Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Opening Statements in Paul Tanaka Trial, and Running and Eating Through Los Angeles
Opening statements were made yesterday in the trial of former L.A. County Undersheriff Paul Tanaka. What did the lawyers say, and is Tanaka likely to face jail time?
By Madeleine Brand • • 52m ListenThe trial of former L.A. County Undersheriff Paul Tanaka began this week. He’s charged with conspiracy and obstruction of justice for allegedly interfering in an FBI investigation into abusive practices at L.A. County jails. Then, a look at how L.A. came to rely on helicopters for policing. Next, two radio journalists investigated the charity Planet Aid and looked closely at how it spends money. In our Friday film roundup, the new superhero blockbuster and remembering Garry Shandling.
In this episode
5 storiesTanaka Trial Kicks Off
Opening statements were made yesterday in the trial of former L.A. County Undersheriff Paul Tanaka . He’s accused of obstructing an F.B.I. investigation into inmate abuse in county jails. The two sides paint very different pictures of Tanaka; what do the opening statements suggest about how the case will unfold?
Read the story9 minHelicopter Policing in L.A.
Depending on which Los Angeles neighborhood you live in, you might hear the buzz of a chopper overhead, seemingly all the time. In some places they’re called ghetto birds, which gives you an indication of where their presence is felt the most. For people on the ground, the choppers are more than a mere nuisance. How did L.A.
Read the story8 minHow Does Planet Aid Use Your Old Clothing?
Let’s say you want to get rid of old clothes. You see one of those big yellow donation bins that says Planet Aid on it. Have you ever wondered what happens next? Well, they’re sold and the money is supposed to go to help poor people overseas in places like Africa.
Read the story8 minFriday Film Roundup: ‘Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice’
One of the most highly anticipated movies of the year is out today, and it might be somewhat less anticipated after the terrible reviews. We’re talking Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice. We’ll also talk about the late great Garry Shandling. The comedian died yesterday at the age of 66.
Read the story12 minRunning and Eating Through LA
Back in January, three friends decided to train for the Hollywood Half Marathon. But instead of running around a track, they decided to make their runs more interesting with big rewards - both food rewards and routes that take them past fun landmarks.
Read the story9 min
