L.A. Times reporter Alana Semuels asked a group of UCLA economists visiting the L.A. Times offices what it's going to take to launch a sustained recovery.

Every so often, the Los Angeles Times revisits stories that have faded like the newsprint that once heralded urgent national headlines. One such story is that of the 1984 disappearance of Laura Bradbury. Reporter Kurt Streeter connects with the Bradbury family and recaptures the heartbreaking emotion and journey the family has undergone over the last 26 years.

As the sunny summer days give way to evenings that stretch ever longer, autumn brings a number of new titles to real and virtual bookshelves to fill them. Times Book Critic David Ulin highlights a few titles he's looking forward to leafing through. Alison Kornberg, assistant editor at LA Los Angeles Times Magazine, is planning a wedding. Actually, you're planning her wedding, from the date to the dress and everything in between. It's "nuptials by committee."

Shortly after President Obama wrapped up his speech Wednesday assailing GOP leaders and outlining the administration's economic proposals to prop up the ailing economy, Doyle McManus, The Times' Washington-based Op-Ed columnist, delivered a quick assessment of the president's remarks, focusing primarily on politics.

World Cup Soccer continues in South Africa. Earlier this week, we spoke with LA Times sports reporter Kevin Baxter in South Africa about the fans, who's making diva requests off the field and how things are going on the field.