Today on The Golden Hour: a critical diplomatic pause in the Iran conflict opens a narrow window for peace talks, while the ripple effects reshape travel costs, energy markets, and retirement planning. Plus, LA bids farewell to two iconic restaurants, a Lyme disease vaccine shows promise, and rewilding success stories offer hope.
On March 24, as the US-Israel war on Iran enters its 24th day, President Trump announced he is postponing planned strikes on Iranian power plants for five days to allow diplomatic talks. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has offered Islamabad as a venue for direct US-Iran negotiations, with reports that Vice President JD Vance and Iranian officials may meet there this week. However, Iran's parliament speaker has denied any substantive negotiations are occurring, and Iran launched fresh missile volleys into Israel even as diplomatic signals intensified. The European Commission's Ursula von der Leyen has also publicly called for immediate negotiations, describing the energy crisis as 'critical.'
Why it matters
This represents the most concrete diplomatic opening since the conflict began a month ago. For retirees watching energy costs, investment portfolios, and travel disruptions mount, the outcome of this five-day window could determine whether the crisis eases or intensifies further. The Strait of Hormuz blockade has already created what the IEA calls the worst energy disruption in history — worse than the 1970s oil crises — meaning every day of continued conflict compounds economic damage felt in utility bills, gas prices, and grocery costs.
Trump characterized the pause as evidence of 'productive talks,' but Iran's officials publicly dismissed the claim. Pakistan's offer to mediate elevates its diplomatic standing but also introduces complexity — Islamabad must balance its own relationships with both Washington and Tehran. European leaders see the diplomatic window as essential but fragile, with von der Leyen warning that energy reserves across Asia and Europe are being depleted rapidly. Market analysts note the conflict's contradictory signals have produced extreme volatility, making portfolio management unusually difficult.
Fidelity's 2026 State of Retirement Planning Study reveals a fundamental shift in how Americans approach retirement: 72% now expect a flexible, phased transition with multiple income sources — gig work, consulting, small businesses — rather than a clean break at 65. This is reshaping housing demand as retirees postpone downsizing, relocate for part-time work opportunities, and seek properties that support aging-in-place while staying economically active. The study also finds 81% of respondents worry about healthcare costs, estimated at $172,500 per person over a retirement that could now span 25-30 years.
Why it matters
This data redefines what 'retirement' means in 2026. The traditional model of stopping work, downsizing immediately, and living off savings is being replaced by a more fluid approach that has cascading effects on housing inventory (fewer homes hitting the market as people stay put), mortgage demand, and community planning. For retirees already in this phase, the study validates that working part-time or maintaining income streams is now the norm, not the exception.
Housing economists note that delayed downsizing reduces available inventory for younger buyers, contributing to affordability challenges. Healthcare policy analysts point out that the $172,500 per-person estimate may be conservative given current inflation trends. Financial planners emphasize that phased retirement requires different investment strategies than traditional retirement — more growth exposure for longer, but also more liquidity for unpredictable expenses. Some critics argue the 'phased retirement' framing obscures the reality that many Americans simply cannot afford to stop working.
Fuel prices have surged more than 70% due to Middle East instability, pushing airlines worldwide to impose surcharges that have raised ticket prices 20-25%. EasyJet CEO Kenton Jarvis warned that prices will climb further toward late summer as fuel hedges expire — the airline is currently 84% hedged for the first half of 2026 but only 62% for the second half. Booking patterns are shifting dramatically: travelers are moving away from Turkey, Cyprus, and Egypt toward Western Mediterranean destinations like Spain. Cruise operators face similar pressure, with analysts warning Carnival Corp could take the biggest profit hit among major lines.
Why it matters
For anyone planning summer travel, this is actionable intelligence: book by late spring for the best prices, particularly for European flights. The structural nature of these increases — driven by fuel costs that won't retreat until the Hormuz strait reopens — means this isn't a temporary surge. Travelers should consider Western Mediterranean destinations where capacity is being added, and cruise enthusiasts should lock in pricing sooner rather than later.
EasyJet's Jarvis framed the hedging strategy as a buffer that has so far protected consumers but will gradually expire. Travel industry analysts note that the shift toward Spain and Western Mediterranean mirrors patterns from previous Middle East crises. Budget travel advocates suggest that trains and ground transportation in Europe become relatively more attractive as airfares rise. Cruise industry observers note that smaller operators without hedging programs are most vulnerable to sudden cancellations.
