Newsletter: Today: Torpedo Run. Sidewalk Shopping.

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 Pope Was in the House

Pope Francis will address the United Nations, after making quite an impression Thursday on Congress. He asked lawmakers to consider "the common good," then called on them to abolish the death penalty, welcome immigrants, fight climate change, ease income inequality and "protect and defend human life at every stage of its development." You can guess which lines drew the biggest reaction from Democrats and Republicans. The full text of his speech is here, along with today's live coverage. Plus: The Holy Father has inspired cookies and bobbleheads.

Putin Will Take Manhattan

After the pope speaks, it's Vladimir Putin's turn next week. The Russian president will make his first visit to the U.N. in a decade. While he is in the neighborhood, he'll also meet with President Obama in their first formal talks since 2012. The summit, set for Monday and at Putin's request, is shaping up to be a high-stakes squabble over the Syrian civil war and refugee crisis. 

Run Silent, Run Deep

On the submarine USS Mississippi, they don't say "up periscope" any more; they raise a "photonics mast." Still, the cat-and-mouse games underwater are just as intense as they were during the Cold War. The players now are the U.S. and China. Go on board the Mississippi, somewhere under the Pacific, as it trains to fight an imaginary Chinese foe.

Fiorina's Shifting Stance

Carly Fiorina is still feeling the glow in the polls after her strong debate performance in Simi Valley. (Donald Trump, meanwhile, is plateauing.) Her recent statements on stem-cell research, immigration, global warming and other issues differ, though, with views she expressed in 2008 and 2010. Those shifts have led some conservative activists to question her consistency. Here's what she said then and now.

Carts and Minds

Bacon-wrapped hot dogs. Used clothing. Fresh orange juice. Toys. You can buy just about anything on the sidewalks of Los Angeles. Except that street vending is generally prohibited. Now, city leaders are weighing the pros and cons of legalization.

CALIFORNIA

-- LAPD body camera video of a skid row shooting raises questions on use of force.

-- A shooting at a taco stand is a sobering reminder of the violence that continues to hit South L.A.

-- A convent reopening in Long Beach surprises in an era of nuns' dwindling numbers.

-- A Saudi prince was arrested near Beverly Hills after being accused of a sex crime, police said.

NATION-WORLD

-- First person: What hajj is really like.

-- Colombia and rebels are within reach of peace, but many details remain.

-- The NSA's chief says the Chinese government encourages cybertheft.

-- Fox News' chairman will meet with Donald Trump about the candidate's boycott of the network.

-- A 9,000-year-old decapitation victim hints at a "sophisticated" society then.

BUSINESS

-- Columnist David Lazarus: In California, "Made in America" is at least 90% true.

-- The Volkswagen emissions scandal may tarnish diesel technology's reputation.

-- Grocery chain Haggen is leaving California, Nevada and Arizona.

-- The Fed's leader expects an interest rate increase this year "unless the economy surprises us."

SPORTS

-- Mitch Kupchak is more guarded about Lakers expectations. Plus: Lakers sign Metta World Peace.

-- Pac-12 football coaches don't waste time making an impact on their programs.

-- Dodgers aren't counting on Yasiel Puig returning before the season ends.

ENTERTAINMENT

-- Q&A: James Taylor talks about his new album and much more.

-- Movie review: "The Intern," starring Anne Hathaway and Robert De Niro.

-- Does sunny Southern California really need an indoor water park?

WHAT OUR EDITORS ARE READING

-- What it means to be "Blaxican" in Los Angeles. (Fusion)

-- New York Magazine rounds up the thoughts of 25 famous women on writing their own stories.

-- Why a former cop is waging a war against lie detectors. (Bloomberg)

ONLY IN L.A.

If you live here, you've seen the yellow plastic signs with black lettering that guide production crews to film locations. A new music video takes those signs and gives them a twist: It uses 163, placed around the city, to present the song's lyrics. Watch the video and discover what else inspired the duo behind it. 

Please send comments and ideas to Davan Maharaj.