Press Play with Madeleine Brand
California's new attorney general and the state's opposition to Trump
California Governor Jerry Brown has picked Congressman Xavier Becerra for the state’s open attorney general seat. The position may gain national attention as state lawmakers pledge to fight the incoming Trump administration on several fronts.
By Madeleine Brand • • 51m ListenCalifornia Governor Jerry Brown picked Congressman Xavier Becerra for the state’s open attorney general seat. That could set up California for political opposition to the Trump administration.
An effort to block an expansion of the government’s hacking powers died in the Senate yesterday. Rule 41 allows the FBI the power to hack into multiple computers nationwide with a single warrant.
The FDA is allowing large scale trials of ecstasy as a way to treat PTSD. A veteran shares his experience with the drug and the doctor who spearheaded the research.
Natalie Portman talks about playing the public and private sides of former first lady Jackie Kennedy in the new movie “Jackie.”
A Norwegian beats a Russian in the World Chess Championship, and everyone sees it a metaphor for the Cold War.
Photo courtesy of Lingjing Bao.
In this episode
5 storiesCalifornia's new attorney general could set up political fights with Trump
California Governor Jerry Brown has appointed Democratic Congressman Xavier Becerra as the state’s attorney general. Becerra is the highest ranking Latino in Congress. If approved by the state legislature, he will finish the two years left on Kamala Harris’ term.
Read the story9 minIt just got easier for the FBI to remotely hack your phone
An effort to block an expansion of the government’s hacking powers died in the Senate yesterday. Rule 41 allows the FBI to hack into multiple computers across the country with a single warrant.
Read the story7 minHow ecstasy can help with PTSD symptoms
The illegal drug MDMA is found in ecstasy. It could be a promising new treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder. The Food and Drug Administration has given the go-ahead for large-scale clinical trials of the drug for PTSD patients. It’s a step toward approving it for prescription use.
Read the story9 minNatalie Portman on bringing Jackie Kennedy to the big screen
The new biopic about Jacqueline Kennedy opens tomorrow. Natalie Portman has been receiving rave reviews for her portrayal of the former first lady; Jackie . She talks about how she prepared to play such a beloved and iconic character. Photo credit by Fox Searchlight
Read the story14 minIs the World Chess Championship a metaphor for the Cold War?
Last night, reigning World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen held onto his crown when he beat challenger Sergey Karjakin. The Norwegian and Russian were the youngest pair to face off. We hear about the intense final rounds, and learn about the president of the game’s governing body, who was banned from watching his own championship.
Read the story8 min