Healthcare analyst Sreedhar Potarazu identifies five interconnected forces straining the U.S. healthcare system: ACA coverage erosion after federal subsidies expired in December, a rising chronic disease burden, an affordability crisis forcing patients to skip medications and appointments, severe physician workforce shortages, and escalating employer healthcare costs. These pressures form a compounding cycle — as coverage shrinks, chronic diseases worsen untreated, driving up costs further and pushing more providers out of practice.
Why it matters
For retirees on Medicare, the downstream effects are real: physician shortages mean longer wait times, rising costs get passed through in supplemental insurance premiums, and the broader system instability threatens the quality of care available. Understanding these systemic pressures helps in planning healthcare decisions — from choosing supplemental coverage to prioritizing preventive care that reduces the need for an overstressed acute-care system.
Potarazu argues these trends are not independent but mutually reinforcing, creating a 'doom loop' that conventional policy fixes cannot address. Healthcare economists note the ACA subsidy expiration has been particularly devastating for the 50-64 age group, with some facing monthly premiums exceeding $2,400. Provider groups emphasize that workforce shortages are most acute in primary care and rural areas. Some health policy experts counter that the system has absorbed similar pressures before and point to technological efficiencies as a potential relief valve.
Cole's, the 118-year-old downtown LA restaurant that claims to have invented the French dip sandwich, will close permanently on March 29 after eight months of extended closures. The final weekend features a remarkable culinary tribute: restaurants including Jitlada, Father's Office, Little Fatty, Bay Cities, Found Oyster, and Guelaguetza are each creating 118 variations of the French dip sandwich to honor Cole's legacy. Each collaborative sandwich reflects the guest restaurant's culinary identity while paying homage to the original.
Why it matters
The closure of Cole's represents the loss of one of LA's oldest continuously operating restaurants and a piece of American culinary history. But the collaborative sendoff — featuring some of LA's most beloved restaurants interpreting the French dip through Thai, Mexican, Italian, and other lenses — is a beautiful demonstration of how LA's food community honors its heritage. For anyone who wants to experience this once-in-a-lifetime event, this Saturday is the last chance.
Food historians note Cole's has served everyone from silent-film actors to modern downtown workers, embodying LA's evolution. Restaurant economists point to rising rents and post-pandemic operational costs as unsustainable for heritage restaurants without modern revenue models. LA food critics see the collaborative finale as emblematic of the city's unique culinary ecosystem — competitive yet deeply supportive when it matters.
Taix, the beloved French country restaurant that has anchored Echo Park since 1962 (and been an LA institution since the 1920s), closes its doors March 29 to make way for a mixed-use housing development. Fans are lining up for final plates of duck à l'orange and French onion soup. Owner Mike Taix plans pop-up events and a Taix cookbook to bridge the gap until the restaurant reopens in a smaller format at the new development's base in 2029.
Why it matters
Taix's closure, coming the same weekend as Cole's, marks a pivotal moment for LA's dining heritage. The restaurant's transition — closing for redevelopment but planning to return — reflects the broader tension between housing density needs and cultural preservation that defines modern LA. The cookbook and pop-up plans suggest the Taix legacy will endure, but the original sprawling dining rooms won't.
Preservationists mourn the loss of the original space and its distinctive mid-century ambiance. Housing advocates note the development will add needed residential units to a transit-adjacent neighborhood. Food writers praise Mike Taix's commitment to continuing the family legacy through pop-ups and eventual reopening. Some neighborhood residents worry the 2029 version won't capture the same spirit.
Pfizer and Valneva announced that their experimental Lyme disease vaccine demonstrated more than 70% efficacy in Phase 3 trial data released March 23, though it missed its primary efficacy endpoint. The vaccine targets the OspA protein on the surface of Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria transmitted by tick bites. Lyme disease affects hundreds of thousands of Americans annually, with cases expanding geographically as tick habitats shift with climate change.
Why it matters
No Lyme disease vaccine has been available since LYMErix was withdrawn from the market in 2002. With Lyme disease prevalence rising — particularly in the Northeast, upper Midwest, and now increasingly in the Pacific Northwest — a vaccine offering 70%+ protection represents a meaningful advance for anyone who spends time outdoors, gardens, hikes, or lives in wooded suburban areas. The path to FDA approval will depend on how regulators weigh the efficacy shortfall against the unmet medical need.
