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Reporting dire news out of America and at home, Russian news anchor Viktor Antonov attempts to guide his audience through what may be the beginning of the end. Everywhere is a battlefield. ‘SIGN OFF' is a branded podcast from LA Times Studios paid for by Bleecker Street and LD Entertainment in support of the film ‘I.S.S.' only in theaters January 19th.

Following a wave of cyber attacks against the U.S., news anchor Maria Mason finds herself at the center of an escalating crisis where the International Space Station emerges as a strategic foothold. ‘SIGN OFF' is a scripted, branded podcast from LA Times Studios paid for by Bleecker Street and LD Entertainment in support of the film ‘I.S.S.' only in theaters January 19th.

If you listened to our most recent episode, you may have heard that after two years, the Times Podcast, as you all know it, has come to an end.

Trans surfers are beginning to find community among themselves in a sport that too often isolates and even shuns them. Today, we hang out with some at the beach, to hear their joy and pain. Read the full transcript here.Host: L.A. Times senior producer Denise GuerraMore reading:Biden sports plan angers transgender advocates and opponentsBlack surfers find moments of reflection, rejuvenation at ‘A Great Day in the Stoke'For transgender kids, a frantic rush for treatment amid bans

In a live taping, three of our Masters of Disasters talk about how they got into covering catastrophes, why they continue to do it — and how they try to convey hope. Read the full transcript here.Host: Gustavo ArellanoGuests: L.A. Times earthquake reporter Rong-Gong Lin, L.A. Times wildfire reporter Alex Wigglesworth, and L.A. Times coastal reporter Rosanna XiaMore reading:Read Rong-Gong LIn II's stories hereRead Alex Wigglesworth's stories hereRead Rosanna Xia's stories here

After a decades-long decline in automobile fatalities, numbers began to go up with the dawn of smart phones. Laws banning use of cellphones while driving haven't stopped the rise — and the dawn of smart cars seems to be making things worse.Today, we talk about efforts to stop distracted driving — and why they don't seem to work. Read the full transcript here.Host: Gustavo ArellanoGuests: L.A. Times auto industry reporter Russ MitchellMore reading:Highways are getting deadlier, with fatalities up 22%. Our smartphone addiction is a big reason why‘We are killing people': How technology has made your car ‘a candy store of distraction'The DMV said it would investigate Tesla over self-driving claims. Then, crickets

“Trot” is a Korean music genre that has been around for decades. But in recent years, it has exploded in popularity in Southern California. The biggest fans? Immigrant seniors.Today, we talk about trot's history, staying power and role in the Korean American community. Read the full transcript here.Host: Gustavo ArellanoGuests: L.A. Times Asian American communities reporter Jeong ParkMore reading:K-Pop isn't the only hot ticket in Koreatown — how ‘trot' is captivating immigrantsKoreatown's elderly immigrants find the lure of the casino bus a blessing and a curseClub helps older Korean immigrants find their political voice

When Joe Biden won in 2020, he became the oldest president in U.S. history. If he runs again in 2024 and wins, he'll beat own record. Is that a problem?Today, we talk about the grumbles from Republicans and Democrats alike over Biden's age. Read the full transcript here.Host: Gustavo ArellanoGuests: L.A. Times reporter Courtney SubramanianMore reading:Column: Are Joe Biden and Dianne Feinstein too old to do their jobs?Newsletter: Joe Biden, the bumbling old president who outwitted Republicans‘What an old politician understands' — Biden turns the age issue to advantage

Farmacias Similares is the largest privately owned chain of pharmacies in Mexico, and has a cute mascot — Dr. Simi — who is beloved across the country. What could possibly be wrong about this scenario? Many things.Today, we talk about what the rise of Dr. Simi says about Mexico's broken healthcare system. Read the full transcript here.Host: Gustavo ArellanoGuests: L.A. Times foreign correspondent Leila MillerMore reading:Mexico promised healthcare for all. Its failure to deliver made this smiling mascot famousEl Dr. Simi es una estrella de TikTok. También es una muestra de la crisis del sistema de salud de México

"Foretold" is the newest podcast from the L.A. Times, and we're sharing the first episode with you here today. In the fall of 2019, reporter Faith E. Pinho received a tip from a woman named Paulina Stevens. Paulina claimed she had grown up in an insular Romani community in California, where she was raised to be a wife, mother and fortuneteller — until she decided to break away. That first call unraveled a story spanning multiple continents, hundreds of years, and complex metaphysical realities.  Follow "Foretold" to hear new episodes every Tuesday. Check out photos and more information about this episode. Read the episode transcript. Dive deeper: Our Romani cultural consultant's op-ed describing how her heritage fits into her own life.

