Headlines From The Times

Mexico trails just Syria and Iraq as the deadliest country in the world to be a journalist. That’s according to data collected from 2000 through 2022 by the Committee to Protect Journalists. And the Mexican government has done little to stop it.But in the wake of the murder of four reporters so far this year — José Luis Gamboa, Margarito Martínez Esquivel, Lourdes Maldonado López and Roberto Toledo — Mexican journalists are openly criticizing President Andrés Manuel Lopez Obrador and government officials like never before.More reading:Journalists throughout Mexico say enough to killings and crimes against pressPhotojournalist shot to death outside his home in TijuanaShe told Mexico’s president she feared for her life. Then she was killed

Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, is a national holiday, not just in Vietnam but all over the world wherever Vietnamese may be. And in the United States, red envelopes filled with money, special dishes and other traditions have become a part of life in major American cities such as San Jose, Houston and especially in Orange County, which is home to the largest Vietnamese expat community in the world.Today, we talk about Tet memories and its evolution with the authors of the recently released “The Red Boat Fish Sauce Cookbook.”More reading:Buy “The Red Boat Fish Sauce Cookbook”A new nuoc mam: Red Boat ‘first press extra virgin’ fish sauceGifts for food lovers: Red Boat fish salt, kids chef caddy, cooking classes

In Santa Monica during the 1950s and ‘60s, city leaders evicted hundreds of Black families to build what ended up being the 10 Freeway. But now, in an act of civic penance, Santa Monica is trying to bring some of those families back. It comes at a time when municipalities across the United States are reckoning with their racist actions from the past.We’ll talk about Santa Monica’s attempt to redress a historical wrong. And we’ll also talk to a woman whose family was one of many Black households that Santa Monica wants to make right by.Host: Gustavo ArellanoGuests: L.A. Times housing reporter Liam Dillon, and Santa Monica native Nichelle MonroeMore reading:Santa Monica’s message to people evicted long ago for the 10 Freeway: Come homeFreeways force out residents in communities of color — againTour Santa Monica’s once-vibrant Black neighborhoods, nearly erased by racism and ‘progress’

It was the Taylor Swift diss heard around the world. “She doesn’t write her own songs.” That’s what Damon Albarn, the lead singer for the British bands Blur and Gorillaz said to L.A. Times pop music critic Mikael Wood.The drama between Taylor and Damon got real. But it also hit on something really interesting — songwriting, and who gets the credit for it, is a thing … now more than ever.More reading:For Damon Albarn, modern life is still pretty much rubbishColumn: Taylor Swift slapped back for all the women who have been told ‘you didn’t write that.’After insulting Taylor Swift, Damon Albarn says he was cast into ‘social media abyss’

Just when it seemed schools and parents and teachers were figuring out how to do in-person learning again, Omicron hit.The highly contagious variant really blew up while schools were on winter break in California. So when schools reopened and students returned, there were problems.Today, we hear from a parent and high school students who are trying to navigate their teenage years while worrying about COVID-19.More reading:California schools under intense strain, fighting to stay open during Omicron surgeAmid high absenteeism, incoming L.A. schools chief says campuses are safeOmicron surge anxiety, absences and confusion mark first day of new LAUSD semester

On New Year’s Day, comedian Jen Murphy boarded a cruise ship out of Miami and got ready to perform for 1,800 people. She never did end up getting on that comedy stage, though. Instead, she ended up getting trapped in a COVID cruise quarantine.Today, Murphy gives us a hilarious and intense look into why she got on a cruise ship in the middle of the pandemic in the first place and what she learned from it.More reading:Shame and fish filets: Diary of a comedian trapped in COVID cruise ship quarantineCruise passengers share what it’s like to be on a ship with COVID casesVisit Jen Murphy’s website

Xiomara Castro is about to be inaugurated as the first-ever female president of Honduras. But la presidenta has a daunting task in front of her. Her countrymen continue to leave the nation, tired of poverty, government corruption and violence.And the legislative majority she was counting on to help her reform Honduras is now gone.Today, we’ll talk about how Castro promises to solve her country’s problems. But, in light of what’s happening right now in the National Congress of Honduras, will she even get a chance?More reading:Honduran Congress splits, threatens new president’s plansKamala Harris headed to Honduras for inauguration of country’s presidentLa diáspora hondureña en EE.UU mira a Xiomara Castro como el ‘cambio’ y la ‘esperanza’

