Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Plus, Iran launches cyberattacks on Minnesota and President Trump blames America, first. Our weekend film reviews, and Evan Kleiman recommends the best chocolate chip cookies in town.

Plus, AIPAC's decline as a major political player, what happened to people with asthma when scientists replaced gas stoves with electric ones, and did you know avocados change their sex throughout the day?

Plus, Todd Blanche “pinky swears” to deep-six a slush fund for President Trump’s allies, most ovarian cancer actually starts in the fallopian tubes, and how Odyssey translator Emily Wilson ignited a nerdy civil war.

Plus, a third-generation Hollywood VFX artist on practical effects in an age of AI, why you have fewer rights at an airport, Colorado River cuts, and KCRW DJ LUXXURY’s summer spins.

Plus, Sam Altman and other AI leaders unite to ask the government for more regulation, our weekend movie reviews include the latest Spider-Man, and Evan Kleiman goes to Cambria to find some good eats.

Plus, Saudi Arabia is now involved in the Iran war, the administration allegedly shares confidential information with Iran to deport asylum seekers, and Venice homeowners hire a company made up of former gang members to clear encampments.

Plus, how President Trump’s Canada tariffs hurt California winemakers, people are drinking less and that’s hurting restaurants, and if the news has you filled with rage, try writing a manifesto.

Plus, there’ll be a trial between states and Paramount over the merger that could reshape Hollywood, President Trump’s new tariffs face legal challenges, and DJ J.Rocc shares his favorite summer songs.

Plus, the White House cancelled $2 billion in research grants at UC. They used key words like “diverse” or “gender” to make that decision. Our weekend film  reviews, and how to stay safe amid the lettuce crisis.

Plus, how to protect yourself from the biggest cyclosporiasis outbreak in U.S. history, the Trump administration cracks down on student visas, and why we’re using fewer words in daily conversation.

Plus, autonomous AI fighter jets tested over the Mojave Desert, a place treasured by writer Claire Vaye Watkins. And healthcare startup Tia promised better care for women. The results? Undetected pregnancies and surprise bills.

Plus, $6 billion in World Cup final wagers on prediction market apps, a judge pauses the $111 billion Paramount/WBD merger, and Meta wants smart glasses to be as indispensable as smartphones.

Plus, comedian Guy Branum presents history in a digestible manner with his Instagram series “What The Old Gays Remember,” our weekend film reviews, and Evan Kleiman on where to get LA’s best granola.

Plus, the House votes to make Daylight Saving Time permanent, LA’s push to bring back more public bathrooms, and an argument for teaching the Bible as literature in public schools.

Plus, President Trump’s former personal attorney is up for confirmation as attorney general. And Israel has lost the Democratic Party. Even centrist Rahm Emanuel questions unconditional U.S. support.

Plus, a big federal housing bill quietly became law despite the president’s objections, the Sklar Brothers handicap this week’s World Cup semifinals, and summer music courtesy of our new DJ Olive Kimoto.

Plus, writer Susan Orlean on her critically acclaimed, bestselling love letter to libraries, our weekend film reviews, and Apple TV’s Widow’s Bay surprises with 19 Emmy nominations.

Plus, how 19th century immigration backlash led to the antisemitic trope of the Jewish arsonist, a documentary on the dangers of the Pacific Coast Highway, and Evan Kleiman’s chicken parmesan recs.

Plus, a real actor named John Early stars as a woman in Maddie’s Secret. And the family that ran Cafe Gratitude has moved out of California, turned their back on veganism, and is embracing MAHA.

Plus, President Trump pressures the House to pass a voting bill, the administration withholds federal aid to LA’s homeless housing organizations, and KCRW DJ John Tejada’s song of the summer.

Plus, Venezuela's natural disaster is exacerbated by a human one, our weekend film reviews including the latest Minions movie, and the U.S. survives and advances in the World Cup.

Plus, a hard-fought housing bill goes into effect today. The goal is to lower housing costs by building more homes near transit stops. And Evan Kleiman celebrates the Fourth of July…and the hot dog.

Activists screamed insults at him and accused him and “Zionist handlers” of supporting genocide. Plus, big Supreme Court decisions on birthright citizenship, trans athletes, and campaign finance - and this summer’s best TV.

Plus, the Supreme Court’s dramatic expansion of presidential power, the Democratic infighting as California voters decide whether to tax billionaires, and a celebration of Mel Brooks as he turns 100.

Plus, the Court’s ruling against a Rastafari man who sued prison officials for shaving his head has again turned Black hair into a political flashpoint, our weekend film reviews, and Evan Kleiman loves tiki drinks.