Press Play with Madeleine Brand

The Bridge Fire is now the largest wildfire in Southern California. How are residents and small businesses in the path of the flames faring?

This morning’s earthquake is a reminder of the importance of retrofitting buildings. The LA Times discovered the city has had trouble reporting accurate data on this.

Alimento’s owner, Zack Pollack, explains why he closed his 10-year-old Italian bistro, and what it takes for today’s neighborhood restaurants to survive. 

Critics review the latest film releases: “Speak No Evil,” “My Old Ass,” “The Killer's Game,” and “Look Into My Eyes.”

On this 9/11 anniversary, KCRW looks at what has happened in Afghanistan since U.S. forces withdrew, particularly the ongoing erosion of rights for women under the Taliban.

In 2020, many prominent Black women became executives for major book publishers. But four years later, some of the most notable hires no longer have those jobs.

In "Question Everything," Brian Reed looks at questions around journalistic standards following criticism he received for his approach to "S-Town."

Learn how to make a traditional sheet pan dinner, a savory tray bake from a Cypriot-Turkish tradition, and an upside down baking technique.

SoCal is facing three big wildfires amid a historic heat wave, including the Line Fire, which has burned more than 26,000 acres. How are firefighters coping?

A UC Davis scientist is trying to bioengineer cow microbes so they produce less methane. Changing how the animals process their diet — through gene editing — could help delay global warming.

With the launch of its new, artificial intelligence-powered iPhone 16, Apple is hoping to boost smartphone sales, which have been sluggish lately. 

With the rising popularity of medical content on streamers like HBO and Netflix, New York’s Northwell Health has launched its own film and TV production studio. 

Actor James Earl Jones died Monday at age 93. He’s best known as the voice of Darth Vader and Mufasa. But his best work, and maybe least well-known, came on stage.

Kamala Harris will take on Donald Trump this Tuesday in what could be their one and only debate. They’re currently tied in the polls

A blistering decision by a federal judge on Friday could lead to housing for thousands of homeless veterans in Los Angeles.

The Academy Museum is hosting a film series in honor of James Baldwin. KCRW reairs an interview with the filmmakers of the ground-breaking "I Am Not Your Negro." 

Before streaming music, full albums were released on Tuesdays and required great preparation. KCRW examines the impact of a Sept. 11, 2001, release date on a few high-profile LPs.

The Department of Justice is making a big push to curb Russia’s interference in U.S. elections, something we’re also seeing from Iran and China.

Hope Solo is one of the greatest soccer players of all time — and one of the most controversial. She tells her story in a new Netflix film.

Critics review the latest film releases: “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” “The Front Room,” “The Thicket,” “His Three Daughters,” and “Seeking Mavis Beacon.” 

Tonight’s dinner could be partly saved and repurposed for your kid’s school lunch the next day. Here are ideas to put in bento-style boxes and thermoses.

SoCal is bracing for a blistering heat wave over the next few days. What can cities like LA and Phoenix do to adapt to extreme temperatures amid climate change?

Parts of Rancho Palos Verdes are sliding closer to the ocean, and residents are facing power cuts and property damage. KCRW hears from a homeowner and a geologist.

California's oldest family rice farm is shutting down after nearly a century in business. Koda Farms is known for a special heirloom grain of rice cherished by chefs. 

Charles Duhigg outlines the qualities of "supercommunicators" and the science behind their ability to connect deeply with others. This is an excerpt from "Life Examined."

Israelis took to the streets to protest the deaths of six hostages kidnapped by Hamas. How does this growing pressure change the calculus for Netanyahu and the U.S.? 

Election lawsuits in Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, and other battleground states could complicate the aftermath of a close presidential election in November. 

ABC’s “Abbott Elementary” is a mockumentary that portrays the chaos within an inner-city school. Janelle James talks about playing the brash, self-centered principal.

USC and UCLA won their openers as new members of the Big 10 Conference. NFL season begins Thursday. And LA Dodgers’ Shohei Otani returns to his old stomping grounds in Anaheim tonight. 

Both COVID and mosquito-borne diseases are spreading this summer. A Pasadena-based doctor talks about the latest coronavirus vaccine and other protective measures. 

Over the last quarter, Hollywood’s reality TV production is down nearly 60% compared to last year. Is this a temporary contraction or a permanent shift in the industry?

Critics review the latest film releases: “1992,” “Reagan,” “You Gotta Believe,” and “The Deliverance.”

Picnicking during Labor Day weekend? Consider the niçoise pan bagnat, a portable sandwich. Another good choice is ratatouille, a stew celebrating summer ingredients.

Imagine looking at a friend’s face — and their eyes, cheeks, and lips begin to distort, instantly or gradually. It’s the result of prosopometamorphopsia (PMO).

In December, a distinguished scholar of genocide told KCRW there wasn’t proof of Israel committing genocide in Gaza. He’s since changed his mind.

AI could make human college counselors obsolete. But it may help students and families who can’t afford a higher education coach.

Along the California-Oregon border, the largest dam removal project in U.S. history finished today. Native tribes spent years pushing for it.

The Democratic Convention kept the good times rolling for Kamala Harris and a rejuvenated Democratic Party. But with 10 weeks until Election Day, the race is tied. 

Thanks to a little-known provision in the law that compensates whistleblowers for the fraud they expose, one man has turned it into a lucrative business.

The groundbreaking TV show “My So-Called Life” made waves 30 years ago, especially because of Wilson Cruz’s portrayal of biracial, queer teenager Rickie Vasquez.

After a 15-year hiatus, Liam and Noel Gallagher are reuniting Oasis. The brothers are known for their decades-long feud that has troubled the band’s reputation.