Native American culture and history have long been ignored or romanticized as vestiges of a lost people — or both.The Serrano people of Southern California have seen their Indigenous language nearly vanish. But tribe member Ernest Siva has been working to save it. Among his efforts: The octogenarian contributes to Cal State San Bernardino’s language program.Then, 25-year-old Mark Araujo-Levinson found the classes through a Google search — and started making YouTube videos of himself learning the language.Today, we hear their voices. And L.A. Times Metro reporter Nathan Solis takes us through their story and how their efforts have gained momentum.More reading:The Indigenous Serrano language was all but gone. This man is resurrecting itSan Bernardino County recognizes Serrano language and museums sitting on tribal landTongva, Los Angeles’ first language, opens the door to a forgotten time and place

Felicia Rangel-Samponaro used to live a fairly normal life as a suburban stay-at-home mom in the border city of Brownsville, Texas. But now the half Black, half Mexican-American mom crosses the border to help Black and Latino migrants, many of them asylum seekers stuck in camps in the border town of Reynosa, Mexico. Today, we hear her story.More reading: The woman defending Black lives on the border, including her own Podcast: Our nation’s Haitian double standard Podcast: Biden shut a migrant camp. Then this bigger one appeared

For over 140 years, street vendors hawking Mexican food have been a staple of life in Southern California. Horse-drawn tamale wagons turned into taco trucks, turned into hot dog carts, turned into pop-up tents — …and, eventually, hipsters caught on and these trends went national.But even as SoCal has become famous worldwide for its street food scene, government officials have amped up their war on it.Today, we examine one city’s crackdown on street vendors. And we also talk to an East L.A. taquero affected by code enforcement.More reading:Column: He’s L.A. food royalty. He began with a taco cart. Let street vendors thriveAnaheim teams with county to take down taco stand pop-upsWhere to get beef birria, and a haircut. Seriously.

This past December brought record-high amounts of snow to the Sierra Nevada, California’s main mountain range. The state, of course, has suffered for years from bad, bad drought, so we should all be happy that the dry days are over with all this snow, right? In fact, those who monitor such things are saying we should be saving water more than ever. Because there’s a real possibility that one day, blizzards in the West might be gone. Today, our Masters of Disasters reconvene to talk about this possible future. More reading: A ‘no snow’ California could come sooner than you think California is suddenly snow-capped and very wet. But how long will the water rush last? Editorial: Welcome the bout of winter storms, just don’t call them drought busters

The COVID-19 era is rough, to say the least. But let’s put it in perspective. Every pandemic ends eventually, and this one will too.Today, assistant editor Jessica Roy with the L.A. Times’ utility journalism team walks us through a century of past pandemics — from the 1918 flu to SARS — and the different ways they resolved, and she describes what’s likely to happen in our future.Then medical historian Frank Snowden, a professor emeritus at Yale, reaches further back to explore how pandemics have changed society and what we’ve learned from them.More reading:Will this pandemic ever end? Here’s what happened with the last onesCDC shifts pandemic goals away from reaching herd immunityFrom the archives, April 2020: From the Black Death to AIDS, pandemics have shaped human history. Coronavirus will too

Two years ago, Nikole Hannah-Jones launched “The 1619 Project,” a collection of New York Times Magazine articles, photography and podcasts. That project became a launching point to talk about Black people’s roles in shaping the United States. Hannah-Jones has been praised and vilified for her work ever since.Today, we share highlights from a L.A. Times Book Club chat between Hannah-Jones and L.A. Times executive editor Kevin Merida. They talked about how Black people can be patriotic despite centuries of mistreatment … and about using mountains of research to get back at haters. More reading:Nikole Hannah-Jones dives into the origins and language of ‘The 1619 Project’Nikole Hannah-Jones became a political target. What she’s learned from the ‘hurtful’ attacksHoward-bound Nikole Hannah-Jones plans to ‘even the playing field’ for HBCUs. Here’s how

