Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Ukraine's weekend attack on Russian air bases revealed how much the country is leveraging inexpensive drone technology in the conflict.  Buy-now-pay-later financing has skyrocketed since the pandemic. With more people defaulting, experts raise concerns about the broader impact on the economy.  Want to eat at Koreatown’s Here’s Looking At You? June 13 will be your last chance. Lien Ta reflects on co-owner Jonathan Whitener’s influence and the business rollercoaster during COVID. In the 1970s, actress Candy Clark shot relaxed, intimate portraits of her friends and boyfriends, including Jeff Bridges, Nicolas Roeg, and Ed Ruscha. The images are now part of a new book.

Mohamed Sabry Soliman attacked protesters in Boulder who were calling for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza. Hours beforehand, Israeli soldiers reportedly shot and killed more than 20 Palestinians who were trying to get food aid. The CA Democratic Convention took place in Anaheim over the weekend, where Tim Walz delivered a fiery speech calling out his party, gubernatorial hopefuls vied for attention, and Kamala Harris made a remote video address as the party grappled with its future. Several federal discrimination cases are falling apart as the Trump administration abandons a core aspect of civil rights law known as “disparate impact.” Blending punk, disco, reggae, and funk, with a dash of Marxist theory, Gang of Four offered the sound of dissent for many in Margaret Thatcher’s Britain. Last week, the remaining members wrapped up their farewell tour.

Five months after the wildfires, Palisades and Altadena realtors describe parcels and lots on the market now and their prices. Plus, what are residents’ concerns and challenges about rebuilding? On Tuesday, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. announced the federal government no longer recommends the COVID vaccine for healthy children and pregnant women. The FDA also plans to limit eligibility for this fall’s updated vaccine to people only over age 65, or who have certain medical conditions. Critics review the latest film releases: “Karate Kid: Legends,” “The Phoenician Scheme,” “Bring Her Back,” and “Mountainhead.” June is the ninth anniversary of Smorgasburg. Every Sunday, a parking lot off Central Avenue hosts food vendors offering jerk BBQ, Thai street food, vegan tacos, and other specialties. 

On Tuesday, the California Interscholastic Federation announced “any biological female student-athlete” who didn’t qualify because a trans athlete placed ahead of them would be allowed to compete in this weekend’s state track and field finals. The move came hours after President Trump threatened to withhold federal funding from California. Actor Paul Reubens appeared in public as Pee-wee Herman for much of his career. Two years after his death, a new documentary shows the man behind the character. In just about 20 years, the beaks of Anna’s hummingbird became longer and more tapered, according to a new study published in the scientific journal “Global Change Biology.”

NPR and three public radio stations in Colorado filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration today. They argue the White House’s executive order calling on the Corporation for Public Broadcasting to cease federal funding to NPR and PBS is unconstitutional. The Trump administration has made deep cuts to universities, federal agencies, and cultural and historical institutions. Their goal is to undermine information gathering and education that doesn’t support the MAGA agenda. Opioid overdose deaths dropped nearly a quarter last year, thanks in part to medicines like Narcan. But the Trump administration wants to cut funding for Narcan, and experts worry that progress will be lost.  Four East LA artists in their early 20s formed an art collective called Asco in 1972, exploring police brutality, immigration, gender, and sexuality. They’re the subject of a new documentary.

Earlier today the U.S. Senate voted to block California’s plan to phase out gas-powered vehicles by 2035. State attorney general Rob Bonta plans to sue over how that happened. Critics review the latest film releases: “Mission Impossible - The Final Reckoning,” “Sister Midnight,” “Fountain of Youth,” and “Jane Austin Wrecked My Life.” Boutique butchers across Southern California crank out a near endless variety of artisanal sausages.

HBO’s “The Rehearsal” probes the causes of plane crashes at a time when flyers have increasing concerns about air safety.  Native artist Jeffrey Gibson represented the US at last year’s Venice Biennale. That same show is now on view at The Broad.  A restaurant critic from the San Francisco Chronicle opens up on getting tossed from The French Laundry by celebrity chef Thomas Keller.

