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Press Play with Madeleine Brand

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

Latest Episodes:

Birthright citizenship SCOTUS case, widespread starvation in Gaza May 15, 2025

Show notes

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.

‘Trump slump’ in CA, Black actors ‘at the top of the call sheet’ May 15, 2025

Show notes

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Far-right blogger Curtis Yarvin thinks democracy is outdated and wants to restore a monarchy to the U.S. Among his followers is Vice President JD Vance.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.

Trump’s business deals in Persian Gulf, refugee status for white South Africans May 14, 2025

Show notes

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.

Surgeon general nominee, power of lower courts, Tennis’ final album May 13, 2025

Show notes

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.”

First American pope, threats to funding for NPR stations May 08, 2025

Show notes

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.

Energy Star and CA EVs under attack, ‘Sister, Sinner’ book May 07, 2025

Show notes

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.

Democrats fight Trump agenda, Russia seeds AI with misinfo May 06, 2025

Show notes

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 military expansion in Gaza, Pan Afrikan Peoples Arkestra May 05, 2025

Show notes

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.”

Politics of gender-affirming care, Russia’s pursuit of Ukrainian territories May 01, 2025

Show notes

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.

Fall of Saigon 50th anniversary, ‘Goodbye Line’ project May 01, 2025

Show notes

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.

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