Reflecting on The Legacy of Retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor

Retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, an unwavering voice of moderate conservatism and the first woman to serve on the nation’s highest court, died Friday. She was 93. O’Connor died in Phoenix, of complications related to advanced dementia and a respiratory illness, the Supreme Court said in a news release. Chief Justice John Roberts mourned her death. “A daughter of the American Southwest, Sandra Day O’Connor blazed an historic trail as our Nation’s first female Justice,” Roberts said in a statement issued by the court. “She met that challenge with undaunted determination, indisputable ability, and engaging candor.” Joining us to discuss her life and career is Deborah Jones Merritt, distinguished university professor emerita at the Ohio State University Moritz College of Law and a former law clerk for Sandra Day O’Connor.

With files from the Associated Press

Sports Illustrated Accused Of Using AI-Generated Writers. Does This Spell Doom For Journalism?

We’ve talked a lot on the show about the seemingly endless concerns about artificial intelligence. One of the biggest being: how will this technically impact journalism and writing? Will there even be a need for human writers down the road? Sports Illustrated has entered the chat... or better yet, their AI-generated writers have? Sports Illustrated has allegedly used AI-generated writers to publish some of its content. That’s according to sources who were involved. SI has responded to the claims saying the content came from an external, third-party company, which says the content was written and edited by actual humans. Joining to break down the latest is Maggie Harrison, writer for the science and tech news publication Futurism. Her piece is "Sports Illustrated Published Articles by Fake, AI-Generated Writers."

We reached out to Sports Illustrated and its publishing group but did not receive a response before the broadcast. 

Following Newsom-DeSantis Debate, A Special Joint Broadcast With Miami NPR Station WLRN To Bring Californians And Floridians Together

Last night, California Governor Gavin Newsom and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis squared off in a debate on Fox News, moderated by Sean Hannity. In an alternate reality, the prime-time showdown could have been a preview of a 2024 general election debate. Instead, it was a hard-to-explain 90-minute clash that pitted one struggling Republican presidential hopeful against a Democratic rival who may or may not seek the presidency in four years. But for a night, at least, the big-state governors were eager to represent their parties on the national stage as they battled over the economy, pandemic restrictions and President Joe Biden’s leadership in faceoff peppered with fiery policy disputes and personal insults.

Not only are Florida and California on opposite sides of the country, but they are often viewed as political polar opposites, in no small part thanks to the political differences between their two chief executives. But for all of these well-documented differences, Floridians and Californians do have a fair bit in common. Both states are popular travel destinations, thanks to their great weather and the variety of activities. Both are home to major Disney theme parks, though the debate over Disney World vs. Disneyland rages on. Both states face regular threats of natural disasters -- wildfires and earthquakes in California and hurricanes in Florida. And though the reasons why may vary, both states are places that many view as a place to start new. Today on AirTalk, we’re bringing you a special join broadcast with our friends at The Florida Roundup on Miami NPR station WLRN to talk about the things that bring our two states together, and to share what listeners in each state want residents of the other to know about them and their lives. Austin Cross is joined by The Florida Roundup Host Tom Hudson for this special live broadcast, and we want to hear from you -- what do you want Florida residents to know about life in California? Join the live conversation by calling us at 866-893-5722 or by emailing atcomments@laist.com.

With files from the Associated Press

Is There A Sandwich Hall Of Fame? If So, The Cubano Is In It

If you really think about it, is there anything more exquisite than a perfectly balanced sandwich? One with a perfect proportion of bread to filling, with fat, salt and acid singing in sweet harmony? Today on AirTalk, we’re talking about one of these all-star sandwiches: the Cubano. It emerged from Cuban tradition in Florida sometime around the turn of the century and is usually made of roasted pork, ham, swiss, pickles and mustard. A great sandwich is always more than the sum of its parts, but when each ingredient is chosen and crafted with care, the whole thing takes flight. Joining us to talk Cubanos is Paolo Andino, the chef and owner of El Sandwish Cubano which you can find at the West Hollywood, Westwood, Marina Del Rey, and Downtown LA farmers markets. 

FilmWeek: ‘Monster,’ ‘Werner Herzog: Radical Dreamer,’ ‘The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill’ And More

Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Lael Loewenstein and Claudia Puig review this weekend’s new movie releases in theaters, streaming, and on demand platforms:

“Monster” Landmark Nuart Theater [West LA] + AMC Atlantic Times Square [Monterey Park]
“Shayda” Laemmle Royal [West LA]
“Eileen” AMC The Grove 14 & AMC Century City 15|Opens Wide December 8th
“Menus Plaisirs - Les Troisgros” Laemmle Royal [West LA]
“Werner Herzog: Radical Dreamer” Digital & VOD December 5th
“Waitress: The Musical” In Select Theaters December 7th
“The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill (4K Digital Restoration)” Laemmle Glendale [Glendale]

FilmWeek Feature: Larry Mantle’s Interview With Author Jeremy Arnold

Nothing brings the spirit of the season into our hearts quite like a great holiday movie. Turner Classic Movies’ Christmas in the Movies by film historian Jeremy Arnold showcases the very best among this uniquely spirited strain of cinema. Each film is profiled on what makes it a “Christmas movie,” along with behind-the-scenes stories of its production, reception, and legacy. Complemented by a trove of full-color and black-and-white photos, this expanded volume is a glorious salute to a collection of the most treasured films of all time. Today, Larry sits down with Jeremy Arnold to pick apart what makes a Christmas movie, the role of television in establishing the genre, how the 1961 film noir “Blast of Silence” utilizes the holiday season, and much more.