Mayor Bass issues executive order meant to slow runaway film and TV production. It’s part of broader efforts in Sacramento with the same goal. Is it too little, too late? Trump’s DOJ intervenes in excessive force case against LASD deputy convicted of restraining, pepper-spraying innocent woman New documentary ‘Art for Everybody’ charts painter Thomas Kinkade’s journey from brooding work to mass-producing ‘feel-good’ kitsch   

The suspect in the bombing of a Palm Springs fertility clinic held views that were against human procreation. He likely suffered from “profound psychological distress.” He was the only person killed in the attack.  Five years since the George Floyd protests, has policing changed in Los Angeles? Chief Jim McDonnell sits down for a wide-ranging interview.  Questlove unpacks 50 years of “SNL” music, sharing backstage stories. Rhythm and risk drive his life behind the drums and the lens. 

The Supreme Court heard arguments today about whether lower court federal judges should have the power to block President Trump’s policies nationwide. To put pressure on Hamas, Israel has blocked aid from entering Gaza since early March. International groups say that’s a war crime. Critics review the latest film releases: “Final Destination: Bloodlines,” “Magic Farm,” “Caught by the Tides,” and “Hurry Up Tomorrow.” Ricotta is a fresh Italian cheese known for its light, creamy texture and mild, slightly sweet flavor. Eat it with vegetable salads, pastas, pastries, and more. 

Gov. Gavin Newsom says the state’s budget problems are largely a result of volatility in the stock market, caused by President Trump’s tariffs. Newsom calls it the “Trump Slump.”  Far-right blogger Curtis Yarvin thinks democracy is outdated and wants to restore a monarchy to the U.S. Among his followers is Vice President JD Vance.   The person who usually gets the biggest role and the most money for a film is known as “No. 1 on the call sheet.” Black actors and actresses who’ve achieved that status are the focus of a new documentary.  Gambling scandals meant Pete Rose and “Shoeless” Joe Jackson were ineligible for the Baseball Hall of Fame. That changed on Tuesday. 

Qatar plans to give President Trump a plane to use as Air Force One, which even some supporters say crosses a line. But the appearance of corruption doesn’t stop there. The Trump administration gave refugee status to white South Africans, despite no evidence they face more danger than Black South Africans.  “Uptown Girl” Christie Brinkley is out with a new biography about becoming the biggest model of the 1980s. The Cannes Film Festival kicks off today. There’s a new “Mission: Impossible” and films from Spike Lee, Ari Aster, and Lynne Ramsay.

As surgeon general, Casey Means would be able to advocate for alternative medicine that may not have been scientifically vetted.  On May 15, the Supreme Court takes up President Trump’s executive order ending birthright citizenship for certain children of immigrants, but this case is really about the power of lower courts to issue nationwide injunctions. Patrick Riley and Alaina Moore originated with breezy, seaside tunes and evolved to churn out synth-pop and rock with R&B influences. Their seventh and last studio album is “Face Down in the Garden.”

In his first speech from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo XIV – a 69-year-old Chicago native – shared a message of peace. He is the first American pope. Public media in rural America is often the only source of local news and emergency information. They rely heavily on federal funding to fulfill their missions.  Critics review the latest film releases: “Clown in a Cornfield,” “Friendship,” “Fight or Flight,” and “Absolute Dominion.” Serving pancakes to mom on Mother’s Day has to be one of the most universally embraced American holiday traditions. Flapjacks are easy to make, and you can use all-purpose flour or add other grains.

Trump and Republicans are trying to end the Energy Star program and stop California from phasing out the sale of new gas vehicles. On EVs, they enjoy some Democratic support.  CA school districts are paying a hefty sum for on-campus police. Little oversight exists on how those dollars are spent and how officers behave inside campus gates. Popular LA evangelist Aimee Semple McPherson was reportedly kidnapped and held prisoner in Mexico in the 1920s, then fled on foot through the desert. A new book traces her story.

