Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Plus, how Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang’s affair with a suspected Chinese spy could affect Caliofrnia’s economy, and ideas for how to make California’s ballot initiative process less confusing.

Plus, the prospect of getting rid of the Electoral College, how filmmaker Martin McDonagh got political, and Mexican musical duo Rodrigo y Gabriela’s new album explores what it means to be “home.”

Plus, what President Trump’s foreign policy goals might look like if Congressional Democrats stall his domestic agenda, our weekend film reviews, and Evan Kleiman on LA’s best hot sauce.

Plus, Nithya Raman is ahead in the LA mayor’s race, what’s on Xavier Becerra’s Day One agenda when he arrives in Sacramento, and how artist Paul Pfeiffer uses sculpture to explore celebrity.

Plus, there may be election shenanigans in the coming days, the moon is causing another “blue wave” as generational high tides coincide with the “Super El Niño,” and comedian Chloe Radcliffe.

Plus, polling says Karen Bass and Nithya Raman are tied, the Supreme Court rejects President Trump's attempt to force California to set aside 20,000 ballots, and a trio of musicians on why they love Neil Young.

Plus, Los Angeles city attorney candidate Marissa Roy on how she wants to fight crime in LA, our weekend film reviews, and Evan Kleiman has some “serious coffee” recommendations.

Plus, a Los Angeles rabbi arrested in the West Bank, LA city attorney candidate John McKinney’s plan to address homelessness, and filmmaker Kirsten Johnson assesses the Elizabeth Holmes documentary.  

Plus, California’s competitive Congressional races could determine who controls the House, and horror TV recommendations if you feel like staying home on Halloween night.

Plus, the strength of Mayor Karen Bass’ campaign on her signature issue: homelessness; an appeals court questions Trump’s attempt to disqualify 20,000 California ballots, and LA’s 101 best restaurants.

Plus, LA could soon have a DSA mayor, but what do the Democratic Socialists of America actually stand for? Our weekend film reviews, and Evan Kleiman’s easy (and tasty!) chicken recipes.

Plus, “bad will” for Nithya Raman as no city councilmembers endorse her for mayor, why Netflix has “hit a wall” as it reports its slowest growth in years, and how abortion bans impact everyone’s health.

Plus, a violent interaction with ICE in Long Beach sends a U.S. citizen to the hospital. And two weeks from Election Day, we sort through California’s 14 ballot propositions.

Plus, the Justice Department sues California over noncitizen voting, recently unsealed court records suggest OJ Simpson may have had an accomplice, and the dirty business of farmed fish.

Plus, our weekend film reviews, including the Elizabeth Holmes documentary that had a surprise premiere at Telluride, and Evan Kleiman on how to make and where to find the best bento box.

Plus, LA’s mayoral candidates try to appeal to the large chunk of undecided voters, the state warns LAUSD it may take over the district if it can’t balance its budget, and fall book recommendations.

Plus, Elon Musk spends hundreds of millions to elect Republicans, Gov. Gavin Newsom ponders commuting death sentences, and three new exhibitions explore architect Paul R. Williams’ life and work.  

Plus, three-story-tall waves wreak havoc on Long Beach, why the Department of Justice is investigating Minnesota Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, and Iran-backed Houthi rebels attack Riyadh.

Plus, the Dodgers are now one step closer to a World Series threepeat, our weekend film reviews, including a four-hour Elon Musk documentary, and Evan Kleiman’s tips for a road trip to Julian.

Plus, how one LA school attacked the heat by planting trees, TV critic Eric Deggans has his fall recs, and a new exhibit at LACMA presents past visions of the perfect kitchen.

Plus, the botched execution of Christa Pike and why Americans are turning against the death penalty. And before Google, there was the LA Public Library, whose librarians would try to answer any question.

Plus, the Supreme Court is back in session and justices will decide if Boulder, Colorado can sue companies for climate disasters. And how surveillance culture makes it harder to hook up in your car.

Plus, our weekend film reviews, and a pro’s guide to going out in LA when you have a toddler.

Plus, filmmaker John Wilson's new documentary about the history of concrete has a lot under its surface. And KCRW’s LeRoy Downs stops by to discuss jazz saxophonist John Coltrane, who was born 100 years ago this month.

Plus, an LA artist receives the MacArthur Foundation’s “genius grant,” and Angelenos screen their home videotapes on VHS for the first time with the help of T.A.P.E. Collective.