MJ Lenderman joins rock and roll’s lineage of heartbreak kids
Ann Powers considers the breakthrough of indie rock up-and-comer MJ Lenderman, and finds that he’s got some classic rock in his tales of romantic woe.
Arts
A teen meets her middle-aged self in 'My Old Ass' and finds hindsight isn't 20/20
Imagine camping out in the woods, taking mushrooms, and meeting your future self ... played by Aubrey Plaza. That's what happens to 18-year-old Elliott (Maisy Stella) in this charming, quirky comedy.
'The Bibi Files.' Benjamin Netanyahu fails to block documentary from screening
An Israeli court this week rejected a request from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to block a documentary about his legal troubles from screening at a Canadian film festival.
In exile, Russian book publishers revive Soviet-era tactics to defy Kremlin censors
In Vladimir Putin’s Russia, writing about the war in Ukraine, the church or LGBTQ+ life could land you in jail. A new organization helps authors publish books in Russian they couldn't back home.
Venus Williams' new book 'Strive' details 8 steps she says she lives by
In her new book "Strive," tennis legend Venus Williams outlines some of the disciplines that helped her win multiple Grand Slam championships.
Director of 'The Perfect Couple' talks creating despicable yet lovable characters
NPR's Mary Louise Kelly talks with director Susanne Bier about her new mystery, crime drama The Perfect Couple, on Netflix.
TikTok is upending both the business and craft of stand-up comedy
Clubs book comedians with lots of TikTok followers because they say it ensures ticket sales. Some stand-ups say the platform launched their careers. Others say TikTok is an additional full-time job.
Cristeta Comerford reflects on cooking for five presidents as White House chef
NPR's Ari Shapiro speaks with Cristeta Comerford about retiring after nearly 30 years at White House chef. She was the first woman and first person of color to hold the White House kitchen's top job.
Rachel Kushner's new espionage thriller may be her coolest book yet
In Creation Lake, a hard-drinking American spy infiltrates a radical farming collective in a remote region of France. Kushner challenges readers to keep up with her and not to flinch.
Constitutional sheriffs wield unchecked power across America, journalist says
Jessica Pishko says a group of sheriffs have become a flashpoint in the current politics of toxic masculinity, guns, white supremacy and rural resentment. Her book is The Highest Law in the Land.