Hecklers at a recent town hall accused Congresswoman Laura Friedman of not fighting hard enough against the Trump administration. She says she understands the frustration.  Russian disinformation is shaping some answers from major AI chatbots. Large language model grooming is the tactic of poisoning databases that bots pull from.  Met Gala fashion “read as a rebuke to a lot of the policies and executive orders coming out of this White House,” says Washington Post senior critic Robin Givhan. “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” turns 50 this year — legions of fans are still doing the Time Warp.

Israel’s cabinet approved plans that include “conquering the [Gaza] strip,” which would displace over a million Gazans. It could lead to long-term Israeli occupation of the territory. A federal judge ruled that the White House could not invoke the Alien Enemies Act to justify deporting people alleged to be members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. Since 1961, The Pan Afrikan Peoples Arkestra (aka The Ark) has been an avant-garde jazz innovator and community magnet in turbulent times. Their new album is “Live at Widney High December 26th, 1971.”

A new report from Trump’s Department of Health and Human Services tries to discredit gender-affirming care, contradicting leading medical experts who say it can save lives. Yale grad student Tetiana Kotelnykova grew up in war-torn Eastern Ukraine. She says appeasing Russian President Putin with territory captured during the war will make him want more. Critics review the latest film releases: “Another Simple Favor,” “The Surfer,” “Rust,” and “Thunderbolts.*” LA cheese shops offer sandwich menus, monthly clubs, events, and specialty grocery items. All make enticing cheese boards with charcuterie.

From meme coins to branded merch, President Trump has become marketer-in-chief, using his office to pad his personal wealth like few, if any, of his predecessors. President Trump praised Jeff Bezos for quickly denying that Amazon would list how much tariffs would add to the price of what you buy. But prices are expected to rise since most items on Amazon come from China. The Vietnam War ended 50 years ago today with the fall of Saigon. What is the war’s legacy in both countries?  A duo found about 20 still-functioning payphones in LA and, with stickers, encouraged people to leave goodbye messages to anyone or anything.

A hundred days into his second White House term, Donald Trump has reshaped the conversation around immigration in the U.S., once seen as a proud melting pot of immigrants and cultures. Trump is trying to deport an unprecedented number of people. The Silicon Valley company Palantir is compiling a database of sensitive information to help him do it. Waves in NorCal, Maui, and Nazaré can be 100 feet tall, posing serious injury or death to professionals. Still, athletes are undeterred. They are the subject of “100 Foot Wave,” now in season three. UC Berkeley scientists have discovered a new color, “olo,” visible only with special lasers, offering a glimpse into the untapped potential of human vision.

President Trump’s attempts to freeze federal dollars for “sanctuary” jurisdictions were thwarted in court last week. Where is the battle headed?  The Supreme Court is considering two cases about public education this week. One involves the bar to prove discrimination related to disability, and the other involves state funding for a religious charter school. “Sinners” takes the box office for a second week, sparking debate about originality, biased media coverage, and what its success means for Hollywood’s future. Rufus Wainwright’s new album, “Dream Requiem,” is interwoven with Lord Byron’s poem “Darkness.” It’s partly inspired by Giuseppe Verdi, and is dedicated to Wainwright’s dog named Puccini. 

Elon Musk says he's scaling back his work in Washington D.C. and returning to Tesla. He and DOGE had promised to cut $2 trillion from the federal budget. After reporting Tesla’s tanked first quarter profits, Elon Musk blames protests and vows to spend more time with the company. Will it be enough to turn things around? Goods coming into the U.S. face a baseline 10% tariff, and those from China face 14.5%. Chefs and owners of Firstborn and Bé Ù share how that’s affected profits and menu items.  Critics review the latest film releases: “The Accountant 2,” “Havoc,” “On Swift Horses,” and “Until Dawn.” Knafeh (shredded filo) is the star ingredient in Dubai chocolate bars, which are also stuffed with pistachio cream. Consumers are willing to pay a premium for this treat. 

