Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Presidents Day, Politics, and Pot Laws
Today we hear about the origin of Presidents Day, California's medical marijuana business, Olympian corporate sponsorships, and more.
By Madeleine Brand • • 52m ListenThe fact that we call today “Presidents Day” is a cause of consternation for historical literalists. We hear about the roots of the holiday and what it’s become today. Plus, we check in on the race to replace Henry Waxman in Congress. We also find out what new federal banking guidelines could mean for California’s medical marijuana business. We find out why some Olympians are having trouble with rules regarding their corporate sponsorships, and we get the details of a woman being held for the murder of her alleged rapist - and why many feel she’s innocent.
Photo credit: Dean Franklin
In this episode
5 storiesWhy Presidents Day Isn't Really Presidents Day
Today is Presidents Day. Sort of. The official name for the holiday is Washington’s Birthday, which is celebrated on the third Monday in February. But George Washington was born on February 22nd, 1732. So what’s going on here? We look at the roots of the holiday and what it’s become today.
Read the story6 minRacing to Replace Waxman
Long-time West-side Congressman Henry Waxman announced his retirement a couple of weeks ago. Now contenders to replace him are coming out of the woodwork. We take a look at how the race is shaping up, plus we discuss drought politics and other political news coming out of the beltway.
Read the story10 minAthletes, Sponsorships, and Rule 40
Olympic rules prohibit athletes and their financial sponsors from marketing products during the games. But younger athletes are so used to tweeting shout-outs to their sponsors, this is putting a crimp in their relationships. We talk to an athlete about how he navigated the tightrope of sponsorship and Olympic rules.
Read the story8 minIs Patricia Esparza Guilty of Murder?
Almost two decades after the killing of a man who allegedly raped her, psychology professor Patricia Esparza is faced with murder charges. She says she had nothing to do with the revenge killing, but Orange County prosecutors say otherwise. We get the details of this complicated case from a reporter who’s been digging into the past.
Read the story14 minBanking on Pot
The Obama administration has unveiled new guidelines that are supposed to help banks work with marijuana distributors in states where the drug is legal. Right now, banks don’t work with dispensaries out of fear of getting in trouble with the feds.
Read the story10 min
