Press Play With Madeleine Brand

Rep. Adam Schiff wanted to run against Republican Steve Garvey for Senate — and got his wish on Tuesday night. George Gascón leads the pack for DA, but will face a battle in November. San Francisco voters passed measures — which Mayor London Breed supported — that will expand police powers and restrict welfare recipients. Can SF still be called a progressive city?  On Tuesday, Bitcoin’s value soared past previous records, largely because federal regulators started allowing it to be traded in exchange-traded funds (ETFs). “Wandering Stars” is a new novel by Tommy Orange that explores how addiction and trauma, such as the 1864 Sand Creek Massacre, ripple through a family for generations.  Instead of juicing citrus or eating them out of your hand, Evan Kleiman encourages you to add them to a beautifully composed salad that includes pink radicchio. 

“The New Look” (Apple TV+) explores the lives of respected fashion icons Christian Dior and Coco Chanel during the Nazi occupation of Paris. Kamala Harris has struggled to make a name for herself or win over voters. Are the criticisms and scrutiny of her fair, or just another consequence of being a vice president? The Israel-Hamas war is straining the historic Black-Jewish alliance. Some 34% of Black voters sympathize more with Palestinians, while it’s 28% for Israel, says a December poll. LA’s teachers union pulled their endorsement of school board candidate Kahllid Al-Alim, who promoted antisemitic social media content, the night before Election Day. The designer Iris Apfel, known for her elaborate personal style, died last week at age 102. Author and photographer Ari Seth Cohen talks about her legacy.

Tens of thousands of bird enthusiasts are watching Jackie and Shadow, a bald eagle pair, on a live camera. With three eggs laid, hatch time is imminent. The Supreme Court decided that states can't prohibit Trump from appearing on presidential primary ballots. Some voters argued he should be disqualified due to January 6.   With the help of television ads paid for by Rep. Adam Schiff, political newcomer Steve Garvey has pulled ahead of Democratic heavyweight Rep. Katie Porter. Vice President Kamala Harris called for an immediate six-week cease-fire in the war between Israel and Hamas. It continues a recent trend within the Biden administration.  Why did Universal Music Group pull its catalog from TikTok last month? The two are in bitter contract negotiations fueled by AI, viewership, and royalty payments. 

To get financial aid for college, prospective students must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The process is now massively delayed. Fair Shake, a Super PAC backed by Silicon Valley money, is running attack ads against Democrat Katie Porter. Who are they, and why are they so against Porter? Critics review the latest film releases: “Dune: Part 2,” “Spaceman,” “Shayda,” and “Problemista.” Comedian Richard Lewis died Tuesday at 76. The stand-up was a late-night regular who had a career renaissance on HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” Puntarelle is a slightly bitter, unusual variety of chicory. Their shoots are hollow, and when prepared in thin strips, they offer a satisfying crunch.

On Thursday, Biden and Trump will both head to the U.S.-Mexico border to address immigration. It’s the top issue in the nation, reports a new Gallup poll.  More than five years after the Trump administration implemented its family separation policy at the border, up to 2,000 children might still be without their parents.  The continued rise of grocery prices is partly why the FTC is planning to block the merger of mega-chains Kroger and Albertsons. In a new memoir, Leslie Jamison writes about ending her marriage and the demands of becoming a solo parent while balancing her career. It’s a story of simultaneous joy and grief.  Two recent fires in the Mojave Desert killed millions of Southern California’s Joshua trees. Camels are helping make sure the iconic yucca species survives.