Diya Chacko

Diya Chacko is a former audience engagement editor for the Los Angeles Times Metro desk and writer of the Times’ Coronavirus Today newsletter. She previously worked as the public health and environment editor for the Southern California News Group and digital production manager for the Times-Picayune in New Orleans. A USC grad, Diya holds master’s degrees in environmental science and journalism from Columbia University.

Latest From This Author

Science & Medicine

Coronavirus Today: Readers, I’m passing the torch

Diya Chacko’s last edition of Coronavirus Today will equip you for the weekend and get you up to date on what’s happening, including how homeless people in Los Angeles have largely escaped severe symptoms of COVID-19.
Aug. 21, 2020
Science & Medicine

Coronavirus Today: Pandemic postal problems

Our special-edition newsletter breaks down the latest coronavirus news, including how the U.S. Postal Service has been dealing with the pandemic.
Aug. 20, 2020
Science & Medicine

Coronavirus Today: Challenge upon challenge

Our special-edition newsletter breaks down the latest coronavirus news, including the lack of infrastructure for homeless people as California suffers extreme heat amid the pandemic.
Aug. 19, 2020
$LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 08: During the coroniavirus pandemic Wendy Urquiza, right, medical assistant talks with people and checks their temperature at the entrance to South Central Family Health Center (SCFHC) on Wednesday, April 8, 2020 in Los Angeles, CA. For decades, the South Central Family Health Center has been a refuge for low-income families most at risk. They rely on the clinic for medical help; also for help with homeless services, food coupons and emotional support for domestic violence. In recent weeks, so many patients have stopped attending the clinic due to Coronavirus fears, it's put the clinics funding at risk. Officials have furloughed employees, slashed services and put major projects on hold. They said worry that after the pandemic ends, the clinic may not be able to stay open or will only offer a fraction of the critical services it's known for. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)$

Science & Medicine

Coronavirus Today: The harm in isolation

Our special-edition newsletter breaks down the latest coronavirus news, including how isolation is exacerbating harm to those in abusive relationships and people with dementia.
Aug. 18, 2020
Science & Medicine

Coronavirus Today: When it’s too hot to stay home

Our special-edition newsletter breaks down the latest coronavirus news, including the extreme heat and rolling blackouts complicating life for Californians trying to stay cool at home.
Aug. 17, 2020
Science & Medicine

Coronavirus Today: Turnover troubles

A special newsletter edition to equip you for the weekend and get you up to date on what’s happening, including the departures of high-level public health officers and Cal/OSHA’s attempt to hire retired inspectors.
Aug. 14, 2020
Science & Medicine

Coronavirus Today: Where things went wrong

Our special-edition newsletter breaks down the latest coronavirus news, including a look at how the rush to reopening brought the virus roaring back.
Aug. 13, 2020
Science & Medicine

Coronavirus Today: ‘Yes, it really sucks’

Our special-edition newsletter breaks down the latest coronavirus news, including the cancellation of the Pac-12 and Big Ten college football conferences’ season and Sports columnist Bill Plaschke’s experience with COVID-19.
Aug. 12, 2020
Science & Medicine

Coronavirus Today: The costs of herd immunity

Our special-edition newsletter breaks down the latest coronavirus news, including the outbreak at San Quentin State Prison and what it means for a herd immunity strategy.
Aug. 11, 2020
Science & Medicine

Coronavirus Today: A key advisor resigns

Our special-edition newsletter breaks down the latest coronavirus news, including the abrupt resignation of the director of California’s Department of Public Health.
Aug. 10, 2020