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Press Play with Madeleine Brand
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Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Author: KCRW

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Madeleine Brand hosts Press Play, examining the latest ideas and trends shaping our world and Los Angeles. Streaming & podcast daily at KCRW.com.
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The Santa Monica City Council recently voted to explore compensating the descendants of a Black man named Silas White for his plot of land on Ocean Ave. New analysis from the Kaiser Family Foundation shows that Medicare spending on weight loss drugs like Ozempic rose to $5.7 billion in 2022 — up from $57 million in 2018. LA City Council officials have announced plans to eliminate traffic lanes, widen sidewalks, and add bike and bus lanes to the storied Hollywood Boulevard. An excerpt from KCRW’s Life Examined talks about building community despite our isolated lifestyles. Plus, hear practical tips for forging meaningful connections. When vegetables begin to flower, they’re reaching the end of their life cycles. But you can still eat the plants, which have an added sweetness or bitterness.
Judy Baca’s collaborative effort to create “The Great Wall of LA” is the subject of a new LA Times short documentary. The mural is being extended to another half mile.  Four men accused in Friday's terrorist attack at a Russian concert hall appeared in court bruised and bandaged — an example of Putin’s regime using violence to exert political control. The LA Innocence Project is pushing for new evidence and DNA testing in Scott Peterson’s quest for a retrial. Peterson was convicted of murdering his wife and their unborn son two decades ago.  Beyoncé topped Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart with a single from “Cowboy Carter,” but the album has drawn backlash over who’s qualified to make country music.
A new AI company called Suno wants everyone to be able to produce their own pro-level songs. What does that mean for artists? The U.N. Security Council called for a ceasefire in Gaza, with the U.S. abstaining from the vote. Will it make a difference in the conflict? The Supreme Court will hear arguments challenging the major abortion drug mifepristone, which is used in more than half of all abortions in the U.S.  Alynda Segarra latest’s album, “The Past is Still Alive,” honors people, places, and moments from their travels. The songs also talk about substance addiction.
Regarding Her, a nonprofit accelerating the growth of women entrepreneurs and leaders in food and beverage, is sponsoring a spattering of events this March.  California voters narrowly passed Prop 1, Newsom’s signature mental health initiative. It’s poised to overhaul treatment for drug addiction and homelessness. What happens next? A risk calculator caught actress Olivia Munn’s aggressive breast cancer a year early, while regular screenings missed it. Should other women use the tool too? Pine Mountain Club, about an hour north of LA, has suffered hundreds of break-ins and thousands of dollars of bear-related damage over the past decade. Critics review the latest film releases: “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire,” “Shirley,” “The American Society of Magical Negroes,” and “Carol Doda Topless at the Condor.”
In “Problemista,” a Salvadoran immigrant longs to become a toy designer when he arrives in New York. The challenges of getting a U.S. work visa threaten his dreams. In Texas, Senate Bill 4 would allow local police to arrest people suspected of entering the country illegally. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit blocked it ahead of oral arguments.  After the ousters of anti-LGBTQ school board members in Orange County and a watering down of Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” law, are the culture wars calming down?  Armed gangs are roaming Haiti’s streets, attacking government buildings and shutting down the main airport in Port-au-Prince. The prime minister says he'll resign.  Shohei Ohtani got two hits in his Dodger regular-season debut against the Padres. Plus, the NCAA women's basketball tournament is drawing more attention than the men’s competition. 
Aging pop stars Jennifer Lopez and Justin Timberlake are promoting new albums. Are audiences interested in new material, or just hoping they'll bring sexy back? Despite bans in 14 states, over 1 million abortions occurred in the U.S. last year, marking the highest number in a decade, per the Guttmacher Institute. It could soon be a lot cheaper to sell your home. A prominent industry group for realtors just agreed to lower commissions. What does this mean for the housing market? To make housing more affordable, President Biden is proposing new policies, some of which would need Congressional approval in an election year. Anthony Madu's ballet moves went viral in 2020, capturing hearts worldwide. His journey from Nigeria to a prestigious conservatory is told in the film “Madu.”
