Press Play with Madeleine Brand

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Host Madeleine Brand looks at news, culture and emerging trends through the lens of Los Angeles.

KCRW


    • Sep 10, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 50m AVG DURATION
    • 1,199 EPISODES

    4.4 from 137 ratings Listeners of Press Play with Madeleine Brand that love the show mention: madeleine, madeline, kcrw, brand, add, topics, great show, guests, stories, always, listen, love.


    Ivy Insights

    The Press Play with Madeleine Brand podcast is truly a gem in the world of media. From the first episode I listened to, I was captivated by Brand's soothing voice and her ability to dive deep into important topics. It quickly became my favorite show, as it felt like I was having a conversation with an old friend. The variety of stories and interviews presented on this podcast is not only topical and interesting, but also thought-provoking and relevant. Whether discussing national politics or shedding light on local issues in Los Angeles, Press Play never fails to keep me engaged.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is Madeleine Brand's exceptional interviewing skills. She has a unique ability to ask thought-provoking questions that elicit meaningful responses from her guests. Her interviews are always insightful and informative, leaving me with a greater understanding of the subject matter at hand. Additionally, the production value of this podcast is top-notch. It is clear that great care is taken in crafting each episode, resulting in a polished and professional listening experience.

    However, one area where this podcast could improve is in its musical choices. While the outro music is pleasant enough, adding some variety to the background music throughout the episodes would enhance the overall listening experience. Additionally, while the focus on gubernatorial interviews is helpful for voters in California, expanding these types of interviews to include senators and congress members from other states would further contribute to listeners' knowledge and engagement.

    In conclusion, The Press Play with Madeleine Brand podcast is an exceptional addition to anyone's podcast rotation. With its engaging host, thoughtful interviews, and diverse range of topics covered, it is no wonder why it has become a favorite among many listeners. Whether you are looking for a deeper understanding of current events or simply enjoy well-crafted storytelling, Press Play delivers it all with grace and intelligence. Tune in and prepare to be informed and entertained by this outstanding podcast.



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    Latest episodes from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

    Safety or income? Immigrants make hard choice amid ICE raids

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 10, 2025 51:06


    Many immigrants have feared going to work amid ICE raids. Weekly earnings for immigrant renters fell 62% this summer, according to The Rent Brigade’s recent survey. As the trial for an alleged assassin of President Trump begins this week, KCRW looks back on September 1975, when two different women had plans to kill President Gerald Ford. A small-town paper gets the mockumentary treatment in a new spinoff from “The Office,” mixing newsroom chaos, nostalgia, and laughs about the future of print journalism.  A displeased astrologer weighs in after the New York Times reports that your zodiac sign is out of date. KCRW explains the long controversy between astronomers and astrologers.

    2025: No song of the summer?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2025 52:44


    In a 6-3 vote, the Supreme Court overturned a lower court ruling that temporarily blocked federal immigration agents from indiscriminately arresting people on sidewalks, at Home Depots, swap meets, etc. Santa Monica is on the verge of a fiscal emergency as massive sex abuse settlements and shrinking revenues stretch city services, reflecting a wider crisis across LA County. The book “Changeover” explores the budding rivalry between tennis phenoms Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, and what it means for the future of the sport. No candidate exists for 2025’s “song of the summer.” Media consumption is fragmented, streaming allows people to listen to the same songs for longer, and more artists are competing for attention. 

    Eames House survived the Palisades Fire. KCRW gets a tour

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2025 52:49


    The Trump administration halted major offshore wind projects in the Northeast, citing cost and national security concerns. Environmental advocates say wind power is key to meeting clean energy goals.  The Eames House survived the Palisades Fire, underwent smoke remediation and other repairs, and reopened in late July.   Vladimir Nabokov’s “Lolita” is the story of a middle-aged professor with an insatiable obsession with little girls, who sexually assaults his 12-year-old stepdaughter. It’s also one of literature’s most celebrated novels — acclaimed for its prose and wordplay. Critics review the latest film releases: “The Conjuring: Last Rites,” “Preparation for the Next Life,” “Twinless,” and “The Threesome.”

