Headlines From The Times

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

When it rains, it pours, and when it pours after a long dry spell, water can become dangerous. Fire-scarred lands see mudslides devastate homes. Parched soil can’t absorb the rain that comes. Water, water everywhere, and California is still on the brink.Today, we reconvene our Masters of Disasters to discuss how too much rain after a drought can be bad. And who knew the term "mudslide" could be so controversial?More reading:Threat of mudslides returns to California after devastating fires. How do they work?California rains break all-time records, spurring floods and mudslidesOctober’s torrential rains brought some drought relief, but California’s big picture still bleak

Last month, In-N-Out Burger made national news when health officials in San Francisco shut down one of its restaurants. The company’s sin: refusing to comply with a law that requires restaurants to ask customers for proof of COVID-19 vaccination. An In-N-Out spokesperson described the mandate as “intrusive, improper and offensive” — and suddenly, the burger chain became a flashpoint in the country’s culture wars. Today, we talk about this beloved company with L.A. Times reporter Stacy Perman, author of the best-selling 2009 book “In-N-Out Burger: A Behind-the-Counter Look at the Fast-Food Chain That Breaks All the Rules.”More reading: Column: What In-N-Out’s vaccine standoff reveals about the California dream Inside In-N-Out Burger’s escalating war with California over COVID-19 vaccine rules ‘We refuse to become the vaccination police’: In-N-Out Burger, and other restaurants defy COVID mandates

Over the last few years, Leyna Bloom has been the first in many categories. In 2017, she became the first trans woman of color to grace the pages of Vogue India. In 2019, she became one of the first trans women to walk Paris Fashion Week. And most recently, she broke barriers again as the first trans cover model for Sports Illustrated’s swimsuit issue.On this crossover episode with our sister podcast “Asian Enough,” Bloom talks about her ties to ballroom, her Black and Filipina identity and reuniting with her mom after decades apart.More reading:How Leyna Bloom became the first transgender actress of color to star in a film at CannesSports Illustrated Swimsuit goes bold: Megan Thee Stallion, Naomi Osaka, Leyna BloomReview: Luminous performances elevate trans romance ‘Port Authority’

In 2011, a group of Muslims in Orange County sued the federal government, alleging that the FBI violated the constitutional rights of Muslims by spying on them solely because of their religion. The feds denied the allegations, but they also said they couldn't disclose why they had spied on this community. To do so, according to the government, would reveal state secrets. Now the lawsuit is before the U.S. Supreme Court, and the feds want it dismissed. Today, we hear from L.A. Times reporter Suhauna Hussain, who is covering the case. We'll hear from some of the plaintiffs and Muslim activists. And we'll also hear from Craig Monteilh, the self-admitted FBI informant in the center of all this. More reading: Supreme Court skeptical of FBI’s claim in monitoring of Orange County MuslimsColumn: In Orange County case, the U.S. is hiding behind claims of ‘state secrets’From the archives: Man says he was FBI informant

This fall, a commemoration in downtown Los Angeles marked the 150th anniversary of when a mob lynched 18 Chinese men and boys — one of the biggest such killings in American history. The recent memorial comes in a year when many similar remembrances have bloomed across the United States. Anti-Asian hate crimes have soared during the pandemic, but that has also spurred an interest in learning the long, and long-hidden, history of such bigotry. More reading: History forgot the 1871 Los Angeles Chinese massacre, but we’ve all been shaped by its violenceL.A.'s memorial for 1871 Chinese Massacre will mark a shift in how we honor historyThe racist massacre that killed 10% of L.A.’s Chinese population and brought shame to the cityWhite residents burned this California Chinatown to the ground. An apology came 145 years later

Marijuana use is now ubiquitous in mainstream culture — even Martha Stewart’s into CBD products thanks to her good pal Snoop Dogg. Despite this, the federal government classifies basically all cannabis-related products as illegal. That stands in the way of things like medical research. Can California, which sparked a revolution 25 years ago with the legalization of medical marijuana by voters, push the federal government to legalize marijuana once and for all? More reading: California changed the country with marijuana legalization. Is it high time for the feds to catch up?Thousands of California marijuana convictions officially reduced, others dismissedEditorial: What legalization? California is still the Wild West of illegal marijuana

At USC, hundreds of students have been protesting university officials and so-called Greek life itself over the last month after a series of drugging and sexual assault allegations that the school kept quiet about for weeks. It's the latest scandal to hit the school, and some of the loudest criticism has come from an unexpected source: fraternity and sorority members. Today, we talk to L.A. Times higher education reporter Teresa Watanabe about the matter. And a USC student who's a proud sorority sister tells us why she's pushing for change.More reading: USC students protest toxic Greek life after fraternity suspended for alleged drugging, sexual assaultUSC’s ‘Greek experience’ under fire even as fraternities gain in popularity post-pandemicUSC admits to ‘troubling delay’ in warning about fraternity drugging, sex assault reports

