Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Mexico Protests, Cosby Accused of Rape, and An Epic Russian Train Ride
Why has the disappearance of 43 students in Mexico galvanized protesters there to such an extreme degree -- more than past incidents of drug violence? And is the U.S. paying enough attention to the Mexican crisis?
By Madeleine Brand • • 52m ListenWe start with a look south of the border: Why has the disappearance of 43 student-teachers in Mexico galvanized protesters there to such an extreme degree? And is the U.S. paying enough attention to the crisis? Next, in our weekly TV roundup, we look at the rape allegations against comedian Bill Cosby and how they’re impacting his small screen career. Then, NPR’s David Greene discusses his new book, about an epic railroad journey he took across Russia. And finally, a new music streaming service created by YouTube is entering a crowded field with a competitive advantage.
Banner Image: Protesters throw stones at riot police during protests over the missing 43 trainee teachers in Chilpancingo November 11, 2014. Members of the CETEG (State Coordinator of Teachers of Guerrero teachers' union) clashed with riot police during protests in reprisal for the killing of 43 trainee teachers after the government said corrupt police in league with a local drug gang abducted and apparently murdered the students in the southwestern state of Guerrero in late September. REUTERS/Daniel Becerril
In this episode
5 storiesMexico Still Embroiled in Protest
Massive protests continued in Mexico over the weekend, seven weeks after they were set off by the disappearance of 43 students. We now know that the students were abducted by gang members dispatched by a local mayor, and appear to have been murdered. Mexico has a long history of civilian kidnapping and violence.
Read the story9 minU.S. “Looking Away” From Mexican Crisis?
Has the American media been ignoring the crisis sparked in Mexico by the disappearance and probable murder of 43 student-teachers? One writer says yes, and argues that we should be paying closer attention.
Read the story9 minBill Cosby’s TV Legacy Marred by Rape Allegations
It’s been more than two decades since The Cosby Show went off the air. But for younger generations who didn’t grow up with Cliff, Theo, and the whole Cosby gang, they may only know Bill Cosby for one thing: the rape allegations that have been leveled against him. The accusations could impact the comedian’s plans to launch a new show.
Read the story9 min“Midnight in Siberia”
Russia has been in the news a lot lately, between President Vladimir Putin’s early departure from the G20 summit this weekend to the country’s incursions into Ukraine.
Read the story15 minThe Troubles With Streaming
It appears that Taylor Swift and Spotify are never, ever getting back together. But maybe she’ll have a better relationship with Spotify’s newest competitor, a music streaming service announced by YouTube last week called YouTube Music Key. It’s entering the field with a big advantage: its parent company.
Read the story7 min
