Press Play With Madeleine Brand

Hamas is reportedly willing to let Israel stage troops temporarily in Gaza as part of a ceasefire agreement. Could it lead to annexation of the Palestinian territory? LA City Council voted unanimously to approve new housing development in LA’s dense corridors, but critics say more units are needed in single-family neighborhoods.   Critics review the latest film releases: “Kraven the Hunter,” “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim,” “The End,” and “September 5.”  Sam Sanders shares his approach to a stress-free holiday; Madeleine Brand reveals the secret for a successful office party. 

The Biden administration is in its final 40 days and trying to make progress on Ukraine, Gaza, student loans, climate and immigration.  Parents are suing Character.AI after its chatbots allegedly encouraged teens to hurt themselves or others. What’s making the tech push out this kind of language? “The Bibi Files” is a new documentary that features never-before-seen leaked footage of police interrogations of the Israeli Prime Minister, his family, and his associates. Hanukkah foods often focus on frying, so latkes are at the center of the table. But when it comes to the sweet side of things, jelly donuts or “sufganiyot” are a must-eat.  

The Franklin Fire erupted on Monday night, and thousands of residents are under mandatory evacuation orders. The flames jumped PCH near Malibu Canyon Rd., threatening Malibu Pier. The murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has unleashed a nationwide fury against health insurance companies, with horror stories shared online of how companies have denied life-saving treatment or bankrupted families. Rainn Wilson says a central theme in “Waiting for Godot” is the danger of inaction. He explains the linguistic and physical challenges of his role, and the healing power of theater.  To the chagrin of parents with young children, the holiday season is another opportunity to accumulate more toys. They’re cheaper and easier to get, and American families are “drowning” in them. 

Syrian rebels have taken Damascus. Their leader says he will protect minorities. What does the future look like in the war-torn state?  LA Times owner Patrick Soon-Shiong plans to install a "bias meter" next to every news article and op-ed. This comes after quashing the endorsement of Kamala Harris. A federal judge rules the U.S. Naval Academy can use race as a factor in its admissions, citing the military’s unique needs regarding a diverse officer corps. Emmy winner Ben Decter’s new musical shows the impact of his daughter’s epilepsy on their family, and the importance of communication. 

Cryptocurrency has been pumping since Donald Trump’s reelection and promise to make the U.S. the “crypto capital of the planet.” Critics review the latest film releases: “Y2K,” “The Return,” “Get Away,” and “Nightbitch.” At least five people are running to head the Democratic National Committee. Plus, familiar and potentially polarizing people like Rahm Emmanuel have been floated. The best cookbooks contain stories of cultural and historical importance. Here are Evan Kleiman’s recommendations this year.

Syrian rebels are advancing on Hama after capturing Aleppo, the country’s second-largest city. They’re challenging President Assad. Russia has joined the regime in counterstrikes.  LA County is allowing people to sell food they make in home kitchens — if they meet standards for a health permit. The program is Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation (MEHKO). Beginning July 2026, California shoppers will no longer see the “sell by” date in grocery stores. What do the various date labels even mean? 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.  Sony’s PlayStation launched in Japan in 1994, and revolutionized gaming by pursuing an older audience and using film-like graphics. That big-budget sophistication eventually led Sony to play it safe in terms of game development.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declares, then lifts, martial law. It marks the boiling over of more than two years of simmering political tensions. The National Retail Federation expects consumers to spend more this holiday season compared to last year, upwards of $900 per person on gifts, food, and decorations More people are making friends through apps. Some work like dating apps, while others bring people together over dinner parties. A zero-tolerance immigration policy separated over 5,500 children from their families at the U.S.-Mexico border. The new documentary, “Separated,” looks at what happened.  State wildlife officials say more than 70 gray wolves could be in California – up from 44 last year — and new packs exist. But their future is uncertain.

Joe Biden issued a sweeping pardon for his son, Hunter Biden, after saying he wouldn’t. How did the nation’s founders want pardons to be used? Is this an abuse?  Trump’s pick for FBI director is a loyal warrior who pledges to go after the “deep state” and anyone who stands in the president’s way.  This week, the Supreme Court hears a challenge to a Tennessee law that bans what’s known as gender-affirming medical treatment for transgender minors. George Frideric Handel wrote the music for “Messiah” during political and social unrest. Charles Jennens put together the text when experiencing deep despair.

Israel and Hezbollah agreed to a 60-day ceasefire after more than a year of costly fighting. Previous truces between the sides didn’t last. Will this one?  YouTube star MrBeast holds elaborate games and events where people compete for money. Some contestants are suing him for how they were treated. MrBeast is defending himself. “Porcelain War” is a new documentary that vividly portrays the lives of civilians-turned-soldiers on and off Ukraine’s battlefield against Russia.  Critics review the latest film releases: “Moana 2,” “Queer,” “Maria,” “The Seed of the Sacred Fig.”

In addition to China, President-elect Trump proposed new tariffs on Canada and Mexico. Will he carry through with them, or is it a negotiating tactic? The new podcast “Backfired: Attention Deficit” looks at the origins of ADHD, the surge of diagnoses over the past few decades, and drug demands and shortages today.  In Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, women are forbidden from obtaining an education or even speaking loudly in public. “Bread & Roses” is a new documentary about three women fighting this oppression.  The Thanksgiving table often includes rich dishes with soft textures. The next day, some crunch with a nice acidic dressing will be a welcome relief.

One of the biggest producers of raw milk had its product test positive for bird flu. What are the risks of drinking raw milk, and of bird flu in general? The Palm Springs City Council has voted to pay $5.9 million in reparations for Section 14 descendants, addressing the painful legacy of displaced Black and Latino families.  Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) has introduced legislation to ban trans people from using bathrooms that correspond with their gender identity while on federal property. Special Counsel Jack Smith moved to dismiss his cases against President-elect Trump. The Israeli and Palestinian boy band, as1one, flew to LA to record their debut album the day before Hamas attacked Israel in October 2023. Two band members discuss how the violence has affected them.

