Potential government shutdown, bar cookies, ‘What Water Wants’

Press Play with Madeleine Brand

On X, Elon Musk tried to kill a short-term budget agreement between Democrats and Republicans. Congress has until midnight Friday to strike a deal to avert a shutdown.

Critics review the latest film releases: “Mufasa,” “The Room Next Door,” “The Brutalist,” and “Nickel Boys.”

Bar cookies are easy to whip up for a crowd. Simply make the base, top it, pop the pan in the oven, and slice the bars to serve. The lemon bar is the queen of this type of pastry.

Artist and community activist Rosten Woo’s “What Water Wants,” part of the PST ART event, is an immersive audio experience set on the banks of the LA River.