Newsletter: Today: Welcome to Not-So-Fabulous Vegas. Tesla’s Latest Windfall.

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

Welcome to Not-So-Fabulous Vegas

What happens in Las Vegas tonight at the first Democratic presidential debate won't stay there. A likely focus: economic worries. In that regard, Nevada is an apropos setting -- still on a slow road to recovery after being hit hard by the Great Recession. Just look at the unfinished Fontainebleau resort. Plus: Follow our robust debate coverage here, and subscribe to our Essential Politics newsletter. 

Syria: The Iranian Connection

In Tehran, an Iranian general who was killed in Syria is being mourned. Though Hussein Hamedani was a low-key figure, his death has come to symbolize something bigger: Tehran's determination to defend Syrian President Bashar Assad against what Iran labels a "terrorist" assault created by the U.S. and its partners. 

USC Sacks Sarkisian

"Fight on!" is USC's battle cry, but the university is now on the weak side. That's because USC fired troubled football coach Steve Sarkisian after a string of incidents. Many believe USC should have seen it coming. Read our full coverage, including why the pressure is now on Athletic Director Pat Haden, a profile of the interim coach and the coaches USC should consider.  

Tesla's Latest Windfall

Nothing is certain in life except death and taxes. And possibly, Elon Musk and Tesla Motors' mastery at mining tax incentives. With the new $100,000-plus Model X electric SUV, they may have lucked into a tax loophole. Under section 179 of the IRS code, the vehicle could qualify for a $25,000 federal tax deduction. Read on to see why Musk always seems to get a windfall.

Hey D.C., California Just Banned Redskins!

California is the first state to ban "Redskins" as a team name or mascot at public schools. That means four -- three of them in the San Joaquin Valley -- must find new ones by 2017. How did students, parents and others take the news? Some vowed to fight. Some praised it. Mostly, there was disappointment. 

CALIFORNIA

-- An LAPD sargeant who worked alongside Christopher Dorner has sued the department.  

-- Surprise: Those turf removal rebates could generate a tax liability. 

-- A Koreatown liquor store is honored for fighting underage drinking. 

-- He took them on. Now, Chris Erskine faces the #MillennialPledge backlash.

NATION-WORLD

--The Dutch Safety Board reported Malaysia Airlines flight 17 was downed by a Buk surface-to-air missile as it flew over eastern Ukraine last year.

-- "Breaking Bad" in China: The arrest of an ex-school employee highlights the country's meth problem.

-- A Mumbai palace with a past is back in Indian hands for more than $110 million. 

-- An African American councilman was tased by police in the Texas city where Sandra Bland was arrested.

-- Michael Hiltzik: America's newest nuke plant shows why nuclear power is dying in the U.S.

-- A study reveals why gowns and gloves can be so dangerous for hospital workers.

BUSINESS  

-- American Apparel's founder could disrupt the clothier's reorganization plan.

-- British-based SABMiller agrees in principle to merger with Budweiser owner, creating the world's biggest beer company.

-- David Lazarus: Contact AT&T's CEO, hear back from his lawyer.

-- Playboy to stop publishing fully nude photos of women.

SPORTS

-- Dodgers down to Kershaw again after a 13-7 loss to the Mets.

-- Win or stay home: U.S. men's soccer team must beat Canada for a shot at the 2016 Olympics.

ENTERTAINMENT

-- TV review: The PBS documentary "Mary Tyler Moore: A Celebration" rarely delves deep.

-- Theater review: "Vietgone," about a man and woman who meet at a refugee center, has its world premiere.

WHAT OUR EDITORS ARE READING

-- Author Mary Karr discusses the importance of "carnal writing." (The New Yorker)

-- Harvard Business Review examines the effects of parents not using their vacation time. 

-- Mellow music of the 1970s and '80s gets a new life as "yacht rock." (Wall Street Journal)

ONLY IN L.A.

Here's the pitch: The Dodgers want to help start-up companies at the "intersection of sports, technology, entertainment and media" make it to the big leagues. So, the baseball team started a business incubator program in Silicon Beach. Among the ventures: one that aims to speed the hot dog and beer ordering process.

Please send comments and ideas to Davan Maharaj.