Newsletter: Today: What a ‘Living Wage Pizza’ Costs

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

Gains in Yemen

A military offensive this month led by Saudi Arabia against Houthi rebels in Yemen has begun to pay off with some key victories on the ground. Pro-government forces have regained control of five southern provinces with the help of 3,000 troops from Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates. The U.S. also has stepped up its aid, which involves providing intelligence and munitions and enforcing a blockade in the Gulf of Aden.

Obama Before Obama

Intellectual, forceful and refined, Julian Bond was a leader of the civil rights movement, one many thought could someday become the first black president of the U.S. He helped found the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee and headed the Southern Poverty Law Center and the NAACP. But he never won a national political office, conceding that he just wasn’t cut out for politics. Bond, 75, died Saturday in Florida.

What’s Up with Jeb Bush?

Jeb Bush has all the makings of an ideal Republican candidate — great résumé, great fundraising, great name. Despite all that, he’s languishing in the polls. Bush isn’t worried — yet.

Minimum Wage Arms Race

In the liberal Bay Area, an arms race has broken out between cities over setting a minimum wage. Tiny Emeryville now has the highest minimum wage in the nation — $14.44 an hour — as it struggles to match San Francisco, Berkeley, Oakland and other municipalities. Lanesplitter Pizza & Pub is ground zero for the conversation.

Jailhouse Democracy

Except for the prisoner uniforms, it might have been a city council meeting in Torrance or Alhambra. The Los Angeles County Jail has started inmate councils, allowing prisoners input on food, medical care, exercise equipment, clothing and other issues. So far, the meetings have been packed, even though jail officials still have the final word.

A Death in the Times Family

He scored many scoops when he competed against legendary correspondents covering the Vietnam War. He won a full pardon for a Texas prisoner serving a 55-year sentence. And he taught dozens of journalists how to hold elected officials accountable. Ray F. Herndon, who worked at The Times for 12 years, died Sunday at 77 after a battle with cancer.

CALIFORNIA

-- A man shot dead by Kern County deputies is the murder suspect they had been pursuing, officials confirm.

-- The state is in the middle of one devastating drought, but water experts are already trying to prepare for the next one.

-- In a deal with the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, Palo Verde Valley farmers are leaving fields fallow. It's a win for everyone, so far.

-- The anti-Trump: Tom Bradley, a quiet giant who bridged divides.

NATION-WORLD

-- The anguish of Tianjin after the fiery explosion — homes lost, loved ones missing.

-- An air attack hits a crowded market in Syria, killing at least 80 people, a watchdog agency says.

-- Trump plan: Expel immigrants here illegally and send troops to "take over" Iraq's oil. Plus more campaign news from Trail Guide.

-- Why the Border Patrol has launched an unprecedented recruitment effort for female agents.

BUSINESS

-- Companies hope cybersecurity experts in the boardroom can counter hacks.

-- Will "skinny" packages satisfy consumers who want fewer TV channels and lower monthly bills?

-- The Petersen Automotive Museum will reopen in December with new partners.

-- Columnist Michael Hiltzik counts the bad ideas in California’s pension overhaul proposal.

SPORTS

-- Jason Day, a 27-year-old Australian golfer, wins his first major tournament at the PGA Championship.

-- Phil Dalhausser and April Ross win beach volleyball titles at the Manhattan Beach Open.

-- Columnist Bill Plaschke on John Shoemaker, the minor league lifer who has had a major impact on the Dodgers organization.

-- Former Southland star David Denson becomes the first openly gay MLB prospect.

ENTERTAINMENT

-- “Compton” screenwriter made the journey straight outta Connecticut.

-- In its debut weekend, the rap movie topped the weekend box-office competition.

-- More on the "Compton" moment, and how Dr. Dre is asserting the dominance of L.A. hip-hop.

-- After the Watts riots, artists like Noah Purifoy salvaged meaning from the streets.

-- "Star Wars" is getting its own Disney "land."

WHAT OUR EDITORS ARE READING

-- A Tampa Bay Times investigation examines the drastic decline of schools in poor black neighborhoods of Pinellas County.

-- Put down that blini. Some Russian caviar is coming from Italy, Bloomberg reports.

-- Summer is winding down, but before you brush off all that sand, consider beach etiquette of days gone by, courtesy of NPR.

ONLY IN L.A.

The very name Clifton's Cafeteria conjures up images of vintage downtown L.A. street scenes. Walt Disney frequented the Broadway landmark. So did Ray Bradbury, along with generations of politicians, businessmen, shoppers and other residents. But when the restaurant that dates to the 1930s reopens next month after an extensive makeover, don't expect to see pot roast and Jell-O. DTLA has changed, and so has Clifton's. Andrew Meieran, the developer behind such hipster hangs as the Edison, has poured more than $10 million into the project as he balances preservation with innovation. Your table — plus a tray — awaits.

Please send comments and ideas to Davan Maharaj.