Newsletter: Today: Mexico’s Marijuana, Airbnb’s Fight and LAUSD’s Headhunt

I'm Davan Maharaj, editor of the Los Angeles Times. Here are some story lines I don't want you to miss today.

TOP STORIES

What Mexico's Pot Ruling Really Says

Mexico's Supreme Court ruled that it was legal to produce and consume marijuana for personal, recreational use — but only for four members of a pro-legalization group. Still, it could be the gateway to more widespread change. And that means more questions over whether decriminalization would have any effect on the country's violent drug cartels.

Who Will Lead the LAUSD?

What if you held two weeks of open forums and hardly anybody showed up? That's what happened when the L.A. Board of Education tried to get input as it seeks a new leader for the nation's second-largest school system. Who will get the job? The Times interviewed experts to generate a list of potential candidates, ranked on how likely they are to be finalists. Learn about them here.

A Long Wait for Redress

Seventy years after World War II ended, Holocaust survivors and their families are applying for $60 million in compensation from France over the use of government-owned trains to deport tens of thousands of Jews and others to death camps. It's been called the first time a WWII ally has agreed to pay reparations to U.S. citizens for Holocaust-related crimes. Here's the back story.

Book This: Airbnb's Fight Isn't Over

Airbnb won a key battle in San Francisco, but the fight elsewhere is only starting. The popularity of it and other websites that help people book rooms or whole homes for short stays has created a strong backlash, especially where rents are high, tourists are many and housing is in short supply. Here's a look at the cat-and-mouse game that lies ahead. 

Why Today's TV Shows Aren't Canceled 

See that TV show struggling in the ratings? Buh-bye. But not this season. Not a single new network show has been canceled so far. Instead, programmers have a new strategy for dealing with duds, one that keeps them out of the hands of their competitors. And, you guessed it: It has a lot to do with DVRs and streaming.

CALIFORNIA

-- At UC Merced, a young male student stabbed four people with a hunting knife before being shot by police, authorities said. 

-- L.A. County considers public "john-shaming" to deter child sex trafficking.

-- The family of a Chinese mother who died after birth complications in an Orange County hospital receives $5.2 million.

-- The sugar industry and high fructose corn syrup producers do battle in a Los Angeles federal courtroom. 

NATION-WORLD

-- U.S. agencies are considering a bomb as the possible cause of a Russian airliner crash.

-- In Taiwan, many question the lame-duck president's plan to meet with China. 

-- British legislation would give police greater access to residents' online visits.

-- The Pentagon spends millions paying pro sports teams to honor soldiers at games.

-- Climate change is among new Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's priorities.

BUSINESS 

-- Edison plans to spend $12 billion to modernize the electric grid, but critics question the costs.

-- A law professor explains how the California Fair Pay Act can — and can't — help women. 

-- Tribune Publishing indicates interest in buying the Orange County Register.

SPORTS

-- Zack Greinke opts out of his Dodgers contract to explore the free-agent market.

-- Columnist Bill Dwyre: Let's call him AD Pat — honorable intentions and a rocky road.

ENTERTAINMENT

-- Is James Bond as we know him saying goodbye? Plus: Our review of "Spectre."

-- Entertainment companies are playing the new media card, but Wall Street is unimpressed.

-- Melissa Mathison, the screenwriter of "E.T." and "Kundun," has died at 65.

-- What to expect from the AFI film festival starting in Hollywood today. 

WHAT OUR EDITORS ARE READING

-- What TV won't tell you about the wealth, violence and boredom of North Dakota's oilfields. (Vice)

-- Some families of people fatally shot by police get millions of dollars; others, not a penny. (Washington Post)

-- Can a sommelier keep working while pregnant? One pro weighs in. (Vogue)

-- The Baffler: selfies from more than 100 years ago. 

ONLY IN CALIFORNIA

If you build it, they will putt. The San Diego Padres have converted Petco Park into a 9-hole, par-3 golf course for the next few days. Golfers will tee off from home plate and in various places throughout the stands. And instead of Matt Kemp in the outfield, there are temporary greens.  

Please send comments and ideas to Davan Maharaj.