The world of 1970s Laurel Canyon is on full display in Ginny Winn’s book, “Grievous Angels, Trout Masks, and American Beauties: 1970s Rock & Roll Photography of Ginny Winn.” Gov. Newsom has made Prop 1, the mental health and housing bill, his signature piece of legislation in 2024. Though still expected to pass, a narrow victory is not what he was hoping for. A few swing states have decided recent elections. Third-party or independent candidates could impact Biden and Trump’s path to victory. KCRW looks at the latest developments in Trump’s multiple legal challenges, including the fate of the Georgia trial where he’s been accused of election interference. Conditions appear just right for a spring super bloom after a rainy winter, meaning colorful California hillsides and fields are coming. 
A classic fruit pie is vegan except for that buttery crust, which is the easiest part of the pastry to tweak. Several great plant butters are available. Some members of Congress view TikTok as a national security threat since it collects data on U.S. users, and the Chinese government could control the software.  If you’re driving a new car, data like how fast you accelerate and how hard you brake might be influencing your insurance premiums. How can you find out if it is? Critics review the latest film releases: “One Life,” “Arthur the King,” “The Animal Kingdom,” and “Little Wing.”
“High & Low” chronicles John Galliano’s rise with Givenchy and Christian Dior, then his downfall due to alcoholism and anti-Jewish remarks. Now his work for Maison Margiela is winning audiences.  An Atlanta judge has dismissed six charges against Trump and his co-defendants, but left most of the racketeering case intact. Will it delay his prosecution? Gemini, ChatGPT, and Grok — more Americans are concerned than excited about artificial intelligence. But how can these products make our lives easier and better?  Men get maximum health benefits if they log 300 minutes a week of moderate to vigorous exercise, while women need only 140 minutes, a new study shows.  Kanye West, now Ye, will headline the hip-hop festival Rolling Loud. Despite past controversies like his antisemitic remarks, the comeback hints at a forgiving audience.
Karen Bass talks about the efficacy of her signature Inside Safe program, preparing LA for the Olympics, and Measure HLA.  The Anaheim Planning Commission voted to change zoning laws to accommodate Disneyland. What does the city get in return, and what will the changes bring to the Magic Kingdom? On Monday, students and Jewish community members gathered at UC Berkeley to protest antisemitism. Last month, violence led to the cancellation of an Israeli lawyer’s speech. The Peanuts gang’s 50-year journey with Franklin goes from controversy to redemption in “Snoopy Presents: Welcome Home, Franklin.” The new special is about acceptance.
The Grateful Dead has broken the record for most top 40 albums on the Billboard charts, beating Elvis Presley. What’s behind the band’s long-lasting popularity?   At the Oscars, Jimmy Kimmel tempted John Cena to bare all. Other than that, there were little surprises. “Oppenheimer” dominated with seven wins. A bill that would force TikTok to separate from its Chinese parent company is quickly advancing through Congress. First Amendment and national security issues could arise. On the fourth anniversary of the WHO declaring COVID a pandemic, what does the illness look like today, and what do we now know about long COVID?
In Montecito, Patrick Saville cut off Mark Olson when surfing, then accidentally kicked his board toward him, hurting Olson’s back. Olson sued but lost the case. Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the armorer on the film “Rust” where the cinematographer was fatally shot while rehearsing in 2021, was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter. Researchers examined the brain of mass shooter Robert Card and found significant damage. Card was exposed to thousands of blasts as an Army grenade trainer. Most human bodies today are filled with microplastics. The tiny particles are even found in arteries. That could have major cardiovascular risks, a new study suggests. Critics review the latest film releases: “Kung Fu Panda 4,” “Love Lies Bleeding,” and “American Dreamer.” They also make Oscar Award predictions. 
Rep. Adam Schiff wanted to run against Republican Steve Garvey for Senate — and got his wish on Tuesday night. George Gascón leads the pack for DA, but will face a battle in November. San Francisco voters passed measures — which Mayor London Breed supported — that will expand police powers and restrict welfare recipients. Can SF still be called a progressive city?  On Tuesday, Bitcoin’s value soared past previous records, largely because federal regulators started allowing it to be traded in exchange-traded funds (ETFs). “Wandering Stars” is a new novel by Tommy Orange that explores how addiction and trauma, such as the 1864 Sand Creek Massacre, ripple through a family for generations.  Instead of juicing citrus or eating them out of your hand, Evan Kleiman encourages you to add them to a beautifully composed salad that includes pink radicchio. 
“The New Look” (Apple TV+) explores the lives of respected fashion icons Christian Dior and Coco Chanel during the Nazi occupation of Paris. Kamala Harris has struggled to make a name for herself or win over voters. Are the criticisms and scrutiny of her fair, or just another consequence of being a vice president? The Israel-Hamas war is straining the historic Black-Jewish alliance. Some 34% of Black voters sympathize more with Palestinians, while it’s 28% for Israel, says a December poll. LA’s teachers union pulled their endorsement of school board candidate Kahllid Al-Alim, who promoted antisemitic social media content, the night before Election Day. The designer Iris Apfel, known for her elaborate personal style, died last week at age 102. Author and photographer Ari Seth Cohen talks about her legacy.