COVID-19 has been devastating for everyone, but in the United States, there’s one demographic hit particularly hard: Latinos. According to the California Department of Public Health, Latinos make up about 39 percent of the state’s population but nearly half of all cases and 45 percent of all deaths. A perfect storm of factors made Latinos especially vulnerable to the coronavirus: Multigenerational households. Crowded neighborhoods. Essential jobs that required us to show up in person. Vaccine hesitancy among too many. Today, we hear about the devastation.More reading: Pandemic portraits: The Latino experience COVID stole the heart of my family. It also divided it Column: Don’t be a ‘pandejo.’ Take the pandemic seriously

How the hell does a chain based on an orphaned mouse who plays in a band survive and thrive? Very carefully. Today, we’ll talk to L.A. Times business reporter Samantha Masunaga about the company, and we’ll hear from its new chief executive about everything Chuck E. Cheese, including its infamous animatronic band.More reading:How do you make a 44-year-old animatronic rodent appeal to today’s kids? Chuck E. Cheese unveils a new look for its mousy mascotListen to Chuck E. Cheese's Spotify playlist

A Gallup poll last fall found that 45% of full-time U.S. employees were still working from home at least some of their hours. A full quarter of them exclusively work from home. Because of this, companies are increasingly using technology to monitor the activities of their workers while they’re on the clock, wherever they are. Today, we examine how and why companies are spying on their workers at home… and whether there’s a backlash coming.More reading: Is your company secretly monitoring your work at home? Since COVID, the practice has surged How your employer can keep track of your work at home So your employer is monitoring you. What you should know

Issa Rae is the brilliant, hilarious mind behind the recently concluded HBO show “Insecure.” In this crossover episode with The Envelope, Rae talks about the incredible trajectory of her career, from a YouTuber turned Hollywood powerhouse, and how she repped South Los Angeles in a way that wasn’t just real but uplifting.More reading: Issa Rae almost ended ‘Insecure’ differently. But she couldn’t ‘deny Issa her soulmate’ Issa Rae on the music business: ‘It’s an abusive industry... it needs to start over’ How ‘Insecure’ achieved its ‘mission’ to forge a real bond with South L.A.

To fight climate change, municipalities across the United States are banning natural gas lines from being installed in new buildings. That means no gas stoves. Politicians and policymakers in those places — Berkeley being one of the first — want people to use electric appliances, such as electric stovetops or the more advanced induction stovetop. (There’s a health factor too. Open flames put out some gases you might not want to breathe.)But the natural gas industry is fighting back. Today, L.A. Times national correspondent Evan Halper talks about the multimillion-dollar battle being fought between gas companies and municipal and state governments. And that battle is being waged in your kitchen.More reading:Clash of the kitchens: California leads the way in a new climate battlegroundVideo: Would you get rid of your gas stove and go electric?California ditched coal. The gas company is worried it’s next

It’s been a season of crime in California. Smash-and-grab thefts, follow-home robberies, high-profile murders — national, even international news accounts have painted a Golden State of chaos.The numbers tell a different story: Some major crime indicators are up, but others are down, and they’re nowhere near historical highs. But that reality isn’t placating anyone. And when Californians get mad about crime — watch out, America.Today, L.A. Times columnist Erika D. Smith discusses California’s legacy of crackdowns. And business reporter Sam Dean discusses how some stores may be taking advantage of public fear.More reading:Column: Don’t let Jacqueline Avant’s shooting get pulled into L.A.'s crass politics of crimeSan Francisco confronts a crime wave unusual among U.S. citiesRetailers say thefts are at crisis level. The numbers say otherwise

Across Latin America, the political left is making a comeback not seen since the 2000s. Izquierdista presidential candidates won recent elections in Peru and Honduras. Activists are mounting protests against the conservative presidents of Brazil and Colombia.The left’s biggest win so far is in Chile, where Gabriel Boric was elected president last month. He’ll take office in a country that’s about to rewrite its constitution, which was put into place by dictator Augusto Pinochet.Today, L.A. Times Mexico City bureau chief Patrick J. McDonnell and Universidad de Chile professor Claudia Heiss speak with us about this “pink tide” and what it could mean for a region coming to terms with soaring inequality, a legacy of colonialism and a bloody, authoritarian history.More reading:Leftist lawmaker Boric wins polarized election in Chile, to become nation’s youngest presidentChile’s new president (Taylor’s version): Gabriel Boric is a SwiftieChileans approve rewriting of constitution in landslide vote