    3 West Coast states form health alliance to counter info from Trump

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 4, 2025 52:14


    Today, the governors of CA, OR, and WA launched a health pact to coordinate their states’ vaccine recommendations and “ensure residents remain protected by science, not politics.”  A deadly U.S. airstrike on a boat in the Caribbean signals a more aggressive turn in the war on drugs.  In 2020, Quibi offered phone-based 10-minute (or less) videos. Now, the Hollywood-based company MicroCo is launching a new version of that idea. Today’s protein-obsessed culture is rediscovering cottage cheese. On social media, people are blending it into ice cream, dips, pancakes, and even pasta sauces.  Downtown LA’s iconic Mayan Theater’s current operators have run the venue since 1989. KCRW looks at the history that’s showcased everything from Gershwin, to porn, to Mexican wrestling.

    ICE is hiring. Many prospective candidates are Latino

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 3, 2025 52:18


    Judge Charles Breyer ruled that the Trump administration’s use of the military as domestic police violated federal law, setting the tone for legal challenges in other cities.  Thousands of people hoping to join ICE attended a recruitment fair in Texas. Many applicants were Latino.  Building atom bombs was a feat rivaling the science behind them. The Manhattan Project oversaw hundreds of thousands of workers in cities that technically didn’t exist.  The single bloodiest day of World War II was the firebombing of Tokyo — before atomic bombs destroyed Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Why isn’t it mourned that way? 

    Labor Day special: New Hollywood's leading men in photos

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 1, 2025 52:34


    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.

    When AI companionship turns into psychosis

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2025 51:36


    An anthropologist and a psychiatrist weigh in on “AI psychosis,” following several recent, high-profile cases of users losing touch with reality during conversations with bots. The summer COVID spike is here, but new FDA vaccine restrictions limit who can get a booster, and CDC turmoil impacts U.S. public health policy. Critics review the latest film releases: “Caught Stealing,” “The Roses,” “The Toxic Avenger,” and “A Little Prayer.” Finger clapping — touching your thumb and middle finger together in a form of silent applause — may seem like a hot new thing on TikTok. But the queer ballroom scene has been doing it for years.

    ‘Love, Queenie': Hollywood's first Indian star hid her origins

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2025 53:49


    The Federal Reserve was set up over 100 years ago to insulate monetary policy from politics. Now Trump is trying to exert authority over the organization.  The Spotify habits of politicians, celebrities, and other public figures were released on a site called Panama Playlists. The leak revealed just how much of our online lives may be less private than we think. Merle Oberon hid her mixed-race, impoverished background to become a movie star in Britain and then Hollywood. But her career fizzled out in the 1940s, and all that cover-up had a psychological impact.  Consider setting up a pickle bar for your Labor Day get-together. Pickles fit right in with cheese, charcuterie, and crackers. They can also be used for sandwiches and cocktails. 

    Why did modern cities move away from creating shaded public spaces?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2025 53:02


    After Kamala Harris declined to run for California governor, the crowded field lacks a clear frontrunner. Former Congresswoman Katie Porter has a slight edge, but Rick Caruso could shake up the race.  Heat waves are among the deadliest natural disasters. Shade is a vital defense. But in cities like LA, it’s treated as a privilege, not a right. A new Hulu series revisits the story of Amanda Knox, the American college student studying abroad who was accused of killing her roommate. Knox and Monica Lewinsky are executive producers.  The colonial-era Mercator map distorts continental size, making Africa look smaller than it is. The 55-nation African Union joins the push to embrace a new world map.

    At 90, father of minimalist music is still performing

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2025 52:23


    Kilmar Abrego Garcia was wrongly deported to a Salvadoran prison. Now the Trump administration is trying to send him to Uganda.  States are redrawing congressional maps in an aggressive battle for control. Texas and California are leading the charge, sparking a partisan fight leading up to the midterm elections.  President Trump has said he wants to get rid of FEMA and shift relief responsibility to the states. FEMA employees say this leaves the U.S. unprepared for the next Hurricane Katrina.  Terry Riley is known for creating minimalist music, which influenced artists across genres, including ambient, electronic, pop, and rock. On Sept. 7, the Ford amphitheater will host a concert celebrating his work.

