California Today: Matthew Perry’s Death Shines a Harsh Light on Ketamine Treatment

Today's top stories from California.

August 20, 2024, 9:30 a.m. Eastern time Good morning. Here are the top stories from across California and the region, selected for you by Times editors. Today's Top Story Michelle Groskopf for The New York Times Matthew Perry's Death Shines a Harsh Light on Ketamine Treatment Was Mr. Perry, whose struggles with substance abuse were widely known, a good candidate for a drug used to relieve depression? Doctors say his case raises thorny questions. Read more Extreme Weather in Los Angeles Moderate risk of extreme weather today, including unhealthy heat. View detailed forecast TODAY TODAY Unhealthy heat Moderate risk More California News Most Columbia Students Arrested During Protests Will Return to Campus Some students who were arrested after setting up tents on campus or occupying a university building last spring are still on probation. Others could face consequences later this year. 7 Last-Minute Escapes for Labor Day Weekend If you're still hoping to stretch out the last days of summer, there are places in North America that are not too hot, not too crowded and not necessarily that far away. The Hotelification of Offices, With Signature Scents and Saltwater Spas Hoping to lure workers back to their desks, companies are designing "work resorts," luxe spaces meant to compete with the comforts and versatility of their living room. As California Clears Homeless Camps, Two Projects Point a Way Forward While L.A. County grapples with homelessness, elegant new housing projects in Long Beach and Venice signal the solutions — and challenges — ahead. 'PST Art' Lifts Off, as NASA Scientists Team With Artists Sound collages and mechanical grass are being created with the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, in a collaboration to unlock creative pathways that "are just not open." The 47 Seconds That Saved Kamala Harris's Political Career Nearly 14 years ago, Kamala Harris's opponent in the California attorney general's race gave an answer at a little-watched debate that was frank — and fateful for the future Democratic presidential nominee. Leonard Hayflick, Who Discovered Why No One Lives Forever, Dies at 96 A biomedical researcher, he found that normal cells can divide only a certain number of times before they age — which, he said, explained aging on a cellular level. Half Their Land Burned in a Decade: The California Counties Constantly on Fire Park fire became California's fourth largest this month. It erupted in a part of the state that is increasingly covered with the scars of wildfires. Today's Recipe Ryan Liebe for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Victoria Granof. Lemon Bundt Cake By Yossy Arefi 1 hour 30 minutes Makes 12 servings Play a Game The Mini Crossword Solve this bite-sized puzzle in just a few minutes. Spelling Bee How many words can you make with 7 letters? Wordle Guess the 5-letter word with 6 chances. See all our games Sign up for Your Places: Extreme Weather. Get notified about extreme weather before it happens with custom alerts for places in the U.S. you choose. Get it in your inbox Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance. You received this email because you signed up for California Today from The New York Times. To stop receiving California Today, unsubscribe. To opt out of other promotional emails from The Times, including those regarding The Athletic, manage your email settings. To opt out of updates and offers sent from The Athletic, submit a request. Subscribe to The TimesGet The New York Times app Connect with us on: Change Your EmailPrivacy PolicyContact UsCalifornia Notices The New York Times Company. 620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018