Press Play with Madeleine Brand KCRW

LA LOM creates a nostalgic feel through their music, inspired by cumbia, bolero, and retro soul. The instrumental trio’s debut album features songs named after Los Angeles streets.

A ceasefire in Gaza seems unlikely. With escalating conflict involving Israel and Hezbollah, U.S. officials fear this could lead to a broader Middle East war.

The Lakers’ new hire, JJ Redick, has never coached a team, aside from his son’s youth basketball squad. Did his relationship with Lebron James make all the difference in his latest job?

Waymo robotaxis have been cruising LA for about three months. Despite concerns about safety and logistics, one transit writer says it's only a matter of time before Angelenos widely accept them.

Customization is endless when it comes to baking pizza. Here’s a breakdown of what tools you need, how to make dough, and which toppings to choose. 

Louisiana’s governor says all public schools in his state must display the Ten Commandments. Civil liberties groups have announced an intent to sue, saying the move violates the First Amendment’s establishment clause. 

LAUSD leaders recently voted yes on a cellphone ban for students. Board member Nick Melvoin explains how this would work and what safety concerns might arise.  

Critics review this week’s new films: “The Bikeriders,” “Kinds of Kindness,” “Fancy Dance,” and “Thelma.”

Julia Louis-Dreyfus talks about her new film role as a mom struggling to accept her daughter’s death. She also shares wisdom from conversations with women ages 70 and up. 

California’s early-season fires might be a sign of more intense blazes to come. A scientist explains how climate change is fueling natural disasters locally and nationally. 

The widow of casino magnate Sheldon Adelson has helped fund right-wing causes in the U.S. and in her native Israel. She’s expected to give more than $90 million to a pro-Trump super PAC.

Actress Anna May Wong’s career spanned more than 60 films across the silent era and the talkies. Her life is now the focus of an exhibition at the Chinese American Museum.

“Traveling: On the Path of Joni Mitchell” chronicles the singer’s experiences of loss and sacrifice — and the songs marking turning points in her life. 

The surgeon general wants health warnings on social media platforms, similar to tobacco products. A psychologist explains how the platforms can harm teen mental health.

A Houston bankruptcy judge ordered conspiracy theorist and right-wing provocateur Alex Jones’ personal assets be liquidated and sold to satisfy a defamation case brought by Sandy Hook parents. 

At five can’t-miss pop-ups this summer, treat yourself to Texas-inspired BBQ, vegan mofongo, hand-rolled bagels with homemade cream cheese, crispy duck mole, and more.

The Supreme Court today upheld access to the abortion pill mifepristone, and issued rulings on labor and trademark cases.

Russian prosecutors indicted Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich on charges of espionage. If convicted, he could get up to 20 years in prison.

Bird flu is spreading among cattle — as more people are drinking raw milk. Pasteurization is what kills off diseases. So why are folks choosing the unprocessed route, despite health concerns?

Critics review the latest film releases: Inside Out 2, Treasure, Ghostlight, and Tuesday.

Great white sharks call Southern California shores their home. Carlos Gauna, a photographer and drone pilot, documents the hot spots and shares safety tips. 

A measure to create harsher penalties for some drug and theft crimes has qualified for the November ballot. It comes as California lawmakers debate rising crime.

Jerry West, the perennial NBA All-Star and architect of the Lakers’ “Showtime” and Shaq/Kobe eras, dies at 86.

The cookbook “Kismet” features family recipes and favorites from the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern restaurants owned by Sara Kramer and Sarah Hymanson.