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Back to Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Jon Stewart Signs Off, Los Angeles DWP, and the Drought and Firefighting

It’s Jon Stewart’s final week as host of The Daily Show. For 16 years, he provided a satiric, often scathing, voice for those frustrated with politics and media. And, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power has been in hot water recently. It’s had massive billing errors. A union official blocked access to financial records of non-profits he controls. And meanwhile, now it’s asking for a rate increase.

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By Madeleine Brand • Aug 3, 2015 • 51m Listen

The first Republican primary debate is Thursday, with ten of the 17 GOP presidential hopefuls facing off on Fox News. But all eyes will be on Donald Trump, the Republican frontrunner.

Then, it’s Jon Stewart’s final week as host of The Daily Show after 16 years of providing a satiric, often scathing, voice for those frustrated with politics and media.

And the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power has become a civic punchline of sorts. There have been massive billing errors. A union official blocked access to the financial records of non-profits he controls. Meanwhile, the DWP is asking for a rate increase.

Finally, the so-called Rocky Fire is raging out of control northwest of Sacramento. But there are 20 other fires burning right now in California - most fueled by lightning strikes. More than 9,000 firefighters from across the country have been called in.

Banner Image: Jon Stewart hosts President Barack Obama on The Daily Show on July 21, 2015; Credit: Pete Souza

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    Madeleine Brand

    Host, 'Press Play'

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    Matt Holzman

    Producer, 'The Document'

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    Anna Scott

    Former KCRW Housing and Homelessness Reporter

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    Jolie Myers

    Managing Producer, 'Press Play'

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