Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Georgia Pritchett says the joy of writing “Succession” is seeing the characters develop, often in disturbing ways. She breaks down the series finale. Rufus Wainwright talks about his new album “Folkocracy,” his past operas, and his upcoming Walt Disney Concert Hall show. Big Supreme Court opinions usually drop in June, and there are several major cases left, including on voting rights, redistricting, and affirmative action. Prominent artificial intelligence leaders are warning that the technology puts humans at risk of extinction, on par with nuclear war and pandemics.

On this Memorial Day, Press Play rebroadcasts some favorite interviews from the year. In South India, a couple adopts an abandoned baby elephant named Raghu, showing how humans and animals can thrive together. Author Alex Prud’homme explores the appetites of more than two dozen U.S. presidents in “Dinner with the President: Food, Politics, and a History of Breaking Bread at the White House.” The documentary “Sometimes When We Touch” explores the rise of soft rock during the 1970s and 1980s.

Loquat trees seem to be everywhere in SoCal this season. Eat the egg-shaped, apricot-colored fruits fresh off trees, or use them to make jams, syrups, chutney, and more. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy says debt ceiling talks are continuing with President Biden. They went better on Wednesday, but lawmakers remain “far apart” on some issues. Tina Turner died on May 24 at age 83. KCRW replays an interview about a documentary that covers her relationship with Ike Turner, who physically and emotionally abused her for years. Critics review the latest film releases: “The Little Mermaid,” “You Hurt My Feelings,” “About My Father,” and “The Wrath of Becky.”

The LAPD will soon get a $280,000 robot dog that’s meant to help officers avoid dangerous and potentially violent encounters. Activists are raising privacy concerns. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis launches his long-expected presidential campaign on Twitter alongside Elon Musk. The move signals a shift in the conservative media landscape. British Thomas J. Price makes massive sculptures of ordinary people. They’re part of his first major U.S. exhibition at Hauser & Wirth’s Downtown LA gallery. LA restaurateur and author Bricia Lopez says her new Mexican-style grilling cookbook “Asada” is filled with “recipes that embody Los Angeles.”

The Dodgers reinvited the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence to their Pride Night celebration, after disinviting them over conservative backlash. KCRW looks at the leveling of the eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut. Russia claims to control the once lively city, but Ukraine denies it. As California prepares for an EV future, KCRW looks at Norway, where nearly roughly 80% of all cars sold are battery-powered. “Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie” covers the actor’s childhood in Canada, movie and TV stardom, and struggle with Parkinson's disease.

This year, Missy Elliott will become the first woman rapper inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. KCRW looks at her influence from the 2000s to today. Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s return to Washington D.C. was expected to bring relief to Democrats, but so far it’s intensified longstanding concerns about her health. A Supreme Court decision over copyright and artistic expression splits two liberal justices as they trade barbs in court opinions. After nearly a year of debate, California and neighboring states have agreed on a temporary plan to avert disaster on the Colorado River. Will it be enough? The Lakers’ chances to win a 17th NBA championship are now slim to none. But basketball in LA won’t stop thanks to major WNBA storylines.

Families of terrorist attack victims sued Twitter and Google for allowing ISIS to use their platforms. But the Supreme Court sided with tech companies. In docuseries “Menendez + Menudo: Boys Betrayed,” a former member of the 80s boy band alleges he was raped by a Jose Menendez, a top executive at RCA Records. For lobster rolls, hot or cold, you want meat from the knuckle and claw. Don’t completely rely on the tail because its toughness doesn’t fare well in a roll. Critics review the latest film releases: “Fast X,” “Master Gardener,” “Sanctuary,” and “White Men Can't Jump.”

The California Constitution would be amended to guarantee housing as a fundamental right — if a new bill passes the state legislature and is signed into law. In her new dessert cookbook “Mayumu,” author Abi Balingit whips up confections inspired by her Filipino heritage and California upbringing. The U.S. Treasury warns that without a debt limit increase, the government will run out of money around June 1. What would this look like globally? In Half Moon Bay, gender equity and experience are at the heart of a fight over the future of the famed Mavericks big wave surf competition.

Millennials and Generation Z are eating more snacks daily compared to other generations. They want convenient fuel without the effort of cooking. Three tech leaders testified at a Senate hearing on artificial intelligence. The panel included Sam Altman, who runs the nonprofit that developed ChatGPT. The Frontline documentary “Clarence and Ginni Thomas: Politics, Power and the Supreme Court” looks at how the two became a power couple in GOP politics.

KCRW remembers Gloria Molina, the first Latina on the LA City Council, Board of Supervisors, and State Assembly. Congresswoman Maxine Waters is being sued by former campaign opponent Joe Collins, who claims she defamed him. Will this case affect other political races? In terms of wealth, millennials are on par with Baby Boomers and Gen X, according to the new book “Generations” by San Diego State University Psychology Professor Jean Twenge. Paramount announced last week that it would cut MTV News due to budget concerns. Former correspondent Tabitha Soren talks about the program’s 36-year legacy.

Pavlova features a soft-centered crunchy meringue that plays with whipped cream and fresh fruit. This time of year, berries are the star. Critics review the latest film releases: “Book Club: The Next Chapter,” “Blackberry,” “Monica,” and “L'immensità.” More than three years after the U.S. declared a public health emergency, KCRW looks at how COVID-19 has changed our lives. With Title 42 set to expire tonight, San Diego braces for a flood of asylum seekers. Tens of thousands of migrants are already gathered along the border with Mexico.

