How a Florida community weathered Ian nearly unscathed

Plus, 'The Great British Bake Off' makes a misstep

View this email online Oct. 9, 2022 Scott’s Weekly Weigh-in Dávid Lukács / Focus Features Such a gush of screen entertainment out there! How do we decide who we’d like on our show? We asked that and more of producer Danny Hensel: DANNY: Usually it’s something I want to watch! And a particular star, director or writer. I usually try to think about whether the movie or show will provide enough of a conversation to sustain interest beyond just the plot. SCOTT: Who’s a better interview, directors or stars? D: I think a director has more to say about the entire project than one actor. But sometimes there are very strong resonances between an actor and the character they play that make for a great conversation. Plus, they’re stars! S: Do you look for a mix between new talents and stars? D: Balance is best. There’s an immense thrill to booking a major star. But there’s also something very exciting about getting in on the ground floor with a new talent. S: Dream interview? D: My parents showed me This Is Spinal Tap and Best in Show, so Christopher Guest. I also think Steven Soderbergh has had one of the most fascinating careers. Scott longs to interview Denzel (no last name necessary). S: What movies do I like? D: Comedies, histories, cop and robbers, Hugh Grant, Michelle Yeoh, French stuff. We both like older (typically British) actors being eccentric, antic, charming. This year we covered The Duke with Jim Broadbent and Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris with Lesley Manville. We adored both! Also this week, my essay, a snapshot of everyday life: shifts passing in the night in the city that never sleeps <<link>>. And Stephen Vogt of the Oakland A’s hit a home run his first at-bat 10 years ago. This week he hit another to end his career. How can you not love baseball? Scott Simon Scott Simon is one of NPR's most renowned news anchors. He is the host of Weekend Edition Saturday and one of the hosts of the morning news podcast Up First. Be sure to listen to him every Saturday on your local NPR station, and follow him on Twitter. Newsletter continues after sponsor message In case you missed it Alexander Nemenov/AFP via Getty Images Thousands of Russians are fleeing the country to avoid being drafted.  A phony referendum held at gunpoint in four Ukrainian provinces, which Russia now says it has annexed, is being mocked in capitals around the world. And on the battlefield, Ukraine keeps winning. So, what happens if Putin decides to cut his losses in Ukraine? You would hardly know Hurricane Ian passed through Babcock Ranch, a community north of Fort Myers. But it wasn't luck that kept the homes unscathed — it was intentional, innovative design. The long-running First Amendment case of an Ohio man is suddenly getting a lot of attention, thanks to a Supreme Court brief filed by the satirical news site The Onion. The man who wrote the brief explains why parody is worth defending. The pandemic may have changed your personality. A study found small but meaningful declines in traits that help us navigate social situations, trust others, think creatively, and act responsibly. Reproductive Rights Graphic by Rashah McChesney/Gulf States Newsroom Leading up to the election, the NPR Network is sharing stories from communities across the country about abortion access and reproductive rights. ➡️ Mississippi's latest move in its anti-abortion agenda? A tax break for corporate donations to organizations that point expecting mothers toward community support and resources, and away from abortion. (via the Gulf States Newsroom) ➡️ For many people looking for care, the ever-changing abortion landscape is a source of confusion. Nevertheless, providers and patients say demand for services remains high. (via Side Effects Public Media and WFPL) As the impact of Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization continues to unfold, it's important to know how it affects people all around the country. Right now, reporters across the NPR Network are providing careful reporting, analysis and insight about reproductive rights and many, many other issues. Can you make a contribution to support their work?   Before you go Channel 4 The Great British Bake Off is being called out for its "Mexico Week" episode after its two hosts told a stereotypical joke while wearing sombreros and sarapes COVID-19 infections have been rising in many European countries, hinting at a possible surge in the U.S. Trevor Noah reshaped The Daily Show to feature a younger, more diverse and international perspective. His departure hints at deeper problems in late night TV. Fox News' CEO warned colleagues not to "give the crazies an inch" after the 2020 election, according to a Dominion Voting Systems lawyer. Listen to your local NPR station. 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