Infectious disease specialists note that even 70% efficacy would significantly reduce the disease burden, especially combined with tick-avoidance measures. Pfizer acknowledged the missed primary endpoint but emphasized the overall protection demonstrated. Patient advocacy groups have long pushed for a Lyme vaccine and welcome the progress. Some analysts question whether the missed endpoint could delay regulatory approval or require additional trials.
Following the expiration of enhanced ACA subsidies in December, adults ages 50-64 are facing dramatic increases in insurance premiums — some reporting monthly costs tripling to over $2,400. Many are postponing medical care, skipping prescriptions, or considering dropping insurance entirely and waiting until they reach Medicare eligibility at 65. The coverage gap disproportionately affects those in the 'too young for Medicare, too old for employer-subsidized plans' demographic.
Why it matters
This healthcare access crisis has direct implications for long-term health outcomes. Delaying preventive care, screenings, and chronic disease management during the pre-Medicare years can lead to more serious — and more expensive — conditions by the time Medicare coverage begins. For retirees already on Medicare, this trend may also affect the broader healthcare system through increased emergency room visits and deferred-care complications that raise system-wide costs.
KFF Health News reports that the subsidy expiration has created what some health policy analysts call a 'coverage cliff' for middle-aged Americans. Patient advocates argue this is a predictable consequence of letting enhanced subsidies lapse without a replacement. Healthcare economists note that delayed care typically generates higher costs downstream. Some policy observers suggest this pressure could reignite legislative interest in expanding Medicare eligibility to age 60 or 62.
A growing body of research confirms that regular sauna use offers significant health benefits beyond relaxation. Studies show that men using saunas 2-3 times weekly had a 27% lower risk of dementia, while 4-7 weekly sessions reduced risk by 37%. Additional research links regular sauna use to improved cardiovascular function, reduced inflammation markers, and lower all-cause mortality. Experts recommend 3-4 sessions per week lasting at least 15 minutes each for optimal benefits.
Why it matters
For retirees seeking evidence-based wellness strategies, sauna use offers an accessible, enjoyable approach to maintaining brain and heart health. The dose-response relationship — more frequent use correlating with greater benefit — provides clear guidance. Many community centers, gyms, and spas offer sauna access, making this a practical addition to a health routine that doesn't require prescriptions or special equipment.
Cardiologists note the cardiovascular benefits mirror those of moderate exercise, with improved endothelial function and blood pressure regulation. Neurologists are intrigued by the dementia-prevention data but caution that most large studies are observational and from Finnish populations. Some wellness experts worry about dehydration risks, particularly for older adults or those on certain medications. Integrative medicine practitioners view sauna therapy as part of a broader lifestyle approach that includes exercise, nutrition, and stress management.
The plant-based food market is undergoing a fundamental shift as consumers move away from ultra-processed meat alternatives toward simpler, more natural options. Industry data shows growing demand for canned pulses, beans, and minimally processed ingredients over complex imitation meats. Flexitarian, vegetarian, and vegan consumers increasingly seek transparent ingredient lists, higher fiber and protein content, and foods that support gut health — reflecting the broader wellness trend toward whole-food nutrition.
Why it matters
This trend is excellent news for home cooks: the best plant-based eating may be the simplest. Rather than expensive, heavily processed meat substitutes, the market is validating what many vegetarian cooks already know — that beans, lentils, chickpeas, and whole grains are nutritionally superior, more affordable, and more versatile in the kitchen. This shift also aligns with the gut-health movement, where fiber-rich whole foods outperform processed alternatives.
Industry analysts note that early plant-based meat companies like Beyond Meat face headwinds as consumer preferences shift. Nutritionists welcome the pivot, noting that whole pulses provide fiber, minerals, and prebiotics that processed alternatives often lack. Environmental advocates point out that minimally processed plant foods also have smaller carbon footprints than their heavily manufactured counterparts. Grocery retailers report expanding shelf space for premium canned and dried legumes in response to demand.
