Press Play with Madeleine Brand
The Rise of ISIS, Jonathan Gold’s L.A., and Left Shark Madness
Long-time foreign correspondent Patrick Cockburn has a new book out that tracks the swift rise of ISIS. We talk with him about some of the latest brutality by the extremist group and how it gained its power. We also look at the alleged connections between 9/11, Al Qaeda, and the Saudi Royal family.
By Madeleine Brand • • 52m ListenLong-time foreign correspondent Patrick Cockburn has a new book out that tracks the swift rise of ISIS. We talk with him about some of the latest brutality by the extremist group and how it gained its power. We also look at the alleged connections between 9/11, Al Qaeda, and the Saudi Royal family. Plus, Anthem, the second largest health insurance company in the US, says it was the victim of hackers and up to 80 million customers may be affected. We talk about that, net neutrality, two big internet-related trials, and the rise of Left Shark in our internet roundup. And producer Matt Holzman takes us inside the new documentary about L.A. food journalist Jonathan Gold.
Banner Image: Laura Gabbert, L.A. food critic Jonathan Gold, and Andrea Lewis at the premiere of the documentary City of Goldat Sundance Film Festival; Credit: Matt Holzman
In this episode
5 storiesThe Rise of ISIS
Jordanian airstrikes hammered ISIS targets in Syria today. The strikes are in retaliation for the murder of a Jordanian pilot by Islamic State jihadists. The militants burned the captured pilot alive. And a new UN report says ISIS is systematically killing, torturing and raping Iraqi children. Brutality has become a hallmark of the Islamic State.
Read the story17 minThe Saudi-Terror Connection
Families of those killed in al qaeda’s 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center have sued the government of Saudi Arabia alleging it financed the attackers. That lawsuit has been working its way through the U.S. court system since 2002.
Read the story10 minAnthem Hack
Many of us got an email today from health insurer Anthem saying it had been the victim of hacking. The second largest health insurance company in the US says up to 80 million people may have been affected. The company says medical records and credit card numbers were not stolen, but social security numbers, birthdays, and employment data were.
Read the story6 minIs the Internet a Utility?
Net Neutrality can be the third rail of radio. It’s a ridiculously confusing and complicated issue. But if you spend any time sitting behind a computer, it affects you...and if you watch any streaming movies or TV shows, it really could affect you. And yesterday, the FCC made huge news in the fight over net neutrality.
Read the story10 minCity of Gold
The Sundance Film Festival wrapped up on Monday, and Park City has gone back to being just another quaint ski town instead of the temporary nucleus of the indie film world.
Read the story8 min