Hopefully the COVID-19 nightmare will soon wane, but it’s unlikely to be the last pandemic of our lifetimes. Because the virus that will cause the next pandemic is probably already out there.Animals carry hundreds of thousands of viruses that have the potential to infect humans. Buffer zones between where people live and where wild animals live lower the risk of viruses jumping from another species to our own. But now human behaviors such as deforestation and urbanization, along with climate change, are erasing those zones.Today, L.A. Times foreign correspondent Kate Linthicum, who recently traveled to the Amazon rainforest, and national correspondent Emily Baumgaertner, who focuses on medical investigations, explain the issue. And they talk about ways to solve the problem — or at least dial down the risks.More reading:Where will the next pandemic begin? The Amazon rainforest offers troubling cluesOp-Ed: What it will take to keep the next pandemic at bayLetters to the Editor: Want to help prevent the next pandemic? Go vegan

Los Angeles Times congressional correspondent Sarah D. Wire knew she was in for a historic day when she walked into the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. She was there to cover the counting of the electoral college votes for the 2020 presidential election.Because of then-President Trump’s allegations of election fraud, she was expecting controversy. But she didn’t expect to be caught in the middle of an insurrection.Today, Sarah tells us about the day a mob of pro-Trump extremists stormed the Capitol, and she shares never-before-heard interviews with the Congress members who sheltered with her for hours. It’s a glimpse into the minds of our lawmakers as they worried for their lives while chaos invaded the seat of American democracy.More reading:I’m in a roomful of people ‘panicked that I might inadvertently give away their location’Jan. 6 committee prepares to go public as findings mountColumn: The Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol was bad. It may have set the stage for worse

Kevin Merida became the Los Angeles Times’ executive editor last summer at a tumultuous time. Newsroom morale was down, the publication had lost $50 million in 2020, and several of his recent predecessors hadn’t endeared themselves to staffers. So what drew him to the job?Today, Merida reflects on the first six months of his tenure, talks about his vision for the L.A. Times and answers the eternal Southern California question: What does he think about In-N-Out?More reading:ESPN’s Kevin Merida named L.A. Times executive editor‘I see nothing but opportunity.’ Meet L.A. Times’ new top editor Kevin MeridaVideo: Kevin Merida takes helm of L.A. Times

Skateboarding is a mainstay of California street culture, from San Diego to San Francisco and beyond. It’s so popular that L.A. County filled outdoor skateparks with sand earlier in the pandemic so no one could grind on them.But during the pandemic, skateboard sales surged — and communities long marginalized from the sport are now making their own spaces.Today we talk to reporter Cerise Castle, who’s covering and participating in this rise, and skateboarders from various parts of America — including Washington, D.C., and the Navajo Nation — tell us why they skate.An earlier version of this episode was published Nov. 5, 2021. More reading:Skating can be a bridge in L.A. These 3 crews show how bonds form on four wheelsSkateboarding improves mental health, helps build diverse relationships, USC study saysFrom the archives: Skateboarders in urban areas get respect, and parks

Video games had always been a point of division between L.A. Times science reporter Deborah Netburn and her 12-year-old son. Then the pandemic hit, and the gap between them seemed to widen. Today, Netburn shares her journey from ignorance to understanding. She did it by playing the games.An earlier version of this episode was published May 7, 2021. More reading: Video games came between me and my son in the pandemic. Could they bring us back together?

This year, the Chinese Communist Party kicked off its 100th anniversary by celebrating China’s economic success and ambitions to create a new world order. The festivities, of course, are carefully choreographed. For decades, the Communist Party has crushed any counter-narratives to promote a whitewashed version of Chinese history. Those who deviate from the party’s official narrative suffer retribution — and in recent days, records of that punishment have been expunged as well. Today, we focus on a newly revised volume of Communist Party history that aims to airbrush its past for a younger generation who have come of age in a tightly controlled social environment. And we highlight the young activists who are trying to bring attention to this whitewashing — and are getting jailed or exiled for doing so. Our guest is L.A. Times Beijing bureau chief Alice Su.An earlier version of this episode was published July 2, 2021. More reading:As Communist Party turns 100, China’s Xi rallies his compatriots and warns his criticsHe tried to commemorate erased history. China detained him, then erased that too China offers a minority a lifeline out of poverty — but what happens to its culture?

