Headlines From The Times

Sometime soon, NASA plans to launch a powerful new rocket. The launch is part of an ambitious quest to get people back to the moon for the first time in half a century — and just maybe, even further.Today, why the U.S. and its partners are determined to go back to the moon and the role politics plays when we reach for the stars. Read the full transcript here.Host: Gustavo ArellanoGuests: L.A. Times business reporter Samantha MasunagaMore reading:NASA’s return to the moon is delayed again after scrub because of fuel leakColumn One: 50 years after Apollo 11, the moon’s allure still resonatesReaders remember the Apollo 11 moon landing, 50 years later

California voters legalized cannabis in 2016, and one of the issues that was supposed to be solved was the violence and environmental wreckage associated with the drug’s illegal trade. But that hasn’t happened.Inside California’s famed “Emerald Triangle,” a region north of San Francisco known for its weed, there’s an estimated 5,000 to 10,000 illegal cannabis farms alone. The under-the-radar cultivation is messing with once-peaceful communities. Today, we get into this issue. Read the full transcript here.Host: Gustavo ArellanoGuests: L.A. Times investigative reporter Paige St. JohnMore reading:Legal Weed, Broken Promises: A Times series on the fallout of legal pot in CaliforniaNobody knows how widespread illegal cannabis grows are in California. So we mapped themThe reality of legal weed in California: Huge illegal grows, violence, worker exploitation and deaths

A Los Angeles Times analysis found that thousands of short-term Airbnb rentals are in California’s most hazardous fire zones. But the company does not provide warnings or evacuation information to guests when they make a reservations, and some customers say the company’s refund policy adds to the potential dangers.Today, as climate change threatens so many aspects of our lives, are even our vacations not safe anymore? Read the full transcript here.Host: Gustavo ArellanoGuests: L.A. Times reporters Ben Poston and Alex WigglesworthMore reading:In California’s high-risk fire country, Airbnb offers guests no warning or escape planIs your vacation rental in a risky wildfire zone? What you need to knowCalifornia fires are burning faster, hotter, more intensely — and getting harder to fight

Street takeovers. Street races. Burnouts. They’re the latest manifestations of car culture in the region — cousins to the drag races, lowrider cruises, V-dub love-ins and other gear-head gatherings that’ve gone on here for decades. But what you’re seeing right now — a lot of people say the scene feels different. And some people say the film franchise “Fast & Furious” is to blame.In a region where car culture is king and stunts are all over social media, residents, politicians and law enforcement have had enough. Read the full transcript here.Host: Gustavo ArellanoGuests: L.A. Times reporter Nathan SolisMore reading:Inside L.A.’s deadly street takeover scene: ‘A scene of lawlessness’19 cars seized, 27 arrested in illegal street takeover in PomonaLA Times Today: Dangerous street takeovers take a deadly toll on L.A.

Sammy Roth, an energy reporter for the L.A. Times, dives into Wyoming's booming wind farm industry aimed at powering California. He discusses the challenges of building America's largest wind farm amidst local opposition and environmental concerns. Roth highlights delicate issues like impacts on migratory birds and local habitats, while balancing renewable energy goals with ecological preservation. The transition from coal to clean energy in the region and its economic implications also take center stage, shedding light on the complex dynamics of green energy.

Mexico president Andrés Manuel López Obrador came into office promising to get the military off the streets. Instead, he’s more than doubled their numbers. He claims there’s just no other way to handle Mexico’s narco-violence.Today, we look at Mexico’s delicate dance with its military. It’s an institution that’s among the most trusted in the nation, and potentially its most dangerous. Read the full transcript here.Host: Gustavo ArellanoGuests: L.A. Times Latin America correspondent Kate LinthicumMore reading:Mexico’s president vowed to end the drug war. Instead he’s doubled the number of troops in the streetsMexico’s military gains power as president turns from critic to partnerMexico sent in the army to fight the drug war. Many question the toll on society and the army itself

For her role as Shauna in “Yellowjackets,” Melanie Lynskey has an Emmy nomination for lead actress in a drama series. Today, we've got another episode from our sister podcast "The Envelope." Lynskey joins host Yvonne Villarreal to dish on how this year has helped her feel more empowered and less underestimated, arriving at a place of self-love after struggling with an eating disorder, and why now is the time for ferocious female characters. She also busts out her Drew Barrymore impression and gets a brief, adorable visit from a special guest. Read the full transcript here. Host: Yvonne Villarreal Guest: Melanie LynskeyMore reading: ‘Yellowjackets’ star Melanie Lynskey is celebrating her Emmy nod by ... buying a fridge‘Yellowjackets’ creators break down ‘heartbreaking’ finale — and your fan theoriesSebastian Stan, Melanie Lynskey and more discuss teaching directors about acting

Millions of Americans who attended college could have their debt completely canceled or reduced under a plan announced by President Joe Biden last week. But the move is unsurprisingly stirring debate among the right and left, but for completely different reasons.Today, we talk about how this announcement might impact the midterms. Read the full transcript here.Host: Gustavo ArellanoGuests: L.A. Times national reporter Arit JohnMore reading:For many with student loans, the interest hurts the most. This congressman would knowStudent loan forgiveness: Everything you need to knowWhy Californians with student loans will gain massively from forgiveness plan

After displacement from Haiti, an exodus from South America and an epic journey through the Americas, what became of Haitians’ American dream? Today, in the final episode of the “Line in the Land” podcast produced by Texas Public Radio and the Houston Chronicle, we hear from Haitian migrants about where they ended up. Read the full transcript here.Hosts: Joey Palacios of Texas Public Radio, and Elizabeth Trovall with the Houston ChronicleMore reading:Listen to all “Line in the Land” episodesThe Times podcast: Our nation’s Haitian double standardHaitians in L.A. Spread Out and Blend InThis podcast is made possible by the Catana Foundation, supporting the asylum seeker advocacy project, providing more than 100,000 asylum seekers in the U.S. with community and legal support. Learn more at asylum.news. For the Spanish version of this episode, listen here.

One year ago this month, U.S. forces left Afghanistan after 20 years of war. Some 94,000 Afghan nationals, American citizens and lawful permanent residents have arrived in the U.S. as part of Operation Allies Welcome, according to the Department of Homeland Security. Today, we hear some of their stories. Read the full transcript here.Host: Gustavo ArellanoGuests: L.A. Times diaspora reporter Sarah Parvini and photojournalist Marcus YamMore reading:They escaped Afghanistan for California and beyond. But war’s struggles followed themThe things they carried when they fled AfghanistanThe cadence of war and its human toll: A photojournalist’s perspectiveA Times journalist’s diary inside the fall of Afghanistan