Press Play with Madeleine Brand

The LAUSD strike has started. KCRW hears from a special ed assistant teacher who says she makes $37,000/year. She says her classroom has too many students and not enough resources. This tax season, personal finance columnist Michelle Singletary explains how to claim adult dependents, get deductions for classroom expenses, and find an accountant. A Fox News producer is suing the network, alleging its lawyers coerced her to give misleading testimony in the legal battle over Fox's coverage of Dominion Voting after the 2020 election.The band Blood, Sweat, & Tears says the State Department blackmailed them into touring communist Yugoslavia, Romania, and Poland in 1970. A new film tells the story.

Gov. Newsom wants to transform the state's oldest prison — San Quentin — into a rehabilitation center inspired by prisons in Scandinavian countries like Norway. Earth is approaching catastrophic levels of global warming and irreversible damage within the next decade, but there's still a little time to avoid calamity, says the U.N. COVID-19 may be linked to raccoon dogs that were illegally being sold at a seafood market in Wuhan, China. That's according to a team of international researchers. Wyoming recently became the first state to ban the pills used for medication abortions. Drugs like mifepristone and misoprostol are the most common way to end a pregnancy. The Persian New Year is a time to celebrate spring and fresh beginnings. Nassir Nassirzadeh, a first-generation Iranian American and KCRW DJ, shares songs for the holiday.

SEIU Local 99 — the union representing LAUSD staff like bus drivers, janitors, cafeteria workers, and teacher aides — could be on the verge of a three-day strike. Sunday is the 20th anniversary of the start of the Iraq War. Along with the government con to sell it to the public, the war launched a still-current age of grift. Critics review the latest film releases: “Shazam! Fury of the Gods,” “Inside,” “La Civil,” and “Wildflower. Wouldn't it be lovely to cultivate a pot or two of easy-to-grow plants just for the visual pleasure of their flowers, then snip a few to enhance a familiar dish at the table?

Emmy, Grammy, and Tony Award-winning actress Lily Tomlin reflects on her biggest roles and female representation in Hollywood. In Texas today, a federal judge heard a case that could undo the Food and Drug Administration's decades-old approval of the abortion pill mifepristone. LA Metro's trains and buses are facing a huge increase in crime and drug overdose deaths. Fewer commuters are using public transportation now. Gustavo Dudamel will leave for the NY Philharmonic in three years. One of his greatest legacies in LA is spreading youth music education. Who might replace him?

Morgan Cooper's drama “Bel-Air” has the same premise as the 1990s sitcom, but differs in format and characters' journeys, and relies heavily on music. A California state appeals court has upheld Proposition 22, which defines workers for companies like Uber, Lyft, and Postmates as independent contractors. The U.S. Justice Department is reportedly investigating the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank. Its failure is the latest problem hitting the tech industry. Lawmakers have already introduced more than 400 bills targeting LBGTQ rights this year, according to the ACLU.

The Food and Drug Administration is trying to crack down on food labels and more clearly define what actually is healthy, particularly when it comes to added sugar. President Joe Biden says the American financial system is safe, as regulators rushed to secure two regional banks that failed in the last week. KCRW gets the latest in Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's case that looks into whether Donald Trump broke campaign finance laws and falsified business records. Thee Sinseers is keeping Chicano soul — a sound defined by dreamy, sunny, and romantic ballads — alive. Its lead singer Joey Quiñones talks about the band's inspirations.

California will not renew a $54 million contract with Walgreens after the chain announced it would not dispense mifepristone in at least 20 states. The U.S. Department of Energy announced an accidental lab leak was the most likely origin of COVID-19, but added a caveat of having “low confidence.” Critics review the latest film releases: “Scream VI,” “Fugue,” “Champions,” “Pacifiction.” Michael Schulman's new book, “Oscar Wars,” looks at some shocking moments and controversies in the Academy Awards' 95-year history.

LA Mayor Karen Bass talks about her first three months on the job, including her work to address homeless and housing, plus safety and policing on public transit. The FICO scores of credit card users in the South were lower than anywhere else in the nation, researchers found when reviewing more than 200 million credit cards. Former President Jimmy Carter is 98 and now in hospice care. Press Play reflects on what may be the biggest accomplishment of his presidency: the 1978 Camp David Accords. Irish stew — made with lamb, not beef — is a perfect low and slow braise for a still nippy spring evening, and it's an economical way to feed the family.

