Press Play with Madeleine Brand
The Economy Grows, Prenatal Testing Problems, and Boozy Science
The economy is growing, but is it good news for everyone? Also, a look back at half a century of L.A.’s biggest trials with retiring AP reporter Linda Deutsch.
By Barbara Bogaev • • 52m ListenWe start with a look at the economy. It’s growing, but is that good news for everyone? Then, just in time for the holidays, a look at the science of booze. Next, we hear from an investigative reporter about unreliable prenatal tests, which are leading to more abortions by women who think there are problems with their pregnancies. After that, we talk to a researcher who’s found that women carry their children’s cells long after giving birth, and the surprising health benefits. And finally, a conversation with former AP reporter Linda Deutsch, who retired yesterday after 48 years of covering L.A.’s biggest trials -- from Charles Manson to Phil Spector.
In this episode
5 storiesThe Economic Outlook
Americans have been spending more money recently. The Commerce Department reports that the U.S. economy saw the fastest growth in 11 years last quarter. And the Dow has topped 18,000 for the first time in its history. This all sounds good, but is the growth in fact good news for everybody?
Read the story8 minA Scientific History of Booze
The holidays are about a lot of things: Peace, togetherness, sharing, giving, and, of course, drinking. Between holiday parties and New Year’s Eve blow-outs (and maybe even a couple extra fingers of whiskey to help ease family tensions), plenty of alcohol will go down the hatch over the next couple of weeks.
Read the story12 minThe Problems With Prenatal Tests
Unreliable prenatal tests are leading to more abortions by women who mistakenly believe that there are problems with their pregnancies. Investigative journalist Beth Daley reported on the lack of regulation of genetic testing and what it means for parents for the New England Center for Investigative Reporting.
Read the story10 minThe Surprising Benefits of Carrying Your Child’s Cells
New research shows that women can carry their children’s cells long after birth -- possibly for the rest of their lives -- and that those cells could have remarkable health benefits.
Read the story9 minLinda Deutsch Looks Back at L.A.’s Biggest Trials
For the last 48 years, Linda Deutsch has had a front-row seat to L.A.’s most high-profile trials. When Charles Manson showed up in court with an X carved into his forehead, she was there. She was also there when O.J. Simpson struggled to put on a leather glove, and when jurors took a field trip to Phil Spector’s house.
Read the story10 min
