Newsletter: Today: To Watch or Not to Watch

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

A True Horror Show

It was a nightmare come to life: Two journalists were shot to death during a live TV interview in Virginia. Soon, video of the incident appeared online -- including footage from the suspected shooter himself. And then the struggle for us all: Do you watch? TV critic Mary McNamara explains why we shouldn't avert our eyes. 

China's Ripple Effect

The slowdown in China's economy has lots of people on edge, especially those in neighboring countries. What will it mean for farmers in Australia, factory workers in Vietnam and travel agents in Tokyo? The answers appear to be largely not good. But there are some bright spots too.

The Immigration Roller Coaster

Last fall, immigrant advocacy groups were cheering President Obama's plan to shield up to 5 million people from deportation. This summer, those who favor stricter immigration controls are riding high, and they have Donald Trump as their champion. "It's a good time for us," says one longtime anti-immigrant activist. 

Grown-Up Baby Talk

The term "anchor babies" has ignited a political firestorm. It's also put the spotlight again on an open secret in the San Gabriel Valley and some other parts of Southern California: so-called maternity tourism from Asia.  A look at how the talk meshes with a more complex reality. 

USC's Teachable Moment

USC is under scrutiny over how it is handling head football coach Steve Sarkisian after his apparently intoxicated pep rally appearance. Some on campus call it a mixed message on drinking culture. Others say it’s entirely appropriate under the circumstances. 

CALIFORNIA

-- Is L.A.'s traffic the worst in the U.S.? It depends on how you measure it.

-- The Los Angeles City Council delayed a vote on whether to bid for the 2024 Olympics.

-- A fireworks display at a party thrown by Khloe Kardashian frightened Marina del Rey residents.

-- George Skelton: Gov. Jerry Brown in the 2016 presidential race? If only. 

NATION-WORLD

-- Civil rights pioneer Amelia Boynton Robinson, who was beaten unconscious in Selma and was the first black woman to run for Congress in Alabama, has died at 104.

-- Stephen Hawking says he's solved a black hole mystery, but physicists await the proof.

-- After seven failed deals, South Sudan's president signs a peace agreement but still has many qualms.

-- One of the panda twins at the National Zoo has died.

-- What the dust in your house reveals about you. 

BUSINESS

-- The Dow Jones industrial average enjoyed its biggest gain in four years.

-- The stock market's instability could cut the flow of venture capital to start-ups.

-- Boeing's planned layoffs in Southern California could affect subcontractors too. 

SPORTS

-- In the Army, Daniel Rodriguez earned a Purple Heart and Bronze Star. Now he's a rookie with the St. Louis Rams. 

-- Commentary: Quarterback Cody Kessler comes through in the clutch for Steve Sarkisian and USC.

ENTERTAINMENT

-- Jorge Ramos, the Univision news anchor who was escorted out of Donald Trump's news conference, has been in the spotlight before. 

-- "Volume" is one of the most subversive video games released this year.

WHAT OUR EDITORS ARE READING

-- Here are the 100 best novels written in English, according to writer-editor Robert McCrum in the Guardian.  

-- ProPublica details the growing battle over the release of information about women undergoing abortions.

-- National Geographic explores how ancient Palmyra grew rich and powerful.

ONLY IN L.A.

You won’t see a mention of the Inland Empire group J.J. Fad in the film "Straight Outta Compton," but with its hit single "Supersonic" in the late 1980s, the teenage female rappers helped the Ruthless Records label make its mark before N.W.A. We caught up with them to find out what they -- and label co-founder Jerry Heller -- think of the film. 

Please send comments and ideas to Davan Maharaj.