I’m Davan Maharaj, editor-in-chief of the Los Angeles Times. Here are some story lines I don’t want you to miss on this Fourth of July.

TOP STORIES

Immigration Hawks Are Flying High

For decades, Republican presidents and those who wished to follow in their footsteps have kept immigration hard-liners mostly on the sidelines. Not so with Donald Trump. His rise has moved them front and center, with some holding key positions in the campaign. But how will that play in a general election? Take a closer look at an issue that has resonated with Trump voters and opponents alike.


-- The FBI interviewed Hillary Clinton on Saturday over her email use while secretary of State.

-- Trump’s former campaign manager dismissed complaints about Trump’s six-point-star tweet.

-- Possible Clinton running mates audition with attacks on Trump and defenses of their views on trade.

Outsourced to the Guy Next Door


American workers have seen plenty of jobs go overseas, but there is another, less-known factor behind the dwindling middle class that economists say deserves further study: so-called domestic outsourcing. Rather than employ their own security guards, customer service reps and the like, companies now are more likely to contract it out – not only at savings to the business but also, researchers suggest, at a lower wage for the workers.

The Daily Struggle to Stay ‘SB Strong’

Every week, the terrorist attacks mount: Orlando. Dhaka, Bangladesh. Baghdad. For the survivors of the San Bernardino massacre in December, they can bring back fresh memories of the trauma endured. “You feel forgotten, like our friends are forgotten,” says one. “We deal with it every day, but the world has moved on.”

A Wolverine’s Tale


The wolverine is one of the Western United States’ most elusive species. It’s also potentially endangered, although it’s an understatement to say that is in dispute. So when wildlife experts were able to implant a transmitter in a 32-pound male that would become known as M56 in 2008, it was a big deal, as scientists tracked him across states. What happened to M56? Read on.

A wolverine known as M56 was tracked by researchers for years throughout Wyoming and Colorado. Eventually it showed up in North Dakota. (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service)

Inside the ‘Apple of Drones’

Love them or hate them, commercial drones are becoming a part of everyday life. After just a few short years, Da-Jiang Innovations in Shenzhen, China, owns 70% of the market. Never heard of it? You’re not alone. Besides not being a household name, DJI is worried about competitors trying to catch up to it. Go inside a company valued at $8 billion to see what makes it hover above the rest.


FOURTH OF JULY

-- Explore an interactive map of fireworks in the L.A. area.

-- Our critics recommend watching these America-themed TV shows and films.

-- Think you know the Statue of Liberty? Think again.


-- ICYMI: The Great American Novel, reexamined.

CALIFORNIA

-- There’s a push for new diversity rules in the state’s business subsidy program.

-- Bosnian Muslims in Southern California may not fit the stereotype, but they feel the prejudice.


-- The mysterious shooting of a coyote sparks an animal cruelty investigation and puts the spotlight on Silver Lake residents’ frustrations.

-- Paradise Cove is in trouble again over charging for beach access.

NATION-WORLD

-- After a five-year journey, NASA’s Juno spacecraft will reach Jupiter today. Scientists hope to learn more about how the planet evolved. Here’s how Juno made it there.


-- Nobel Peace Prize laureate and author Elie Wiesel “died as a hero in Israel,” but it wasn’t always that way.

-- Taiwan’s deadly misfiring of a supersonic missile jolted its military rival China.

-- A man is seriously injured by a firework in New York’s Central Park.

-- The worst yellow fever outbreak in decades hits Africa, and vaccine is in limited supply.


HOLLYWOOD AND THE ARTS

-- Garrison Keillor brings “A Prairie Home Companion” to a close at the Hollywood Bowl.

-- Five hundred extras, 70 horses and riders: Breaking down the biggest “Game of Thrones” battles by the numbers.

-- An “audacious, ecstatic, sensuous, deranged and ultimately staggering vision of what the movies could be”: the late film director Michael Cimino.


-- The NAACP gives a thumbs-up to the film academy’s new class: “The ‘O’ in Oscar should stand for Opportunity.”

-- You know these kids from Steven Spielberg’s movies. Here’s what they did next.

-- Ringo Starr and his All-Starr Band promise new music is on the horizon.

BUSINESS


-- As international billionaires get nervous, sales in L.A.'s ultra-luxury housing market slow.

-- Sales of outdoor grills took a hit between 2008 and 2010, but they’ve slowly regained some modest sizzle.

SPORTS

-- Oh, say, can you be quiet during the national anthem?


-- “Go Army” is more than a motto for these Sylmar High School baseball players.

OPINION

-- A history professor says that, for U.S. foreign policy, it’s time to go back to the founding fathers’ “Great Rule.”

-- How vegetarians, gluten-frees, grain-frees and other L.A. food tribes ruined my BBQ tradition.


WHAT OUR EDITORS ARE READING

-- Here’s why the Philippines used to celebrate its independence on July 4. (National Geographic)

-- Ancient tomb, ancient observatory – or both? (Discover)

-- Inside a rhinestone-encrusted horse head sculpture sent to New Zealand: 35 kilos of cocaine. (Sydney Morning Herald)


ONLY IN L.A.

How do you build a jungle-like landscape in drought country? Before lawn removal became a big thing, David Pixley took out the grass at his Burbank house and replaced it with cacti, succulents and flowers. He says he maintains it with buckets of water collected from his shower. See how a drought-friendly yard doesn’t have to be boring.

Please send comments and ideas to Davan Maharaj.