Journalist Katherine Stewart charts the rise of the Christian right and its influence in the Trump administration in her new book “Money, Lies, and God.” “The Empire Strikes Back,” now 45 years old, changed Hollywood with its bold twists, deeper characters, and the introduction of Yoda. It's the franchise that shaped sequels. Women are less likely to have kids than ever, says a new CDC report. The fertility rate in the U.S. has dropped for years — now the White House wants to reverse that trend.

LA Mayor Karen Bass has released her next budget. To help close a massive deficit, the city may have to lay off around 5% of the city workforce. LA’s Japanese American National Museum is refusing to follow the Trump administration’s orders to end DEI efforts. Now it's at risk of losing $2 million of federal funding. The documentary “One to One” follows John Lennon and Yoko Ono through a tumultuous period in their lives and American politics, reassessing Ono’s artistry and her influence on Lennon.  YouTube turns 20 this year. The popular video site democratized content on the web, but also inflamed culture wars, radicalized users, and further polarized an already divided society.

Pope Francis, who died overnight, is remembered for having a more progressive approach to immigration, climate change, and the LGBTQ commmunity than his predecessors. Early Saturday morning, the Supreme Court blocked the Trump administration from deporting another group of Venezuelan migrants it claims are gang members. Marie Davidson’s album “City of Clowns” is inspired by the book “The Age of Surveillance Capitalism,” which focuses on a new form of capitalism based on data mining.  Apple is rolling out AI technology that will train itself on your messages, pictures, and more — while keeping the source material private. Is it secure?

Google and Meta are under fire in court. Officials claim they crushed rivals to stay on top. The outcome could upend how Big Tech works.  The University of South Florida surveyed more than 1,500 kids, and found that 11 to 13-year-olds who had their own smartphones fared better psychologically than their peers who didn’t have phones. Critics review the latest film releases: “Sinners, “The Wedding Banquet,” “The Shrouds,” and “The President's Wife.” “Metal mouths” are back. Old-school metal braces are becoming the teeth-straightener of choice among kids and adults.  

The Oakland mayoral race is a close call between progressive Barbara Lee and moderate challenger Loren Taylor. In SF, Mayor Daniel Lurie rounds out his first 100 days. A cinematic heist in Downtown Los Angeles: Thieves recently tunneled from a historic theater through “castle-like” walls into a store packed with bling. Hungarian Susan Polgar earned chess’ highest honor at age 15. She and her family faced antisemitism and harassment from the ruling Communist Party, and sexism from opponents and officials in chess. Her new memoir is “Rebel Queen.” What’s the relationship between art and democracy? After his firing from the Kennedy Center, poet Marc Bamuthi Joseph has some thoughts.

Harvard will not comply with sweeping demands from the Trump administration targeting pro-Palestinian organizing. Can other universities afford to join them?  Mohsen Mahdawi’s detention exposes the rising risks faced by pro-Palestinian students during the Trump administration’s crackdown on campuses. Netflix’s “Adolescence” explores the issue of growing up online and what social media pressures can do to lonely, angry young men. It also looks at generational male violence. The Titanic hit an iceberg and sank more than 100 years ago, but the disaster has captured the imagination of Generation Alpha.

The Supreme Court ordered the Trump administration to facilitate Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s return to the U.S. The White House is asserting its power to say “no.”  Immigration agents visited two South LA schools recently, looking for five students they said were undocumented. School officials turned them away in a test of LAUSD’s policy of noncooperation with ICE. An autocracy journalist discusses the rise of authoritarianism in Hungary and sees parallels in some recent actions by the Trump administration. In the 1970s and 80s, Jeff Bridges recorded songs with his childhood buddies in his West LA neighborhood. Now those songs are in the new album “Slow Magic, 1977-1978.”

