By Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times

LOS ANGELES — I thought I’d noticed everything on the four-mile stretch of the Gabrielino Trail from its western trailhead near Pasadena to the Gould Mesa campground in Angeles National Forest.

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I have a favorite sycamore tree about a mile in that, if it weren’t surrounded by poison oak, I would climb. I know some of the best water spots to splash around in the Arroyo Seco. I know how to identify and spot sacred datura, a common sight along the path.

But then I hiked the trail with a group of children (and a handful of grown-ups) from the L.A.-based adventure club Hiking Adventures With Kids (or HAWKs for short) and was reconnected with the childhood sense of wonder that our day-to-day adult lives grind down.

I saw the trail through the eyes of tweens who love nature so much, they screamed multiple facts at me, often all at once, including how cool vampire squid are, that rolly-pollies are related to crabs and that my skin was actively dying and falling off my body. It was such a comfort.

Here’s what I learned from my new trail buddies. I hope these tips help remind you to slow down and appreciate the wonders of our local flora and fauna.

Kelly Knowles, a HAWKs educator, explains to the group the cultural significance of sacred datura to local Indigenous peoples. (Jaclyn Cosgrove/Los Angeles Times/TNS)

1. A group of canines being walked on the trail by a human is a ‘dog parade.’

Wave accordingly.

2. If you see poison oak, tell a friend.

These kids saved me multiple times from brushing up against the woody shrub. They reminded me: “Leaves of three, let it be; if it’s hairy, it’s a berry!”

3. Eggnog.

This is less of a tip and more of an inside joke between best friends Lila and Elliot, both 10, who asked really nicely for me to include it. May they forever remember the time one of the largest newspapers in America published this.

4. Put animals down that don’t want to be touched.

Bradley Rydholm, a HAWKs educator co-leading the day’s hike, found a diabolical ironclad beetle to show the kids. It was at first playing dead, and some of the children reached out to touch it.

“You need to put him down because he looks like he doesn’t want to be touched,” Kaija, 8, said. “If they’re moving in your hand, that means it’s OK, but if they’re playing dead, you gotta put them back.”

Rydholm gently agreed and placed the beetle back in its pile of dirt and leaves.

5. When naming bugs, consider a compromise.

OK, perhaps this is a lesson the kids learned from me. The group was in a debate over whether to name the aforementioned diabolical ironclad beetle, with some voting for “Desi” and others voting for “Jim.”

This reporter, in the name of peace, suggested Desi Jim. “Bye, Desi Jim!” they called in unison as we continued onward.

6. Follow the ethics of frog catching.

Kaija, who asked whether I could make her a wolf in my story, told me that it’s best to catch frogs, name them and then release them.

I asked her whether she had any tips for naming frogs. “Jeremy, Fred, Pineapple,” she said, adding that she names them by their color.

I wanted to learn what color Jeremy was, but she discovered something far more interesting than me on the trail and ran off.

7. If you want to touch a bug, take a picture first.

Ella, 8, told me that after you take a picture of the insect, you can use a smartphone to identify it and figure out whether it is venomous. (Note: Unlike plenty of adults, she knew the difference between “poisonous” and “venomous” and used the words correctly!)

“If it isn’t [venomous] and it’s totally safe, I would probably bring gloves because I’m scared of picking up bugs,” Ella said. “One time a lady bug peed on me.”

8. It is important to have a compass.

Children from a HAWKs group slide down a concrete channel just off the Gabrielino Trail near Pasadena, California. (Jaclyn Cosgrove/Los Angeles Times/TNS)

“Because if you get lost, it’s not very efficient to always rely on the North Star. Because it’s only around for a little bit [of] time. So if you don’t have a compass and you get lost, you’re going to have to wait until night to be able to move,” said Luca, 9, who bought himself a compass in a local shop in Felton.

Luca and I swapped adventure stories, as he is quite the world traveler. As a bonus tip, he informed me that it’s easier to roast marshmallows on a volcano (he visited one in Guatemala) than over a campfire. The volcano’s heat slow roasts the marshmallows; with a campfire, you’re more likely to accidentally light them on fire.

9. Avoid hills.

A few of the kids recently went on a HAWKs hike that apparently involved a “death road” that felt like “the stairwell of a million stairs” that went “pretty much nowhere” and had no real views, per Luca’s description.

Elliot, when asked for tips that adults should consider while hiking, told me that she enjoys being outside, but “I don’t really like going uphill.”

Same, girl. Same.

10. Appreciate the beauty of nature.

“I really like water,” Luca said. “Just enjoy the sound of water and just enjoy the nature, and check out the animals, lizards, snakes, butterflies and moths.”

Children from HAWKs, an L.A.-based company that takes kids on outdoors adventures, cross the Arroyo Seco near Pasadena, California. (Jaclyn Cosgrove/Los Angeles Times/TNS)

“It’s really beautiful to see all these paths,” Lila said. “The beauty of nature is so fun, and it’s a good way to get a workout in or just get off screens because kids these days are on screens a lot. Brain rot!”

