Headlines From The Times

A federal judge throws out criminal cases against James Comey and Letitia James after ruling the prosecutor was illegally appointed, prompting an immediate DOJ appeal. The White House faces escalating questions over potential military action in Venezuela as U.S. forces build up near the region and new terrorism allegations target President Maduro. Thanksgiving travel reaches record levels, with airlines and the FAA preparing for the busiest holiday rush in years. In business, fast-food chains are losing low-income customers as prices rise and families struggle with higher living costs, and fire survivors in California gain access to a new AI-powered rebuilding portal designed to streamline construction and reduce costs.

Marjorie Taylor Greene announced she’ll leave Congress amid a bitter split with Donald Trump and a looming primary fight. In Europe, allies cautiously welcome U.S. revisions to a Ukraine peace plan that once appeared to favor Russia. In California, UCLA is moving forward on its plan to build a 19-story student housing tower in Westwood that will ease the campus housing crunch, and 17 TV projects received California’s updated film tax credits, which is projected to boost the local economy and employ thousands. 

European leaders reaffirm support for Ukraine after a U.S. peace plan proposes concessions Kyiv says it cannot accept. The Trump administration moves to reopen the Pacific to offshore drilling for the first time in decades, prompting strong opposition from California officials and climate groups. In business, Roblox introduces new age-verification requirements amid rising scrutiny over child safety and Kim Kardashian’s Skims reaches a $5 billion valuation following a major funding round.

President Trump signs a bill requiring the Justice Department to release Epstein investigation records, shifting responsibility to Attorney General Pam Bondi as questions remain about how much will be made public. Nvidia’s strong earnings ease fears of an AI market bubble, even as investor anxiety persists. The delayed September jobs report shows solid hiring but rising unemployment. At the G20 summit, leaders move forward without U.S. participation, emphasizing climate and inequality. UC regents approve new tuition hikes over student protests. In business, Disney posts strong gains in streaming and cruises despite weaker theatrical performance, and L.A.’s delivery bots expand into grocery service through DoorDash.

Billionaire hedge fund founder Tom Steyer announced Wednesday that he is running for governor of California. In a video posted to social media, Steyer vowed to challenge corporate influence and tackle the state’s affordability crisis. Meanwhile, the Trump administration is moving quickly to break up the Education Department. Officials rolled out a new plan Tuesday to shift key responsibilities, including an 18 billion dollar anti-poverty program, to other federal agencies. The move follows through on Trump’s campaign promise to eliminate the department entirely. Read more at LATimes.com.

The House voted overwhelmingly Tuesday to pass a bill ordering the Justice Department to publicly release the files on convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The push comes after a major shift from President Trump, who now says he will sign the measure if it reaches his desk. Meanwhile, the U.N. Security Council approved the Trump administration’s plan to secure and govern Gaza. The 13 to 0 vote allows the U.S. to move forward with an international stabilization force in the territory and approves a transitional authority that will be overseen by President Trump. Read more at LATimes.com.

In a shocking reversal, President Trump publicly urged House Republicans on Sunday night to vote for the release of the Epstein files. The announcement marks a sudden shift for the President, who has long called the Epstein investigation a “Democrat hoax.” Meanwhile, on Monday, the FAA lifted all remaining flight restrictions put in place during the record 43 day government shutdown. Officials say regular schedules can resume at 40 major airports just ahead of Thanksgiving travel. Read more at LATimes.com

The government shutdown ends after 43 days with federal workers returning and delays expected to linger. In Washington, newly released Epstein estate emails trigger a bipartisan push for full Justice Department disclosure. Southern California prepares for a dangerous atmospheric river storm, while Edison moves toward settlement offers for victims of the deadly Eaton Fire. U.S. Catholic bishops issue their strongest unified criticism in a decade against mass deportations. In business, Downtown L.A. sees new development plans with a proposed 49-story tower at L.A. Live and Apple’s restrained AI spending emerges as a strategic advantage as tech markets tighten.

Newly released Epstein estate emails allege Donald Trump “knew about the girls,” prompting new scrutiny from House Democrats. In Brazil, Gov. Gavin Newsom challenges U.S. federal climate inaction while promoting California’s model at COP30. Los Angeles considers capping annual rent increases at 3% in its biggest rent-control update in decades. President Trump urges Israel to pardon Prime Minister Netanyahu as his corruption trial continues. G7 leaders reaffirm support for Ukraine amid escalating Russian strikes. The IAEA says it has lost insight into Iran’s near–weapons-grade uranium after June strikes. In business, Netflix accelerates its global reality competition slate, and Paramount eliminates 1,600 jobs as part of a sweeping corporate overhaul.

After 42 days, the longest government shutdown in U.S. history nears an end, though the fight over healthcare continues. The Justice Department investigates security at UC Berkeley following violent protests. A new report raises questions about the Los Angeles Fire Department’s handling of the Lachman and Palisades fires. A West Virginia judge allows National Guard patrols in Washington to continue. California braces for a major storm while the Port of Long Beach keeps holiday shipments moving despite rising costs. And Grindr’s chairman resigns to lead a $3.5 billion bid to take the company private amid record growth.