An FBI investigation tried to expose malfeasance in the world of NCAA men's basketball. Instead, the mirror was turned on the agency itself when one of the lead agents abused his position.Today, you'll hear the story of how that came to be — and whether the investigation turned up anything. Read the full story here.Host: Gustavo ArellanoGuests: L.A. Times sports investigative reporter Nathan FennoMore reading:How an FBI agent's wild Vegas weekend stained an investigation into NCAA basketball corruption10 charged in college basketball corruption probeCongressional committee wants answers in college basketball bribery scandal

Democrat and Republican lawmakers are pushing for a U.S. ban on TikTok, arguing the Chinese-owned social media app is a national security risk. But many of its users argue that will severely harm their businesses.Today, we hear from some of them. Read the full transcript here.Host: Gustavo ArellanoGuests: L.A. Times reporter technology reporter Brian Contreras and L.A. Times business reporter Jaimie DingMore reading:For some, TikTok is a path to riches and the American dream. With a ban, it could all disappearTikTok might get banned after ‘disaster' testimony. Why do some TikTokers not care?The Biden administration's threat to ban TikTok: Here's what you should know

For centuries, communities across Latin America have relied on curanderos — healers who rely on indigenous tradition — for their physical and mental health. Will mainstream American health ever embrace it?Today, we examine the subject. Read the full transcript here.Host: Gustavo ArellanoGuests: L.A. Times utility reporter Karen GarciaMore reading:Some Latinos don't trust Western mental health. That's where curanderos come inCurandera's spell may soothe your soulBringing medicine from the village into the public eye

During the 2020 presidential campaign, Joe Biden decried U.S. border policies enacted by the Trump administration as racist. But Biden has not only not rolled some of them back — in some cases, he's doubled down.Today, we try to figure out what changed. Read the full transcript here.Host: Gustavo ArellanoGuests: L.A. Times immigration reporters Hamed Aleaziz and Andrea CastilloMore reading:Top Democrats warn Biden: Don't restart family detentionsBiden immigration plan could force asylum officers to break law, union warnsAsylum seekers face decision to split up families or wait indefinitely under new border policy

The indictment of former president Donald Trump has provoked praise and criticism alike. So what's next? We talk to two of our political wizards to figure it out.Read the full transcript here.Host: Gustavo ArellanoGuests: L.A. Times political columnist Mark Z. Barabak, and L.A. Times national security reporter Sarah D. WireMore reading:Full coverage: Trump hush-money probeTrump indicted in alleged hush-money scheme, becoming first former U.S. president in history to be prosecutedColumn: Scandal after scandal, Trump has defied political physics. Will this time be different?

Lucy Jones, California's beloved earthquake expert, sits down with environment reporter Rosanna Xia to discuss her new project: using music to inspire people to take action against climate change. Listen to hear Lucy go through her process, her collaborators explain the psychology behind it all, and  — of course — a sampling of the compositions. Read the full transcript here.Host: Rosanna XiaGuests: Lucy JonesMore reading:Column One: Can music inspire more people to care about climate change? Lucy Jones is leaving her job - to shake up more than just earthquakes

Over the last couple of years, RVs in Los Angeles turned from a vehicle for camping to shelter for people who are unhoused. That's led to multiple complaints — and deaths.Today, we examine how L.A. got to this point. Read the full transcript here.Host: Gustavo ArellanoGuests: L.A. Times columnist Erika D. SmithMore reading:The real and complicated reasons why Los Angeles still has so many RV encampmentsQ&A: L.A. Mayor Karen Bass: ‘The city is demanding the tents go away'Los Angeles lifts moratorium on towing RVs, pledges to move problem campers