    HHS cuts investments in mRNA vax research. Impact on US science?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2025 52:52


    HHS secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. is cutting hundreds of millions of dollars of mRNA vaccine funding research. The groundbreaking technology is used in most COVID-19 vaccines, and shows promise in other areas. At the end of Ruth Asawa’s life, an encounter with an auction house curator turned her from a relatively obscure artist into one whose works command millions of dollars. Critics review the latest film releases: “Honey Don’t!,” “Splitsville,” “Lurker,” and “Suspended Time.” Granola and energy bars often start with the same pantry staples such as oats, nuts, seeds, dried fruit, etc. They diverge in the proportion of ingredients and the technique used to make them.

    Newsom does a 180 on oil drilling

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 20, 2025 53:36


    Israel has approved a West Bank settlement plan that would split the territory and pave the way for thousands of apartments, drawing global criticism and threatening hopes of a Palestinian state. Gov. Newsom last year accused oil companies of “screwing” customers, but now he wants to increase oil drilling in Kern County to prevent a possible rise in gas prices in 2026. Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead were counterculture icons. But according to author Jim Newton, Garcia himself wasn’t particularly political. At least not publicly, or even in ways we might traditionally think. Forty-two cats in a traditional portrait setting. Felines filling the frame in an array of poses on blue and pink fabrics, bathed in soft light. The 1891 masterpiece "My Wife's Lovers" is just as fabulous as it sounds.

    Housing First: Hear from its pioneer and a beneficiary

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 20, 2025 52:10


    Sam Tsemberis came up with Housing First — permanent housing with supportive services. He explains the root causes of homelessness and why Trump’s executive order paints a false reality.  When Amber Mariah Metzinger entered a Housing First program, she stopped using meth, and started working toward a career in drug and alcohol counseling.  After 15 years off air, “King of the Hill” returns with new laughs, old neighbors, and storylines that echo today’s political and social divide.  Dan Tana, 90, died of cancer on Saturday in his native Serbia — far from the city where his name welcomed diners and scenesters for decades.

    LA gets its own Blue Note. Expect jazz plus hip-hop performances

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 19, 2025 51:55


    A new California congressional map, commissioned by Democrats, seeks to counter Texas’ proposed gerrymandering. The man who drew the map had never drawn a partisan one before. Californians are likely headed to the ballot box in November for a special election on redistricting – and the state is likely headed to court over the scheme.  For 45 years, Blue Note in Greenwich Village served as New York City’s upscale club for jazz. Then came locations in Asia, Europe, and South America. Last week, LA got its own Blue Note. KCRW’s LeRoy Downs says Blue Note LA will appeal to a wide audience, even those who don’t often listen to jazz. He highlights some artists who will perform there this season.

    Many Americans falsely think crime is rising. Blame ‘copaganda'

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2025 51:03


    President Trump claims crime is rising in D.C., when it’s actually down there — and across the country. Critics say his rhetoric is part of a longer history of “copaganda.” The Dodgers hit a rough patch, losing to the Angels and slipping to second place in the NL West. LAFC made headlines by signing soccer star Son Heung-Min. Tennis legend Venus Williams returns to the US Open at 45. Critics review the latest film releases: “Highest 2 Lowest,” “Nobody 2,” “The Knife,” “Went Up the Hill.” Who doesn’t love noodles? Japchae is served hot or cold, with bouncy and chewy sweet potato starch noodles. Hiyashi chuka is cold and found in many ramen shops.

    Family shares impact of CHLA ending its gender-affirming care

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 13, 2025 50:47


    After two months of denied access, Rep. Brad Sherman tours LA’s secretive ICE facility, raising questions about masked raids, detainee living conditions, and oversight rights.  Matt, 19, got hormones and surgery through CHLA. After the hospital ended its gender-affirming care, he turned to a new clinic but is considering leaving the U.S.   By now, you or someone you know has probably ridden a Waymo in LA. What lies ahead for the company, its rivals, human ride-share drivers, and customers? Around 160,000 Americans still receive dial-up internet. AOL is ending the service. KCRW takes a trip down the memory superhighway.