Two years ago, the world watched as millions of people in Hong Kong marched in the streets to call for autonomy from China. Beijing responded by passing a national security law last summer that broadly defined acts of subversion, foreign collusion and terrorism. Critics say the law crushed civil liberties. Since it was enacted, many people have fled Hong Kong — some to neighboring Taiwan. Yet Taiwan, a self-governing island that China claims as its territory, is at risk as well. Today, we start a two-part series on the Chinese Communist Party’s ambitions as it celebrates its 100th anniversary. This episode gets into the continued crackdown on freedom and democracy in Hong Kong, where authorities have arrested thousands of pro-democracy activists and shut down a major daily newspaper. We’ll also discuss China’s growing threats to absorb Taiwan. Tomorrow, how the Chinese Communist Party is rewriting China’s history.An earlier version of this episode was published July 1, 2021. More ReadingBeleaguered pro-democracy Hong Kong newspaper Apple Daily says it’s closing downAs democracy fades, Hong Kong’s political opposition become political prisonersThe most important company you’ve never heard of is being dragged into the U.S.-China rivalry

QAnon or New Age? Increasingly, in California’s vast health, wellness and spiritual worlds, there's an intersection between the two communities so pronounced that the phenomenon has a new nickname: “Woo-Anon,” and it’s coming to a yoga studio near you. Today, we speak with L.A. Times investigative reporter Laura J. Nelson and yoga instructor Seane Corn about the growing movement, as well as the broken friendships and business partnerships that are happening in a once-placid scene.An earlier version of this episode was published July 13, 2021. More reading:California’s yoga, wellness and spirituality community has a QAnon problem‘Woo-Anon’: The creep of QAnon into Southern California’s New Age world Former La Habra police chief, now yoga instructor, indicted on Capitol riot conspiracy charges

For a few days this week, we’re highlighting the work of students from USC’s Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism.Maya Abu-Zahra started college with every intention of becoming a doctor. But about half of pre-med students end up choosing a different path. Today, she brings us down two of those paths, speaking with former pre-meds who ended up in very different careers.

For a few days this week, we’re highlighting the work of students from USC’s Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism.Today, Jillian Carmenate introduces us to her older sister, Madison, who’s forging into the entertainment industry. Madison Carmenate hopes to create movies and TV shows that feature people with disabilities, like her — and like a full quarter of U.S. adults.More reading:How entertainment professionals with disabilities are fighting for inclusionThis manager is working toward diversity in Hollywood — and that includes those with disabilitiesHollywood’s reluctance to welcome disability shuts out a lot of fresh talent and stories

For a few days this week, we’re highlighting the work of students from USC’s Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism.Today, Cari Spencer guides us through her journey of figuring out her identity. Half Taiwanese and half white, she felt all her life that she had to “pick a side” — or that she wasn’t enough of one thing or the other. Then she found another option.Host: USC student Cari SpencerMore reading:Five takeaways from the new U.S. census dataFrom the archives, 2001: Census’ multiracial option overturns traditional views

Today we’re doing something a little different: channeling our inner holiday spirit and sharing stories from some of our awesome colleagues across the L.A. Times newsroom.They submitted stories about losing a loved one to COVID-19. Finding new ways to bond with family. Reconnecting with choirmates after months of virtual performances. And the exploits of one seriously sassy pet rabbit. (Thank you, Steve Padilla, Karen Garcia, Wendy Lee and Jazmín Aguilera!)We at The Times have been working remotely throughout the pandemic, and we miss chitchatting with coworkers. Hearing these stories is kind of like kicking back at an old-school office potluck and catching up. It made us feel good and cheery. We hope it does the same for you.More reading: Just some holiday stuff to set the moodThe L.A. Times 2021 holiday cookie recipes8 fun, festive and free phone and Zoom backgrounds made by L.A. artistsHow to handle another COVID holiday season