For over 100 years, college athletes couldn't make money competing in their sports. A new NCAA rule around name, image and likeness, or NIL, has changed that. The biggest winners? Gymnasts.Today, we talk to a few current and former gymnasts at UCLA, including Olympians Jordyn Wieber and Jordan Chiles, about how this rule change has affected their lives. Read the full transcript here.Host: Gustavo ArellanoGuests: L.A. Times college sports and NBA reporter Thuc Nhi Nguyen More reading: Once empowered by Title IX, female athletes are now among big winners in new NIL era ‘My medals are my armor.' Jordan Chiles' persistence guides her pursuit of greatness How California paved the way for college athletes to cash in big

Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues, Ukrainian military officials have set up a hotline for Russian soldiers to call in and surrender. Is it working to end the war?.Today, we talk to the people behind it. Read the full transcript here.Host: Gustavo ArellanoGuests: L.A. Times global affairs correspondent Laura KingMore reading:Lots of Russian soldiers want to surrender. Ukraine makes it easier with a high-tech hotlineA soldier's tale: Russian serviceman's scathing memoir depicts a senseless warRead the L.A. Times' full Ukraine coverage

This year's historic storms have hit communities of color like Pajaro, Calif., especially hard. It's a recurring problem that could've been avoided entirely.Read the full transcript here.Host: Gustavo ArellanoGuests: L.A. Times investigative reporter Susanne RustMore reading:Residents left in flooded California farm town feel ‘abandoned' as levees failSpring storm sets sights on Southern California with strong wind, heavy rainHow a long history of racism and neglect set the stage for Pajaro flooding

Ariadna López was found murdered on the side of a road in Mexico, one of thousands of women murdered every year in the country. But her death outraged the country like never before.Today, the problem of femicide in Mexico — and whether Lopez's death will help change that. Read the full transcript here.Host: Gustavo ArellanoGuests: L.A. Times Mexico City bureau chief Patrick J. McDonnellMore reading:A single mother in Mexico was blamed for her own death. Now a well-connected playboy has been chargedFemicides in Mexico: Little progress on longstanding issueIn Mexico, a grisly killing inflames debate about femicide

When inflation is high, the Federal Reserve has historically raised interest rates. But the recent failures of banks like Silicon Valley Bank have sparked worries about the stability of our banking system. Now the feds must weigh whether the banking system could withstand the turmoil that raising interest rates could bring. To get inside the mind of Fed chair Jerome Powell, we look to a previous era of high inflation, the late 1970s and early ‘80s, and the decisions of then Fed chairs Arthur Burns and Paul Volcker.Today, we talk about what's next. Read the full transcript here.Host: Gustavo ArellanoGuests: L.A. Times economics reporter Don LeeMore reading:Did deregulation lead to Silicon Valley Bank's collapse?Federal Reserve officials sound warnings about higher ratesU.S. inflation eases but stays high, putting Fed in tough spot

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

The first anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine is this month. L.A. Times global affairs correspondent Laura King has visited Ukraine at four key moments since the war started: Russia's spring invasion, Ukraine's summertime counteroffensive, Russia's attack on civilians and infrastructure in the fall, and during the winter fatigue.Today, she tells us about what she has seen and what has changed. Read the full transcript here.Host: Gustavo ArellanoGuests: L.A. Times global affairs correspondent Laura KingMore reading:Lviv was once a safe haven for Ukrainians fleeing the war. Now it's suffering tooThe weaponization of winter: Ukraine aims to stop Russia from regrouping as temperatures dropIn Ukraine's war-shrouded capital, a play about a murderous dictator rings true

California U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein announced this week she will not run for reelection next year, ending a legendary career that saw her go from San Francisco City Hall to Capitol Hill. With her upcoming retirement, there's much speculation as to who will replace her.Today, we look back at the career of the storied politician and look ahead as to who'll be running for Feinstein's seat. Read the full transcript here.Host: Gustavo ArellanoGuests: L.A. Times political columnist Mark Z. BarabakMore reading:Sen. Feinstein makes it official: She will retire at the end of her current termDianne Feinstein retires: Looking back on tragedy, triumph and her contentious perseveranceColumn: Dianne Feinstein is one of California's greats. Let's remember her that way