    What does back-to-school season look like for Pali High?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2025 52:24


    Pali High starts its new academic term on August 13. Instruction will still temporarily happen at the old Sears in Santa Monica. There’s optimism for rebuilding the old campus and community. Over the weekend, an Israeli airstrike killed Anas Al-Sharif and four other Al Jazeera journalists in what the Israeli military said was a targeted attack on their media tent. In the novel “Wanting,” two childhood friends grow up and commit to lives they feel were never meant for them, and begin questioning their choices.  In the early 1990s, there was no bigger football team than the Dallas Cowboys. The team won three Super Bowls in four years, before the dynasty fell apart amid rampant allegations of drug use and violence.

    Woody Guthrie's never-before-released songs are relevant today

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2025 58:39


    A new chapter is unfolding in the power struggle between President Trump and cities as he sends the National Guard into DC — and defends the LA deployment in court.  UC regents are meeting to discuss whether to settle with the Trump administration over their freezing of grants. But an appeals court may unfreeze the money first. New research reveals the death toll from the January fires in LA County may be far higher than official counts. Many deaths linked to smoke, stress, and health disruptions are unreported.  “Woody at Home, Volume 1 and 2” contains Woody Guthrie’s 22 previously unreleased songs that protest against racism, facism, and corruption.

    How does LAUSD superintendent see his role in protecting students from ICE?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 8, 2025 54:02


    LAUSD starts its new academic term a week from today. Superintendent Alberto Carvalho talks about student proficiency in math and reading, enrollment, and protecting kids from ICE raids.  Writer Peter Beinart says American Jews need to reckon with Israel’s conduct in the war in Gaza, and they should support equality for Palestinians. Critics review the latest film releases: “Freakier Friday,” “It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley,” “Weapons,” and “Souleymane’s Story.”

    ‘The Devil Wears Rothko' traces Knoedler Gallery fake art scandal

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2025 52:26


    The Trump administration froze UCLA’s roughly 800 grants, covering research into medicine, science, energy, and climate. How are scholars and the university responding? Luke Farritor, a 23-year-old tech prodigy with no government experience, is at the center of sweeping federal cuts reshaping how government works.  For about a decade, the director of the Knoedler Gallery ended up buying fake art from a Bonnie and Clyde-like duo. An FBI criminal probe and lawsuits ensued.  Garlic brings its unique aroma, pungency, heat, and sometimes mellow nuttiness to each dish you’re making.

    Inside Nobu Matsuhisa's global sushi empire

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2025 53:09


    Texas lawmakers are trying to gerrymander their way to five more Republican seats in Congress. California Democrats want to retaliate — can they? Will fully autonomous military machines be the future of war, or will nations like the U.S. abide by certain constraints? Nobuyuki Matsuhisa — whose signature sushi flavors feature citrus, cilantro, and spice — owns restaurants and hotels worldwide. He’s the focus of a new documentary.  Influencers have been posting videos of themselves sampling Erewhon products, and now the store has become one of LA’s biggest tourist destinations.

    ‘He's become untouchable': Jeff Buckley is star of new documentary

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2025 53:54


    A federal appeals court upholds a ruling that blocks ICE from broad immigration stops in LA, raising questions about what this means for immigrant communities and enforcement moving forward. President Trump’s attempt to end birthright citizenship is not faring well in court. This time, the Supreme Court may not save him. COVID ticked up in parts of California and is expected to peak in the LA area in late August. Should you get boosted now? Jeff Buckley’s vocals drew comparisons to Nina Simone and Led Zeppelin’s Robert Plant. He died at age 30, but his fan base is still strong today. He’s the subject of Amy Berg’s new documentary.