Another atmospheric river storm system is expected to hit California this week. It's the latest in a series of storms that have pummeled the Golden State. The drug Ozempic has become an appetite suppressant for some rich and well-connected people. It's changing the definition of thinness and what it takes to achieve it. "The Martha Mitchell Effect" shows how the wife of President Nixon's campaign manager blew the whistle on Watergate and helped bring down his presidency. Now 16 years after the 2007 writers' strike, friction remains over how much writers should earn when their work appears in non-traditional formats.

Emergency crews are still trying to free Californians who have been trapped by record snowfall. One resident shares his story of fleeing home. The U.S. Supreme Court may throw out an election law case from North Carolina that would give state politicians unprecedented power. In “The Elephant Whisperers,” a South Indian couple adopts an abandoned baby elephant named Raghu, showing how humans and animals can thrive together. This year's Latin Grammys will take place outside the U.S. for the first time — in Spain. However, some people are upset because, well, Spain is not in Latin America.

“How Do You Measure a Year?” is a window into the intimate moments between a parent a child and their love for each other. Drugmaker Eli Lilly announced on Wednesday that it'll slash the price of insulin. Why does diabetes continue to increase around the globe? As the GOP anticipates Ron DeSantis announcing a 2024 presidential run, KCRW assesses what his campaign could look like, and whether his brand of politics will play as well nationally. Critics review the latest film releases: “Creed III,” “Palm Trees and Powerlines,” “Blueblack,” and “Operation Fortune.”

The Oscar-nominated documentary short “Stranger at the Gate” focuses on a military veteran who planned to bomb a mosque, but ultimately became its president as he converted to Islam. Tens of thousands are protesting an overhaul of Mexico's election laws that critics say would cripple its independent election watchdog and threaten its democracy. In LA, road rage is the worst it's been in a decade and has become more violent, according to number crunching from the news outlet Crosstown. KCRW's beloved annual event will be on April 30 at UCLA, where bakers, pie aficionados, and families can compete, taste, shop, learn, and hang out.

The Oscar-nominated documentary short "Haulout" follows a Russian scientist who tracks the lives of walruses, a species increasingly struggling amid climate change. “Party Down” — about a catering company staffed by aspiring actors, writers, and lost souls — has been rebooted. If semiconductor chip manufacturers want new federal subsidies, they'll have to meet certain requirements like ensuring affordable child care for their employees. In summer, California's power grids are strained by heat and fires, but they're vulnerable to winter storms too. The problem will likely grow with climate change.

Two California lawmakers want to ban the use of police dogs to arrest or apprehend suspects. A historian shares the history of dogs in law enforcement. American officials are increasingly concerned that China will supply Russia with weapons as the war in Ukraine enters its second year. The Supreme Court will soon hear oral arguments in a pair of challenges to Biden's student loan forgiveness plan. Nearly half-a-trillion dollars worth of debt relief is at stake. This year's Oscar nominees for Best Original Song include works by Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Diane Warren, and more. Press Play gets reviews from Noah Gittell, a freelance film critic.

Researchers are honing in on why some people develop long COVID, which includes symptoms such as lingering fatigue, brain fog, and shortness of breath. Rare weather is fueling an unusual storm in Southern California. Parts of LA and Ventura County are under a blizzard warning Friday and Saturday. Critics review the latest film releases: “Cocaine Bear,” “The Quiet Girl,” “Jesus Revolution,” “Die Hart: The Movie,” and “We Have a Ghost.” Support women-owned hospitality businesses during the Regarding Her Festival, which begins March 1. There's a mix of dinners, daytime events, and classes that highlight foodie collaborations.

In “Eat and Flourish: How Food Supports Emotional Well-Being,” author Mary Beth Albright explores the relationship between food and mood. Today the Supreme Court is hearing a case that asks whether social media companies can be sued for allowing terrorist groups to put dangerous content on their platforms. The Southern Baptist Convention has expelled Southern California's Saddleback Church in response to its decision to ordain women pastors. Following the overturning of Roe. v. Wade, some Jews and Muslims are now fighting in court, saying their religious freedom to have an abortion is compromised.

Author Alex Prud'homme explores the appetites of more than two dozen U.S. presidents in “Dinner with the President: Food, Politics, and a History of Breaking Bread at the White House.” For decades, tech companies have not been held liable for the content they host. That's due to Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which the Supreme Court is now reexamining. UCLA researchers found that some pills bought from Mexican pharmacies contain life-threatening ingredients such as fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine. Bishop David O'Connell was killed at his home in Hacienda Heights this weekend. He served the Catholic Church for 45 years and was known as a peacemaker.

