Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Debt Collectors, the War on Drugs and the Biggest Sports Stories of 2015
On today’s show we look at a New York Times investigation into debt collector practices. What happens when borrowers are taken to court over debt that doesn’t exist anymore?
By Barbara Bogaev • • 50m ListenToday we look at a New York Times investigation into debt collecting practices. What happens to borrowers when they’re attacked for old or non-existent debt? Can they fight back?
Then, an in-depth take on the U.S. government’s battle with a notorious Mexican drug cartel.
After that, getting into drug rehabilitation is key to staying sober for many addicts. But how regulated is drug rehab?
And finally, the big sports highlights of the year with the Sklar Brothers.
Banner Image Credit: Keith Allison/CC
In this episode
5 storiesDebt Collection
Today the New York Times published an investigation into how debt collectors take advantage of borrowers. Some borrowers are sued over debt they’ve already paid back and are increasingly legally blocked from countersuing. How long has this been going on and is the government trying to stop the debt collectors?
Read the story8 minConsumers vs. Debt Collectors
Who are the debt collectors taking aggressive legal action against consumers? And what recourse can consumers take when they’re caught in a legal bind with debt collectors? A spokesperson for Consumer Action, a national consumer advocacy group, elaborates on the debt collection investigation with some broader perspective.
Read the story5 minDEA Drug War
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has had its ups and downs over the last several decades. David Epstein of ProPublica takes us behind the scenes of the drug war in Mexico with a dangerous cartel. That cartel is the Arellano Felix Organization, or AFO.
Read the story14 minL.A. Rehab Mogul Accused of Dangerous Abuses
People often go into drug rehabilitation at difficult moments in their lives. But what happens when the thing that’s supposed to save you is actually going to hurt you? For one drug rehab franchise, that’s exactly what’s being alleged. We talk to Hillel Aron of L.A.
Read the story7 minBiggest Sports Stories of 2015
The theme of sports this year? Oh how the mighty have fallen. From the "Deflategate" bust to a new frontier in fantasy sports, we look at the big sports stories of the year with the Sklar Brothers. Also in sports: Kobe Bryant may be on his way out, but the Warriors made records with the best start in NBA history.
Read the story15 min
