Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Mexican Marijuana, Codegirl Documentary, and Sugar v. Corn Syrup
Last year, thousands of unaccompanied Central-American minors arrived in America. President Obama launched a program to absorb these children legally. So far, exactly zero have been brought in. And high fructose corn syrup has become a kind of demon food in recent years. But is it really any worse than plain old sugar?
By Madeleine Brand • • 50m ListenThe Supreme Court of Mexico yesterday allowed people to grow, own, and use marijuana. The ruling only applied to the four people who brought the case. But it could quickly lead to a wider precedent which would effectively legalize the drug.
Last year, thousands of unaccompanied Central-American minors arrived in America. President Obama launched a program to absorb these children legally. So far, exactly zero have been brought in.
Then, is high fructose corn syrup worse than plain old sugar? That’s the question at the heart of a trial that began this week. Sugar processors and corn refiners have filed competing lawsuits, each accusing the other of making false claims.
Next, the Technovation Challenge is a contest that’s trying to change the imbalance of women in technology. There is only one winner, but the hope is that everyone who participates will get a taste for tech.
Finally, in our web roundup, people on Twitter and Reddit deconstruct Obama’s Trans-Pacific Partnership. And you may be obsessed with Candy Crush, but at least you didn’t pay $5.9 billion for it.
In this episode
5 storiesMexican Marijuana
The Supreme Court of Mexico yesterday allowed people to grow, own, and use marijuana. The ruling only applied to the four people who brought the case. But it could quickly lead to a wider precedent, which would effectively legalize the drug. And maybe deal a blow to the drug cartels as a third of their business is marijuana.
Read the story10 minCentral-American Minors in the U.S.
Last year, thousands of unaccompanied minors fled to America from violence in places like El Salvador and Guatemala. President Obama promised to create a legal pathway for these children to enter the country. Almost a year ago, the Central American Minors program was launched.
Read the story8 minSugar v. High Fructose Corn Syrup
High fructose corn syrup has become a kind of demon food in recent years. But is it really any worse than plain old sugar? That’s the question at the heart of a trial that began here in L.A. this week. Sugar processors and corn refiners have filed competing lawsuits, each accusing the other of making false claims.
Read the story6 minCodegirl Documentary and Women in Tech
The Technovation Challenge is a contest that’s trying to change the imbalance of women in technology. Teams of girls from around the world take three months to design an app and develop a business plan in a competition for $10,000. There is only one winner, but the hope is that everyone who participates will get a taste for tech.
Read the story14 minWeb Roundup: Candy Crush Sold for $5.9 Billion
A young internet star turns her back on the web...while announcing a new website. People on Twitter and Reddit deconstruct Obama’s Trans-Pacific Partnership. And you may be obsessed with Candy Crush, but at least you didn’t pay %5.9 billion for it.
Read the story9 min