“I just remember it’s really good for me,” Elliot said. “The same thing about screens too, even though I don’t have an iPad since my brother broke it. … Honestly, I don’t want to think about anything from school or anything. Just want to be in the moment, ya know?”

©2025 Los Angeles Times. Visit at latimes.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Four family members of a Republican running for governor in Illinois were killed in a Montana helicopter crash, his campaign said Thursday.

Killed in the crash Wednesday were the son and daughter-in-law of former state lawmaker Darren Bailey, who lost the 2022 gubernatorial election in Illinois and is seeking his party’s nomination again in next year’s race. He previously served in both the Illinois House and Senate.

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Bailey’s son, Zachary, his wife, Kelsey, and their two young children, Vada Rose, 12, and Samuel, 7, died in the crash, his campaign said in a statement. The couple’s third child was not on the helicopter.

“Darren and Cindy are heartbroken by this unimaginable loss. They are finding comfort in their faith, their family, and the prayers of so many who love and care for them,” the statement said.

The National Transportation Safety Board said Thursday that it was investigating a helicopter crash in eastern Montana near the town of Ekalaka. The sheriff’s office in Carter County said the helicopter went down southwest of the town early Wednesday evening.

Bailey, from the southern Illinois town of Xenia, announced this year that he is seeking the GOP’s nominee for governor in 2026. He lost to heavily-favored Gov. JB Pritzker in 2022.

Pritzker said on Thursday that he and his wife expressed their condolences to the Bailey family. “I cannot imagine losing a child, losing two grandchildren, and what they must be going through,” the governor said.

Bailey, a farmer and staunch conservative, dramatically increased his statewide profile in 2020 as a frequent critic of Pritzker’s approach to the coronavirus pandemic — including refusing to wear a mask during legislative sessions.

During his run governor, Bailey railed about crime in Chicago and proposed eliminating the state’s gun licensing system, saying it doesn’t stop people from using guns illegally. He once supported a resolution seeking to make Chicago a separate state.

Bailey unsuccessfully challenged five-term incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Bost in last year’s primary race for a district that covers much of the bottom one-third of Illinois.

Illinois GOP Chair Kathy Salvi said in a statement that the party is grieving the tragic loss. “Please join us in keeping the Bailey family in our thoughts and prayers during this unimaginable time,” the statement said.

By KATIE WORKMAN

If you’ve ever wandered into the cheese section with the innocent intent of “just picking up some mozzarella,” you know it’s not that simple.

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What was once a single white orb in plastic wrap is now an entire category. Fresh, low-moisture, smoked, buffalo, burrata — mozzarella takes many forms, and picking the right one for your meal needs a little demystification.

Fresh mozzarella

Fresh mozzarella is one of those ingredients that feels like a little bit of magic in the kitchen — soft, milky and impossibly tender. Unlike aged cheeses, fresh mozzarella is best enjoyed quickly while its delicate flavor and creamy texture are at their peak.

You’ll usually find it packed in liquid (water or brine), which helps keep it moist and soft. It’s quite versatile, equally at home in a pasta salad, tucked into a sandwich, or added to chicken parmigiana. Slice it onto a platter of ripe tomatoes with a drizzle of olive oil and a scatter of basil and you’ve got a perfect Caprese salad.

A dish of caprese salad, made with tomatoes, basil, olive oil and mozzarella, is displayed in New York on Aug. 17, 2017. (Cheyenne M. Cohen via AP)

Fresh mozzarella is sold in a variety of shapes, each with its own best uses. The most familiar are large mozzarella balls, usually available in 8- to 16-ounce sizes. Then there are bocconcini, which are small fresh mozzarella balls, available in several sizes. These might be labeled ovaline (“egg-size” in Italian), ciliegine (meaning “little cherries”) and teeny, tiny perline (“pearl-size”).

These mini mozzarella balls can be tossed into salads, skewered on toothpicks with cherry tomatoes and basil for a quick appetizer, or used in casseroles.

Treccia is braided mozzarella — a cool centerpiece for an Italian cheese platter.

You might also see fresh mozzarella sold in a log shape, sometimes pre-sliced; this type is usually sold wrapped in plastic rather than packed in liquid.

Fresh mozzarella has a high water content, which means it can release water into baked dishes as it cooks. Blot the slices with paper towels before using them in cooking if you want less moisture. Eat fresh mozzarella within a few days of opening; it’s not here for the long haul.

Low-moisture mozzarella

Low-moisture mozzarella is the sturdy workhorse of mozzarellas. It’s usually sold either in firm blocks or shredded. It melts beautifully, browns in the oven, and plays well with other ingredients and toppings, which is why it’s the star of most American-style pizzas and lasagnas. Its flavor is a little saltier and more concentrated than fresh mozzarella, and it has a denser texture. The low moisture means it won’t release as much water as fresh mozzarella when melted.

A meatball sub topped with mozzarella cheese is displayed in New York on Jan. 16, 2019. (Cheyenne M. Cohen via AP)

Unopened, low-moisture mozzarella can last for weeks in the refrigerator. Once opened, wrap leftovers well in plastic and use within a week.

