Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Mexican Farmworkers Strike, Friday Film and Monica Lewinsky’s Comeback
A look at the massive farmworker strike in Baja, California, going on now. Also, Monica Lewinsky is making a comeback of sorts, speaking out about the scandal that has defined her life in many ways since the late ‘90s.
By Madeleine Brand • • 51m ListenWe start today with a look at the massive farmworker strike in Baja, California. Then, in San Francisco, the latest in a scandal over racist and homophobic text messages exchanged by five police officers: a 23-year veteran of the force who’s also openly gay just resigned for participating in the texting. Next, Monica Lewinsky is making a comeback of sorts, speaking out about the scandal that has defined her life in many ways since the late ‘90s; would we treat her differently today? In our Friday film segment, a look at the latest box office releases including Cinderella and Insurgent. And finally, what does the app Popcorn Time mean for the future of the film industry?
Banner Image: Empty tomato field
In this episode
5 storiesMexican Farmworkers on Strike Over Labor Abuses
Hundreds of farmworkers are on strike this week in Baja California. An investigative report in the Los Angeles Times exposed widespread labor abuses on farms in Mexico late last year.That caught the attention of the Mexican government, and companies like Walmart that import produce from the region.
Read the story10 minA Twist in the San Francisco Police Department Texting Scandal
Five San Francisco police officers are accused of trading racist and homophobic text messages, which has led to about a thousand convictions being re-examined for bias. And here’s a twist: one of the cops involved, Michael Robison, is openly gay. He’s a 23-year veteran of the department and he resigned yesterday.
Read the story6 minMonica Lewinsky’s Comeback
Monica Lewinsky is back. After a coming out piece of sorts in Vanity Fair last year, the former White House intern is speaking out, including during a TED talk, Thursday, where she received a standing ovation. The subject? How to survive shame and humiliation at the hands of, well, everyone.
Read the story8 minFriday Film: 'Cinderella', Sean Penn as Action Star and a Softer Pacino
Cinderella led the box office this week, bringing in almost $70 million since its premiere. But a sequel based on a big YA franchise, Divergent, drops today, introducing some serious competition. What is a teen cinephile to do? Our regular weekly movies segment is here to help you navigate the box office.
Read the story14 minPopcorn Time Chipping Away at Box Office Returns
If you don’t feel like going out to see a movie tonight, you could just stay home and fire up Netflix. Or, if you don’t have a Netflix account and you’re not concerned with those pesky anti-piracy laws, you could just use the new app Popcorn Time and watch a current movie for free.
Read the story7 min