On this Presidents' Day, Press Play rebroadcasts some of our favorite interviews. Stand-up comedian Atsuko Okatsuka went viral on TikTok for doing the drop challenge with her grandmother, and afterward, she took her comedy to HBO. The film “Good Night Oppy” tells the story of Opportunity, a NASA rover that exceeded expectations, and explored and analyzed the planet's surface for nearly 15 years. Musician Allison Russell wants to heal the world — and herself — in her latest album “Outside Child,” which reflects on a decade of childhood abuse.

East Palestine, Ohio, is still reeling after a freight train — that was carrying hazardous materials — got derailed. The body parts of a gay porn actor were found in a West Hollywood dumpster in 1990. His case stumped detectives for more than 30 years. Critics review the latest film releases: “Of An Age,” “Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey,” and “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.”

Senator Dianne Feinstein is retiring at the end of her term and will not seek reelection. She's led a three decade-plus career in California politics. Governor Gavin Newsom's given the green light to hold more water in reservoirs, marking a major victory for farmers. Environments say it will harm salmon and other fish. “City of Tents: Veterans Row” looks at the birth and disbandment of the large homeless encampment in Brentwood along San Vicente Boulevard. Press Play airs episode one.

Need TV recommendations for the little ones at home? Check out “Bluey,” “Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood,” and “Pinecone and Pony.” Nearly 60% of teen girls report feeling persistent sadness or hopelessness – the highest rate seen in the last decade, according to the CDC. Five years ago today, 17 people died in a mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in South Florida. Some of those survivors founded the March for Our Lives movement. Speed dating is regaining popularity with younger generations fed up with swiping to find love. Even some dating apps are hosting in-person speed dating events.

KCRW DJs Francesca Harding, Travis Holcombe, Tyler Boudreaux, and Jeremy Sole share their favorite love songs. The United Nations is predicting the death toll in Turkey and Syria to keep rising after the recent 7.8 magnitude earthquake. More than 36,000 have passed away. A federal judge in Washington D.C. says the U.S. Constitution may still protect the right to an abortion, despite the Supreme Court's decision overturning Roe v. Wade. Four objects flying over the U.S. and Canada have been shot down. The first was a Chinese spy balloon. Officials haven't said what the three latest objects are.

Russia is potentially planning a large-scale offensive on Ukraine. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is traveling all over Europe to drum up support from political leaders. Randy and Jason Sklar give a sneak preview of Super Bowl LVII, where the Philadelphia Eagles take on the Kansas City Chiefs. In the YouTube series and now cookbook “Don't Panic Pantry,” chef Noah Galuten and his wife show people how to make simple and healthy meals at home using mostly pantry staples. Critics review the latest film releases: “Somebody I Used to Know,” “Sharper,” “The Blue Caftan,” and “Magic Mike's Last Dance.”

LeBron James is now the NBA's all-time leading scorer, surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. He entered the league at age 18 and will probably play into his 40s, says writer Dave Schilling. Saudi Arabia faced pushback for its human rights record, but now that seems to be waning, as the country once again tries to make inroads into U.S. entertainment. The American Academy of Pediatrics is recommending earlier and more aggressive interventions for kids who are severely overweight. The move is prompting serious debate. Adrian Miller, a James Beard Award-winning food historian and author of “Black Smoke,” talks about how African Americans shaped one U.S. barbeque. KCRW music critic and DJ Eric J. Lawrence died on Tuesday at age 52. Press Play revisits his conversations about 1991 rock, Bob Dylan, and Dr. John.

California is susceptible to the earthquakes that recently devastated Turkey and Syria. Seismologist Lucy Jones gives tips on preparing. Mount Baldy in the San Gabriel Mountains is a popular destination for Angelenos and tourists. But it's also deadly, even for experienced hikers, especially in the winter. During President Joe Biden's annual State of the Union address tonight, he's expected to defend his infrastructure and manufacturing record, and reassure Americans on their economic worries. The new Netflix docuseries “African Queens” explores the lives of some of the most powerful women in the continent's history. It debuts on February 15. For the Super Bowl, try making your own umami-rich, layered Philly cheesesteak sandwich on a griddle at home for the ultimate customized flavor.

After World War II, the Soviet Union officially banned rock, jazz, and blues music. But people made bootleg versions of that music — recorded onto thin sheets of X-Ray film. Two devastating earthquakes rocked the border region between Turkey and Syria this morning. The recovery will be particularly difficult in war-torn Syria. Abortion opponents celebrated the overturning of Roe v. Wade, and now they're looking for other ways to undo federal and state regulations around the ability to terminate a pregnancy. Trillions of gallons of water are in an underground aquifer in the Mojave Desert. Private companies are trying to tap and harvest it, but some question the ethics.

