Press Play With Madeleine Brand

Hwachae is a quenching drink that includes fruit (often watermelon), sugar, and ice. Some mixes include a tart-sweet fizzy soda or milk. President Joe Biden met with Democratic governors today as voters are increasingly worried about his age and job performance. In the polls, Trump is widening his lead against Biden, nationally and in key swing states. A few startups are (or will be) offering women of child-bearing age the chance to test period blood — to help them better detect diabetes, fertility issues, and HPV. Critics review the latest film releases: “Despicable Me 4,” “MaXXXine,” “Space Cadet,” and “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F.” Robert Towne died on Monday at age 89. He won an Oscar for the screenplay of “Chinatown,” and worked on one of the first mainstream Hollywood flicks about a lesbian relationship.

MoviePass allowed customers to see one film per day in theaters — for $10/month. But its Black founders were ousted. And the new leaders — who ran it into the ground — now face fraud charges. Nationalist parties are controlling governments in Italy, Finland, and The Netherlands. France’s far-right party could also take power after Sunday’s elections. The Supreme Court ruled that courts no longer have to defer to experts when considering challenges to federal regulations. This could affect financial, health, and environmental regulations. Legal cannabis in California often contains banned pesticides, according to an LA Times investigation. Regulators recently pulled a vape product from the market.

Maurice Sendak, author of “Where the Wild Things Are” and “Alligators All Around,” is the focus of the Skirball Center’s new exhibit, which includes original art and first editions of his books.  The Supreme Court ruled that former President Trump has immunity for some of his official acts. How will this affect his federal trial regarding the January 6 insurrection?  The Supreme Court recently ruled that cities have the right to break up encampments of unhoused people under anti-camping ordinances. What does the Grants Pass v. Johnson ruling mean for LA? Press Play rebroadcasts our ur last in-person interview at the beginning of the COVID pandemic — it was with musician/humorist Kinky Friedman. He died last week at age 79.

Ceviche is a good option when summer tamps down on cravings for hot and rich food. Here are the top local restaurants and trucks offering the raw fish/seafood tossed with citrus juices.   It took years to negotiate a settlement between Purdue Pharma and victims of the opioid epidemic. Today, SCOTUS ruled that bankruptcy law shouldn't be used to shield the company's owners from future lawsuits. Some health researchers want the current alcohol consumption guidelines — two drinks a day for men, one for women — reduced to two drinks a week. Critics review the latest film releases: “A Quiet Place: Day One,” “Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 1,” “Daddio,” and “Janet Planet.”

The new book “Hollywood Pride” is an encyclopedia of queer artists on-screen and behind the camera, spanning the late 1800s to today. Author Alonso Duralde gives a walkthrough.  For the first time in nearly 40 years, the Commission on Presidential Debates is not setting the rules of engagement for candidates. In Thursday’s debate, CNN will control the guidelines.  A majority of Supreme Court justices would reinstate a lower-court ruling that paused Idaho’s near-total abortion ban, suggested a document posted to the court’s website.  

KCRW looks at barriers to accessing clinical trials for Black and Latino people. Plus, one cancer patient explains how his life changed after becoming involved in a trial.  Folks who dislike both Donald Trump and Joe Biden make up 1 in 5 voters in swing states. How they go, so may the country.  Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao, who already faced a recall, defended herself on Monday after the FBI raided her home. Her city is facing high rates of crime and homelessness. “The Big Cigar” (Apple TV+) follows Black Panther co-founder Huey Newton's 1974 escape to Cuba, aided by a Hollywood producer who disguised the plan as a film production.

LA LOM creates a nostalgic feel through their music, inspired by cumbia, bolero, and retro soul. The instrumental trio’s debut album features songs named after Los Angeles streets. A ceasefire in Gaza seems unlikely. With escalating conflict involving Israel and Hezbollah, U.S. officials fear this could lead to a broader Middle East war. The Lakers’ new hire, JJ Redick, has never coached a team, aside from his son’s youth basketball squad. Did his relationship with Lebron James make all the difference in his latest job? Waymo robotaxis have been cruising LA for about three months. Despite concerns about safety and logistics, one transit writer says it's only a matter of time before Angelenos widely accept them.

