Headlines From The Times

U.S. District Judge Roger Benitez is known for overturning gun bans. Derided and hailed in equal measures, he’s now presiding over a case with far-reaching consequences.Today, we talk about his history and impact. Read the full transcript here.Host: Gustavo ArellanoGuests: L.A. Times enterprise reporter Laura J. NelsonMore reading:The judge upending California’s gun laws: ‘Blessed’ jurist or ‘stone-cold ideologue’? Thanks to the Supreme Court, California gun cases hinge more on history than modern threatsWar on California gun laws revs up after Supreme Court’s ‘right to carry’ decision

Academy Award winner Michelle Yeoh has been a worldwide movie star for decades, known for action-packed roles in films such as “Supercop” and “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” and as a Bond girl in “Tomorrow Never Dies.” But it’s her leading role in “Everything Everywhere All at Once” that Yeoh says finally let her show what she’s capable of.In this episode of “The Envelope,” Yeoh discusses her first impressions of “Everything Everywhere’s” genre-bending script and bold gags. She reflects on her dangerous early-career stunts and how she was treated when she arrived in Hollywood (she makes a gloriously unimpressed sound while recalling that people were “quite stunned” when they realized she could speak English). Yeoh also goes deep on tokenism, aging, and why she had been praying every night to win an Oscar.  To read a full transcript of this interview, please visit the episode page at latimes.com.Hosts: Gustavo Arellano and Mark OlsenGuest: Michelle Yeoh

The recent release of toxic chemicals in East Palestine, Ohio, after a train derailment was a reminder of how devastating such environmental events are for poor communities. Can we prevent the next one?Today, our Masters of Disasters reconvene to talk toxic contamination and cleanup — and why toxic spills will probably never go away. Read the full transcript here.Host: Gustavo ArellanoGuests: L.A. Times environmental reporter Tony Briscoe, L.A. Times energy reporter Sammy Roth, and L.A. Times reporter Erin B. LoganMore reading:Essential Politics: Shock waves from East Palestine train derailment reaching beyond OhioDo you live near the old Exide lead-acid battery smelter? Check your property’s cleanup statusBoiling Point: Fossil fuel ads galore

Last year, the California State Legislature approved a bill that aimed to improve wages and conditions for fast-food workers, but the fast-food industry raised millions to oppose it. As petitioners collect signatures, voters allege that they were lied to by petitioners.Today, we get into the food fight — and California’s murky world of signature-gathering. Read the full transcript here.Host: Gustavo ArellanoGuests: L.A. Times reporter Suhauna HusseinMore reading:‘I feel duped’: Inside the fast-food industry’s push to dismantle a new California labor lawUC Riverside should investigate ‘phony’ economics research center, faculty sayColumn: The fast-food industry gears up to kill another pro-worker state law 

The Oscars ceremony is a night to celebrate the best the industry has to offer — but the nominated films are rarely box office hits, and viewership of the awards broadcast has declined. Will we see a rebound?Today, we talk about the future of the Academy Awards, and who might win Sunday. Read the full transcript here.Host: Gustavo ArellanoGuests: L.A. Times film and television reporter Glenn WhippMore reading:Oscar voting has begun. Do we have a winner?Three Oscar voters share their super-secret ballots‘Everything Everywhere’ won the guild trifecta. Now it’s the Oscars frontrunner

Californians have long moved to Nevada in search of new business and personal opportunities. But a massive business park near Reno is drawing in businesses like never before. Some long-timers aren’t happy.Today, we visit the Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center to learn more. Read the full transcript here.Host: Gustavo ArellanoGuests: L.A. Times national enterprise reporter Noah BiermanMore reading:Californians are pouring into Nevada. Not everyone is happy about it ‘Don’t move to Texas’: Billboard warns L.A., San Francisco residents about moving to Lone Star StateNashville’s Southern hospitality — and affordability — beckon Californians

When California voters legalized cannabis, growers vowed a break from decades of worker exploitation in the state’s agricultural industry. A Times investigation found otherwise.Today, where it all went wrong and what’s being done to stop it. Read the full transcript here.Host: Gustavo ArellanoGuests: L.A. Times investigative reporter Paige St. JohnMore reading:Dying for your high: The untold exploitation and misery in America’s weed industryThe reality of legal weed in California: Huge illegal grows, violence, worker exploitation and deathsLawmakers want investigation, hearings into ‘Wild West’ of California cannabis and farm work

Faced with high levels of worker stress, anxiety and burnout as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many companies pledged that employee mental health would become a top priority. But actions haven’t always followed promises.Today, we look into what bosses and employees can do to better the workplace. Read the full transcript here.Host: Gustavo ArellanoGuests: L.A. Times business reporter Samantha Masunaga, and The Times senior producer Denise Guerra More reading:Bosses say they care about mental health — can workers trust them?Use these mental health resources to help yourself — or anyone elseNewsletter: How to boost mental health at your workplace

When you think of Black ballerinas, names like Misty Copeland or Janet Collins may come to mind. But did you know that a classical ballet dancer from L.A. named Bernice Harrison predated both of them?Today, the lesser-known story of Harrison’s rise to become the first Black prima ballerina, and the legacy of the First Negro Classical Ballet Company. Read the full transcript here.Host: L.A. Times producer Ashlea BrownGuest: Kenneth Marcus professor of history at the University of LaverneMore reading:First Negro Classical Ballet and Bernice HarrisonL.A. Times Today: In ‘Kylie,’ a Black ballerina shares her experience in the ballet communityMisty Copeland, Calvin Royal III and the rarity of a black couple dancing lead roles

Drag performers are more visible than ever after decades in the underground, but will recent protests, threats of violence, and restrictive laws set them back?Today, we dive into the origins of the backlash and how drag performers are reacting to it. Read the full transcript here. Host: Gustavo ArellanoGuests: L.A. Times national correspondent Jaweed KaleemMore reading:Drag Queen Story Hour disrupted by men shouting slurs and threats at Bay Area libraryChildren’s drag queen event at Costa Mesa church draws protestArkansas legislative panel advances bill to restrict drag performances