Governor Gavin Newsom unveiled a new concealed carry bill this week, banning guns in public places. It's a response to the latest California mass shootings. For months, seven states that rely on the Colorado River have been debating how to reduce their water use — because the river is nearing critically-low levels. Other states, including Massachusetts and New York, are taking a page out of the California playbook and are working to improve and protect abortion access. Critics review the latest film releases: “Knock at the Cabin,” “80 for Brady,” “The Amazing Maurice,” and “Pamela, A Love Story.”Making chocolate soufflé is not difficult. There are just a few techniques that are easy to master. Even if yours doesn't rise, it will still have all the attributes that make you swoon.

The College Board has revised some of its new AP African American studies curriculum following criticism from Governor Ron DeSantis and other conservatives. After taking over Twitter, Elon Musk now faces a roughly $300 million interest payment on the company's debt. “The Quiet Epidemic” examines the spread of Lyme disease and the medical establishment's reluctance to acknowledge its seriousness. For years in San Francisco, wetsuit-wearing members of a swim club have been shamed by those who don't wear them. Why?

A comet with a green tail will be the most visible in tonight's sky. It last passed through our solar system 50,000 years ago. The government has asked California and six other states to reach an agreement on drastic cuts for water use, or it would make the decision itself. Today is the deadline. Starting May 11, the U.S. government will no longer fully pay for COVID testing, treatment, and vaccines for people who don't have health insurance. Since July, a new law has required the California Justice Department to investigate incidents where police fatally shoot someone. But in some cases, that's not happening. A new Frontline documentary explores why American presidents have declined to aggressively confront Vladimir Putin as he tried to rebuild the Soviet Union.

Following the violent beating and death of Tyre Nichols, retired LAPD Sergeant Cheryl Dorsey looks at the Memphis police department and what went wrong. Is there a benefit to watching videos of police brutality? Do they galvanize people to fight for change or do they numb viewers to trauma? Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis could face a lawsuit over the state's decision to reject a new Advanced Placement class on African American studies. The Academy is investigating the promotional campaign behind Andrea Riseborough's Oscar nomination for her role in “To Leslie.” The new documentary “Sometimes When We Touch” explores the rise of soft rock during the 1970s and 1980s.

Lisa Marie's sudden death, at age 54, has more women thinking about heart health. The CDC says heart disease is now the leading cause of death for women in the U.S. Adam Schiff and Katie Porter are running for Dianne Feinstein's Senate seat, and Barbara Lee is expected to officially join the race too. Critics review the latest films: “Infinity Pool,” “The Man in the Basement,” You People,” and “Close.” Make a porridge from semolina with milk and parmesan, and add an egg for richness. It's the first step in making gnocchi alla Romana.

Amid the drama in the Kevin McCarthy speakership fight, Rep. Katie Porter sat cooly reading Mark Manson's “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck.” KCRW speaks to the book's author. KCRW remembers each of the 11 people who died during the mass shooting in Monterey Park after the city's Lunar New Year celebration. All of them were in their 50s, 60s, and 70s. The U.S. Justice Department, California, and seven other states are suing Google over its digital advertising business. At the center of the lawsuits is the company's online power. California's recent storms have damaged hundreds, if not thousands, of cars. Many of them could end up for sale again, and sometimes the damage is not obvious. Paramount's drama series “Yellowstone” has gotten so popular that it's inspiring city slickers to sport Stetsons and sheep-lined flannel.

Deadly mass shootings occurred in Half Moon Bay and Oakland on Monday, following Saturday's massacre in Monterey Park. What roles do California laws and everyday residents play in these incidents? A lawsuit claims the Getty family has avoided paying up to $300 million in California taxes. The story reveals how ultra rich people's tactics widen the U.S. wealth gap. “Everything Everywhere All At Once” leads the 2023 Oscar nominations. It joins “The Banshees of Inisherin,” “Women Talking,” “Top Gun: Maverick,” and others for Best Picture. TV networks and streaming platforms are bringing back series like “Night Court” and “That ‘70s Show.” What's driving the reboot craze?

Monterey Park, the site of a mass shooting on Saturday after the city's annual Lunar New Year ended, is home to Asian immigrants and mom-and-pop businesses. The anti-abortion movement has struggled to form the same unity and cohesion it once had. Activists in favor of abortion access have gained their own victories. Investigators have found no conclusive evidence of who leaked the draft of summer's Dobbs decision, or how it ended up in the hands of the Politico reporters who published it. The Sundance Film Festival is back in-person for the first time since the COVID pandemic. KCRW talks about the latest movies and directors making a splash. John Cale has built a massive discography of avant-garde rock music. At 80, he has just released “Mercy,” his 17th solo album and first new music in a decade.

