Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Paul Tanaka, L.A.’s Minimum Wage, and Harry Shearer Leaves 'The Simpsons'
Former Los Angeles undersheriff Paul Tanaka turned himself in to authorities this morning. He’s been charged by the FBI and the Justice Department with obstruction of justice. We get an update on the case from one of the prosecutors.
By Madeleine Brand • • 50m ListenToday we start with the news that former Los Angeles undersheriff Paul Tanaka turned himself in to federal authorities this morning. He’s been charged with obstruction of justice. We get an update on the case. Then, a look at the fight over the Brazilian Bahia Emerald, a giant gem currently stored at an undisclosed sheriff’s department facility here in L.A. Next, we turn to the fight over raising L.A.’s minimum wage from $9 to $15. Restaurant owners want tips to count towards the minimum wage, but labor activists oppose that. Then, a look at the state of documentary film and how it’s changed since the 1960s. And finally, it looks like Harry Shearer is leaving The Simpsons after voicing hundreds of characters for nearly three decades.
In this episode
5 storiesPaul Tanaka Indicted
Former Los Angeles undersheriff Paul Tanaka turned himself in to authorities this morning. The FBI and Justice Department charged Tanaka with obstruction of justice, alleging that he repeatedly sabotaged an investigation by the federal authorities into civil rights violations in Men’s Central Jail. We get an update on the case.
Read the story8 minAn Epic Emerald Fight
Weighing in at a staggering 840 pounds, the Brazilian Bahia Emerald is thought to be the biggest uncut emerald in the world. It’s being held in an evidence locker at an undisclosed sheriff’s department facility here in Los Angeles, and today the Brazilian government and an Idaho businessman are in court arguing over who owns the giant gem.
Read the story8 minL.A.’s Minimum Wage War
L.A. is one step closer today to raising the city’s minimum wage from $9 to $15 an hour. Yesterday, a city council committee approved the increase, and the full city council is expected to vote on it next week. If the measure passes, L.A.’s restaurants are likely to feel some of the biggest impacts.
Read the story11 min'Iris' and the State of Docs
The new documentary Iris paints a portrait of 93-year-old fashion maven Iris Apfel. It’s a film about an icon, made by another icon, Albert Maysles. It’s also one of his last films; Maysles died on March 5th at the age of 88. Albert and his brother David, who died in 1987, were documentary legends known for their “fly on the wall” style.
Read the story14 minHarry Shearer Leaves 'The Simpsons'
Since the beginning of The Simpsons, actor and comedian Harry Shearer has voiced more than a hundred characters on the show: the evil tycoon, Mr Burns; the butler Smithers; principal Skinner… the list goes on. But, after 26 seasons with the show, it looks like Harry Shearer will not be returning as any of those voices for seasons 27 and 28.
Read the story6 min
