Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Affirmative Action, Feeding the World & Political Dynasties
SCOTUS upholds Michigan's ban on affirmative action, feeding 9 billion people, political dynasties, and how to handle your 'True Detective' withdrawal.
By Madeleine Brand • • 52m ListenThe U.S. Supreme Court has upheld Michigan’s ban on affirmative action in the state’s university admissions programs. Nearly 20 years ago, California banned affirmative action for its colleges and universities after voters adopted Prop 209. And yet, the University of California announced that for the first time, more Latinos were offered admission than whites. By 2050, there will be 9 billion people on earth. So, just how are we going to feed all those people? And how can we do it without destroying the earth? We also take a look at the history of political dynasties in the U.S. And we have a cure for True Detective withdrawal.
Banner Image: Chelsea Clinton and former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton participate in A No Ceilings Conversation at Lower Eastside Girls Club in New York April 17, 2014. The event, moderated by America Ferrera, gave girls and women in the room and around the world a chance to speak with Hilary and Chelsea Clinton about their lives and experiences. Chelsea Clinton announced on Thursday that she is pregnant with the first grandchild of former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly
In this episode
5 storiesAffirmative Action Ban
The U.S. Supreme Court has upheld Michigan’s ban on affirmative action in the state’s university admissions programs. Last year, the Justices said it was okay for colleges to consider race in their admissions process, but the majority today said it’s also okay for states to not consider race.
Read the story9 minAdmissions Post-Prop 209
Nearly 20 years ago, California banned affirmative action for its colleges and universities after voters adopted Prop 209. And yet, the University of California announced that for the first time, more Latinos were offered admission than whites.
Read the story7 minHow to Feed the World
By 2050, there will be 9 billion people on earth. So, just how are we going to feed all those people? And how can we do it without destroying the earth? Conventional farming may be able to produce enough food, but critics say that’s killing the environment. Meanwhile, organic farming may not be enough to keep up with population growth.
Read the story10 min'True Detective' Withdrawal
The recent HBO series True Detective was a huge hit. It was the most-watched inaugural season in the network’s history, and the short, 8-episode season left fans wanting more. HBO will release the show on DVD and Blue-ray in June. Until then, though, for passionate fans of gritty serial killer/detective movies, we have some suggested viewing.
Read the story11 minWhat's So Wrong with Political Dynasties?
Hillary Clinton is considering another Presidential run. Her daughter Chelsea has said that she might run for office someday. And, of course, Chelsea just announced that she’s pregnant, so there’s already speculation that her unborn child might be a future politician. We take a look at the tradition of political dynasties in the U.S.
Read the story10 min
