Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Smog, TV Pilots, Errol Morris & the Future of Kobe
How bad is the air in LA? Is there a better way to handle TV pilot season? Why are conservatives fighting for free speech? And should Kobe call it quits?
By Madeleine Brand • • 51m ListenThe World Health Organization has found that air pollution is the biggest global health hazard. Is the air still bad in LA? How bad? Conservatives are fighting in court for their First Amendment rights and against contraceptive coverage, campaign contribution limits, and more. TV pilot season is a costly and slightly crazy tradition. Now it’s in for a long-awaited shake-up. Errol Morris talks about his new documentary on the architect of the Iraq War, Donald Rumsfeld. And should Kobe Bryant stay or should he go?
Banner Image: Los Angeles smog; Credit: Ben Amstutz
In this episode
5 storiesWHO Smog Report
Air pollution is now the single biggest global health hazard, according to a new report from the World Health Organization. Seven million people died worldwide from dirty air in 2012. About half of those deaths came from indoor pollution - from cooking on coal stoves - and most of the deaths from outdoor pollution were in Asia.
Read the story8 minConservatives Fighting for Free Speech
The Supreme Court heard arguments in the Hobby Lobby case today. That’s the case that was brought by the owners of a Christian crafts corporation that don’t like the mandate in the Affordable Care Act that requires all employer-provided health insurance to cover contraceptives.
Read the story8 minTV Pilot Season Shakeup
We’re in the middle of March Madness - the basketball tournament - but that’s also a perfect name for TV’s pilot season. This is the height of the network’s annual scramble to produce new shows and roll out their Fall line-ups. It’s a costly and slightly crazy tradition - and it’s only gotten costlier and crazier.
Read the story10 minErrol Morris: The Unknown Known
Eleven years ago the United States invaded Iraq. Donald Rumsfeld led that invasion as President Bush’s defense secretary. He became known at the daily Pentagon briefings for his colorful and circuitous statements... a man utterly confident that the U.S.
Read the story14 minKobe Bryant's Long Goodbye
When you talk about the Lakers, you’re really having a conversation about Kobe Bryant. But Kobe’s injured and out for the season. Again. And the Lakers are TWENTY-THREE and FORTY-SIX… not in a good way. No post-season for them. There’s a chance that this season will be the WORST in franchise history.
Read the story8 min