The saiga antelope, an Ice Age survivor with a distinctive bulbous nose, has rebounded from the brink of extinction to a population exceeding one million. In 2015, a catastrophic bacterial die-off killed more than 200,000 saigas — roughly 60% of the global population — in just weeks. An international anti-poaching task force was established in response, and coordinated conservation efforts across Kazakhstan and neighboring countries produced a dramatic recovery. The UN now cites this as a model for why migratory species need protection under the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species.
Why it matters
This is one of the most remarkable wildlife recovery stories in recent history. From a population crash that seemed like it might spell extinction, the saiga's comeback to one million demonstrates that even species in extreme crisis can recover with determined international cooperation and protection. It offers genuine hope at a time when conservation news is often discouraging.
Conservation biologists highlight the saiga recovery as proof that international coordination works when political will exists. The UN's citation of this case as a model underscores the need for similar frameworks for other migratory species. Ecologists note the saiga's recovery has cascading benefits for Central Asian grassland ecosystems. Some caution that the species remains vulnerable to future disease outbreaks and habitat loss from agricultural expansion.
A comprehensive 2026 analysis ranks California's most affordable cities for homebuyers. Porterville leads at $325,000 median home price, followed by Fresno ($388,000), Bakersfield ($441,000), and others. The rankings factor housing costs, rental prices, and overall cost of living. A critical caveat: wildfire insurance in some 'affordable' areas like Palm Springs and Temecula can run $3,000-$5,000 annually, significantly offsetting apparent savings. Proximity to outdoor recreation (Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks near Porterville) adds lifestyle value.
Why it matters
For California retirees considering relocation or downsizing, this analysis provides practical comparisons beyond simple home prices. The wildfire insurance warning is particularly important — a $325,000 home with $5,000 annual insurance premiums may cost more long-term than expected. Understanding total housing costs, including insurance, utilities, and property taxes, is essential for retirement budgeting in California.
Real estate analysts note that many of these affordable cities are in the Central Valley, which offers lower costs but also extreme summer heat and fewer urban amenities. Financial planners recommend factoring in healthcare access — some affordable areas have limited specialist availability. Climate researchers warn that wildfire insurance costs are likely to increase as risk zones expand. Local boosters counter that quality of life, community connection, and access to nature make smaller California cities appealing despite trade-offs.
Los Angeles offers a rich calendar of Easter celebrations from March 29 through April 5. Highlights include the Palm Sunday Golden Egg Hunt at Westchester Triangle, Easter egg hunts and painting activities at The Proud Bird, Good Friday performances at the Lyric Hyperion Theater, upscale Easter brunches at City Club LA, and community celebrations at churches across the region including Bel Air Church. Events range from free family activities to ticketed dining experiences.
Why it matters
With Easter falling on April 5 this year, this comprehensive listing helps retirees plan spring celebrations — whether attending community events, hosting family brunches, or simply enjoying the festive atmosphere. The variety of options spans budget-friendly public events to premium dining experiences, accommodating different preferences and social plans.
Event organizers report strong interest in Easter celebrations this year, possibly reflecting a desire for community connection amid global uncertainty. Restaurant operators note that Easter brunch remains one of the highest-demand dining occasions of the year. Community groups emphasize that many events are free and welcome all ages, making them accessible regardless of budget.
Ghungroo Dance School, based in Santa Clarita, has been selected to perform at the Diwali Dance Fest at Walt Disney World — chosen from just 25 teams among more than 400 applicants nationwide. Founded by Jini Valiaveettil, the school teaches Bollywood, semi-classical Indian, and Bollyhop fusion dance styles to a diverse student body in the Santa Clarita Valley.
Why it matters
This is a proud local achievement for the Santa Clarita community, demonstrating the valley's growing cultural diversity and artistic talent. Being selected from a national pool of 400+ applicants for a Disney performance is a significant honor that showcases the arts education happening in Lynn's extended local area.
The selection highlights Santa Clarita's increasingly diverse cultural landscape. Dance educators note that competitive festival selections at this level require both technical excellence and compelling artistic vision. Community leaders celebrate the school as an example of how immigrant-founded arts organizations enrich suburban communities.
Vogue reports that consumers are now applying the same scientific rigor to body skincare that they've long used on their faces. The six major 2026 body-care trends include retinol body serums (from brands like Nécessaire and U Beauty), serum-infused body washes, ceramide body milks, full-body exfoliation tools, fragrance layering with botanical body oils, and body-care gadgets like the NuFace NuBODY microcurrent device ($399). Dermatologists confirm that active ingredients like retinol, ceramides, and beta-glucans are effective on body skin when properly formulated.
