Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Ted Cruz, “Empire” Finale, and Parker Center’s Fate
We start with a look at Texas Senator Ted Cruz’s bid for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination. Also, in our weekly television roundup, was the season finale of Empire a fan favorite or drama overkill?
By Madeleine Brand • • 51m ListenWe start with a look at Texas Senator Ted Cruz’s bid for the 2016 Republican nomination. Then, the U.S. Supreme Court is hearing the case today of a disabled woman who was shot by police; what does the case tell us about the challenges of policing the mentally ill? In our weekly television roundup, did the season finale of Empire satisfy fans or make things too complicated for season two? Next, a conversation with the creators of Instagram feeds devoted to depicting everyday life in Africa and Iran. And finally, a debate over the fate of the former LAPD headquarters known as Parker Center.
Banner Image: Senator Ted Cruz of Texas speaking at the 2013 Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in National Harbor, Maryland; Credit: Gage Skidmore
In this episode
5 storiesTed Cruz Throws His Hat in the 2016 Ring
Texas Senator Ted Cruz announced in a speech this morning that he’s making a bid for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination. That makes him the first to enter the race for his party’s pick.
Read the story8 minPolicing the Mentally Ill
At the U.S. Supreme Court today, the justices are hearing the case of a San Francisco woman who tried to sue the city and two of its police officers for violating her rights as a disabled person.
Read the story9 min“Empire” Finale and Other TV News
In our weekly television roundup, Empire has wrapped up its first season. Were fans satisfied with the finale, and can the show keep it fresh for season two? Also, pasty English comedian James Corden will host his first episode of The Late Late Show tonight, taking over from Craig Ferguson.
Read the story10 minEveryday Instagram
There are some places in the world we only hear about when something awful happens, when there’s a terrorist attack, natural disaster, or deadly epidemic. But of course, that’s not a complete picture of these places.
Read the story12 minParker Center’s Future
Should the Parker Center stay or should it go? The former headquarters of the Los Angeles Police Department is empty now; as it has been for the last six years, since the LAPD moved into its new headquarters. And the city has plans to tear the building down to make way for a new and much bigger tower to house city workers.
Read the story7 min