Customization is endless when it comes to baking pizza. Here’s a breakdown of what tools you need, how to make dough, and which toppings to choose.  Louisiana’s governor says all public schools in his state must display the Ten Commandments. Civil liberties groups have announced an intent to sue, saying the move violates the First Amendment’s establishment clause.  LAUSD leaders recently voted yes on a cellphone ban for students. Board member Nick Melvoin explains how this would work and what safety concerns might arise.   Critics review this week’s new films: “The Bikeriders,” “Kinds of Kindness,” “Fancy Dance,” and “Thelma.”

Julia Louis-Dreyfus talks about her new film role as a mom struggling to accept her daughter’s death. She also shares wisdom from conversations with women ages 70 and up.  California’s early-season fires might be a sign of more intense blazes to come. A scientist explains how climate change is fueling natural disasters locally and nationally.  The widow of casino magnate Sheldon Adelson has helped fund right-wing causes in the U.S. and in her native Israel. She’s expected to give more than $90 million to a pro-Trump super PAC. Actress Anna May Wong’s career spanned more than 60 films across the silent era and the talkies. Her life is now the focus of an exhibition at the Chinese American Museum.

“Traveling: On the Path of Joni Mitchell” chronicles the singer’s experiences of loss and sacrifice — and the songs marking turning points in her life.  The surgeon general wants health warnings on social media platforms, similar to tobacco products. A psychologist explains how the platforms can harm teen mental health. A Houston bankruptcy judge ordered conspiracy theorist and right-wing provocateur Alex Jones’ personal assets be liquidated and sold to satisfy a defamation case brought by Sandy Hook parents. 

At five can’t-miss pop-ups this summer, treat yourself to Texas-inspired BBQ, vegan mofongo, hand-rolled bagels with homemade cream cheese, crispy duck mole, and more. The Supreme Court today upheld access to the abortion pill mifepristone, and issued rulings on labor and trademark cases. Russian prosecutors indicted Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich on charges of espionage. If convicted, he could get up to 20 years in prison. Bird flu is spreading among cattle — as more people are drinking raw milk. Pasteurization is what kills off diseases. So why are folks choosing the unprocessed route, despite health concerns? Critics review the latest film releases: Inside Out 2, Treasure, Ghostlight, and Tuesday.

Great white sharks call Southern California shores their home. Carlos Gauna, a photographer and drone pilot, documents the hot spots and shares safety tips.  A measure to create harsher penalties for some drug and theft crimes has qualified for the November ballot. It comes as California lawmakers debate rising crime. Jerry West, the perennial NBA All-Star and architect of the Lakers’ “Showtime” and Shaq/Kobe eras, dies at 86. The cookbook “Kismet” features family recipes and favorites from the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern restaurants owned by Sara Kramer and Sarah Hymanson. 

Apple is the latest tech company to unveil AI tools for its most popular products. Will this be truly helpful, or is it another ploy to sell more iPhones? An FDA advisory committee has rejected a company's bid to use MDMA, or ecstasy, to treat PTSD. The panel was concerned about the strength of the evidence, allegations of participant abuse, and ill-defined therapeutic protocols. A new documentary looks at George Coulam's multi-million dollar Texas Renaissance Festival. He’s ready to step down, and a fight is brewing over who will step up.  University of Connecticut basketball coach Dan Hurley said, “Thanks, but no thanks” to a reported six-year deal to be the Lakers’ new coach. The offer would’ve doubled his salary.

