Newsletter: Today: How a Terror Raid Went Wrong in So Many Ways

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

The Troubles in Syria

Russian troops are moving into Syria. Islamic State is making gains. Refugees are pouring into Europe. "We are not winning this at the moment," said one senior Western diplomat. Here's why the pressure on the U.S. to change its strategy is only mounting. 

A Raid Gone Wrong

It was a daring mission that went terribly wrong. In January, Philippine commandos took out a bomb maker linked to terrorist attacks. U.S. advisors watched on video. So how did an ensuing battle leave scores dead and strain the relationship between Manila and Washington?

Common Core, Common Confusion

The tests were new. The questions more difficult. The result: needs improvement. What does the drop in students' scores on the latest standardized exams in California mean for parents, students and teachers? Plus: See how your school scored.

'Honeymoon' in Vegas

The pictures look like countless other hunshazhao, the wedding photos Chinese couples take in various outfits and poses. In the case of marriages arranged by a Santa Fe Springs man and his daughter, officials say the artifice extended much further: bogus honeymoons and fraudulent immigration applications. All so that their Chinese clients might get a green card.

Wipeout for Quiksilver

Things have turned gnarly for Quiksilver. Three decades ago, the Huntington Beach surfwear company went public and became nearly synonymous with board shorts. Fashion is fickle, though. Now, it's filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

CALIFORNIA

-- The Assembly approves right-to-die legislation. Will it become law?

-- Extreme heat, intense rain and lightning hit Southern California.

-- A provision for a 50% cut in petroleum use by 2030 will be dropped from a climate change bill.

-- Eyeing L.A.'s Olympic bid, Metro seeks to accelerate two rail projects.

NATION-WORLD

-- In a cave in South Africa, scientists discover a new human species relative: Homo naledi.

-- A judge allows an unusual House GOP lawsuit against President Obama to proceed.

-- Uproar among House conservatives forces a new strategy on Iran vote.

-- Venezuela is pushing resident Colombian nationals back across the border.

-- Queen Elizabeth II becomes Britain's longest-reigning monarch: A timeline of key moments.

-- A Tennessee mom calls a Henrietta Lacks book "pornographic" and seeks to have it banned from school.

BUSINESS

-- Apple branches away from its iPhone focus.

-- Grocer Haggen files for bankruptcy protection. 

-- Weather Channel cuts shows and staff amid an uncertain future.

SPORTS

-- The NFL gets back to playing football Thursday. Plus: Meet Al Michaels' "spotter." 

-- No free Dodgers on TV this year? Bill Plaschke on the "long nightmare."

ENTERTAINMENT

-- The Broad Museum, Kanye West and critics' picks: Our complete guide to fall arts and books.

-- Kelly Carlin writes about her dad George, but it's not "Daddy Dearest."

-- Brad Anderson, creator of the "Marmaduke" comic strip, has died.

WHAT OUR EDITORS ARE READING

-- Reports of the death of DVDs and other physical media have been greatly exaggerated, Flavorwire writes.

-- Vox offers a first-person piece by Sarah A. Chrisman on living the Victorian-era life.

-- Bloomberg looks at the changing fortunes of a Kazakh tycoon, who once stored money in his empty pool. 

ONLY IN L.A.

Arias on wheels? High culture will meet car culture when an experimental opera company stages a retelling of Orpheus and Eurydice. In 24 moving cars. Along three unmarked routes in downtown and East L.A. What could go wrong? 

Please send comments and ideas to Davan Maharaj.