Newsletter: Today: From Boos to the Bern. A Saint to Those Living on the Streets.
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.
TOP STORIES
From Boos to the Bern
The first day of the Democratic National Convention opened with boos, the sound of Bernie Sanders supporters voicing their displeasure with Hillary Clinton. It ended with a speech by Sanders that was “the anti-Cruz”: a full-throated endorsement of Clinton. And in between, similar to the GOP convention, there were plenty of signs of discord amid calls for unity and chants of “Lock her up.” But as Cathleen Decker writes, there are also some key differences in the dynamics of division within each party.
Two for the Price of One, Again?
In 1992, Bill Clinton was fond of saying voters would get “two for the price of one” if they elected him, given his wife’s engagement. With Hillary Clinton set to officially become the first female nominee of a major U.S. party tonight, some are wondering what a White House would look like with a “first gentleman” who is also a former president.
More Politics
-- Michelle Obama’s convention speech: “When they go low, we go high.”
-- The FBI is investigating whether Russians hacked the Democratic Party’s emails to help Trump.
-- More than 50 were cited for civil disobedience outside the Democratic convention. This is what is was like on the streets.
-- Watch the convention with us live. And get our complete coverage here.
L.A.’s Biggest Fire of the Year Rages On
The Sand fire has filled the skies of Los Angeles with smoke and ash, destroyed at least 18 structures and consumed an area equal to 10,000 football fields a day. It has forced the evacuation of 20,000 people and sent nearly 770 animals to shelters, including 165 goats and a Brahma bull. Though the fire is far from contained, the good news is many evacuees are being allowed to return to their homes. But for Bruce Sanborn and his family, the only thing left of his house was a table his mother bought in the 1970s. “After the apocalypse,” he joked, “the only thing that will have survived are cockroaches, Keith Richards and that table.” Here is the latest on the fire, including video, photos and graphics.
Can You Hear Yahoo Now?
When Yahoo began in 1994, it was directory to the untamed wilds of the World Wide Web. But as the Internet evolved, it went from portal to media company to some combination thereof. Now Verizon is buying Yahoo’s core business for $4.83 billion, a far cry from the $45 billion Microsoft offered in 2008. How will it fit into the nation’s biggest telecommunications company? Read on.
A Saint to Those Living on the Streets
Mollie Lowery grew up in the San Fernando Valley and was a Catholic nun for a short time. But she found her calling decades ago in helping the sick, the destitute and the forgotten living on the streets of Los Angeles. A few weeks ago, she was still working, even as cancer weakened her. On Monday, she died at age 70. Columnist Steve Lopez remembers the inspiration that was Mollie Lowery.
CALIFORNIA
-- An L.A. County lawsuit demands new safety equipment on gas wells.
-- The case of the robbery ring fingered, in part, because of a missing ring finger.
-- A new law will require newly purchased vehicles to display temporary license plates.
-- Why you’re still stuck on the plane after landing at LAX and what you can do about it.
NATION-WORLD
-- U.S. Congress members express “deep concern” over threats to democracy in Brazil.
-- “I did it”: A Japanese man turned himself in after a knife attack that killed at least 19 near Tokyo.
-- Germany is on edge after recent violence from asylum seekers.
-- A solar-powered plane has completed its journey around the world.
-- ADHD is now classified as a specific disability under federal civil rights law.
HOLLYWOOD AND THE ARTS
-- What makes a great screenplay? Robert McKee has influenced a generation of writers.
-- Watch our lesson in “Drunk History” with comedian Derek Waters.
-- Puccini extreme: Dudamel’s gloriously pessimistic “Tosca,” an indictment of the appeal of fascism.
-- Here’s every trailer that premiered at Comic-Con 2016.
-- Marni Nixon, whose singing gave voice to Hollywood’s leading ladies, has died at 86.
BUSINESS
-- How to solve California’s housing shortage? Lawmakers are looking to make it easier to build “granny flats” in homeowners’ backyards.
-- Assessing the legal fallout of Roger Ailes’ resignation from Fox News.
SPORTS
-- The best lefty in the game? Adam Liberatore wants to show the Dodgers he’s that guy.
-- Michael Jordan pledges $2 million toward building trust between communities and police.
OPINION
-- Don’t jump to the conclusion Trump is taking orders from Moscow.
-- The media have cried wolf about GOP candidates for ages. Now no one will listen to warnings on Trump.
WHAT OUR EDITORS ARE READING
-- The human toll of a cup of tea from Assam, India. (Quartz)
-- New Zealand looks to rid itself of all “predators,” including rats, possums and feral cats. (Radio New Zealand)
-- Reading the comic strip “Calvin and Hobbes” as great literature. (Literary Hub)
ONLY IN CALIFORNIA
“Don’t worry, you’re in safe hands,” state Supt. of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson said Monday night. Why the reassuring words? Californians, meet your acting governor. With Jerry Brown and so many other Democrats in Philadelphia this week, that task falls to the man who is No. 9 in the line of succession. Read on to see why California law requires a governor must be within the state to have the powers of office — and what would happen if Torlakson crossed the border now.
Please send comments and ideas to Davan Maharaj.