New York Congressman George Santos has pleaded not guilty to 13 counts of financial crimes. He remains on the job for now, but faces decades in prison. A state corrections board is calling for the closure of two LA County juvenile halls amid staffing shortages and reports of drug use and increased violence. The story of how one woman brought down KKK leader D.C. Stephenson, one of the most powerful men in America, is the subject of Timothy Egan’s latest book. A young black bear has moved in. His name is BB-12, and he’s been spotted around Malibu Creek State Park and in Point Mugu State Park.

Women should be receiving regular mammograms starting at age 40, according to new draft guidance from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Americans have conflicting views on anti-trans policies being pushed in Republican states, says a new Washington Post-KFF poll. KCRW looks at the nuances. The killer in the mass shooting at a Dallas-area mall was Latino, and according to reports, may have held white supremacist beliefs. Is that common? More than a dozen universities have closed in Japan due to its declining population. Could the U.S. be in store for the same fate, as college enrollment slips here? In Netflix’s “Beef,” two strangers get into a dispute in a parking lot, and the random encounter devolves into catfishing, kidnapping, and more.

California’s Reparations Task Force recommends billions in payments and a formal apology to descendants of slavery. A New York jury is set to begin deliberating a civil case against Donald Trump. E Jean Carroll is suing the former president for allegedly raping her in 1996. The Writers Guild and AMPTP aren’t close to a deal, but the studios agree that showrunners must cross picket lines to do the non-writing parts of their jobs. Miles Davis changed modern music when he released “Bitches Brew” 53 years ago. Today, a new project called “London Brew” pays homage to his legacy. Tonight at Crypto.com Arena, the Lakers will play the Golden State Warriors in Game 4 of the NBA Western Conference Semifinals.

Critics review the latest film releases: “Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 3,” “One Ranger,” “What's Love Got to Do with It,” and “The Eight Mountains.” After plotting the January 6 insurrection, four members of the Proud Boys were convicted of seditious conspiracy. What’s next for far-right groups? Eighth graders’ understanding of U.S. history and civics is declining, according to data out this week. The results may signal a democracy in trouble. Mattel recently unveiled the first Barbie with Down Syndrome. The doll is part of the fashionista collection that’s designed to be more inclusive. On May 6, Charles III will be crowned king — in Britain’s first coronation in 70 years. The religious ceremony will be filled with symbolic rituals.

Loneliness can be as dangerous as smoking 15 cigarettes a day, says the U.S. surgeon general. It can also cause other health issues like heart disease, cancer, and accelerated aging. The controversial immigration policy known as Title 42 ends next week. What will happen to the thousands of migrants seeking asylum in U.S.? The most important thing to know about making paella is that the size of pan dictates the amount of ingredients. Here’s a recipe, plus list of local restaurants that serve it. A massive collection of fine jewelry — which has a controversial connection to Nazi Germany — is up for bidding at Christie’s auction house.

Arnold Lobel published his first book about the amphibian friends in 1970, and now his characters have a TV animated series. KCRW talks to Lobel’s kids, who work on the show. More than 11,000 film and TV writers hit the picket lines today. Their contract expired at midnight. WGA and AMPTP did not agree on new terms. In the 1950s-1960s, city officials in Palm Springs pushed out some 2,000 Black and Latino residents from their homes in an area called Section 14. Those families want reparations. Climate change could lead to hundreds more home runs in professional baseball, estimates a new study from Dartmouth. What will this mean for fans?

Indian mystic Sadhguru is a spiritual adviser to Hollywood celebrities and the ultra-rich. He gained U.S. fame partly thanks to social media. What’s his appeal? With “Thinking Out Loud,” Ed Sheeran is accused of copying the chord progression in Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get It On.” A forensic musicologist breaks down the trial. The presidents met at the White House today, sending a message to China that the U.S.-Philippines relationship is strong, despite the Marcos’ corrupt family history. Chief Justice John Roberts won’t testify at a congressional hearing on Supreme Court ethics rules. Plus North Carolina’s state Supreme Court recently overturned a ruling it made on gerrymandering.

A proper cherry pie is made with sour, not sweet, cherries. You want a flaky, buttery crust and a nicely thickened filling. Evan Kleiman offers a recipe to try. In a lawsuit, Disney is accusing Florida Governor Ron DeSantis of launching a “relentless campaign to weaponize government power” against the company. A Russian private military group with close ties to President Vladimir Putin has been expanding its influence in Africa for years. Now it’s likely arming Sudan’s paramilitary. Critics review the latest film releases: “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret,” “Big George Foreman,” “Sisu,” “Polite Society.”

Vicki Lawrence got her start on “The Carol Burnett Show” more than 50 years ago. She talks about her friendship with the lead actress and reflects on past sketches. Despite a temporary ceasefire agreement, fighting continues between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary group the Rapid Support Forces. Hundreds are dead. The W.H.O. says there’s a "high risk of biological hazard" in Khartoum following the lab’s capture. Experts say it’s time to improve global biosecurity. More than a dozen Google employees are concerned about the tech giant’s rush to release the AI feature Bard. What are their fears? In “Egg,” author Lizzie Stark explores the history of the egg, from Gold Rush-era gang wars in San Francisco to vaccine development and chickens in space.