Newsletter: Today: El Niño’s Water, Costlier Wine

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

El Niño's Water, Costlier Wine

If you live in California, you should be preparing for El Niño. (By the way, here are some tips.) Vineyards across the state have a particularly daunting task: keeping their nutrient-rich topsoil from sliding off of steep hillsides when the heavy downpours come. Here's how they do it — and why El Niño could increase the cost of next year's vintages as much as 20%.

Is Uncle Sam Outsourcing Killing?

Military drone pilots, as we've mentioned before, are in short supply. That's one reason the Air Force has turned to civilian contractors to fly MQ-9 Reaper drones in "combat air patrols" to help track suspected militants. The civilians aren't allowed to pinpoint targets with lasers or fire missiles. Read on to see why some question its legality.

Why L.A. Is Prosecuting Pimps

In the fight against prostitution, prosecutors across the country are turning their attention to targeting pimps. And they're doing so in a new way: by hitting them with human trafficking charges. See how L.A. County officials are trying, through the courts and on the streets, to end the abuse of women and children.

The Life and Times of 'Miss Kay'

With a big heart and a foul mouth, Hayok Kay had touched many lives during her 61 years. So how did she wind up in an Alameda hospital, brutally injured and cancer-ridden, with only a documentary filmmaker she'd met years earlier by her side to make care decisions as her life slipped away? Read on for the story of "Miss Kay."

Latinos Power the Trump Hat Factory

You've no doubt seen Donald Trump's trucker hats: They've spawned Halloween costumes, a make-your-own-Trump-hat generator and rumors they were made in China. Instead, they are produced in a factory in Carson by — you guessed it! — a workforce that is about 80% Latino. Step onto the floor of the Cali-Fame headwear company.

CALIFORNIA

-- On skid row, an abundance of food and festivity on Thanksgiving.

-- For LGBT band Mariachi Arcoiris de Los Angeles, the music is free of macho.

-- Robin Abcarian: The inevitable legalization of pot sets off a new California Gold Rush.

-- Casey Kasem's children have sued his widow, accusing her of neglecting his medical care.

NATION-WORLD

-- Venezuelan opposition leaders call on the president to investigate a campaign official's murder.

-- Turkey releases a recording of what it says are warnings to the Russian plane it downed.

-- China frees journalist imprisoned on a state secrets conviction after she pleads guilty.

-- South Africa's risky business: Will trading rhino horns save the species — or wipe them out?

-- Donald Trump is in hot water for appearing to mock a reporter's disability.

BUSINESS

-- Holiday shopping is off to a brisk start.

-- You've bought it. Now what about returning it?

-- Snapchat holds the line on targeted ads, but big brands are pushing for more.

SPORTS

-- Kobe Bryant's struggles cause some in NBA circles to say it's time he retired.

-- Ahead of Saturday's big game: A look back at UCLA's Tommy Prothro, USC's John McKay and their teams' legendary battles.

ENTERTAINMENT

-- The story behind "Dave's Not Here," Cheech and Chong's first-ever recorded comedy riff.

-- George Harrison's "All Things Must Pass" came out in the U.S. 45 years ago today. It still inspires.

-- For the film "The Danish Girl," actor Eddie Redmayne studied issues facing transgender people.

WHAT OUR EDITORS ARE READING

-- Dream of becoming a millionaire? Here is one tale of what happened afterward. (Medium)

-- This Chinese man's photos inadvertently became a meme. What was it like for him? (Gawker)

-- Indian celebrities and scholars are giving back their national awards. (Christian Science Monitor)

ONLY IN CALIFORNIA

They are a band of brothers — three of them, to be precise. They all play on the same basketball team. And they love to run and gun. Meet Chino Hills High School's triple threat. Did we mention their last name is Ball?

Please send comments and ideas to Davan Maharaj.