Mainland China is roiled by protests, the size of which have not been seen in a generation. People are calling for an end to the government’s strict “zero-COVID” restrictions. The moment has also brought rare public criticism of its architect, President Xi Jinping. Just months ago, he secured an unprecedented third term, but now is as vulnerable as he’s ever been.Today, we examine whether the zero-COVID policy could be Xi’s downfall. Read the full transcript here.Host: Gustavo ArellanoGuests: L.A. Times China correspondent Stephanie YangMore reading:‘Zero COVID’ is roiling China. But ending the policy may cause a massive health disasterProtests over China’s strict COVID-19 controls spread across the countryDreams of a Red Emperor: The relentless rise of Xi Jinping

This week, Congress passed a bill that effectively imposed an agreement between rail workers and their companies and prohibited a strike. Politicians feared that any work stoppage would cripple the U.S. economy for the holidays, costing the country billions of dollars.Today, we talk about the unique, violent history of rail workers trying to fight for better union contracts. Read the full transcript here.Host: Gustavo ArellanoGuests: University of Rhode Island history professor Erik LoomisMore reading:Senate moves to avert rail strike amid dire warningsBiden calls on Congress to head off potential rail strikeBig rail unions split on contract deal with railroads, raising possibility of a strike

Few people associate urban and suburban Southern California with floods anymore, mostly because many of its rivers were dammed up or transformed into concrete gulches long ago. But scientists say a megaflood could hit the entire state and would submerge cities, hitting communities of color particularly hard.The state is nowhere near prepared for that. Today, our Masters of Disasters talk about this upcoming flood, what it could mean for a rising sea and more. Read the full transcript here.Host: Gustavo ArellanoGuests: L.A. Times earthquake-COVID reporter Ron Lin, L.A. Times coastal reporter Rosanna Xia, and L.A. Times environmental reporter Louis SahagúnMore reading:Major flood would hit Los Angeles Black communities disproportionately hard, study findsRisk of catastrophic California ‘megaflood’ has doubled due to global warming, researchers sayMore than 400 toxic sites in California are at risk of flooding from sea level rise

For the last decade, about 800,000 individuals who came to the United States as children but have no legal status have been protected from deportation by a program commonly referred to as DACA. It has allowed them to legally work, apply for driver's licenses and even travel abroad. But the U.S. Supreme Court is expected to strike DACA down, leaving the individuals enrolled with no clear step on how to legalize their status.Today, we hear from DACA recipients who aren't going to wait to find out and have moved from the U.S.. Read the full transcript here.Host: Gustavo ArellanoGuest: L.A. Times immigration reporter Andrea CastilloMore reading: Why these DACA recipients traded living in the U.S. for other countries ‘I can’t keep fighting the system’: DACA recipients are leaving the U.S., disheartened by years of instability On the 10th anniversary of DACA, Janet Napolitano reflects on program she helped create

Right now, the eyes of much of the world is on the FIFA World Cup in Qatar as 32 teams fight for national pride. One team is Mexico, whose unique fanbase sets it apart from the world. With loyalties to both Mexico and the United States, it’s a representation of resilience, controversy and so much more.Today, we examine the phenomenon. Read the full transcript here.Host: Gustavo ArellanoGuests: Univisión News anchor León KrauzeMore reading:Watch “Al Grito de Guerra”Gracias Fútbol: Reliving our favorite World Cup memoriesThis soccer-mad L.A. Latina has attended seven World Cups. Qatar will make it eight

Grasshopper hunting has been going on in Mexico for thousands of years, but lately eating them has gained wider acceptance. Consumption of the jumpy little protein-packed insects is booming, and more and more restaurants are putting them on the menu ... and not just in Mexico.Today, chapulines, the world of harvesting and eating grasshoppers in Mexico. Read the full transcript here.Host: Gustavo ArellanoGuests: L.A. Times Latin America correspondent Leila MillerMore reading:Are grasshoppers as delicious as ham? Mexico’s insect hunters would like you to find outReview: ‘Bugs’ documentary explores insect-eating as a cure for world hungerThis pop-up dinner menu is full of bugs. Yes, those kinds of bugs

The Inn Between in Salt Lake City offers a revolutionary program: hospice care for homeless individuals. We visit to see what resistance they have met — and what hope they've inspired.Read the full transcript here.Host: Gustavo ArellanoGuests: L.A. Times California politics reporter Mackenzie MaysMore reading: The place where homeless people come to die with dignity Column: He was homeless and in hospice. His recovery is a lesson in what it takes to save a life Column: Stalked by death, they are gathered off the streets and cared for by an army of angels

Taiwan has more than 25,000 enthusiasts of ham radio, the antiquated communication technology that is increasingly being used in war zones when all other communications is down. If China declares war on Taiwan, then these ham radio enthusiasts could be crucial for civilians and officials alike — and can offer lessons for the rest of us.Read the full transcript here.Host: Gustavo ArellanoGuests: L.A. Times China correspondent Stephanie YangMore reading:If China declares war, these ham radio enthusiasts could be crucialLiving in space can get lonely. What helps? Talking to random people over ham radioChina on Taiwan: ‘External interference’ won’t be tolerated

Right now, there’s a lot of attention being paid to Black male celebrities and their controversial statements and actions. Dave Chapelle has been criticized for his comments about trans people. Artist Ye (formerly Kanye West) and star NBA player Kyrie Irving of the Brooklyn Nets are under fire for pushing antisemitic sentiments.It’s something we’ve seen before — but is there a double standard when the bigot is Black? Read the full transcript here.Host: Gustavo ArellanoGuests: L.A. Times columnist LZ GrandersonMore reading:Column: Kanye West’s life and art are one. You don’t have to keep watchingKyrie Irving suspended by Brooklyn Nets for failure to disavow antisemitismColumn: What I want Dave Chappelle to understand about the color of queerness

Political violence has been a part of this country since its founding. But right now, many people feel it’s a disturbing trend on a sharp and dangerous upswing. Such acts of political violence started ramping up long before the midterm elections. And the people who study it are worried.Read the full transcript here.Host: Gustavo ArellanoGuests: L.A. Times national politics reporter Melanie MasonMore reading:‘We are a tinderbox’: Political violence is ramping up, experts warnRead our full coverage of the violent attack on Paul PelosiRep. Steve Scalise and three others shot on a Virginia baseball field in apparent act of political violence