Tens of thousands of bird enthusiasts are watching Jackie and Shadow, a bald eagle pair, on a live camera. With three eggs laid, hatch time is imminent. The Supreme Court decided that states can't prohibit Trump from appearing on presidential primary ballots. Some voters argued he should be disqualified due to January 6.   With the help of television ads paid for by Rep. Adam Schiff, political newcomer Steve Garvey has pulled ahead of Democratic heavyweight Rep. Katie Porter. Vice President Kamala Harris called for an immediate six-week cease-fire in the war between Israel and Hamas. It continues a recent trend within the Biden administration.  Why did Universal Music Group pull its catalog from TikTok last month? The two are in bitter contract negotiations fueled by AI, viewership, and royalty payments. 
To get financial aid for college, prospective students must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The process is now massively delayed. Fair Shake, a Super PAC backed by Silicon Valley money, is running attack ads against Democrat Katie Porter. Who are they, and why are they so against Porter? Critics review the latest film releases: “Dune: Part 2,” “Spaceman,” “Shayda,” and “Problemista.” Comedian Richard Lewis died Tuesday at 76. The stand-up was a late-night regular who had a career renaissance on HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” Puntarelle is a slightly bitter, unusual variety of chicory. Their shoots are hollow, and when prepared in thin strips, they offer a satisfying crunch.
On Thursday, Biden and Trump will both head to the U.S.-Mexico border to address immigration. It’s the top issue in the nation, reports a new Gallup poll.  More than five years after the Trump administration implemented its family separation policy at the border, up to 2,000 children might still be without their parents.  The continued rise of grocery prices is partly why the FTC is planning to block the merger of mega-chains Kroger and Albertsons. In a new memoir, Leslie Jamison writes about ending her marriage and the demands of becoming a solo parent while balancing her career. It’s a story of simultaneous joy and grief.  Two recent fires in the Mojave Desert killed millions of Southern California’s Joshua trees. Camels are helping make sure the iconic yucca species survives. 
Vroman’s Bookstore in Pasadena opened in 1894. Now owner Joel Sheldon III is looking for a buyer who will keep catering to the local community. Sora can use a few word prompts to create one-minute videos showing full scenes, motions, and characters. A filmmaker who’s been tracking AI use was floored by Sora.  George Gascon became LA’s district attorney with a progressive vision of restorative justice. Now he faces a swath of challengers who say he's gone too far. Noel Fielding is known in the U.S. for co-hosting “The Great British Bake-Off.” In a new streaming show, he plays an infamous British highwayman, but with a twist.
For some LA public school kids, playing music has kept them afloat during hardships. “The Last Repair Shop” focuses on the craftspeople who’ve been fixing their instruments. The Supreme Court heard oral arguments today in two cases that deal with free speech on social media. They could have big First Amendment implications. The former head of DHS’ Disinformation Governance Board argues that we’re about to be bombarded with election disinformation, and the government has given up trying to fight it.
Sean Wang’s Oscar-nominated short documentary, “Nǎi Nai and Wài Pó,” follows the daily lives of his two grandmothers who live together and care for each other.  As Congressman Adam Schiff eyes a promotion to the Senate, 15 candidates are vying to replace him in the House. Who are the top contenders ahead of the primary? Five years ago, Saturday Night Live fired comedian Shane Gillis after revelations that he made racist and homophobic jokes on his podcast. But this weekend, he's scheduled to host the iconic comedy show. Critics review the latest film releases: “Drive-Away Dolls,” “About Dry Grasses,” “Perfect Days,” and “Io Capitano.”
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Comments (3)

iTunes User

A dependably well researched topical and important stories. Not to be missed.

Aug 30th
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iTunes User

It's so nice to hear Ms. Brand back on the air, she was always one of my favorites. And producer Andrew Walsh puts his spin on it to create a show with more fun and variety than a lot of NPR shows. I'm excited to add this to my podcast rotation!

Aug 30th
Reply

iTunes User

You guys are Awesome. I love the show, Madeline is a Ten. The topics are great, I'm from the Bay Area and even though you guys are based in so cal it's all news and topics I'm engaged to. It's a well produced show, only suggestion, add some flute to the outro music.

Aug 30th
Reply
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