Several top IRS officials resigned as the Trump administration revealed its plans to use tax data to target undocumented immigrants. Despite vowing to fight a trade war to “the end,” Chinese officials are dealing with economic dilemmas at home. Critics review the latest film releases: “The Amateur,” “Drop,” “Warfare,” and “One to One: John & Yoko.” “The Great Gatsby” was published 100 years ago today. Its enduring message about the empty and corrupting power of wealth may be even more relevant now.

President Trump’s pause on tariffs against most nations sent the stock market soaring. Meanwhile, tariffs against China, and from China, are going up. DuPont Clinic was supposed to open in Beverly Hills to provide late-term abortions. However, after abortion rights activists got involved with city officials, the lease for the clinic’s office got rescinded.  PAPER Magazine Co-founder Kim Hastreiter talks about her new book, “STUFF: A New York Life of Cultural Chaos.” It’s a memoir and a 50-year cultural history of NYC.  The Broad is breaking ground today on an expansion that will add 55,000 square feet — offering more galleries, programming space, and open-air patios. 

President Trump is not backing down from imposing tariffs on all countries doing business with the U.S., including 100% or more on China. China has threatened tariffs against U.S. exports too, which could begin Thursday. Dire predictions about the future of artificial intelligence are in a recent report by a Berkeley-based group called the AI Futures Project. “Deli Boys” creator Abdullah Saeed and actor Saagar Shaikh discuss the personal stories that shaped Hulu's dark comedy about family, crime, and identity. Palm Springs’ economy has heavily relied on Canadian tourists, and now officials are worried about losing that revenue due to increasing political tensions between the U.S. and Canada. 

California’s nearly $4 trillion economy is heavily dependent on international trade. A tariff war could impact that significantly. The Altadena Ale and Wine House survived the Eaton Fire. Owner Gail Casburn also lost her house — and won’t give up her beloved pub. Dyanne Cano put together an archival map of 84 independent record stores that closed in LA between 1956 and 2020. They highlight Dolphin’s of Hollywood Records, Record Store Discos Exitos No. 2, and Vinyl Fetish.  “White Lotus,” about ultra-rich people’s antics, wrapped its third season. How does the series continue to grab our imagination?

The manager of Rafu Bussan in Little Tokyo says she’s been stockpiling goods imported from Japan in preparation for Trump’s tariffs, but she may have to eat costs or raise prices soon.  Stocks are in a tailspin following President Trump’s tariffs. Now’s the time to prepare for a possible recession, says personal finance columnist Michelle Singletary. With cuts to Ivy League and other schools, President Trump tries to reshape higher education. Schools are falling in line, but some professors are fighting back. Critics review the latest film releases: “Freaky Tales,” “A Minecraft Movie,” “The Luckiest Man in America,” and “The Friend.” Layering matzo sheets with veggies borrows heavily from the idea of lasagna. After baking, you get layers of unbelievable lightness, and this dish works as both a satisfying side or entrée.

Democrats won a key Wisconsin Supreme Court race. The result is being seen as a rebuke of Elon Musk, who campaigned in the state and spent millions on the GOP candidate. New auto tariffs are supposed to be for “foreign” cars and parts, but no US-made vehicle will escape the impact. Detroit’s obsession with big cars won’t help.  UCLA’s cityLAB has launched a design competition where contestants can submit proposals for low-cost, easy-to-build starter homes on vacant city-owned lots. Bernie Krause’s thousands of hours of recordings reveal how climate change is affecting the natural world. His life and work are the subject of the documentary “The Last of the Nightingales.” Actor Val Kilmer died Tuesday at age 65. His career included both “Top Gun” films, “Batman Forever,” “Heat,” and an iconic performance as Jim Morrison in “The Doors.”

