Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Drought, CEO Pay and LA's Union Station
State-wide drought, income inequality, animal legal rights, Union Station turns 75, and our weekly film roundup.
By Madeleine Brand • • 51m ListenWe know there’s a state-wide drought. Are we supposed to be rationing our water use? A new bill in the California State Senate creates a tax incentive for corporations willing to reduce the wage gap between CEOs and average workers. Will that fly? Citizen Canine: a family’s fight over who gets the golden retriever highlights the shift happening in animals’ legal rights. In our weekly round-up of the movies: the latest Spider-Man installment, the cast of the latest Star Wars revealed, and remembering Bob Hoskins. Finally, LA’s iconic Union Station turns 75.
Banner Image: A dry riverbed in California; Credit: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
In this episode
5 storiesWhat About the Drought?
Every inch of California has officially been impacted by the drought. But what are we doing about it? Farmers in the Central Valley are being forced to cut back on irrigation and choose between crops. Yet, here in Southern California, our reservoirs are still in good shape.
Read the story8 minCEO Pay
“Income inequality” has been one of the hottest topics of conversation ever since the great recession. Critics say CEO pay is too high when compared to the wages of regular employees, but companies are free to set their CEO pay as they see fit. The government can’t demand CEO wage caps.
Read the story6 min'Citizen Canine'
When Ron Callan Jr. died in 2007 he left an estate of over 2 million dollars. But it wasn’t the money, or the boat, or the rare wine collection that his surviving family members fought over, it was 13-year-old Alex. Callan's mother, ex-girlfriend, fiance, and father all took to the courts to fight for the right to care for Alex.
Read the story10 minFilm Roundup
On Fridays, we do our weekly round-up of new movies and Hollywood news. Today: the latest Spider-Man movie, The Amazing Spider-Man 2. Also, Walk of Shame, a new comedy starring Elizabeth Banks. The cast was revealed this week for the latest Star Wars installment, Star Wars Episode VII, to be directed by JJ Abrams.
Read the story12 minUnion Station Turns 75
Tomorrow, LA will be celebrating the 75th anniversary of the opening of Union Station. Madeleine toured the iconic building to learn more about its history and its architect, John Parkinson.
Read the story9 min