    Major Western nations recognize Palestinian statehood

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2025 53:54


    France and Canada have promised to formally recognize Palestine at the U.N. General Assembly in September. The U.K. will join them if Israel doesn’t agree to a ceasefire with Hamas. Humans are extracting fresh water from underground aquifers, accelerating the drying of land all over the world and driving sea level rise, according to a new study. Critics review the latest film releases: “The Naked Gun,” “Bad Guys 2,” “Together,” and “Folktales.” Consider these cold soup recipes: One from Eastern Europe, one from Spain, and one starring the summer ingredient corn. 

    Life amid Trump's ICE is tougher than era of illegal street vending in LA

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2025 53:02


    A 2009 Obama-era environmental finding has underpinned a lot of climate-related regulation. It’s now the latest target of the Trump administration. Street vending in LA is now tougher than when it was illegal, a MacArthur Park clothes merchant says. SB 635 would prohibit state agencies from sharing street vendor data with ICE. Ever wonder what your life would look like if you made one radically different choice? Magician Penn Jillette takes that idea and runs with it in his new book. An unattractive little plush doll from China has taken the world by storm. Labubus’ rising popularity also comes with higher price tags, sparking an underground market of counterfeits.

    College grads face highest unemployment rate in 10 years. AI's partly to blame

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2025 52:13


    UCLA is the latest college to settle an antisemitism case, and it will give several million to Jewish organizations. A lawsuit by pro-Palestinian activists remains pending.   6.6% of college-educated 20 to 24-year-olds are unemployed and actively job-hunting, according to the Labor Department. Why are they struggling to launch? Employers in coveted fields are turning to AI instead of hiring recent college graduates. The white-collar sector is threatened.  ‘It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia’ is the defining American sitcom because it satirizes the dark side of human nature, argues M.H. Miller.

    College grads face highest unemployment rate in 10 years. AI's partly to blame

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2025 49:42


    UCLA is the latest college to settle an antisemitism case, and it will give several million to Jewish organizations. A lawsuit by pro-Palestinian activists remains pending.   6.6% of college-educated 20 to 24-year-olds are unemployed and actively job-hunting, according to the Labor Department. Why are they struggling to launch? Employers in coveted fields are turning to AI instead of hiring recent college graduates. The white-collar sector is threatened.  ‘It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia' is the defining American sitcom because it satirizes the dark side of human nature, argues M.H. Miller.

    Lollapalooza begins this weekend. The ‘95 lineup is worth remembering

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2025 52:11


    In response to Texas' plan to redraw its congressional map to add GOP seats, CA Gov. Newsom is threatening to redistrict here to add Democratic seats. Is it legal? Considered the most powerful psychedelic, 5-MeO DMT causes extreme trips that last only 30 minutes. Two startups are trying to take it to market as a depression treatment.  Lollapalooza runs July 31 to August 3 in Chicago. Three decades ago, it was the country's biggest music festival. It peaked with the 1995 lineup, argues NYT culture editor David Malitz. Last week's “South Park” season premiere targeted President Trump for his lawsuits against media companies. What's next for creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone?

    Lollapalooza begins this weekend. The ‘95 lineup is worth remembering

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2025 54:42


    In response to Texas’ plan to redraw its congressional map to add GOP seats, CA Gov. Newsom is threatening to redistrict here to add Democratic seats. Is it legal? Considered the most powerful psychedelic, 5-MeO DMT causes extreme trips that last only 30 minutes. Two startups are trying to take it to market as a depression treatment.  Lollapalooza runs July 31 to August 3 in Chicago. Three decades ago, it was the country’s biggest music festival. It peaked with the 1995 lineup, argues NYT culture editor David Malitz. Last week’s “South Park” season premiere targeted President Trump for his lawsuits against media companies. What’s next for creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone?

    We just lost $1.3 million

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2025 3:46


    ICYMI...something you should know from the team at Press Play. 

