First American pope, threats to funding for NPR stations
In his first speech from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo XIV – a 69-year-old Chicago native – shared a message of peace. He is the first American pope.
Public media in rural America is often the only source of local news and emergency information. They rely heavily on federal funding to fulfill their missions.
Critics review the latest film releases: “Clown in a Cornfield,” “Friendship,” “Fight or Flight,” and “Absolute Dominion.”
Serving pancakes to mom on Mother’s Day has to be one of the most universally embraced American holiday traditions. Flapjacks are easy to make, and you can use all-purpose flour or add other grains.
-------- Â
53:18
Energy Star and CA EVs under attack, ‘Sister, Sinner’ book
Trump and Republicans are trying to end the Energy Star program and stop California from phasing out the sale of new gas vehicles. On EVs, they enjoy some Democratic support.
CA school districts are paying a hefty sum for on-campus police. Little oversight exists on how those dollars are spent and how officers behave inside campus gates.
Popular LA evangelist Aimee Semple McPherson was reportedly kidnapped and held prisoner in Mexico in the 1920s, then fled on foot through the desert. A new book traces her story.
-------- Â
49:25
Democrats fight Trump agenda, Russia seeds AI with misinfo
Hecklers at a recent town hall accused Congresswoman Laura Friedman of not fighting hard enough against the Trump administration. She says she understands the frustration.
Russian disinformation is shaping some answers from major AI chatbots. Large language model grooming is the tactic of poisoning databases that bots pull from.
Met Gala fashion “read as a rebuke to a lot of the policies and executive orders coming out of this White House,” says Washington Post senior critic Robin Givhan.
“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” turns 50 this year — legions of fans are still doing the Time Warp.
-------- Â
44:41
Israel’s military expansion in Gaza, Pan Afrikan Peoples Arkestra
Israel’s cabinet approved plans that include “conquering the [Gaza] strip,” which would displace over a million Gazans. It could lead to long-term Israeli occupation of the territory.
A federal judge ruled that the White House could not invoke the Alien Enemies Act to justify deporting people alleged to be members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua.
Since 1961, The Pan Afrikan Peoples Arkestra (aka The Ark) has been an avant-garde jazz innovator and community magnet in turbulent times. Their new album is “Live at Widney High December 26th, 1971.”
-------- Â
52:24
Politics of gender-affirming care, Russia’s pursuit of Ukrainian territories
A new report from Trump’s Department of Health and Human Services tries to discredit gender-affirming care, contradicting leading medical experts who say it can save lives.
Yale grad student Tetiana Kotelnykova grew up in war-torn Eastern Ukraine. She says appeasing Russian President Putin with territory captured during the war will make him want more.
Critics review the latest film releases: “Another Simple Favor,” “The Surfer,” “Rust,” and “Thunderbolts.*”
LA cheese shops offer sandwich menus, monthly clubs, events, and specialty grocery items. All make enticing cheese boards with charcuterie.
New Zealand