Press Play with Madeleine Brand
The State of the Wealth Gap, 'American Sniper' Controversy, and New TV
We look ahead to tonight’s State of the Union speech, and how President Obama is likely to address income inequality. What has and hasn’t he done on the issue? And could universal Pre-K education help ease the wealth gap?
By Madeleine Brand • • 52m ListenWe start with a look ahead to tonight’s State of the Union speech, and how President Obama is likely to address income inequality. What has and hasn’t he done on the issue? Also, could universal Pre-K education help ease that inequality? Next up, the film American Sniper about the life and work of the late Navy SEAL Chris Kyle is becoming a kind of political litmus test. Then, author Christopher Noxon discusses his new novel, which is based on his real life as a Hollywood house husband. And finally, in our weekly TV roundup, we size up Comedy Central’s The Nightly Show and other new offerings from the small screen.
Banner Image: Still photo from American Sniper.
In this episode
5 storiesThe State of the Wealth Gap
Oxfam reported in a study yesterday that the richest one percent will control more than half the world’s wealth by next year. The 80 wealthiest people in the world are now worth about as much as the poorest 3.5 billion. In the U.S., wealth inequality is worse than at any time since the Great Depression.
Read the story10 minCan Preschool Help Ease Income Inequality?
During the president’s speech tonight, we’re likely to hear more about his plan to make community college free for all. But to really close the income gap, it’s more effective to start earlier: with four-year-olds. Several studies show that children who attend preschool are more likely go to college, keep a full-time job, and own homes as adults.
Read the story7 min'American Sniper' Controversy
The Clint Eastwood-directed film American Sniper opened over the weekend and raked in more than $105 million, the biggest opening for an R-rated movie ever. American Sniper is based on a best-selling memoir by Chris Kyle, a Navy SEAL who’s said to be the most lethal sniper in U.S. military history.
Read the story8 min'Plus One,' the Tale of a Hollywood House Husband
Christopher Noxon is an author, a father… and the husband of Jenji Kohan, creator of the very successful TV shows Weeds and Orange Is the New Black. Because of Jenji’s success and long hours, Christopher has taken on more of the homemaker role in the marriage. He also recently wrote a novel inspired by his experience.
Read the story14 min'The Nightly Show' Debuts, and More Small Screen News
Comedy Central debuted its brand new talk show, The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore, last night. It’s the only late-night program not hosted by a white guy, and the show features panel-style discussions instead of one-on-one interviews.
Read the story9 min
