Producer, 'Press Play'
PROFILE
Sarah Sweeney
Producer
FROM Sarah Sweeney
Press Play with Madeleine Brand
What does Bannon's departure mean for the White House and right-wing media? Steve Bannon was fired today, or quit, or left by mutual agreement -- depending on who you ask. We look at his time in the White House, the right-wing media environment he helped create, and whatever his future may be.
Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Zealous, terrifying women: Ann Dowd on her Emmy-nominated performances Ann Dowd earned two Emmy nominations this year. In “The Handmaid’s Tale,” she plays Aunt Lydia, a religious zealot who indoctrinates the handmaids. In “The Leftovers,” she plays Patti Levin, a cult leader who wants the world to live in perpetual mourning.
Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Trump's rise and America's fall President Donald Trump gave a startling, off-the-cuff press conference Tuesday, blaming “both sides” for recent violence in Charlottesville, and describing protesters opposed to white supremacists as “very violent.” That scene caused some to wonder how we got here.
Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Trump's off-the-cuff news conference: Alt-left, neo-Nazis and Charlottesville This afternoon, President Trump defended his initial response to the violence in Charlottesville, saying he needs all the facts before making a statement. He said there was blame on "both sides." He described some protesters opposed to the white supremacists as “very violent." And he wondered aloud about the removal of confederate statues.
Press Play with Madeleine Brand
The White House and white supremacy after Charlottesville violence It took President Trump two days to directly condemn white supremacists after they rampaged through Charlottesville, Virginia, inciting violence. One woman was killed and two state troopers died in a related accident.
Press Play with Madeleine Brand
How an amateur cyclist uncovered Russia's massive doping scheme Bryan Fogel wanted to find out how Lance Armstrong never failed a drug test despite doping. He found a Russian scientist who told him how to do it to himself. Then he helped reveal a massive doping scandal.
Press Play with Madeleine Brand
What do North Koreans think about Trump's saber rattling? President Trump’s impromptu threat of hitting North Korea with fire and fury on Tuesday launched 48 hours of breaking news coverage: Montages of missiles detonating, and graphics painting Trump and Kim Jong Un as mortal enemies.
Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Google's diversity problem Google has fired engineer James Damore, who wrote an internal memo saying “biological causes” are partially to blame for the low numbers of women in tech. Damore has filed a complaint with the National Labor Relations Board. Google is also under investigation for paying female employees less.
Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Jeffrey Tambor on how 'Transparent' changed his life Jeffrey Tambor is nominated for a third Emmy for his star role in the Amazon show “Transparent.” It’s a nontraditional coming-of-age story about a 70-year-old trans woman named Maura Pfefferman.
Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Is this the most Evangelical White House ever? Pastor Ralph Drollinger runs a weekly bible study in the White House. About a dozen Cabinet members attend, as well as the CIA Director and Attorney General. President Trump doesn’t make it, but he receives a copy of the Pastor’s teachings every week.
Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Attorney General cracks down on leakers Jeff Sessions says the Department of Justice is open for business when it comes to ferreting out leakers, and he says he may also go after the press. He’s also instructed prosecutors to accept fewer plea deals and go for maximum sentences.
Press Play with Madeleine Brand
What we learn from transcript of Trump and Pena Nieto call A transcript of a phone call between President Trump and his Mexican counterpart Enrique Pena Nieto is getting attention today. Trump says the border wall is not the top issue between the two countries. And he asked Pena Nieto to stop saying publically that Mexico wouldn’t pay for the border wall.
Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Should the U.S. base its immigration system on Canada's? The White House wants to cut the number of green cards issued in half, and base immigration on a points system similar to Canada’s.
Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Are we in a new Cold War with Russia? Russia is getting ready to send as many as 100,000 troops to its Western border for military exercises. There have also been diplomatic fights, the expulsion of 755 American diplomats and staff, and sanctions passed by Congress. Some are wondering if this means a new Cold War.
Press Play with Madeleine Brand
LA 2028: Summer Olympics comes to Los Angeles The summer Olympics are coming back to Los Angeles -- 11 years from now. The International Olympic Committee has been talking to LA and Paris for years. Paris will get the games in 2024.
Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Is Anthony Scaramucci's tirade part of his communications strategy? White House Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci’s profane rant against his colleagues has stunned everyone. We look at his feud with Reince Priebus, and whether this kind of chaos and distraction is what the White House wants. Also, is Scaramucci the ultimate Italian-American stereotype?
Recommended
Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Gov. Jerry Brown: California and China will fight climate change together President Donald Trump reportedly wants the U.S. to withdraw from the Paris Climate Accord, and he’s expected to announce a decision soon. California Governor Jerry Brown heads to China to strengthen climate and clean energy ties.
Good Food
Shaking up the USDA, 'The Beef Cookbook' and 'Tartine All Day' Peggy Lowe explains why Trump’s pick for USDA Secretary is rattling rural America. Dario Cecchini talks future plans for Chianti ramen, and Richard Turner shares cuts from “PRIME: The Beef Cookbook.” Writer Matthew Sedacca looks at the controversy behind liquid smoke. Jonathan Gold tries Chengdu-style dishes, and Elisabeth Prueitt of Tartine fills us in on the latest. Plus, chef Michael Beckman shares a recipe for cactus confit.
Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Why is Trump so behind on filling staff jobs, establishing concrete policies? Yesterday Donald Trump signed a “decision memo” to revamp the air traffic control system. But there was little legislative detail in the plan. There’s not much to other splashy announcements from the White House, including tax cuts and the arms deal with Saudi Arabia. And hundreds of positions are unfilled in federal agencies.
Press Play with Madeleine Brand
How do Trump supporters feel about the Paris Accord? Globally and around the U.S., there are strong opinions whether or not the Paris Climate Accord is a good idea. The American exit is either a horrifying abdication of American leadership or a forceful and long overdue statement about U.S. sovereignty.