California prepares to challenge Trump, Lijadu Sisters shape Afrobeat

In this image taken from video, pro-Palestinian supporters march with Palestinian flags near the Ajax stadium in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024. Photo by AP Photo InterVision

California was at the forefront of challenging policy decisions of the first Trump administration in court and is preparing to do so again, particularly around the environment and reproductive rights. 

Anti-semitic attacks against Israeli soccer fans in Amsterdam have shed light on the surprising history of the city’s most accomplished team, Ajax. Fans use hallmarks of Jewish culture to celebrate the team even though most fans aren’t Jewish themselves. 

LA-based author Rachel Kushner’s latest novel “Creation Lake” has been shortlisted for the Booker Prize. The novel explores the relationship between the leader of a radical leftist commune in France and the American spy sent to infiltrate it. 

The Lijadu Sisters helped define the Afrobeat sound of 1970s Nigeria when the scene was largely dominated by men. Now record label Numero Group is remastering and re-releasing the sisters’ five albums.