The annual U.N. climate summit has accomplished little, so activists are defacing priceless paintings to raise the alarm. The fight to save the planet is flagging. Mike Huckabee and Pete Hegseth, Trump’s picks for ambassador to Israel and defense secretary, have strong pro-Israel views that may trace back to the Bible. Critics review the latest film releases: “Wicked,” “Gladiator II,” and “The Piano Lesson.” For five nights only at the Wallis, puppets and stage actors are bringing to life the Booker Prize-winning novel “Life & Times of Michael K.” Follow the title character’s journey through war-torn South Africa.

For nearly a decade, President-elect Trump has praised a 1954 program known as “Operation Wetback.” Now he’s proposing using the U.S. military to carry out larger mass deportations. A new LA City controller audit has found that less than $600 million was spent to fight homelessness in the last fiscal year. That includes state and federal grants, as well as tax dollars.  Standup comedian Hannah Gadsby talks about the complexity of fame and the importance of connecting to audiences. They say their latest show is the funniest one they’ve ever done. A stew is cooked in less liquid than a soup, so its broth is reduced, sometimes thickened, and more flavorful. Try recipes from authors of “Autentico” and “My Everyday Lagos.”  

Ukraine fired the first U.S.-supplied long-range missiles at Russia, which has threatened a potential nuclear response. The dynamics of the war will likely change under Trump.  President-elect Donald Trump says he’ll declare a national emergency on immigration and use the military to carry out mass deportations. Advocates for undocumented immigrants are preparing.  “Say Nothing,” a new limited series on FX, follows the decades of violence in Northern Ireland through the eyes of the Price sisters, who went from protesting peacefully to planting bombs.  Spatulas and other utensils made from black plastic are potentially toxic to human health, even more so than regular plastic items, researchers say. Also problematic: black food containers like sushi to-go trays.

President-elect Trump has suggested bypassing the Senate’s constitutional role providing “Advice and Consent” — to quickly install his Cabinet secretaries.  Post-election claims of voter fraud, amplified by Republican leaders, continue on the right. Some on the left are also making claims online. The number 47 is sacrosanct for Pomona alumni, who revere it as part of campus tradition. But what are the political implications of wearing 47 during Trump’s second presidency? A new documentary explores the life and work of Rudolph Schindler, a Frank Lloyd Wright protege who cemented California as a global hub for modern architecture.  Grammy winner Arooj Aftab teamed up with filmmaker Josephine Decker to create “Rise, Again,” which follows women and their children living on the fringes of LA after being evicted.

President-elect Trump has nominated former Florida Republican Congressman Matt Gaetz to lead the Department of Justice, the most notable in a string of controversial Cabinet picks. Republicans now control the White House, Senate, and the House of Representatives. Two grassroots Democrats offer their advice on how to move forward. Critics review the latest film releases: “Red One,” “The World According to Allee Willis,” “All We Imagine as Light,” and “Hot Frosty.” Thanksgiving is right around the corner. If you’re not sure about your culinary skills, or are just too exhausted, we’ve got your Turkey Day options.

A 1.3 mile stretch of Crenshaw Boulevard is supposed to be a future hub of Black arts and culture in LA. Residents are torn over what it’ll do to the neighborhood’s legacy and future.  On Tuesday, President-elect Trump made good on a campaign promise to appoint Elon Musk head of what’ll be known as the Department of Government Efficiency — or “DOGE.”  California’s 2024 election results show a political shift to the right. Support for President-elect Trump has risen since 2020, and voters have approved tough-on-crime measures Artist Doug Aitken’s new project “Lightscape” is a collaboration with the LA Philharmonic and LA Master Chorale that weaves music and film to create an ethereal and visual soundscape.

Trans rights advocates are bracing for potential challenges as President-elect Donald Trump hints at policies that could threaten the community’s rights.  Today, about one-third of office space in downtown LA sits empty. It’s a far cry from the once-booming real estate market in the city’s urban core. Why? Martha Stewart shares her journey from self-made billionaire to prison inmate to unlikely friend of Snoop Dogg in a revealing new documentary.  Ron Finley grew up in South LA surrounded by a severe lack of nature. It pushed him to transform sections of his neighborhood into lush, edible gardens. Now, he’s bringing his DIY gardening practice to the Hammer Museum in Westwood. 

California was at the forefront of challenging policy decisions of the first Trump administration in court and is preparing to do so again, particularly around the environment and reproductive rights.  Anti-semitic attacks against Israeli soccer fans in Amsterdam have shed light on the surprising history of the city’s most accomplished team, Ajax. Fans use hallmarks of Jewish culture to celebrate the team even though most fans aren’t Jewish themselves.  LA-based author Rachel Kushner’s latest novel “Creation Lake” has been shortlisted for the Booker Prize. The novel explores the relationship between the leader of a radical leftist commune in France and the American spy sent to infiltrate it.  The Lijadu Sisters helped define the Afrobeat sound of 1970s Nigeria when the scene was largely dominated by men. Now record label Numero Group is remastering and re-releasing the sisters’ five albums.

A majority of women voters cast ballots for Kamala Harris. But Harris did worse among women voters than Joe Biden did in 2020. Why? The war in Ukraine, the future of NATO, and what across-the-board tariffs could mean for Europe’s economy all loom large in a second Trump administration.  Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he may end wars as a gesture towards Trump, according to NPR. But doing so is complicated for both men. Critics review the latest film releases: “Heretic,” “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” “Christmas Eve in Miller's Point,” and “Small Things Like These.”