Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Cardinals Hacking Investigation, Gap Closing Stores, and the Mayor’s Agenda
The St. Louis Cardinals are being investigated for hacking into computers of the Houston Astros and stealing information about trades, statistics and more. What could the fallout be?
By Madeleine Brand • • 50m ListenThe St. Louis Cardinals are being investigated for hacking into computers of the Houston Astros and stealing information about trades, statistics and more. What could the fallout be? Then, the Gap is closing a quarter of its stores. How badly is the brand doing, and what can it do to turn around? Next, Mayor Eric Garcetti is being criticized for not being more visible in the wake of two officer-involved shootings. We hear from a reporter who dug into Garcetti’s recent schedule to find out where he is spending his time. Then, writer Etgar Keret talks to Madeleine about his new book, The Seven Good Years: A Memoir. And finally, it’s wedding season; what is the Universal Life Church and how does it ordain so many people to become officiants?
In this episode
5 storiesCardinals Investigated for Hacking
Back in 2007, the New England Patriots got in trouble for stealing information from another team using video cameras. Now, we’re in the digital age. The St. Louis Cardinals are being accused of hacking into the computers of one of their rivals.
Read the story9 minGap to Close 174 Stores in Search of Profits
Nevermind the Cardinals; maybe the Gap should be stealing trade secrets from H&M and Forever 21. Gap says it’s closing 175 stores, a quarter of its retail outlets, in an attempt to become more profitable. The brand that defined preppy cool in the ‘80s and ‘90s has been struggling recently to compete with trendier, cheaper stores.
Read the story7 minMayor Garcetti Criticized for Low Profile on Shootings
Mayor Eric Garcetti was confronted by Black Lives Matter activists through the window of his SUV last week as he tried to leave his home. The protesters blocked him as he tried to get to the airport to catch a flight to Washington D.C.
Read the story8 minEtgar Keret and 'The Seven Good Years'
Israeli writer Etgar Keret’s son was born during a terrorist attack. In the opening pages of his new memoir, Keret describes most of the hospital staff disappearing to help the wounded. The book ends seven years later, with the family sitting Shiva after the death of Keret’s father.
Read the story14 minWhat is the Universal Life Church?
Wedding season is upon us. And if you’re going to be attending any happy betrothals this summer, you might find an officiant certified by the Universal Life Church. The church ordains anyone to conduct weddings. That means couples can ask their friends to sign up online, and voila -- no church or City Hall necessary to become legally wed.
Read the story10 min