His nicknames: El Hijo del Pueblo — the People’s Son. El Ídolo de México — Mexico’s Idol. El Rey — the King. Or just plain Chente.Ranchera legend Vicente Fernández passed away this week at age 81, and millions of his fans in the U.S., Mexico and beyond are mourning a man who was their soundtrack of love and sadness and resistance for over half a century.Today, L.A. Times journalists who grew up with Chente’s music — host Gustavo Arellano, deputy sports editor Iliana Limón Romero, video journalist Steve Saldivar and culture writer Daniel Hernández — talk about his legacy. We even sing some of his songs — badly.More reading:Vicente Fernández, a Mexican musical icon for generations, dies at 81Column: Vicente Fernández’s journey was our parents’ journey. Long may they liveAppreciation: 10 essential songs of ranchera legend Vicente Fernández

Need a quick, yummy gift for Christmas or any other occasion? For generations of Californians, the answer has been a box of See’s Candies. With stores that sport a black-and-white checkerboard design and offer a galaxy of sweets — chocolates, peanut brittle, butterscotch lollipops — the South San Francisco-based company is nostalgia in a box or bag.Today, L.A. Times food columnist Jenn Harris talks with host Gustavo Arellano about See’s on the occasion of the chain’s 100th anniversary. And you'd better believe some taste tests are involved. (What’s that white-chocolate one that Gustavo has never liked?)More reading:Is See’s Candies the best in the world? It’s certainly the most memorableEverything you ever wanted to know about See’s CandiesTimeline: 100 years of See’s Candies

2021 has been a bad year for disasters: Drought. Oil spills. Bomb cyclones. Wildfires. Delta. Omicron. Yet if you’re reading this, you’ve survived.Our Masters of Disasters — L.A. Times reporters Ron Lin, Alex Wigglesworth and Rosanna Xia — reflect on the year and offer a bit of hope on apocalyptic issues such as the coronavirus, the environment and wildfires.More reading:The American West went through climate hell in 2021. But there’s still hopeMore than 400 toxic sites in California are at risk of flooding from sea level riseNewsletter: We write about environmental calamity. Here’s what gives us hope

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti is political royalty in the City of Angels. His father was a district attorney. Eric Garcetti won his last election with over 80% of the vote. There were even rumors he would run for president in 2020. This summer, the Biden administration has tapped Garcetti as the U.S. ambassador to India. A Senate panel will consider his nomination this week. And people from Kolkata to Calexico are still saying ... huh? Him?Today, we speak to L.A. Times columnist Steve Lopez, who says Garcetti’s ambition might actually make him good for the position, and to former City Council candidate Dinesh Lakhanpal, who’s open to the idea, if a bit skeptical.An earlier version of this episode was published June 10, 2021. More reading:Garcetti’s India move is no surprise. But it still stirred emotions and speculationWaiting for Garcetti: India evaluates its ties with a post-Trump U.S.Garcetti’s Senate committee nomination hearing scheduled for Tuesday

Hungry? The Los Angeles Times' annual list of the 101 best restaurants just dropped. Whether you live here, want to visit or are just craving inspiration for types of food to explore near your own home, the list has something for you. Today, L.A. Times restaurant critic Bill Addison tells us about some of his favorite local restaurants — high-end spots, mom-and-pop places, Middle Eastern, Mexican, Korean and beyond — and how he chose which ones made the cut. He also talks about how food journalism is changing and why journalists used to give so much positive attention to chefs who made great food but behaved like toxic jerks. More reading: These are the 101 best restaurants in L.A.11 must-try pop-ups, the next generation of L.A. dining10 places to drink (wine, beer, cocktails, caffeine) right now

The Miss Navajo Nation pageant has been going on almost every year since the 1950s. It’s not about swimsuits or evening gowns, though. This tradition is all about making sure the culture of the largest Native American tribe in the United States remains alive — and vibrant.In this episode, you’ll hear from this year's contestants, judges and the winner. And you’ll get a sense of why the Diné — what Navajos call themselves — place such importance on something nonmembers, at first glance, might dismiss as a mere beauty contest or country fair frivolity.More reading: A pageant like no other: ‘Can you imagine Miss USA or Miss Universe butchering a sheep?’ Navajo shepherds cling to centuries-old tradition in a land where it refuses to rainNavajo Nation surpasses Cherokee to become largest tribe in the U.S.

