Press Play with Madeleine Brand
LA attorney resists the call to reopen courts amid COVID-19
Nearly 3,000 people have been arrested in LA County since Friday, tied to protests against the police killing of George Floyd. But nearly all of the county’s courtrooms have been closed since March because of COVID-19.
By Madeleine Brand • • 50m ListenNearly 3,000 people have been arrested in LA County since Friday, tied to protests against the police killing of George Floyd. But nearly all of the county’s courtrooms have been closed since March because of COVID-19. That means a backlog of thousands of cases. The courts plan to gradually resume hearings later this month, but some people think that’s too soon.
In this episode
5 storiesInside the White House decision to clear protesters so Trump could have a photo op
Protests are continuing nationwide following the police killing of George Floyd.
Read the story7 minRole of the president during crises: A historical look
The U.S. is currently mired in multiple crises. The COVID-19 pandemic has killed more than 100,000 Americans. Tens of millions of Americans are out of jobs, and this economic devastation hasn’t been seen since the Great Depression.
Read the story11 minWhite supremacy groups try to infiltrate recent protests and influence the narrative
As protests continue over the police killing of George Floyd, white nationalist groups have been using the unrest to their advantage.
Read the story10 minWith COVID-19 unchecked in jails, courts should not reopen, says LA attorney
“How do you assess a person's credibility if they're wearing a mask? How can you observe the demeanor and character of a witness if you're sitting 30 feet away from him behind plexiglass, or worse, on Zoom?" says Joel Koury.
Read the story8 min‘Legendary’ spotlights voguing, underground ballroom culture
The reality competition “Legendary” recently debuted on HBO Max. It’s about the world of ballroom — posing, voguing, hair whips and backflips. Performers throw shade and snark to judges and fellow contestants.
Read the story14 min