    The future of public TV without federal funding

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2025 53:54


    U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli has filed felony charges against 38 ICE protestors, but only secured seven indictments. Some in his office question whether his approach is based on the evidence.  PBS SoCal is losing millions in funding from the federal government. The cuts to public broadcasting will be particularly felt in rural areas. Can the system survive? Critics review the latest film releases: “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” “AJ Goes To The Dog Park,” “Cloud,” and “Diciannove.” DineLA Restaurant Week is an opportunity to support the local restaurant community after it was hit by COVID shutdowns, the Hollywood strikes, and January wildfires.

    The future of public TV without federal funding

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2025 51:23


    U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli has filed felony charges against 38 ICE protestors, but only secured seven indictments. Some in his office question whether his approach is based on the evidence.  PBS SoCal is losing millions in funding from the federal government. The cuts to public broadcasting will be particularly felt in rural areas. Can the system survive? Critics review the latest film releases: “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” “AJ Goes To The Dog Park,” “Cloud,” and “Diciannove.” DineLA Restaurant Week is an opportunity to support the local restaurant community after it was hit by COVID shutdowns, the Hollywood strikes, and January wildfires.

    How 9/11 gave birth to ICE

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 23, 2025 55:14


    LA Mayor Karen Bass said ICE was conducting a “reign of terror” in Los Angeles. Ironically, it was the War on Terror that produced ICE in the first place.  A proposed housing authority to help people affected by Palisades and Eaton Fires is on hold after some residents, like reality TV personality Spencer Pratt, complained. The 2025 California Biennial at the OC Museum of Art features works and artifacts from teen artists and adults reflecting on their teen years. It’s called “Desperate, Scared, but Social.” Ozzy Osbourne died on Tuesday at age 76. He transformed his image from Black Sabbath frontman to irascible TV dad. “The Osbournes” set the scene for the glut of celebrity TV family shows that followed. 

    How 9/11 gave birth to ICE

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 23, 2025 52:43


    LA Mayor Karen Bass said ICE was conducting a “reign of terror” in Los Angeles. Ironically, it was the War on Terror that produced ICE in the first place.  A proposed housing authority to help people affected by Palisades and Eaton Fires is on hold after some residents, like reality TV personality Spencer Pratt, complained. The 2025 California Biennial at the OC Museum of Art features works and artifacts from teen artists and adults reflecting on their teen years. It's called “Desperate, Scared, but Social.” Ozzy Osbourne died on Tuesday at age 76. He transformed his image from Black Sabbath frontman to irascible TV dad. “The Osbournes” set the scene for the glut of celebrity TV family shows that followed. 

    The magic of Shari Lewis' Lamb Chop

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 23, 2025 53:34


    Since the end of the last cease-fire between Israel and Hamas in March, people in Gaza are facing increasingly dire humanitarian conditions. Over nearly seven decades, research conducted at Hawaii’s Mauna Loa Observatory taught us that global warming is happening and humans are causing most of it. Trump's proposed budget for 2026 would shutter the observatory.  Before “Mister Rogers” or “Sesame Street,” Shari Lewis created, voiced, and performed a diminutive sock puppet named Lamb Chop. Her story is the focus of a new documentary. 

    The magic of Shari Lewis' Lamb Chop

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2025 51:33


    Since the end of the last cease-fire between Israel and Hamas in March, people in Gaza are facing increasingly dire humanitarian conditions. Over nearly seven decades, research conducted at Hawaii's Mauna Loa Observatory taught us that global warming is happening and humans are causing most of it. Trump's proposed budget for 2026 would shutter the observatory.  Before “Mister Rogers” or “Sesame Street,” Shari Lewis created, voiced, and performed a diminutive sock puppet named Lamb Chop. Her story is the focus of a new documentary. 

    NPR stations are losing federal funds. What will they do?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2025 53:36


    NPR, PBS, and member stations will lose $1.1 billion in federal funding. KCRW hears from two people who run smaller stations: KOSU in Oklahoma City and KCBX in San Luis Obispo. Harvard gets its day in court against the Trump administration. In Texas, Trump wants lawmakers to redraw Congressional maps ahead of schedule. “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” was reportedly losing money, though a pending merger for CBS’ parent company may have also factored into the network’s decision to cancel the TV program. Backstreet Boys are out with “Millennium 2.0,” and will perform concerts this summer in Las Vegas. KCRW talks about their long trajectory to fame in the U.S., lawsuit against their manager, and cross-generational appeal. 

