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Newsletter: Today: Refugee Showdown. Why Mexicans Aren’t U.S.-Bound.

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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

No Refugees or Else a Government Shutdown

House Republicans and several dozen Democrats have sent a message: They voted to effectively stop the resettlement of Syrian and Iraqi refugees in the U.S. If the bill passes the Senate, the White House would be almost certain to veto it. That's why GOP leaders are threatening to include the restrictions in spending legislation to keep the federal government running past Dec. 11. See how California's lawmakers came to their decisions

Why Mexicans Aren't Coming to the U.S.

In the eyes of many Mexicans, the American Dream isn't what it once was. A new study says nearly half of those surveyed said life in Mexico is as good or better than being in the United States. Its conclusion: More Mexicans are leaving the U.S. than entering. Here's why they find it less attractive than in years past – and why critics say the study doesn't paint a full picture.  

In Downey, a Lawman Falls

By all accounts, Downey police Officer Ricardo Galvez was in the wrong place at the wrong time. He was sitting in his BMW in a city employee parking lot, wasn't wearing a uniform, nor did he have his gun on him. But Galvez, an Iraq war veteran, was shot to death at close range — the victim of a botched robbery, according to authorities. Now, three suspects are in custody.

No Time for 'Kumbaya'

We've seen it before: stars singing for a cause. But instead of just standing on a cozy stage in L.A., the performers pushed back. For two specials about race, they wanted to go to Charleston, S.C.; Ferguson, Mo.; and Baltimore. There, they talked with people about surviving violence and healing wounds. "I didn't think quite honestly we could afford another 'Kumbaya' moment," said Pharrell Williams. "That's not where the world is right now."

Super-Sockeye or Frankenfish?

If it looks like a salmon and tastes like a salmon, but it's genetically modified, is it still dinner? The FDA says so. It has named the AquAdvantage salmon as the first genetically engineered animal approved for consumption in the U.S. Read on to see what people are saying about the creature its makers call "the world's most sustainable salmon" and its opponents label as Frankenfish.

CALIFORNIA

-- L.A.'s chronic homelessness population is the largest in the nation, according to federal statistics. 

-- Protests over race issues at Occidental are "just the beginning," students say. 

-- Quicker than pizza: Robin Abcarian rides along with a medical marijuana delivery service.

-- An off-duty pilot's free flight to New York sparks confusion and a search at LAX.

NATION-WORLD

-- At least three dead and more than 100 hostages are thought to be held after an attack on a hotel in Mali.

-- Israeli spy Jonathan Pollard is released from a U.S. prison after 30 years.

-- Why the FBI director has said Islamic State's presence in the U.S. is "sort of the new normal."

-- The Paris attack ringleader's apparent ability to travel between Syria and Europe highlights security concerns.

-- A Japanese American who fought U.S. internment camps in WWII will get a posthumous honor.

-- Bernie Sanders invokes FDR in explaining democratic socialism as "the foundation of the middle class."

-- For World Toilet Day, China aimed to bring the WC closer to the Web.

BUSINESS

-- California emissions rules charge the debate over all-electric cars versus hybrids. Plus: The latest from the L.A. Auto Show.  

-- David Lazarus: The country's largest private health insurer throws a "tantrum" over lower profits.

-- Shares of Square soar 45% in their market debut; Match's IPO goes well too.

SPORTS 

-- As for an NFL return to Los Angeles, here's where we stand

-- The depth of the Dodgers clubhouse divide over Yasiel Puig is revealed on radio.

ENTERTAINMENT 

-- Photo gallery: Highlights from the Latin Grammys and red carpet.

-- Album review: Adele returns to explain the big emotions on "25."

-- Movie review: "Carol" belongs among the best movie love stories.

-- Theater review: John Patrick Shanley's "Outside Mullingar" is just the thing for a happy cry

WHAT OUR EDITORS ARE READING

-- What ISIS really wants. (The Atlantic)

-- Bill Simmons interviews President Obama for GQ.

-- Bhutan's dark secret to happiness. (BBC)

ONLY IN L.A.

Are you bothered by paparazzi, looky-loos and autograph-seekers at LAX? We thought you might be. The Board of Airport Commissioners has voted in favor of building a private lounge, away from the hoi polloi, for Hollywood celebrities, sports figures, diplomats and anyone else seeking privacy. Well, not just anyone else. The fees would be up to $1,800 per trip. Here's what you would get. 

Please send comments and ideas to Davan Maharaj.

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