Jacqueline Avant was a force many times over in Black Los Angeles and beyond. She was a renowned philanthropist, a political king and queen maker, a patron of the arts. She was also a wife, mother, a friend to community activists and U.S. presidents alike. Last week, an intruder fatally shot her in her Beverly Hills home. Tributes from across the world have poured in to mark a life ended too soon. Today, we devote our episode to the life and legacy of Jacqueline Avant, who was 81 years old.More reading: The killing of Jacqueline Avant: What we know ‘Unfathomable’ slaying of Jacqueline Avant stuns Hollywood and political world Philanthropist Jacqueline Avant helped unite the worlds of Black politics and entertainment

There are about 20 million people in the United States with felony records and unemployment rates among the formerly incarcerated is especially high — 27%, a few years ago, according to the Prison Policy Initiative. Compare that with the overall unemployment rate around the same time, which was less than 4%. The stigma of a criminal record has long influenced this reality, but with the Great Resignation unfolding before us, the situation for these folks seems to be looking up. Today, we'll hear from L.A. Times business reporter Don Lee, who has written about the issue, and from someone who's working to connect formerly incarcerated people with jobs — and who was formerly incarcerated himself. More reading: Once shunned, people convicted of felonies find more employers open to hiring them Tight job market is good for felons, people with disabilities and others who are hard to employ. But can it last?Visit the Honest Jobs website

Our sister podcast “The Envelope” — which does deep-dive interviews with movie and TV stars — just started a new season, so we’re giving you a taste.In this episode, Kirsten Dunst shares stories about growing up in Hollywood, why she decided to publicly address her mental health break, and the joyful — though sometimes awkward — moments of acting opposite her real-life partner, Jesse Plemons, in “The Power of the Dog.”More reading:‘Power of the Dog’ writer-director Jane Campion explains her enigmatic career choicesReview: ‘Power of the Dog’ reasserts Jane Campion’s mastery and reveals a new side of Benedict CumberbatchKodi Smit-McPhee walks us through that ‘Power of the Dog’ endingThe Envelope podcast homepage

On Nov. 2, Chinese tennis star Peng Shuai published a letter on her verified social media account that accused a former top Chinese government official of sexual assault. Then suddenly, she disappeared. But it’s not just people with name recognition who are disappearing in the country. Human rights group Safeguard Defenders estimates that more than 45,000 people were subjected to a form of secret detention since President Xi Jinping assumed power in 2013.Today, we speak with L.A. Times Beijing Bureau Chief Alice Su, who has been investigating this phenomenon. And we’ll also hear from a writer who studies feminism in China.More reading:They helped Chinese women, workers, the forgotten and dying. Then they disappeared Women’s tennis tour suspends events in China over Peng Shuai concerns EU wants ‘verifiable proof’ that Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai is safe

Today, we’ll spend the show with food personality David Chang to talk about his new Hulu series, "The Next Thing You Eat," which — full disclosure — our host Gustavo Arellano appears in. We’ll discuss what David found, why he thinks Southern California is such a great place for food, and also the future of the food industry in the era of COVID-19.He also has a raw conversation about how the harsh working conditions in restaurants can be improved, and about his own anger.More reading:Watch "The Next Thing You Eat" on HuluDavid Chang on restaurants and his own life: ‘The old ways just don’t work anymore’David Chang doesn’t want your compliments

For more than a century, California's approach to incarcerating people has gone mostly like this: Incarcerate them. But now, there’s a program offered by the Cal State University system that helps incarcerated folks not only develop skills but also reimagine themselves — as people who could have lives after serving long prison terms, as scholars. Today, we’re going to talk about this new educational opportunity for those on the inside with L.A. Times education reporter Colleen Shalby.More reading:They were supposed to die in prison. Instead, they earned freedom as college graduates Editorial: For former prisoners to have a shot at a normal life, we need successful reentry programs Apodaca: UC Irvine law professor sees college degrees as a way to reduce recidivism

