Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Guantanamo Detainee Released, Bel Air Mansions and Halloween Movies
The last British detainee held at Guantanamo Bay arrived in London today. What’s his story? Also, how did Bel Air become an enclave for super luxury mega mansions?
By Madeleine Brand • • 51m ListenThe last British detainee held at Guantanamo Bay arrived in London today. What’s his story?
Also today, thousands of drug offenders are being released from federal prisons. Why? And what does the future hold for them?
Next, a look at the mega mansions sprouting up in Bel Air and what they say about Los Angeles and its real estate market.
In our regular Friday film roundup, we check out “Our Brand is Crisis,” “Burnt,” and more.
And finally, how did “sexy” Halloween costumes become a thing?
In this episode
6 storiesLast British Detainee Released From Guantanamo
Guantanamo detainee Shaker Aamer touched down in London today. He was the last British detainee held at Guantanamo Bay. Aamer was held there for nearly 14 years without charges or a trial. Military officials have portrayed Aamer as a dangerous Islamic terrorist, but there was never proof or charges brought.
Read the story9 minDrug Offenders Released From Prison
Six thousand drug offenders are being released from federal custody today and Monday . Nearly a third will be turned over to immigration and likely deported. Most of the rest are already out of prison, in halfway houses or home confinement, and will now be released to a probation officer.
Read the story12 minThe Mega Mansions of Bel Air
Let’s say you’re in the market for a house; what are your must-haves? More than one bedroom? A backyard? Or how about a champagne room — not just for storing booze, but a whole room designed to look like a champagne glass? Or a race car simulator? Those are just a few of the amenities in a new development called the Park Bel Air.
Read the story9 minThe Mega Mansions of Bel Air
Let’s say you’re in the market for a house; what are your must-haves? More than one bedroom? A backyard? Or how about a champagne room — not just for storing booze, but a whole room designed to look like a champagne glass? Or a race car simulator? Those are just a few of the amenities in a new development called the Park Bel Air.
Read the story9 minFriday Film: Our Brand is Crisis, Burnt and more
There are plenty of thrills and chills at the movies this weekend with Halloween upon us, though not from necessarily horror films. You’ll find a terrifying look into the mind of a political operative; what it’s like to be trapped in a kitchen with a megalomaniac; and, of course, zombies.
Read the story11 minThe History of Sexy Halloween Costumes
Tomorrow is Halloween, and Americans will spend about $7 billion celebrating this year. About $1 billion of that will be on kids’ costumes. But about $1.5 billion will be on costumes for grown ups. Costumes that are often risque. So when did Halloween become an excuse to strip down?
Read the story5 min
