Newsletter: Today: Trump and His Cabinet — Mind the Policy Gaps. Obama’s Legacy of War.
I’m Davan Maharaj, editor-in-chief of the Los Angeles Times. Here are some story lines I don’t want you to miss today, including our weekend recommendations and weekly look back into the archives.
TOP STORIES
Trump and His Cabinet: Mind the Policy Gaps
Waterboarding. A Muslim registry. A more trusting relationship with Russia. Some of President-elect Donald Trump’s promises have been objected to in Senate confirmation hearings by the people he’s chosen to be his closest advisors. Here’s where they differ and where they don’t, and why Trump’s aides say disagreements won’t be a problem.
Obama’s Legacy of War
Barack Obama entered the White House vowing to end America’s conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. He’s leaving it as the first U.S. president to have had military forces at war for all eight years of his tenure. Not only that, spy agencies say the U.S. faces more threats in more places than at any time since the Cold War. Though Obama used diplomacy to defuse some conflicts, he also oversaw a change in the way war is fought. Here is the first part of our series looking at Obama’s presidential legacy.
Investigating the FBI’s November Surprise
Did the FBI violate its policies and procedures in how it handled the Hillary Clinton email investigation? That’s the subject of an inquiry by the Justice Department’s internal watchdog. And it’s not just about James Comey’s letter to Congress — followed by an “uh, never mind” moment — in the days before the Nov. 8 election.
Will L.A. Fans Get a Charge From the Chargers?
Tough crowd, L.A. sports fans are. They like championships. They like superstars. And if you’re a “second team,” well, just look at the history of the Angels and the Clippers. So winning over fans will be a big challenge for the Chargers as they move from San Diego to L.A. As for the Chargers’ new logo? As we said, tough crowd.
Ready to Make Waves on MLK Day
Christopher Taloa, an actor and former professional body boarder, says members of the Bay Boys surfer gang kicked him when he tried to surf at Lunada Bay in Palos Verdes Estates three years ago on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. This Monday, he’s planning something different: a peaceful protest against racism, and against the localism that has denied people access to the scenic area for decades.
FLASHBACK FRIDAY
This week’s snow in the Sierra Nevada is making headlines for helping to potentially end California’s drought. This week in 1949, snow also made news — for blanketing much of Los Angeles and other parts of Southern California. You have to admire the entrepreneurial zeal of one Alhambra hardware store, which put up the sign: “Snow Plows for Rent — Hurry!” Here are some photos from those crazy days.
CALIFORNIA
-- The L.A. Sheriff’s Department will begin using a drone to respond to bomb threats and hostage crises but promises not to use it to spy on people.
-- After being criticized over a year-long delay, state regulators are moving to clean homes with the worst lead contamination around the former Exide battery plant in Vernon.
-- It’s now the Southern California drought as rains and snow end Northern California’s water woes.
YOUR WEEKEND
-- Jonathan Gold tells you what to order at what is said to be the only Kurdish restaurant in the western United States. (It’s in Agoura Hills.)
-- How to plan a craft beer crawl along the Metro Gold Line.
-- Keep warm with this easy broccoli and roasted garlic soup recipe.
-- What can visitors expect from super-snowy Mammoth this weekend? Here’s our holiday tip sheet.
HOLLYWOOD AND THE ARTS
-- The Amazon series “Sneaky Pete” was co-created by Bryan Cranston and it stars Giovanni Ribisi. Both say they can relate to its con man protagonist.
-- A new study says fewer women are working behind the scenes in Hollywood.
-- The artist who made mirrored shields for the Standing Rock protesters says the “struggle porn” media are missing the point.
-- What to listen to now: Our music staff recommends Dale & Ray, Jacob Latimore and David Bowie.
NATION-WORLD
-- Exxon Mobil has been ordered to submit 40 years of documents regarding the company’s studies on the effect of fossil fuels on climate change.
-- Mexico’s president warns that if Trump wants to talk trade, he’ll have to talk security too.
-- Obama honored “brother” Joe Biden with a surprise award: the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
-- Experts have only a hazy idea of marijuana’s myriad health effects, and federal laws are a big reason why.
BUSINESS
-- Apple is now taking film and TV pitches.
-- Healthcare hell: Columnist David Lazarus looks at what happens when you have to fight to overturn denied insurance claims.
SPORTS
-- Not to be lost in the Chargers hoopla: The Rams hired Sean McVay as their new head coach.
-- The Lakers’ Ivica Zubac is pursuing his dream, but he still gets homesick for Croatian food.
OPINION
-- The era of extreme entertainment comes to the presidential news conference.
-- Can a leopard change his spots? Here’s hoping we don’t find out with Jeff Sessions.
WHAT OUR EDITORS ARE READING
-- First person: An editor is falsely accused of taking pictures at Rex Tillerson’s hearing and finds herself at the center of a “fake news” storm. (Washington Post)
-- How a photographer got the shot of a man kayaking in his flooded house near the Russian River. (San Francisco Chronicle)
-- Are superheroes a bad influence on little kids? A new study suggests so. (Pacific Standard)
ONLY IN CALIFORNIA
It was once known as “The Murph,” after sports scribe Jack Murphy, but Qualcomm Stadium might also be “The Dangerfield” — it doesn’t get any respect. Yet for true San Diegans like Times sportswriter Lance Pugmire, it’s been a second home. Now all that’s left are the memories, like Lance’s first trip to the stadium wearing a No. 74 jersey and holding grandpa’s hand.
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