
    By Madeleine Brand • Dec 8, 2014 • 51m Listen

    We start with a look at the controversial history of an under-construction apartment complex in downtown L.A. that burned early this morning. Then, 50 years of the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion: how was the venue a milestone for the city? In our weekly TV roundup, Sons of Anarchy airs its final episode this week. Next, an in-depth look at the consequences of a lack of sleep, which affects nearly half the country’s adult population. And finally, what went wrong in the failed hostage rescue mission in Yemen?

    Banner Image: Los Angeles city firefighters battle a massive fire at a seven-story downtown apartment complex under construction in Los Angeles, California December 8, 2014. Over 250 firefighters battle the early morning blaze which shutdown two major freeways the Los Angeles Fire Department and California Highway Patrol said. REUTERS/Gene Blevins

    In this episode

    5 stories
    1. 0:00

      Burned Downtown Building Has Controversial History

      A huge fire destroyed an apartment building under construction in downtown L.A. this morning. Nearby roads and freeways closed for hours while firefighters got the flames under control. Nobody was hurt, and investigators are looking into the cause.

      Read the story
      9 min
    2. 8:46

      Dorothy Chandler Legacy

      The Dorothy Chandler Pavilion at the Music Center opened its doors 50 years ago this past Friday. We discuss how the venue was a milestone for the city, and a huge accomplishment for the woman who made it happen.

      Read the story
      9 min
    3. 17:55

      'Sons of Anarchy' Says Goodbye, and More

      The cable television series Sons of Anarchy on FX is known for its rabid fanbase — a fanbase that’s in mourning this week. The final episode airs tomorrow night after seven seasons. But there’s a spoiler out now that is causing all sorts of consternation. That and other small screen news in our weekly TV roundup.

      Read the story
      8 min
    4. 26:38

      “Sleepless in America”

      Nearly half the population — 40 percent of American adults and 70 percent of teens — don’t get enough sleep. The new documentary Sleepless in America looks at the consequences, which could include making us more susceptible to diseases like diabetes, cancer, and Alzheimer's. Sleepless in America trailer

      Read the story
      14 min
    5. 42:29

      Failed Hostage Rescue in Yemen: What Went Wrong?

      In the middle of the night on Saturday, dozens of U.S special forces operatives crept six miles through a Yemeni desert. Their target was an Al Qaeda compound in Southern Yemen. Two hostages were inside the compound: American photojournalist Luke Somers and South African teacher Pierre Korkie.

      Read the story
      7 min
    • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

      Madeleine Brand

      Host, 'Press Play'

    • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

      Andrew Walsh

      Too Beautiful to Live

    • KCRW placeholder

      Christian Bordal

      Managing Producer, Greater LA

    • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

      Matt Holzman

      Producer, 'The Document'

      News

    In this episode

    5 stories
    1. 0:009 min

      Burned Downtown Building Has Controversial History

    2. 8:469 min

      Dorothy Chandler Legacy

    3. 17:558 min

      'Sons of Anarchy' Says Goodbye, and More

    4. 26:3814 min

      “Sleepless in America”

    5. 42:297 min

      Failed Hostage Rescue in Yemen: What Went Wrong?

    Back to Press Play with Madeleine Brand