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AirTalk Nov. 11, 2026
Today's show: Austin Cross filling in for AirTalk host Larry Mantle, discusses why Prop 40 failed, Veterans Affairs check-in, Gen Z intimacy, LA's harm reduction program, Gen Z film culture and Route 66 turns 100. Cross is LAist's local Morning Edition host and also hosts Friday AirTalk.
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Why did Prop 40 fail and where do wealth taxes go from here?
Prop 40, known colloquially as the ‘billionaire tax’ was rejected by California voters by 52%. We discuss voter sentiment around the proposition and if a similar measure could be implemented in the future with Loyola Marymount University professor Fernando Guerra.
The biggest issues facing veterans right now
As Congress changes hands in January, it could have impacts on military service members as well as veterans. We discuss the biggest issues veterans are facing today and what reforms may take hold with Nick Mordowanec, deputy editor at Military.com, and Jim Zenner, director of the L.A. County Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. If you’re a veteran or know a veteran and want to weigh in, call (866) 893-5722 or email atcomments@laist.com.
Is Gen Z really not into sex, or are they just not into dating apps?
The data from recent years suggests that Gen Z, the “Zoomers” aren’t that into sex. They aren’t having it as much as previous generations, and they also aren’t seeking it out as much. But is this a choice on their part, or does it have more to do with the environment they’ve come up in? Today on AirTalk, we explore that question with Anna Iovine, associate editor of features at Mashable, and Justin Lehmiller, research Fellow at The Kinsey Institute.
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The future of LA’s harm reduction program
L.A. County terminated their contract with the nonprofit in charge of harm reduction programs in Skid Row after quietly stopping syringe and pipe handouts in the area. LAist’s Aaron Shrank joins to discuss what this means for Skid Row residents and the future of harm reduction in L.A.
Gen-Z film culture
Following the pandemic, moviegoing trends found themselves in an influx for a good part of the 2020s. Now that the dust has settled, data has shown that Gen Z is the leading age demographic in going to movie theaters. This interest has also shown itself on Letterboxd, a film-centric social media platform that’s been predominantly used by folks in their 20s. We'll talk about what's driving Gen-Z moviegoing with Reanna Cruz, freelance music and entertainment journalist, Manny Valladares, AirTalk producer, and Ava Calbreath, News Clerk Apprentice for AirTalk and FilmWeek.
Route 66 turns 100
It’s official. America’s most iconic road turns 100. Oftentimes called the Mother Road, the historic route begins in Chicago and ends right here on the West Coast in Santa Monica. Beyond the nostalgia, its turbulent history and its countless media depictions, Route 66 remains part of the modern highway system in the country. Today on AirTalk, we take a look back at its impact with Scott Piotrowski, author of Finding the End of the Mother Road: Route 66 in Los Angeles County, and Bill Deverell, historian of the American West.
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Pete Hegseth impeachment efforts, this week in AI, history of the telephone, Nithya Raman and transit, insurance commissioner and how the military has impacted your family. -
Stephen Miller, Nithya Raman as mayor, new Endeavour exhibit opens, L.A. elections latest, SoCal History and what it means to be a "difficult" child.
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The LAPD under Nithya Raman, something out of style that you can't let go of, the L.A. Chocolate Festival and FilmWeek.
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You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
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