Category: 1-HeadlineNews

Two years ago, the world watched as millions of people in Hong Kong marched in the streets to call for autonomy from China. Beijing responded by passing a national security law last summer that broadly defined acts of subversion, foreign collusion and terrorism. Critics say the law crushed civil liberties. Since it was enacted, many people have fled Hong Kong — some to neighboring Taiwan. Yet Taiwan, a self-governing island that China claims as its territory, is at risk as well. 

Today, we start a two-part series on the Chinese Communist Party’s ambitions as it celebrates its 100th anniversary. This episode gets into the continued crackdown on freedom and democracy in Hong Kong, where authorities have arrested thousands of pro-democracy activists and shut down a major daily newspaper. We’ll also discuss China’s growing threats to absorb Taiwan. Tomorrow, how the Chinese Communist Party is rewriting China’s history.

An earlier version of this episode was published July 1, 2021. 

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Beleaguered pro-democracy Hong Kong newspaper Apple Daily says it’s closing down

As democracy fades, Hong Kong’s political opposition become political prisoners

The most important company you’ve never heard of is being dragged into the U.S.-China rivalry

QAnon or New Age? Increasingly, in California’s vast health, wellness and spiritual worlds, there's an intersection between the two communities so pronounced that the phenomenon has a new nickname: “Woo-Anon,” and it’s coming to a yoga studio near you.

 Today, we speak with L.A. Times investigative reporter Laura J. Nelson and yoga instructor Seane Corn about the growing movement, as well as the broken friendships and business partnerships that are happening in a once-placid scene.

An earlier version of this episode was published July 13, 2021. 

More reading:

California’s yoga, wellness and spirituality community has a QAnon problem

‘Woo-Anon’: The creep of QAnon into Southern California’s New Age world 

Former La Habra police chief, now yoga instructor, indicted on Capitol riot conspiracy charges

For a few days this week, we’re highlighting the work of students from USC’s Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism.

Maya Abu-Zahra started college with every intention of becoming a doctor. But about half of pre-med students end up choosing a different path. Today, she brings us down two of those paths, speaking with former pre-meds who ended up in very different careers.

For a few days this week, we’re highlighting the work of students from USC’s Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism.

Today, Jillian Carmenate introduces us to her older sister, Madison, who’s forging into the entertainment industry. Madison Carmenate hopes to create movies and TV shows that feature people with disabilities, like her — and like a full quarter of U.S. adults.

More reading:

How entertainment professionals with disabilities are fighting for inclusion

This manager is working toward diversity in Hollywood — and that includes those with disabilities

Hollywood’s reluctance to welcome disability shuts out a lot of fresh talent and stories

 

For a few days this week, we’re highlighting the work of students from USC’s Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism.

Today, Cari Spencer guides us through her journey of figuring out her identity. Half Taiwanese and half white, she felt all her life that she had to “pick a side” — or that she wasn’t enough of one thing or the other. Then she found another option.

Host: USC student Cari Spencer

More reading:

Five takeaways from the new U.S. census data

From the archives, 2001: Census’ multiracial option overturns traditional views

Today we’re doing something a little different: channeling our inner holiday spirit and sharing stories from some of our awesome colleagues across the L.A. Times newsroom.

They submitted stories about losing a loved one to COVID-19. Finding new ways to bond with family. Reconnecting with choirmates after months of virtual performances. And the exploits of one seriously sassy pet rabbit. (Thank you, Steve Padilla, Karen Garcia, Wendy Lee and Jazmín Aguilera!)

We at The Times have been working remotely throughout the pandemic, and we miss chitchatting with coworkers. Hearing these stories is kind of like kicking back at an old-school office potluck and catching up. It made us feel good and cheery. We hope it does the same for you.

More reading: Just some holiday stuff to set the mood

The L.A. Times 2021 holiday cookie recipes

8 fun, festive and free phone and Zoom backgrounds made by L.A. artists

How to handle another COVID holiday season

His nicknames: El Hijo del Pueblo — the People’s Son. El Ídolo de México — Mexico’s Idol. El Rey — the King. Or just plain Chente.

Ranchera legend Vicente Fernández passed away this week at age 81, and millions of his fans in the U.S., Mexico and beyond are mourning a man who was their soundtrack of love and sadness and resistance for over half a century.

Today, L.A. Times journalists who grew up with Chente’s music — host Gustavo Arellano, deputy sports editor Iliana Limón Romero, video journalist Steve Saldivar and culture writer Daniel Hernández — talk about his legacy. We even sing some of his songs — badly.

More reading:

Vicente Fernández, a Mexican musical icon for generations, dies at 81

Column: Vicente Fernández’s journey was our parents’ journey. Long may they live

Appreciation: 10 essential songs of ranchera legend Vicente Fernández

Need a quick, yummy gift for Christmas or any other occasion? For generations of Californians, the answer has been a box of See’s Candies. With stores that sport a black-and-white checkerboard design and offer a galaxy of sweets — chocolates, peanut brittle, butterscotch lollipops — the South San Francisco-based company is nostalgia in a box or bag.

Today, L.A. Times food columnist Jenn Harris talks with host Gustavo Arellano about See’s on the occasion of the chain’s 100th anniversary. And you'd better believe some taste tests are involved. (What’s that white-chocolate one that Gustavo has never liked?)

More reading:

Is See’s Candies the best in the world? It’s certainly the most memorable

Everything you ever wanted to know about See’s Candies

Timeline: 100 years of See’s Candies

2021 has been a bad year for disasters: Drought. Oil spills. Bomb cyclones. Wildfires. Delta. Omicron. Yet if you’re reading this, you’ve survived.

Our Masters of Disasters — L.A. Times reporters Ron Lin, Alex Wigglesworth and Rosanna Xia — reflect on the year and offer a bit of hope on apocalyptic issues such as the coronavirus, the environment and wildfires.

More reading:

The American West went through climate hell in 2021. But there’s still hope

More than 400 toxic sites in California are at risk of flooding from sea level rise

Newsletter: We write about environmental calamity. Here’s what gives us hope

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti is political royalty in the City of Angels. His father was a district attorney. Eric Garcetti won his last election with over 80% of the vote. There were even rumors he would run for president in 2020. This summer, the Biden administration has tapped Garcetti as the U.S. ambassador to India. A Senate panel will consider his nomination this week. And people from Kolkata to Calexico are still saying ... huh? Him?

Today, we speak to L.A. Times columnist Steve Lopez, who says Garcetti’s ambition might actually make him good for the position, and to former City Council candidate Dinesh Lakhanpal, who’s open to the idea, if a bit skeptical.

An earlier version of this episode was published June 10, 2021. 

More reading:

Garcetti’s India move is no surprise. But it still stirred emotions and speculation

Waiting for Garcetti: India evaluates its ties with a post-Trump U.S.

Garcetti’s Senate committee nomination hearing scheduled for Tuesday