Why it matters
This trend represents a meaningful upgrade in body care, moving beyond basic moisturizers to targeted treatments. For anyone who has already invested in a facial skincare routine, extending those principles to the body is a logical next step. Products range from affordable (serum body washes under $15) to premium (the NuFace device), making the trend accessible at multiple price points.
Dermatologists emphasize that body skin, while thicker than facial skin, still benefits from active ingredients — particularly retinol for texture and ceramides for barrier repair. Beauty editors note that the 'bodycare' category has been the fastest-growing segment in prestige beauty for three consecutive quarters. Consumer advocates caution against overcomplicating routines and recommend starting with one or two body-care actives rather than overhauling everything at once.
This week's notable book releases include Louise Erdrich's new short story collection Python's Kiss, Rebecca Lehmann's historical reimagining The Beheading Game (an Anne Boleyn revenge fantasy that reimagines the Tudor queen's fate), Cecile Pin's literary fiction Celestial Lights, and several other fiction and nonfiction titles. Separately, the 2026 Lambda Literary Award finalists were announced, recognizing outstanding LGBTQ+ literature across multiple categories.
Why it matters
Erdrich is one of America's most celebrated living novelists, and a new collection from her is a literary event. The Beheading Game's historical-fiction premise — imagining an alternate fate for Anne Boleyn — aligns squarely with Lynn's interest in historical fiction. These curated recommendations from Book Riot provide trusted guidance for the week's best new reads.
Literary critics have praised Python's Kiss as Erdrich at her most experimental and emotionally resonant. Historical fiction enthusiasts are drawn to Lehmann's bold reimagining, which blends Tudor history with speculative elements. The Lambda Award nominations reflect the continued strength and diversity of LGBTQ+ publishing.
NOAA Fisheries has awarded $9.4 million for a comprehensive restoration of the Indian River Lagoon, a 156-mile estuary on Florida's east coast that supports more than 4,300 species including manatees, sea turtles, dolphins, and hundreds of bird species. The project coordinates 38+ organizations in seagrass restoration, mangrove replanting, oyster reef rebuilding, and wetland reconnection. The lagoon had suffered decades of degradation from agricultural runoff and development.
Why it matters
This is one of the largest coordinated estuary restoration projects in U.S. history, targeting one of North America's most biologically diverse waterways. The investment demonstrates that federal conservation funding, when combined with local partnerships, can address decades of environmental damage. For wildlife enthusiasts, the project directly benefits charismatic species like manatees and sea turtles while rebuilding the entire food web that supports them.
Marine biologists call the lagoon a 'canary in the coal mine' for coastal ecosystems nationwide. NOAA officials emphasize the project's model of public-private partnership as replicable elsewhere. Environmental advocates note that the $9.4 million investment, while significant, represents a fraction of the estimated damage from years of unchecked pollution. Local fishing communities welcome the restoration as essential to their economic livelihood.
Italian voters rejected Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's proposed judicial reforms in a two-day referendum ending March 24, with 54.6% voting 'No.' The defeat marks Meloni's first major political setback since taking office in October 2022 and weakens her position ahead of next year's general elections. Meloni conceded, saying she would respect voters' decision while calling it 'a lost chance to modernize Italy.'
Why it matters
Meloni's referendum loss is significant for European politics — she had been one of the continent's most politically secure leaders. The defeat could embolden opposition parties across Europe and signals that even popular leaders face limits when attempting structural reforms. For travelers planning Italian trips, political stability and policy direction in one of Europe's most-visited countries are worth monitoring.
European political analysts view this as a warning sign for populist leaders who overreach on institutional reforms. Italian opposition parties celebrated the result as proof that Meloni's mandate has limits. Constitutional scholars note the referendum's rejection preserves judicial independence. Some commentators argue Meloni's broader agenda remains popular and this single defeat shouldn't be overinterpreted.