Mdocu Moctar’s “Funeral for Justice” is a blend of desert blues and sociopolitical commentary about his West African home country of Niger.  French President Emmanuel Macron has called for snap elections after far-right victories over the weekend. What's behind his risky strategy? An Orange County judge temporarily halted University of California academic workers’ strike. They walked off the job in response to the UC system’s response to pro-Palestinian demonstrations. The U.S. has spent millions on counterterrorism in West Africa since 9/11, but poverty and unrest are leading to military takeovers and the growth of Al-Qaeda and Islamic State affiliates.   

Popsicles should be ice-cold but not ice-hard. Texture and flavor are equally important. The goal: Keep ice crystal formation small, which will produce a softer texture. On the 80th anniversary of the storming of the beaches of Normandy, France, a new book chronicles the experiences of those involved — from generals and troops to allies and enemies. The GA appeals court issued a stay on the Fulton County case. None of Trump’s remaining three criminal trials are likely to conclude before the November election.   Critics review the latest film releases: “Bad Boys: Ride or Die,” “Robot Dreams,” “Handling the Undead,” and “The Watchers.”

Many touring musicians say they’re earning less than ever. How has the industry changed since COVID, and what strategies are some artists using to keep performing live? Donald Trump insists he won’t ban contraception in a potential second presidential term. But he and his allies are drafting policies that would come close. India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi won a third term, but the smaller margin of victory says a lot about how the world’s biggest democracy views him today.  A series of recent rule changes in the LDS Church have made missionary work more appealing to young members, but many still face mental health challenges. 

Gillian Anderson talks about playing Margaret Thatcher, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Emily Maitlis, the BBC anchor who did the exclusive 2019 interview with Prince Andrew. President Biden signed an executive order temporarily barring undocumented immigrants from seeking asylum. It’s what Trump tried to do in his first term.  Amid a largely self-censored media landscape, Israel’s leading left-wing publication Haaretz critiques the country’s government and provides an unflinching view on the war in Gaza. One in five employers is less likely to hire recent college grads who took part in pro-Palestinian protests, a new survey shows. But other employers seem to support protest involvement.

The Flaming Lips’ “The Soft Bulletin” is 25 years old. Critics have called it a rock masterpiece for the trippy experimental sounds and big, sweeping orchestral pieces.  Mexico’s new president, Claudia Sheinbaum, has promised to continue her mentor Andrés Manuel Lopéz Obrador’s leftwing policies, but must contend with rampant cartel violence and corruption. Plus, how will she work with (or against) President Biden or a future President Trump? Jury selection began today for Hunter Biden’s federal gun case. Charged with three felonies, he allegedly lied about his drug use to buy a gun in 2018. The CDC recommended six feet of social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The decision pushed schools online, but wasn’t backed by data.

Sea otter 841 went viral last summer for stealing surfboards and evading authorities. Now she’s returned to the Santa Cruz waters where she made her name.  Can Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito and Juan Merchan, the judge presiding over Donald Trump’s hush money trial, be impartial about the former president, given their actions outside the courtroom that could be perceived as political bias? Noah Gittell’s new book, “Baseball: The Movie,” traces the lineage of and connection between two great American pastimes — baseball and film. Critics review the latest film releases: “Young Woman and the Sea,” “Jim Henson Idea Man,” “In A Violent Nature,” and “The Young Wife.”

Some travel tips for summer: Set price tracking alerts based on locations or dates, fly earlier in the day, and consider cargo pants/vests for extra storage space.  The White House says the latest Israeli airstrikes in Rafah didn’t cross the red line, in spite of civilian casualties and the growing humanitarian crisis.  The French Open kicked off on Sunday. Rafael Nadal lost in the first round, Coco Gauff advanced, while Naomi Osaka fell to Iga Swiatek in an intense match. Decades worth of Negro League figures are now part of the Major League Baseball’s record books. Poet, historian, and author Rowan Ricardo Phillips argues that MLB should do more. Chow down on cherries — dozens of varieties exist — while they’re still in markets for the next few weeks. Use them in pudding, salads, pies, and more.