In this crossover episode with our cousin podcast “Asian Enough,” hosts Suhauna Hussain and Johana Bhuiyan speak with sociologist Anthony Ocampo. He’s spent his career studying the intersection of race, gender and immigration, which guided his groundbreaking book “The Latinos of Asia: How Filipino Americans Break the Rules of Race.”Today, Ocampo also speaks about another facet of his work: what it means to be brown and gay in Los Angeles. And he reflects on Filipino nurses’ role in battling the coronavirus in the United States.More reading:Filipino American trailblazers speak truth to Hollywood through jokes and rhymesHow the Philippines’ colonial legacy weighs on Filipino American mental healthFilipino-led micro-businesses blossom in the pandemic at L.A.'s Manila District

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.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

Less than 4% of Los Angeles’ firefighters are women — a number that, despite the mayor’s goals, has inched up only slightly in recent years. Many of the female firefighters say their ranks are so small because of a hostile, sexist culture pervading the Los Angeles Fire Department.Today, we talk about what women in the LAFD have been dealing with, including trash in their lockers, feces on bathroom floors and nasty remarks from co-workers they need to trust with their lives. We talk to L.A. Times City Hall reporter Dakota Smith, who has covered this hazing culture, and we also hear from Stacy Taylor, a retired battalion chief who pushed for better treatment during her 26 years in the department.More reading:Women say they endure ‘frat house’ culture at L.A. Fire Department. ‘The worst of my life’Female firefighters, civil rights advocates call for LAFD chief’s removalFirefighters sue over city of L.A.'s vaccine mandate

Every year, people in the American West die from scorching temperatures. Experts fear that the number of deaths is undercounted — and, that as the climate continues to heats up, the death rate is going to rise.Officially, California says 599 people died due to heat exposure from 2010 to 2019. But a Los Angeles Times investigation estimates the number is way higher: about 3,900 deaths.Today we talk to Tony Barboza and Anna M. Phillips, who, along with Sean Greene and Ruben Vives, spearheaded the L.A. Times investigation. We discuss why their count is so different from the state's, who's most vulnerable to the heat and how to protect yourself. More reading:Heat waves are far deadlier than we think. How California neglects this climate threatClimate change is supercharging California heat waves, and the state isn’t readyPoor neighborhoods bear the brunt of extreme heat, ‘legacies of racist decision-making’

The Valle de Guadalupe in Baja California is Mexico’s premier wine country, a lush valley that makes Napa seem as gorgeous as a parking lot.But a lot of development is coming to the Valle — and many locals aren’t happy.Today, we travel to this beautiful, contested space with two experts. Javier Cabral is the editor of LA Taco and wrote about a recent anti-development protest there. Javier Plascencia, a pioneering chef, has seen Valle grow and wants the world to come in — in a sustainable way.More reading:Is Valle de Guadalupe over? The fight to protect Mexican wine country10 things to know about Chef Javier PlascenciaBaja is making a lot more great wine than you might think

Over the next two weeks, leaders from nearly 200 countries are gathering in Glasglow, Scotland, for a United Nations climate summit known as COP26. They’ll tell us what we’ve heard before: that scientists have warned about rising oceans, sinking cities, famines and millions of refugees if we don’t dramatically reduce carbon emissions. Officials will tell us we all need to act ASAP. But the fate of humanity really rests with a handful of countries.Today, we’re gathering our panel of correspondents from across the globe – L.A. Times Beijing bureau chief Alice Su, Seoul correspondent Victoria Kim, Singapore correspondent David Pierson and Mexico City correspondent Kate Linthicum – to focus on a few crucial countries in the fight against climate change and why it’s been so difficult for them to reduce their emissions.More reading:G-20 summit fails to bridge divides on pandemic and climate changeThe Amazon is still burning. Can U.N. summit in Glasgow address such climate failures?What U.S.-China tension means for fighting climate change

For decades, late October meant one holiday in American popular culture: Halloween. But over the past couple of decades, more and more people are also marking another fall festival: Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead.Today, we get into how this Mexican holiday took hold in the United States: its history, its customs, how it’s different here from the way it’s observed in Mexico. We talk to L.A. Times culture reporter Daniel Hernandez, who has written extensively about the subject. And we talk to Alexis Meza de los Santos, a mexicana who grew up in Kentucky and has seen Día de los Muertos spread across the South.More reading:Contribute to our digital Día de Muertos altarHere’s the story behind Día de Muertos altars — and how you can build oneTamales, salt and bread ‘bones’: How foods are central to Day of the Dead

On Oct. 11, 1985, Palestinian American activist Alex Odeh opened the door to the Orange County offices of the American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee. He served as its West Coast regional director. The moment he turned the doorknob, a bomb went off. Thirty-six years later, his assassination remains officially unsolved, but his family thinks the United States government knows more than it wants to admit.Decades after Odeh’s killing, Hugh Mooney, one of the first police officers on the scene, has begun speaking about what he heard and saw. Today, we hear from him and talk with TimesOC reporter Gabriel San Román, who has followed the investigation into Odeh’s killing for more than a decade. We’ll also hear from Odeh’s daughter Helena and the voice of Odeh himself.More reading:Amid new revelations, Alex Odeh’s assassination remains unsolvedAnswers sought in 1985 slaying of Palestinian activist Alex OdehL.A.-Born JDL man a suspect in ’85 slaying of Alex Odeh