The historic Cecil Hotel in downtown Los Angeles reopened in 2021 with a commitment to make it easy for low-income and unhoused people to occupy its rooms. So why have so few people taken advantage of this offer?Today, we examine why this well-intentioned and funded solution to L.A.'s homelessness crisis is having trouble fulfilling its original vision. Read the full transcript here.Host: Gustavo ArellanoGuests: L.A. Times Fast Break reporter Jaimie DingMore reading:A year after opening 600 rooms to L.A.'s unhoused, the Cecil Hotel is still mostly empty. Here's whyLA Times Today: A year after opening 600 rooms to L.A.'s unhoused, the Cecil Hotel is still mostly emptyOnce a den of prostitution and drugs, the Cecil Hotel in downtown L.A. is set to undergo a $100-million renovation

An earthquake as devastating as the one that hit Turkey and Syria this month has been forecast to hit Southern California for decades. What can residents and governments do to prepare?.Today, our Masters of Disasters talk to us about how to prepare. Read the full transcript here.Host: Gustavo ArellanoGuests: L.A. Times earthquake reporter Ron-Gong Lin II, and L.A. Times coastal reporter Rosanna XiaMore reading: California faces threat from the type of back-to-back mega-earthquakes that devastated TurkeyA deadly building flaw common in California brings destruction and misery to Turkey, SyriaSubscribe to “Unshaken,” the L.A. Times' earthquake newsletter

The Colorado River is supposed to end at the Gulf of California, but hasn't done so for decades. A joint effort between the United States and Mexico seeks to change that.Today, we travel to the Colorado River Delta to see what's happening. Read the full transcript here.Host: Gustavo ArellanoGuests: L.A. Times water reporter Ian JamesMore reading:A pulse of water revives the dry Colorado River DeltaThe river's end: Amid Colorado water cuts, Mexico seeks to restore its lost oasisListen to our special Colorado River series here

Teenager Piper Rockelle and her friends created a multimillion-dollar YouTube empire. A lawsuit threatens it, and brings up questions about whether what young influencers do for a living constitutes “work”Today, we examine the history of child labor laws in California, and what might happen in this digital age. Read the full transcript here.Host: Gustavo ArellanoGuests: L.A. Times senior entertainment reporter Amy Kaufman, and L.A. Times arts and culture writer Jessica GeltMore reading:Inside the blockbuster lawsuit threatening one teen YouTube star's multimillion-dollar empireColumn: Social media platforms must stop the exploitation of child performers. NowWho's protecting social media's child stars? Inside the lawsuit against one YouTuber's empire

For decades, NFL teams actively discouraged Black players from playing quarterback, the sport's marquee position.Today, we go through this shameful history — and celebrate this year's historic Super Bowl, which features two Black starting quarterbacks for the first time. Read the full transcript here.Host: Gustavo ArellanoGuest: L.A. Times opinion columnist LZ GrandersonMore reading:Column: The NFL should stop running from its racial historyNo one should forget about Doug WilliamsThe Big Book Of Black Quarterbacks

California's Imperial Valley has some of the lowest rainfall in the state, yet uses the largest allotment of Colorado River water. Why is such an arid part of the state an agricultural powerhouse?Today, we look into how the region secured its rights. Read the full transcript here.Host: Gustavo ArellanoGuests: L.A. Times water reporter Ian JamesMore reading:In California's Imperial Valley, farmers brace for a future with less Colorado River waterColorado River in Crisis: A Times series on the Southwest's shrinking water lifelineCalifornia is isolated and alone in battle over Colorado River water cuts

Black people have been part of the American West for centuries. But mainstream cowboy culture long downplayed their contributions, even as they exist in the present day.Today, we hear from some of them. Read the full transcript here.Host: L.A. Times national reporter Tyrone BeasonMore reading:Black Californians have long celebrated cowboy culture. We're just catching upA proud group of Black Californians keep the traditions of the Old West and cowboy culture alive.Excerpt: Cowboys in Compton find hope and healing on horseback

All across California, people are asking the same question: Why are eggs so expensive?Californians walk into grocery stores only to find them sold out, or that they're going for $7 or more a dozen. Thanks to inflation, everything is more expensive right now. But when it comes to eggs, there's more to the story.Today, how a history of California policy and a global bird flu scrambled the economics of a food staple. Read the full transcript here.Host: Gustavo ArellanoGuests: L.A. Times metro reporter Sonja SharpMore reading:$7 a dozen? Why California eggs are so expensive — and increasingly hard to findWatch: California eggs are becoming expensive, and increasingly hard to findOp-Ed: Why does California have an egg shortage?