Press Play With Madeleine Brand

On Tuesday, the California Interscholastic Federation announced “any biological female student-athlete” who didn’t qualify because a trans athlete placed ahead of them would be allowed to compete in this weekend’s state track and field finals. The move came hours after President Trump threatened to withhold federal funding from California. Actor Paul Reubens appeared in public as Pee-wee Herman for much of his career. Two years after his death, a new documentary shows the man behind the character. In just about 20 years, the beaks of Anna’s hummingbird became longer and more tapered, according to a new study published in the scientific journal “Global Change Biology.”

NPR and three public radio stations in Colorado filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration today. They argue the White House’s executive order calling on the Corporation for Public Broadcasting to cease federal funding to NPR and PBS is unconstitutional. The Trump administration has made deep cuts to universities, federal agencies, and cultural and historical institutions. Their goal is to undermine information gathering and education that doesn’t support the MAGA agenda. Opioid overdose deaths dropped nearly a quarter last year, thanks in part to medicines like Narcan. But the Trump administration wants to cut funding for Narcan, and experts worry that progress will be lost.  Four East LA artists in their early 20s formed an art collective called Asco in 1972, exploring police brutality, immigration, gender, and sexuality. They’re the subject of a new documentary.

Earlier today the U.S. Senate voted to block California’s plan to phase out gas-powered vehicles by 2035. State attorney general Rob Bonta plans to sue over how that happened. Critics review the latest film releases: “Mission Impossible - The Final Reckoning,” “Sister Midnight,” “Fountain of Youth,” and “Jane Austin Wrecked My Life.” Boutique butchers across Southern California crank out a near endless variety of artisanal sausages.

HBO’s “The Rehearsal” probes the causes of plane crashes at a time when flyers have increasing concerns about air safety.  Native artist Jeffrey Gibson represented the US at last year’s Venice Biennale. That same show is now on view at The Broad.  A restaurant critic from the San Francisco Chronicle opens up on getting tossed from The French Laundry by celebrity chef Thomas Keller.

Mayor Bass issues executive order meant to slow runaway film and TV production. It’s part of broader efforts in Sacramento with the same goal. Is it too little, too late? Trump’s DOJ intervenes in excessive force case against LASD deputy convicted of restraining, pepper-spraying innocent woman New documentary ‘Art for Everybody’ charts painter Thomas Kinkade’s journey from brooding work to mass-producing ‘feel-good’ kitsch   

The suspect in the bombing of a Palm Springs fertility clinic held views that were against human procreation. He likely suffered from “profound psychological distress.” He was the only person killed in the attack.  Five years since the George Floyd protests, has policing changed in Los Angeles? Chief Jim McDonnell sits down for a wide-ranging interview.  Questlove unpacks 50 years of “SNL” music, sharing backstage stories. Rhythm and risk drive his life behind the drums and the lens. 

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. 

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. 

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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 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.”

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.

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.

A hundred days into his second White House term, Donald Trump has reshaped the conversation around immigration in the U.S., once seen as a proud melting pot of immigrants and cultures. Trump is trying to deport an unprecedented number of people. The Silicon Valley company Palantir is compiling a database of sensitive information to help him do it. Waves in NorCal, Maui, and Nazaré can be 100 feet tall, posing serious injury or death to professionals. Still, athletes are undeterred. They are the subject of “100 Foot Wave,” now in season three. UC Berkeley scientists have discovered a new color, “olo,” visible only with special lasers, offering a glimpse into the untapped potential of human vision.

President Trump’s attempts to freeze federal dollars for “sanctuary” jurisdictions were thwarted in court last week. Where is the battle headed?  The Supreme Court is considering two cases about public education this week. One involves the bar to prove discrimination related to disability, and the other involves state funding for a religious charter school. “Sinners” takes the box office for a second week, sparking debate about originality, biased media coverage, and what its success means for Hollywood’s future. Rufus Wainwright’s new album, “Dream Requiem,” is interwoven with Lord Byron’s poem “Darkness.” It’s partly inspired by Giuseppe Verdi, and is dedicated to Wainwright’s dog named Puccini. 

Elon Musk says he's scaling back his work in Washington D.C. and returning to Tesla. He and DOGE had promised to cut $2 trillion from the federal budget. After reporting Tesla’s tanked first quarter profits, Elon Musk blames protests and vows to spend more time with the company. Will it be enough to turn things around? Goods coming into the U.S. face a baseline 10% tariff, and those from China face 14.5%. Chefs and owners of Firstborn and Bé Ù share how that’s affected profits and menu items.  Critics review the latest film releases: “The Accountant 2,” “Havoc,” “On Swift Horses,” and “Until Dawn.” Knafeh (shredded filo) is the star ingredient in Dubai chocolate bars, which are also stuffed with pistachio cream. Consumers are willing to pay a premium for this treat. 

Journalist Katherine Stewart charts the rise of the Christian right and its influence in the Trump administration in her new book “Money, Lies, and God.” “The Empire Strikes Back,” now 45 years old, changed Hollywood with its bold twists, deeper characters, and the introduction of Yoda. It's the franchise that shaped sequels. Women are less likely to have kids than ever, says a new CDC report. The fertility rate in the U.S. has dropped for years — now the White House wants to reverse that trend.