    NPR stations are losing federal funds. What will they do?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2025 51:06


    NPR, PBS, and member stations will lose $1.1 billion in federal funding. KCRW hears from two people who run smaller stations: KOSU in Oklahoma City and KCBX in San Luis Obispo. Harvard gets its day in court against the Trump administration. In Texas, Trump wants lawmakers to redraw Congressional maps ahead of schedule. “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” was reportedly losing money, though a pending merger for CBS' parent company may have also factored into the network's decision to cancel the TV program. Backstreet Boys are out with “Millennium 2.0,” and will perform concerts this summer in Las Vegas. KCRW talks about their long trajectory to fame in the U.S., lawsuit against their manager, and cross-generational appeal. 

    ICE's deportation campaign leaves many agents morally conflicted

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2025 53:43


    Former and current ICE officials and agents told The Atlantic morale is low due, in part, to the relentless pressure from the Trump administration to arrest people. After a judge blocked federal agents from carrying out “indiscriminate” raids and denying detainees access to lawyers, an attorney says compliance is “spotty.” Critics review the latest film releases: “Smurfs,” “Eddington,” and “I Know What You Did Last Summer.”

    ICE's deportation campaign leaves many agents morally conflicted

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2025 51:42


    Former and current ICE officials and agents told The Atlantic morale is low due, in part, to the relentless pressure from the Trump administration to arrest people. After a judge blocked federal agents from carrying out “indiscriminate” raids and denying detainees access to lawyers, an attorney says compliance is “spotty.” Critics review the latest film releases: “Smurfs,” “Eddington,” and “I Know What You Did Last Summer.”

    Opposing Trump's immigration stance is ‘personal' for Sen. Alex Padilla

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2025 53:16


    Senator Alex Padilla says the vast majority of people getting caught up in Trump’s immigration raids and detentions are those without serious criminal convictions. He also weighs in on the Jeffrey Epstein files and Trump’s push to cut federal funding for NPR and PBS.  Trump’s budget gives ICE $75 billion for recruitment and the construction of new jails. Historically, police expansions are rife with corruption, according to journalist and historian Garrett Graff.  Michelle Huneven is rebuilding her Altadena home after the Eaton Fire. Her latest book follows a family across multiple decades and locations as they struggle with grief, dislocation, and addiction. When used judiciously, lavender can add an air of mystery to a dish, amplifying flavor without calling attention to itself.

    Opposing Trump's immigration stance is ‘personal' for Sen. Alex Padilla

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2025 50:45


    Senator Alex Padilla says the vast majority of people getting caught up in Trump's immigration raids and detentions are those without serious criminal convictions. He also weighs in on the Jeffrey Epstein files and Trump's push to cut federal funding for NPR and PBS.  Trump's budget gives ICE $75 billion for recruitment and the construction of new jails. Historically, police expansions are rife with corruption, according to journalist and historian Garrett Graff.  Michelle Huneven is rebuilding her Altadena home after the Eaton Fire. Her latest book follows a family across multiple decades and locations as they struggle with grief, dislocation, and addiction. When used judiciously, lavender can add an air of mystery to a dish, amplifying flavor without calling attention to itself.

    Expect a surge in EV purchases as federal tax credits will expire

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2025 52:00


    In March, President Trump signed an executive order to begin shuttering the Department of Education. A lower court forced him to stop the process, but on Monday, the Supreme Court overturned it.  President Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” eliminates federal tax credits for new and used EVs and plug-in hybrids purchased after September 30, 2025. How will this affect consumers and manufacturers? The number of immigrants leaving the U.S. this year may surpass the number of those who arrive. Liberal and conservative economists warn of impacts. Once dominated by ceremonies and roses, reality TV dating is leveling up. “Love Island” has real-time twists, social media presence, and viewing parties.

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