What is President Trump trying to accomplish with reciprocal tariffs, and do economists think he can reach his goals with these tactics?  The Trump administration admitted in court on Monday that it mistakenly deported a Maryland father to a notorious Salvadoran prison. Scientists say a massive algal bloom is releasing toxins that are making some marine animals more aggressive, and causing others to wash ashore either dead or seriously ill.  Zack Mack’s father went down a conspiracy theory rabbit hole that tore apart his family. Mack spent the past year making a podcast about it called “Alternate Realities.” The agony and ecstasy of March Madness were on full display this weekend for LA college basketball fans.

On this Cesar Chavez Day, Press Play reairs some of our favorite segments:  “Porcelain War” is a documentary that vividly portrays the lives of civilians-turned-soldiers on and off Ukraine’s battlefield against Russia.  Johnny Carson was seemingly a friend to millions as the host of "The Tonight Show" for three decades. That wasn’t the case in his personal life, according to “Carson the Magnificent,” published in November 2024.  In the mid-1970s and ‘80s in SoCal, bands like Steely Dan, the Doobie Brothers, and Toto blended jazz, R&B, and pop to create a new soft style: yacht rock. 

The federal government is planning to investigate the CA Dept. of Education over a state law that says schools cannot require officials to notify parents if students identify as transgender or are exploring their gender identity on campus. The federal government will not test soil in the fire zones, so USC researchers are doing it for them. For earth scientist Josh West, the work is close to home.  Critics review the latest film releases: “Death of a Unicorn,” “Grand Tour,” “An Unfinished Film,” and “The Ballad of Wallis Island.” The appearance of rhubarb stalks in markets is a welcome burst of color and tart flavor. You can use the vegetable in breakfast, dessert, and cocktail recipes.

The Trump administration has halted a program financing lawyers for immigrant children. That leaves 26,000 kids nationwide at risk of immediate deportation, unless alternate funding can be found. President Trump continued his assault on the country’s biggest law firms by signing an executive order targeting Chicago-based Jenner & Block. It revokes security clearances from the firm’s lawyers who require them to do their jobs, and limits attorneys’ access to federal buildings. Harriet Tubman has come back to life and wants to make a hip-hop album. That’s the premise of Bob the Drag Queen’s debut novel. Duonychus tsogtbaatari is a newly discovered plant-eater that roamed Earth tens of millions of years ago. It had a long neck, two legs, and two massive claws.

The Trump administration’s release of war plans on a group chat that included the Atlantic’s editor-in-chief raises questions about the competence of the president’s top national security staff and their use of the messaging app Signal. How should Democrats respond to Trump? His second term has sparked an internal reckoning.  The season two finale of “Severance” left fans buzzing. KCRW breaks down its twists, hidden meanings, and what’s next for TV’s most mind-bending show. Three must-see art exhibitions up now are “Charles Gaines: Numbers and Trees, The Tanzania Baobabs,” “Tau Lewis: Spirit Level,” and “Hugo Crosthwaite: Ex-voto.”

The Supreme Court heard oral arguments today in a challenge to Louisiana’s voting maps. A group of “non-African American” voters argue the state illegally relied on race to create the new districts. James Murdoch reveals the real-life “Succession” drama roiling his family in an exclusive interview with The Atlantic. At stake: Who controls Fox News? Frontman Jim James talks about handing over creative control of My Morning Jacket’s 10th studio album. He also shares his personal success with EMDR therapy. 

Amid a new phase of war, public opinion polls show a majority of Israelis want to see the end of fighting in Gaza and a return of hostages. Meanwhile, many Gazans have turned against Hamas. Spanish-language TV networks Telemundo and Univision have aired DHS ads urging people in the U.S. illegally to leave. That’s angered staff at Univision who are already worried the network is covering Trump too timidly. Critics review the latest film releases: “The Alto Knights,” “Snow White,” “Misericordia,” and “Ash.” Scandinavian brown cheese has the color of caramel and a fudgy consistency. In Scandinavia, it’s most commonly eaten on bread with jam, atop waffles, or melted into other dishes.