Burrata

Burrata is mozzarella with a secret. On the outside: a wobbly exterior of fresh mozzarella. Inside: a decadent mix of cream and stracciatella, which is essentially the curd from the mozzarella-making process mixed with cream. Cut it open and it spills its luscious interior onto your plate. I think of it as the cheese version of molten chocolate cake.

Cut burrata is delightful draped over just-baked pizzas, paired with grilled peaches, served with prosciutto, served atop a salad, or drizzled with a bit of balsamic glaze and served with bruschetta.

A recipe for cherry tomato and mozzarella salad is displayed in New York in June 2019. (Cheyenne M. Cohen via AP)

Eat burrata within two days of purchasing it for best flavor and texture.

Buffalo mozzarella (Mozzarella di Bufala)

Made from the milk of water buffalo, this cheese is creamier, tangier and richer than cow’s milk mozzarella. It has a higher fat content and is more expensive than other types of mozzarella.

Buffalo mozzarella can be used in the same ways as fresh mozzarella or burrata, and is best eaten uncooked. It is sold packed in liquid, and needs to be eaten quickly, preferably the day of purchase.

If you see this type of cheese labeled Mozzarella di Bufala de Campana DOP on the label, that means it’s the real deal from Italy, with a protected designation of origin that says it was made in a specific area of the country, using traditional methods.

Smoked Mozzarella (Scamorza Affumicata)

Smoked mozzarella brings a gentle, woody depth to dishes. It’s great thinly sliced into a sandwich, cubed and added to grain salads or layered into baked pastas. Try combining it with unsmoked mozzarella so the flavor stays subtle.

Wrapped in plastic, smoked mozzarella will keep for up to two weeks in the fridge.

Which to choose?

If you want stretch and melt, plus a longer shelf life, low-moisture mozzarella is your cheese.

For elegance and freshness, look for burrata or buffalo mozzarella.

Fresh mozzarella is good with everything, but remember that because of its higher moisture content, it can release liquid into your dish as it melts.

Smoked mozzarella is going to impart a more distinct flavor (think barbecue).

But if you really want to go deep, treat yourself to a mozzarella tasting. Buy a few different types, set them out with olive oil, salt, crusty bread and maybe some ripe tomatoes. There may be no better way to learn about the many facets of one of the world’s best and most versatile cheeses.

Katie Workman writes regularly about food for The Associated Press. She has written two cookbooks focused on family-friendly cooking, “Dinner Solved!” and “The Mom 100 Cookbook.” She blogs at https://themom100.com/. She can be reached at Katie@themom100.com.

For more AP food stories, go to https://apnews.com/hub/recipes

By ALANNA DURKIN RICHER and TIM REYNOLDS, Associated Press

Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups have been arrested in connection with a federal investigation into sports betting, people familiar with the matter told The Associated Press on Thursday.

FILE – Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups speaks during an NBA basketball press conference, Friday, June 27, 2025, in Portland, Ore. (AP Photo/Jenny Kane, File)

The exact charge or charges they face were not immediately known. Two people spoke to the AP about Rozier on condition of anonymity because they couldn’t discuss details of the investigation publicly. One of these people also told the AP of Billups’ arrest.

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The NBA had no immediate comment. The league has investigated Rozier previously and still is looking into the actions of former Detroit player Malik Beasley, one of the sources told AP.

Rozier was in uniform as the Heat played the Magic in Orlando Wednesday evening, though he did not play in the game. He was taken into custody in Orlando early Thursday morning. The team didn’t immediately comment on the arrest.

A message was left Rozier’s lawyer, Jim Trusty, on Thursday. Trusty previously told ESPN that Rozier was told that an initial investigation determined he did nothing wrong after he met with NBA and FBI officials in 2023, the sports network reported.

FBI Director Kash Patel and other law enforcement officials were expected to provide more information at a news conference Thursday.

The case was brought by the same U.S. attorney’s office in Brooklyn that previously prosecuted ex-NBA player Jontay Porter. The former Toronto Raptors center pleaded guilty to charges that he withdrew early from games, claiming illness or injury, so that those in the know could win big by betting on him to underperform expectations.

A game involving Rozier that has been in question was played March 23, 2023, a matchup between the Hornets and the New Orleans Pelicans. Rozier played the first 9 minutes, 36 seconds of that game — and not only did not return that night, citing a foot issue, but did not play again that season. Charlotte had eight games remaining and was not in playoff contention, so it did not seem particularly unusual that Rozier was shut down for the season’s final games.

In that March 23 game, Rozier finished with five points, four rebounds and two assists in that opening period — a productive quarter, but well below his usual total output for a full game.

Posts still online from March 23, 2023 show that some bettors were furious with sportsbooks that evening when it became evident that Rozier was not going to return to the Charlotte-New Orleans game after the first quarter, with many turning to social media to say that something “shady” had gone on regarding the prop bets involving his stats for that night.