Press Play With Madeleine Brand

OJ Simpson, 76, died on Wednesday. Thirty years ago, his murder trial and acquittal became a flashpoint of celebrity, race, and jurisprudence. Mexico City, home to 22 million people, is facing drought, drying reservoirs, and leaky infrastructure. Some parts of the city have no running water at all.  Critics review the latest film releases: “Civil War,” “In Flames,” “Sting,” and “Sasquatch Sunset.” Love to eat artichokes but dread cooking with them just by looking at the spiny cones? Enter frozen and marinated artichoke hearts.

All 371 locations of 99 Cents Only stores will close permanently, which means a big loss for those who rely on a low-income brick-and-mortar retailer in their neighborhood. The Arizona Supreme Court ruled on Tuesday that a 160-year-old abortion ban may be enforced. Meanwhile, polling suggests voters feel strongly about abortion — mostly favoring it — but that doesn’t necessarily translate into votes for Democrats. A neuroscience professor explains how episodic memory works and why our brains sometimes hold onto inane information. He also gives tips on strengthening your power of recall.  LA’s animal shelters are so overcrowded that the City Council has paused issuing dog breeding licenses. The president of a local rescue explains what’s going on. 

The group Open Books is giving what it calls “LGBTQ+ affirming literature” to public schools, including every elementary campus in the LAUSD. Rory Kennedy talks about “Synanon Fix,” a four-part documentary series on HBO about the drug rehab center that turned into a cult. KCRW also asks about her presidential candidate brother. California lawmakers revealed a slate of bills aimed at reducing retail theft. It’s an attempt to fight crime without violating Prop 47, the criminal justice reform passed in 2014. RFK Jr. is running an uphill campaign trying to pull from anti-establishment Democrats and Republicans, but liberals are worried that his campaign is a Biden spoiler.

Rudy Mancuso’s synesthesia means daily sounds transform into layered rhythms and melodies. He explores that beautiful and frustrating experience in “Música.” House Speaker Mike Johnson is facing pressure from Democrats and foreign leaders to pass more aid to Ukraine, while hard-right members of his own party threaten his speakership.  Former DOJ official Jeffrey Clark faces disbarment after his schemes to overturn the 2020 election. He’s just one of nearly a dozen lawyers facing legal action for their work with Trump. HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm” ended its 12th and final season Sunday night. We review the episode and discuss how Westside Los Angeles featured prominently in the show.

Sonoran white wheat is core to making flour tortillas. It has resurged in the past decade thanks to its versatility in baked goods, sweet flavor, and white color.  If re-elected, Trump has vowed not to defend NATO countries that haven’t paid their full share if Russia attacks. NATO leaders are scrambling to “Trump-proof” Ukraine aid. The proposed Right to Disconnect bill allows CA employees to ignore after-hours texts from bosses. It defines nonworking hours and imposes fines on violators. Critics review the latest film releases: “La Bête,” “Monkey Man,” “Girls State,” and “Musica.” A total solar eclipse will trace a path from Texas to Maine on April 8. One zoo curator explains how her animals responded last time.