Scammers are posing as recruiters and hiring managers, holding interviews, and making offers. Prospective tech workers are the main victims now, but everyone is vulnerable. California companies must include salary ranges in their job postings under a new state law. But some companies appear to have found a loophole. Alec Baldwin and armorer Hannah Gutierrez Reed face involuntary manslaughter charges stemming from the fatal shooting on the “Rust” movie set. Critics review the latest film releases: “Alice, Darling,” “Women Talking,” “Missing,” and “When You Finish Saving the World.” Nights are crisp now, so we need something to eat on repeat that's warming and filling, but not heavy nor hard to make. Try Rhode Island clear chowder.

In the film “Women Talking,” Mennonite women were drugged and raped by men in their community, and they're debating whether to fight or leave. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Paul Gosar were previously kicked off House committees for making violent or extreme statements. Now they're expected to serve on the House Oversight Committee. Over the weekend, people in Israel were protesting Benjamin Netanyahu's plan to overhaul the country's judicial system. He formed the most right-wing government in the country's history. LAPD Chief Michel Moore is facing a tough fight to earn a second term. It comes after three men died following recent encounters with police. Egg prices have jumped roughly 60% over the last year because tens of millions of birds have been infected by a severe outbreak of the avian flu.

California is assessing the damage from weeks of severe storms. How many residents have flood insurance, and how do you get it? White House and Department of Justice officials found extra documents from Joe Biden's Delaware home on the same day that Merrick Garland appointed a special counsel to investigate. House Republicans want to look into Hunter Biden's past business dealings and how he ended up on the board of a Ukrainian oil company while his father was vice president. The new Showtime documentary “Nothing Compares” follows Irish Singer-songwriter Sinéad O'Connor's rise to fame and eventual downfall.

Attorney General Merrick Garland has announced he's appointing a special counsel to look into the handling of classified documents tied to President Joe Biden. Guitarist Jeff Beck died on Tuesday at age 78. Known best for his work with London band The Yardbirds, he was inducted twice into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Critics review the latest film releases: “Skinamarink,” “Plane,” “Broker,” and “No Bears.” What should you do with leftover holiday panettone? Make a rich French toast or a bread pudding with luxurious chocolate.

Author Samantha Cole explains how a Playboy centerfold became the standard for image processing, porn sites show innate human problems, and A.I. is developing faster than people can grasp. California is projected to see a $22 billion budget deficit this year, so Gov. Gavin Newsom is proposing big cuts to the state's climate and transportation programs. The FAA delayed some 7,000 flights this morning after it experienced a tech glitch. The incident comes after tens of thousands were stranded over the holidays. New York Congresswoman Elise Stefanik campaigned as a moderate millennial, but now she's gone full Trump, with nods to QAnon and racist conspiracy theories.

Brian Tyree Henry breaks down his lead role in “Causeway,” the grief and healing process, and his approach to acting. As consecutive storms hit California, at least 16 people are dead and tens of thousands are under evacuation orders, including all of Montecito. Comedy can be a useful way to understand and maybe cope with Earth's bleak future, says Kasha Patel, who writes the Washington Post's “Hidden Planet” column. Biden recently made the first visit by a U.S. president to Mexico in nearly 10 years, as the two countries struggle to tackle immigration and the smuggling of fentanyl into the U.S.

Folk singer-songwriter Judy Collins talks about her new album, addiction, and her friendship with Leonard Cohen, which helped shape her musical career. LA officials are searching for unhoused residents in areas at risk of flooding and are warning them of the coming storms. Next week in San Francisco, a trial is supposed to get underway to settle a dispute between Tesla shareholders and the company's CEO. Elon Musk argues he can't get a fair court case there. Protestors in Brazil stormed the country's government buildings over false claims that the presidential election was rigged and are calling for the reinstatement of Jair Bolsonaro. The South Pasadena City Council is working to humanely relocate its resident peacocks. As it turns out, other LA communities are dealing with the birds.

Several storms are rolling across California, bringing intense wind and flooding. They'll replenish but not totally fill reservoirs due to long-standing drought. California Congressman Kevin McCarthy has lost eight bids for House speaker in three days. The gridlock has thrown Congress into disarray. Liberal cities in blue states are the epicenters of the country's growing homelessness crisis because not enough affordable housing is being built, says one Atlantic staff writer. Critics review the latest film releases: “M3gan,” “Alcarràs,” “Mars One,” and “A Man Called Otto.”