Press Play with Madeleine Brand
How California’s ‘tough on crime’ narrative is on the ballot
Both Prop 57 and 64 play into a broader narrative in California over the past few years that “tough on crime” may be too tough.
By Madeleine Brand • • 52m ListenSeveral ballot propositions seem to be reversing California’s “tough on crime” narrative. Prop 57 would allow early parole for inmates who’ve committed nonviolent crimes. Prop 64 would legalize marijuana and release some people who are serving time for marijuana-related offenses.
In this episode
4 storiesHow Calif. props could reverse the effects of tough-on-crime laws
Prop 57 would allow early parole for inmates who’ve committed nonviolent crimes. Prop 64 would legalize marijuana and release some people who are serving time for marijuana-related offenses. Both measures play into a broader narrative that California has had over the past few year that “tough on crime” may be too tough.
Read the story5 minLobbyists influencing how secretaries of state write ballot initiatives
Secretaries of state can have a big hand in writing ballot questions, which are meant to give voters a direct voice in state policies. A new report shows big corporate lobbying firms are now trying to target these elected officials with campaign donations, weekend outings and secret meetings to influence how those ballot questions are written.
Read the story5 min“Moonlight” draws on the real life of its director Barry Jenkins
Critics are calling “Moonlight” one of the best films of the year. It tells the story of Chiron, a poor, gay African-American in Miami.
Read the story5 minRating new Marvel and Mel Gibson movies
Our film critics look at Dr. Strange, the new marvel movie; Loving, which follows the couple behind the Supreme Court decision legalizing interracial marriage; and Mel Gibson’s Hacksaw Ridge, about a conscientious objector serving in World War II. Dr. Strange trailer Loving trailer Hacksaw Ridge trailer
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