Press Play with Madeleine Brand
LAUSD Threat, Violence in San Bernardino, and Porter Ranch Leak
The LAUSD closed all 900 of its schools today because of an electronic threat. What do we know?
By Madeleine Brand • • 53m ListenLAUSD Threat, Violence in San Bernardino, and Porter Ranch Leak
Description: The LAUSD closed all 900 of its schools today because of an electronic threat. What do we know?
Then, a look at everyday violence in San Bernardino.
Next, we take a look at the situation on the ground in Porter Ranch, where a huge methane leak is still going on.
Turning to national politics, the real presidential fight kicks off February 1 with the Iowa caucuses, followed by the New Hampshire primaries on February 9. What’s the difference between a caucus and a primary? Is one better than the other?
Finally, a look at the phenomenon of Jews eating Chinese food on Christmas, the history of the trend and where to go in L.A. on December 25.
In this episode
5 storiesLAUSD Threat
This morning, LAUSD Superintendent Ramon Cortines announced that due to a “credible threat,” all of the 900 plus schools in the LAUSD would be closed. The specifics of the threat are still a bit unclear. Cortines said early this morning that the threat was electronic in nature, and may involve backpacks.
Read the story12 minEveryday Gun Violence in San Bernardino
One reason the LAUSD isn’t taking any chances today might be the recent mass shooting in nearby San Bernardino. Fourteen people were killed, and the story is still making international news. But few are talking about the three other people shot in San Bernardino in the week following that terror attack.
Read the story7 minOn the Ground in Porter Ranch
The L.A. County Board of Supervisors may declare a local state of emergency in Porter Ranch today. If the governor signs it, more state and federal resources will be brought in to deal with a massive gas leak there. Gas has been spewing out of a well for the last seven weeks.
Read the story7 minA History of Primaries and Caucuses
Republican presidential candidates are getting ready to rumble in Las Vegas tonight in the final GOP debate of 2015. But the real presidential fight kicks off February 1. That’s when the Iowa caucuses take place, followed by the New Hampshire primaries on February 9. So what’s the difference between a caucus and a primary?
Read the story14 min'Jewish Christmas' at L.A. Chinese Restaurants
Christmas is next Friday, what will you be eating? Gingerbread? Mashed potatoes? Or, if you don’t celebrate Christmas, how about sesame noodles and orange chicken? Yes, the idea of Jews eating Chinese food on December 25 is so ingrained, it’s become a punchline. But is it a provable phenomenon? And if so, how did the trend start?
Read the story6 min
