Newsletter: Today: Shades of Cold War. ‘Daily Show’ Debut.

I'm Davan Maharaj, editor of the Los Angeles Times. The U.S. and Russia press their plans for Syria; what's behind the big Mars news; and "The Daily Show" changes hosts. Here are some story lines I don't want you to miss today.

TOP STORIES

No One Banged a Shoe but ...

In scenes reminiscent of the Cold War, President Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin traded barbs in speeches at the United Nations. Each put forth their competing approaches to fighting Islamic State and ending the conflict in Syria. A later face-to-face meeting between the two leaders produced a "business-like back and forth" with no agreements reached, according to a U.S. official. Up next: President Obama will urge a special U.N. summit today to support the U.S.-led air war against Islamic State.

Mars Whets Our Appetite

By now, you’ve seen the headlines: Scientists have found powerful evidence that salty water routinely flows on Mars. The news spawned countless jokes on Twitter, many of them referencing our very own California drought. It also provided great PR for a movie opening this week. Here’s how scientists made the discovery and what it means in the search for extraterrestrial life.

'Daily Show' Tosses It Over to Noah

Over the last 16 years with Jon Stewart, "The Daily Show" became Comedy Central's Emmy-winning signature show. In an election year, it was must-see TV. So Trevor Noah had a pretty tough act to follow when he took over as host Monday night. How did he do? TV critic Robert Lloyd reviews. 

Supremely Independent

When John G. Roberts Jr. took the oath as chief justice of the United States 10 years ago today, he called his bipartisan backing in Congress a reflection of "what is, for me, a bedrock principle -- that judging is different from politics." He now finds himself in the crosshairs of conservative activists who call him a disappointment. His votes haven't endeared him to most liberals, either. Take a closer look at a justice who declares his independence.

A Familia's Generation Gap

Clothes. Music. Slang. There are many differences between the generations. In Latino homes, there's also a divide over how to deal without one's legal status. Karla Estrada, a recent UCLA grad, calls herself "undocumented and unafraid." Her parents are more circumspect: "We have to behave well because the country is watching us," says her father. In video and text, see how one family is bringing the debate to life.

CALIFORNIA

-- In a sign of the times, a tiny mountain community finally gives up its old-school water district. 

-- After epic fires in the state's north, fire season moves to Southern California.

-- A woman was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison in an egg donor fraud scheme.

-- MTV extreme athlete Erik Roner dies in a skydiving accident during a charity golf tournament.

NATION-WORLD

-- Donald Trump's tax cuts could cost the U.S. trillions of dollars, experts say.

-- Columnist Michael Hiltzik: Carly Fiorina, pressed on Planned Parenthood, digs in.

-- Is Spain going to lose the Catalonia region to independence?

-- Fighting an "abyss of helplessness": life after Hong Kong's "Umbrella Movement."

-- MacArthur "genius" grant winner creates artificial leaves that photosynthesize.

BUSINESS 

-- Will the next egg you crack come from a chicken raised in a roomier barn?

-- David Lazarus: Duped VW owners wonder what their next move should be.

SPORTS

-- Lakers media day: Kobe Bryant is coy about this being his last season.

-- The cases of former L.A. Kings Jarret Stoll and Mike Richards put a spotlight on the NHL's drug policy.

ENTERTAINMENT

-- Gustavo Dudamel: Why I won't talk politics. 

-- Review: The Frank Gehry exhibition at LACMA is well framed but still needs some build-out.

-- TV reviews: "The Grinder," starring Rob Lowe, and "Grandfathered," with John Stamos.

WHAT OUR EDITORS ARE READING

-- First person: "I survived the deadliest day in Everest's history, and I'm still surviving it. (Quartz)

-- Scan this: the history of the bar code. (Smithsonian)

-- The state of San Francisco living: obsessed with Craigslist bunk-bed ads. (CityLab)

ONLY IN L.A.

The Los Angeles County Fair this year boasted such belly busters as a funnel cake burger, a fried peanut butter pickle, a "Cinnamon Fireball Texas Donut" and deep-fried guacamole. But before you get too hungry, note that the fair ended Sunday -- drawing 1,276,817 guests during its 19-day run. That's an increase of 6% over last year. Must have been the guac.

Please send comments and ideas to Davan Maharaj.