David Smith

Superintendent of Joshua Tree

David Smith on KCRW

Joshua Tree National Park is still recovering from the impact of the government shutdown. Environmentalists say the impact could be felt for hundreds of years.

It may take hundreds of years for Joshua Tree to recover from the government shutdown

Joshua Tree National Park is still recovering from the impact of the government shutdown. Environmentalists say the impact could be felt for hundreds of years.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

More from KCRW

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.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

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.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

The Huntington Beach City Council is considering investigating the nonprofit Friends of Huntington Beach Library over campaign donations.

from KCRW Features

The White House calls a wave of lawsuits a threat to the will of the people. Is Trump welcoming those challenges? Plus, campuses tackle a new diversity problem.

from Left, Right & Center

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.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Port business slowed to a trickle after Pres. Trump’s imposition of a 145% tariff on Chinese goods. Even with a lower tariff, the uncertainty is hard on trade.

from KCRW Features

A federal judge ordered the return of a wrongfully deported man — will the White House comply? What’s the likelihood of Harvard University losing $2 billion over antisemitism laws?

from Left, Right & Center

Can the “chaos” at the Department of Defense be resolved, or is it just how this White House operates? Plus, KCRW examines the political legacy of Pope Francis.

from Left, Right & Center

A threat to public media — how that impacts KCRW and what you can do about it.

from KCRW Features