The image of Elon Musk’s Tuesday press conference in the Oval Office — the unelected billionaire not even eligible to be president — punctuated the unprecedented developments we’ve seen over the past three-and-a-half weeks.

Critics review the latest film releases: “Captain America: Brave New World,” “Paddington in Peru,” “Universal Language,” and “Sly Lives!”

A new book explores the history of romantic comedies. The genre is as old as Shakespeare, but the modern era begins with the screwball comedies of the 1930s.

Investigators are looking into whether one of SoCal Edison’s idle power lines may have become re-energized and caused the Eaton Fire. The utility already faces over 40 lawsuits.

Old press releases from ICE raids dating back to 2008 are topping Google search results, inflating the perceived number of ongoing enforcement operations. 

“Death By Numbers,” now nominated for an Oscar, follows Sam Fuentes as she recovers from the Parkland school shooting and prepares to confront the gunman during his sentencing.

Flip Phone February is a challenge to swear off your iPhone or Android, and return to the app-free days of the Motorola Razr. One Toronto student did this for two years.

Heavy rains could bring flash flooding and debris flows, especially in burn scar areas. Officials advise staying off the roads Thursday during the peak of the storm.

Shrinking budgets, withering newsrooms, and President Trump’s assault on the free press have made covering his second administration tougher than ever.

“Instruments of a Beating Heart” follows a group of first graders in Japan who form an orchestra to play Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy,” as part of a welcoming ceremony for the incoming class of 6-year-olds.  

Valentine’s Day can mean not just romantic love, but kindness. Get a little something for that person who showed up for you this past month. Bring sweetness to someone who could use it.

A federal judge in Rhode Island says the Trump administration didn’t comply with a court order to unfreeze federal funds. Yesterday Vice President J.D. Vance said, “Judges aren't allowed to control the executive's legitimate power.”

Russell Vought is known in conservative circles for being an architect of Project 2025. Now he has the job to implement its goals of remaking the government.

“I Am Ready, Warden,” nominated for an Oscar, follows John Henry Ramirez in the days before he was executed in Texas for murder. It also spotlights the sons of both Ramirez and his victim. 

Jarvis Cocker, Nick Cave, Primal Scream and other artists have produced new music compilations, including “Los Angeles Rising,” to help survivors of the recent LA fires. 

The Department of Government Efficiency infiltrated the Treasury and other agencies after Trump’s inauguration, according to the Washington Post. DOGE now reportedly has access to millions of federal workers’ highly sensitive records.

Scientists are worried about chemicals from burned materials (heavy metals, plastics, fire retardants) polluting the ocean. This week’s rain makes it easier for particulates to each the coastline. 

Critics review the latest film releases: “Love Hurts,” “Heart Eyes,” “Parthenope,” and “Armand.” 

Whether it’s called Chūn Jié in China, Tết in Vietnam, or Seollal in Korea, there are commonalities to the Lunar New Year celebrations. Sticky rice in one form or another is found on every table. 

President Trump’s executive order seeks to cut federal funding for gender transition medical procedures. KCRW hears from a mom of a 17-year-old who’s been transitioning since age 4.

After the 2018 Woolsey Fire destroyed Gary Scott’s Malibou Lake home, he rebuilt a smaller and more fireproof house on the same land. 

In 1966, Leonard Bernstein gave Orin O’Brien a spot on the New York Philharmonic. She was the first woman to become a full-time, permanent member, and is the subject of a Netflix documentary nominated for an Oscar.

Can LeBron James whip Luka Doncic into shape following the Lakers’ blockbuster trade for the young point guard from the Dallas Mavericks? 

The staff working for Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency are mostly inexperienced engineers in their early 20s. They now have direct access to the U.S. federal payments system.

The Army Corps of Engineers released water from two dams in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. State officials had no warning, and there seems to be no practical reason why it happened.

HBO’s “Nature of the Crime” documentary follows three men who repeatedly go before parole boards. It also gives perspectives of their lawyers and the parole board members. 

A mystery photographer documented key moments in 1960s San Francisco, including the Summer of Love and formation of the Black Panther Party. One project is trying to uncover the person’s identity. 

The Trump administration is seeking to dismantle the world’s largest humanitarian aid program — the U.S. Agency for International Development. What lives are on the line as a result?

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) could fall under the purview of the State Department, or be dissolved entirely. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer says that would be “illegal and against our national interests.”

Oscar nominee “Incident” uses police body and dashboard cameras, plus security cameras, to show a multi-angle replay of a Black man dying at the hands of Chicago law enforcement in 2018.

At this year’s Grammys, Beyoncé took home Album Of The Year for the first time. Kendrick Lamar scooped up both Song and Record Of The Year. Other big names like Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish came up empty.

The EPA designated two locations for sorting and processing locations for hazardous debris from the Palisades and Eaton Fires. Residents in both areas are concerned. 

We must rethink city planning and development following the LA fires, says UCLA Professor Alex Hall, who advises building homes away from wildlands.

Critics review the latest film releases: “Dog Man,” “Companion,” “Love Me,” and “Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story.”

Eat out to support restaurants that lost business due to the Palisades Fire. Evan Kleiman shares recommendations for west side eateries participating in DineLA, which is happening now.

Using film, models, music, and costumes, artist and futurist Liam Young envisions a world where everyone on earth lives together in a single city. 

On Monday, President Trump rescinded trillions in federal funding. On Tuesday, a federal court paused the freeze. Today, Trump walked the entire plan back. 

LA County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath addresses residents' criticisms of officials' initial response to the Palisades Fire. She also discusses fire department investments, cleanup, and rebuilding.

Architectural historian Erik Ghenoiu and his architect wife made their home more fire-resistant, and they were active in community fire mitigation efforts. Still, their house didn’t survive the Eaton Fire. 

The book “Mood Machine” explains how Spotify contracts with production companies to create so-called “perfect fit content” that it releases under pseudonymous artist profiles.