Today: A Face and a Name for Refugees’ Plight

I'm Davan Maharaj, editor of the Los Angeles Times. Here are some story lines I don't want you to miss today.

TOP STORIES

A Haunting Image

The photo is disturbing and saddening: A little boy, lying lifeless on a beach, a victim amid the flight of refugees from Syria to Europe. Later, his name -- Aylan -- and his family's story came to light. The tragedy has put a new focus on the growing migrant crisis. The image's spread in social and traditional media has raised questions too. Here's why we published it.

China's Military Pivot

At a parade to mark the 70th anniversary of World War II's end, China's president unveiled a plan to cut the country's military by 300,000 troops. He couched it as a gesture of peace. Observers are calling it part of Beijing's efforts to modernize and strengthen its armed forces. A closer look at China's rapid military modernization.

Grub Hub

Crickets. Mealworms. Ants. If you are put off by the thought of eating bugs, you're not alone -- even though 2 billion people worldwide consider them a dietary staple. After all, insects are rich in protein, and farming them is seen as environmentally friendly. Today's Great Read shows how the edible insect industry is trying to grow in the U.S. 

'Safer' Train Cars Flawed?

In February, a Metrolink train derailed after hitting a pickup truck, killing the engineer and injuring 27 people. At the time, railroad officials praised the train's state-of-the-art cars for appearing to save lives and reduce injuries. Now, Metrolink is seeing if a possible design flaw played a role in the derailment. Until then, use of the cars will be restricted.

Homicides on the Rise

Thirty-nine people were killed in L.A. last month, making it the deadliest August since 2007, according to police. Gang violence in South L.A. led to many of the killings, but the underlying causes are more mysterious. Police are adding officers in the most dangerous areas, working with community leaders -- and bracing for the Labor Day weekend. 

CALIFORNIA

-- Three Santa Clara County correctional deputies were arrested in an inmate's death.

-- New reports and complaints about government-run animal shelters. 

-- A heated ad war is being fought over a bill to cut state gas consumption in half. 

-- L.A.-area carpool lanes may be opened to everyone during off-peak hours. 

NATION-WORLD

-- Donald Trump signed a pledge not to run as a third-party candidate. 

-- Deputy clerks in Kentucky say yes to same-sex marriage licenses as their boss says no.

-- Police describe their views on Ferguson unrest in rare and candid words.

-- Abortion-rights groups ask the Supreme Court to hear what could be a key case.

-- Book review: "The Making of Asian America."

BUSINESS

-- After battles, wage theft victims see little relief.

-- David Lazarus: Doctor's attempt to bring a lower-price diabetes drug to market is thwarted.

-- How the NFL's digital media division is trying to remake itself.

SPORTS

-- The NFL may need to rethink its discipline policy after the latest legal loss in the Tom Brady case. 

-- L.A. Kings' Slava Voynov goes from jail to immigration custody in a domestic violence case.

-- Bill Plaschke on video: Why the Dodgers' Clayton Kershaw deserves MVP.

ENTERTAINMENT

-- The documentary "Steve Jobs: The Man in the Machine" is engrossing and at times unflattering. Kenneth Turan reviews. 

-- What to expect at this weekend's Telluride Film Festival, a launching pad for many Oscar winners.

-- A $4.99 thrift store painting turns out to be an original artwork.

WHAT OUR EDITORS ARE READING

-- The Miami Herald finds out how swimmer Diana Nyad got clearance to Cuba, thanks to Hillary Clinton's email.

-- Google's logo killed serifs because serifs had it coming, according to Gizmodo.

-- Don't delay: To stop procrastinating, start by understanding the emotions. (Wall Street Journal)

ONLY IN CALIFORNIA

When an early-morning fire broke out in a Fresno apartment building, Robert Wright made sure his family was safely outside first. Then, he went back in to rescue the ribs he was cooking. "I didn't want my ribs to burn and stuff because I take pride in what I do, man," he said in a TV interview.

Please send comments and ideas to Davan Maharaj.