An L.A. Times investigation found that from 2017 to July of this year, 70% of bicyclists that L.A. County sheriff’s deputies pulled over were Latinos, even though the group makes up only about half of the county’s population. And they searched 85% of bike riders they stopped, even though deputies often had no reason to think they’d find something illegal. They ended up making arrests or writing citations 21% of the time. Today, we talk to the L.A. Times journalists who reported this story. And we talk to a Latino cycling activist about how it is to cycle around Los Angeles.More reading:L.A. sheriff’s deputies use minor stops to search bicyclists, with Latinos hit hardest Bicyclists share stories of being stopped by L.A. County deputies: ‘Everybody is a suspect until proven otherwise’ L.A. County supervisors seek to decriminalize bike violations after Times investigation

Our guest host Faith E. Pinho, a Metro reporter at the L.A. Times, speaks with Times culture writer Daniel Hernandez about the cast of characters and cars that have been lining the wide boulevards of Southern California for decades. They look at who is embracing cruising culture and its uneasy relationship with law enforcement.An earlier version of this episode was published May 28, 2021. More reading:The lowrider is back: The glorious return of cruising to the streets of L.A. Here are 8 key lowrider moments in pop films and TV, according to Estevan Oriol During pandemic, trash and crime increased on Whittier Boulevard. Lowrider clubs said: Enough

Alison Roman is a chef, food writer, cookbook author and video maker whose unfussy recipes pack a punch. Those recipes, along with her fun persona, made her a bright spot for many fans especially as the pandemic began taking hold. Then Roman, who is white, lobbed some criticism at celebrities Chrissy Teigen and Marie Kondo — women of color — and controversy engulfed her. Roman was canceled. Or was she? What exactly does being canceled mean, anyway? What can a person learn, and where can they go from there? L.A. Times reporter Erin B. Logan asks Roman these questions. But first: What's Roman making for Thanksgiving, how did she get into the food world, and how does she make simplicity taste so good? (Psst: This is the last episode before The Times' Thanksgiving break. We'll be back Monday!)More reading: Alison Roman moves beyond Chrissy Teigen backlash and vows to grow from itWhen Alison Roman insulted Chrissy Teigen: Everything to know about their online spatColumn: Cancel culture is as American as apple pieAlison Roman's website

Sohla El-Waylly is famous for her cooking videos for outlets like the History Channel’s “Ancient Recipes,” Bon Appetit’s “Test Kitchen,” and so, so much more. She also writes a column at Food52 and contributes to the cooking section at the other big-time Times newspaper (the one on the East Coast).Today, we do another crossover episode with our sibling podcast “Asian Enough,” where El-Waylly talks about food appropriation, her inspirations and much more.Hosts: Johana Bhuiyan and Tracy BrownGuest: Chef Sohla El-WayllyMore reading:Babish expands as pandemic boosts YouTube cooking showsVulture: Going SohlaSohla’s website

This story of Los Angeles’ 1930s era of gambling boats — and Tony Cornero, the underworld boss at the center of the action — is a portal to another version of the city, one that’s glamorous and seedy. Business reporter Daniel Miller spent months chasing down the tale, poring over FBI records, reviewing newspaper accounts and interviewing the few people alive who remember when barges bobbing off the coast of Santa Monica offered the chance at a sea-sprayed jackpot. He tells us about this world of water-cannon gangsters and floating vice dens — which paved the way for the popularity of Las Vegas and dramatically met its end 82 years ago this month.More reading:The secret history of L.A.’s glitzy gambling boat kingpin — and the raid that sank him

Last month, former Facebook employee Frances Haugen revealed she had released thousands of documents that showed how the company knew yet did little to curb harmful content for its billions of users. Those documents also showed that Facebook’s parent company, Meta, knew disinformation on its platforms was particularly corrosive to Latino communities — yet the company did little to stop it. Today, we talk about the damage and what activists are doing to try to stop it.More reading:What Facebook knew about its Latino-aimed disinformation problem Misinformation online is bad in English. But it’s far worse in Spanish Facebook struggled with disinformation targeted at Latinos