Vigils from Southern California to Albuquerque were held last weekend to mark the death of Halyna Hutchins. The up-and-coming cinematographer was working on the film “Rust,” a Western that featured Alec Baldwin as an actor and producer. Meanwhile, investigators are still trying to figure out how Baldwin was handed a gun with a live round despite being assured it was safe.Today, we talk about the fatal incident. We check in with L.A. Times reporters Wendy Lee and Meg James — who cover the business of entertainment — about what happened on that set, whether the tragedy could lead to workplace safety changes in the film and television industry, and whether the clash between unionized crew members and Hollywood producers is about to flare up all over again.More reading:Search warrant reveals grim details of ‘Rust’ shooting and Halyna Hutchins’ final minutes‘Rust’ crew describes on-set gun safety issues and misfires days before fatal shootingLack of gun safety killed Halyna Hutchins on the set of Alec Baldwin’s ‘Rust.’ How did this happen?

Hundreds of thousands of sailors worldwide are stuck on cargo ships far longer than they’d intended, with few chances to contact the outside. Usually ports offer opportunities for a break, but most of these sailors haven’t had access to COVID-19 vaccines, so they’re not allowed to set foot in the United States.Today, L.A. Times Business reporter Ronald D. White takes us to the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, the nation’s largest. A huge backlog of cargo ships is waiting offshore for a turn to unload merchandise. Meanwhile, the crews aboard are going nowhere fast — and there’s basically no internet access, no visitors, no nice restaurant food delivery. They’re trapped.More reading:They’ve been stuck for months on cargo ships now floating off Southern California. They’re desperateWhen will supply chains be back to normal? And how did things get so bad?A tangled supply chain means shipping delays. Do your holiday shopping now

Shea Serrano is beloved in the sports, movie and music worlds for his wickedly funny essays and podcasts on everything from Selena to the Houston Texans, Jay-Z to Jason from “Friday the 13th.” And yet his journalism is probably the least impressive part of the guy who’s probably the nicest cholo nerd in the world.His latest book, “Hip-Hop (and Other Things),” is dropping tomorrow, Oct. 26. We talk about Shea’s unlikely entry into journalism, why Mexicans are perfect, why representation matters — and why, again and again, without question, he pays for fans’ utility bills and college classes.More reading:Hip-Hop (and Other Things)Q&A: Shea Serrano ponders life and more in ‘Movies (and Other Things)’Here are the songs they play at a middle school danceA story about Tim Duncan

Disabled people get pregnant and give birth at the same rates as nondisabled ones. But their outcomes are often far worse — for reasons that can’t be explained by anatomical difference or medical complexity — and modern medicine has largely turned its back on them.L.A. Times Metro reporter Sonja Sharp has experienced the discrimination firsthand, and she’s reported on the issue as well.Today, she speaks with Dr. Marie Flores, a physician who uses a wheelchair and is trying to become a mother, and Dr. Deborah Krakow, the chair of UCLA’s obstetrics and gynecology department, about how our society treats the intersection of pregnancy and disability. She also shares her own story and describes why she sees disabled motherhood as a radical act.More reading:Disabled mothers-to-be face indignity: ‘Do you have a man? Can you have sex?’Video: How disabled mothers are neglected by modern medicineThree lessons from disabled mothers

Twenty-one years ago, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that national adult cases of syphilis had reached their lowest levels ever, and entirely eliminating the disease among newborns seemed to be within reach.But syphilis cases have risen dramatically over the last decade for both adults and infants — even though the disease is curable, and even though we could protect babies by getting pregnant people tested and treated in time.Today, L.A. Times public health reporter Emily Alpert Reyes discusses this disturbing trend, what it says about our society and how to get the fight against congenital syphilis back on track. We also hear from someone who had a stillbirth because of syphilis and wants everyone to learn from her story.More reading:The number of babies infected with syphilis was already surging. Then came the pandemicTwo crises in one: As drug use rises, so does syphilis1,306 U.S. infants were born with syphilis in 2018, even though it’s easy to prevent

Nearly half of imports in the United States go through the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. They're the largest in the U.S., but because of the COVID-19 pandemic, there's a humongous backlog of ships stuck at sea, making imported goods more expensive. The wait to unload cargo is so bad at the ports of L.A. and Long Beach that President Biden is taking action. Today, we're going to discuss the backup's repercussions with three L.A. Times reporters who cover the ports, the global market and the White House.More reading: Biden will announce expanded operations at Port of Los Angeles as supply chain crunch continuesNews Analysis: Ahead of holidays, Biden tries to untangle supply chain messPort truckers win $30 million in wage theft settlements