Press Play with Madeleine Brand

The Biden administration is in its final 40 days and trying to make progress on Ukraine, Gaza, student loans, climate and immigration.  Parents are suing Character.AI after its chatbots allegedly encouraged teens to hurt themselves or others. What’s making the tech push out this kind of language? “The Bibi Files” is a new documentary that features never-befo

The Franklin Fire erupted on Monday night, and thousands of residents are under mandatory evacuation orders. The flames jumped PCH near Malibu Canyon Rd., threatening Malibu Pier. The murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has unleashed a nationwide fury against health insurance companies, with horror stories shared online of how companies have denied life-saving treatment o

Syrian rebels have taken Damascus. Their leader says he will protect minorities. What does the future look like in the war-torn state?  LA Times owner Patrick Soon-Shiong plans to install a "bias meter" next to every news article and op-ed. This comes after quashing the endorsement of Kamala Harris. A federal judge rules the U.S. Naval Academy can use race as a factor in its a

Cryptocurrency has been pumping since Donald Trump’s reelection and promise to make the U.S. the “crypto capital of the planet.” Critics review the latest film releases: “Y2K,” “The Return,” “Get Away,” and “Nightbitch.” At least five people are running to head the Democratic National Committee. Plus, familiar and po

Syrian rebels are advancing on Hama after capturing Aleppo, the country’s second-largest city. They’re challenging President Assad. Russia has joined the regime in counterstrikes.  LA County is allowing people to sell food they make in home kitchens — if they meet standards for a health permit. The program is Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation (MEHKO

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declares, then lifts, martial law. It marks the boiling over of more than two years of simmering political tensions. The National Retail Federation expects consumers to spend more this holiday season compared to last year, upwards of $900 per person on gifts, food, and decorations More people are making friends through apps. Some work like dati

Joe Biden issued a sweeping pardon for his son, Hunter Biden, after saying he wouldn’t. How did the nation’s founders want pardons to be used? Is this an abuse?  Trump’s pick for FBI director is a loyal warrior who pledges to go after the “deep state” and anyone who stands in the president’s way.  This week, the Supreme Court hears a ch

Israel and Hezbollah agreed to a 60-day ceasefire after more than a year of costly fighting. Previous truces between the sides didn’t last. Will this one?  YouTube star MrBeast holds elaborate games and events where people compete for money. Some contestants are suing him for how they were treated. MrBeast is defending himself. “Porcelain War” is a

In addition to China, President-elect Trump proposed new tariffs on Canada and Mexico. Will he carry through with them, or is it a negotiating tactic? The new podcast “Backfired: Attention Deficit” looks at the origins of ADHD, the surge of diagnoses over the past few decades, and drug demands and shortages today.  In Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, women are forbi

One of the biggest producers of raw milk had its product test positive for bird flu. What are the risks of drinking raw milk, and of bird flu in general? The Palm Springs City Council has voted to pay $5.9 million in reparations for Section 14 descendants, addressing the painful legacy of displaced Black and Latino families.  Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) has introduced legislation t