Golden Leaf restaurant in San Gabriel has been battling neighbor complaints about stinky tofu (chou doufu), a beloved fermented Taiwanese dish that's been a signature item since the restaurant opened in 2014. Owner David Liao has faced fines exceeding $1,000 and was forced to remove the dish from his menu. He's now launched a Change.org petition with strong support from LA's large Taiwanese community, framing the dispute as a cultural food rights issue in one of America's most diverse dining regions.
Why it matters
This story encapsulates a fascinating tension in LA's food landscape: the city's remarkable culinary diversity sometimes collides with residential zoning and neighbor sensitivities. Stinky tofu is a staple of Taiwanese night markets and a dish with deep cultural significance. The outcome could set precedent for how cities balance culinary heritage with quality-of-life regulations.
Taiwanese food advocates argue that stinky tofu is no different from blue cheese or kimchi in terms of aromatic intensity and deserves cultural protection. City officials point to legitimate odor complaints from adjacent residents and businesses. Restaurant industry observers note the broader challenge of dense urban dining districts coexisting with residential areas. Some food writers suggest the dispute actually highlights San Gabriel's extraordinary status as one of America's most authentic Asian dining destinations.
Slash Pond Community Nature Reserve in Pembrokeshire, Wales, has achieved 'Naturfa' status as Wales' first community-managed conservation pioneer. The site was once an open-cast coal mine; today it supports critically endangered European eels, otters, more than 50 bird species, 10 bat species, and rich aquatic plant life. The designation supports Wales' commitment to protecting 30% of its land for nature by 2030, with community volunteers leading expanded biodiversity monitoring and educational programs.
Why it matters
This transformation from industrial wasteland to thriving wildlife sanctuary demonstrates that environmental restoration is possible even in severely degraded landscapes. The community-led model — with local volunteers driving monitoring and education — offers an inspiring template for conservation efforts worldwide. It's a reminder that the most unlikely places can become havens for biodiversity when communities invest in restoration.
Welsh conservation officials praise the reserve as proof that the 30x30 target (protecting 30% of land by 2030) is achievable through community partnerships. Ecologists highlight the European eel's presence as particularly significant, given the species' critically endangered status. Environmental educators see the site as a model for engaging the public in hands-on conservation. Some critics note that while individual successes are heartening, they don't offset the pace of habitat loss elsewhere.
Iran Conflict Reshaping Daily Economics The war's impact has moved well beyond geopolitics into household budgets — from 20-25% airfare increases and cruise surcharges to rising energy costs and retirement portfolio volatility. The diplomatic pause announced today is the first concrete off-ramp, but the economic damage is already structural.
Retirement Is Being Redefined Multiple stories converge on a new retirement reality: 72% of Americans expect phased retirement, only 14% of workers are on track to retire as planned, and healthcare costs are pushing people to delay care until Medicare kicks in. The old model of a clean break at 65 is giving way to decades-long transitions.
LA's Culinary Heritage Under Pressure Two of Los Angeles' most storied restaurants — 99-year-old Taix and 118-year-old Cole's — close their doors this Saturday, while a San Gabriel restaurant fights to keep stinky tofu on its menu. These stories reflect economic pressures, zoning conflicts, and development reshaping LA's food landscape.
Conservation Wins Amid Global Uncertainty From saiga antelopes rebounding to one million, to a Welsh coal mine turned nature reserve, to $9.4 million in NOAA estuary restoration funding, conservation success stories demonstrate that determined, coordinated action produces measurable results — even in turbulent times.
Plant-Based Food Goes Whole and Simple The plant-based market is pivoting away from ultra-processed meat mimics toward whole foods like beans, pulses, and minimally processed ingredients. This 'back to basics' shift aligns with gut-health trends and offers vegetarian cooks simpler, more nutritious, and more affordable options.
What to Expect
2026-03-25—Amazon Big Spring Sale begins (travel gear and luggage deals) and Target Circle Deal Days launch (March 25-27, up to 50% off spring essentials)
2026-03-26—Head in the Clouds Music Festival passes go on sale at 11 a.m. PT for August 8 event at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena (starting at $179)
2026-03-29—Final day for both Taix (Echo Park) and Cole's (DTLA) — LA's last chance to dine at two century-old restaurants before they close permanently
2026-03-29—Easter weekend events begin across LA including Golden Egg Hunt at Westchester Triangle and Easter celebrations through April 5
2026-04-18—LA Times Festival of Books 2026 at USC (April 18-19) featuring 550+ authors