Headlines From The Times

President Trump imposes a 15% tariff on Japanese goods as part of a new trade deal he claims will create hundreds of thousands of jobs, while warning the EU of more tariffs ahead. Meanwhile, a Times investigation into January’s deadly West Altadena fire reveals critical delays and misallocated resources left residents largely unprotected during the worst hours. A judge blocks the Trump administration’s effort to unseal Jeffrey Epstein’s grand jury records in Florida. Another court stops ICE from immediately detaining Kilmar Abrego Garcia after a wrongful deportation. Uber tests a women-only ride option in California aimed at safer travel. And the White House launches an AI plan to cut regulations and speed development, drawing support from tech leaders and criticism from civil rights and environmental groups. Four stories shaping law, policy, and technology in the U.S. today.

Israeli airstrikes kill at least 20 people in Gaza, including women and children, as Christian leaders call for an end to the nearly 21-month war. The Trump administration pressures Israel to conclude the conflict after a deadly church strike, while ceasefire talks in Qatar stall. Meanwhile, the U.S. announces it will leave UNESCO again, citing alleged anti-Israel bias and divisive agendas—just two years after rejoining. Erik Menendez, imprisoned for the 1989 killing of his parents, seeks early release to treat a serious medical condition ahead of a parole hearing that could test his life sentence. Meanwhile, Ghislaine Maxwell moves for prison relief from her sex-trafficking conviction as the Justice Department plans to meet with her lawyers and considers new subpoenas. Public and political pressure grows for answers in the Epstein case, even as Congress leaves Washington without voting to release more related files.

Britain, France, and 23 other countries demand an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, accusing Israel of blocking aid and worsening the humanitarian disaster. Meanwhile, Russia launches one of its largest air attacks on Kyiv in months, killing civilians and damaging shelters just before NATO meets to weigh President Trump’s plan to arm Ukraine. California sues the Trump administration over restrictions that block undocumented immigrants from vital public benefits. The Pentagon pulls Marines out of Los Angeles after protests against immigration raids. The FDA appoints biotech executive George Tidmarsh to lead drug regulation under RFK Jr., amid calls for reform. And In-N-Out owner Lynsi Snyder announces she’s leaving California, joining a wave of businesses moving east while the burger chain keeps its roots on the West Coast.

Los Angeles County reports a second year of declining homelessness, but progress remains slow as looming federal cuts threaten housing aid for over a million low-income renters. Meanwhile, Californians turn to personal firefighting devices to protect their homes, sparking debate over safety and effectiveness. Plus, a federal court blocks the FTC’s “click-to-cancel” rule, leaving consumers to find new ways to end unwanted subscriptions.

The U.S. Justice Department demands lists of all noncitizen inmates from California jails, challenging the state’s sanctuary laws and threatening subpoenas if counties don’t comply. Meanwhile, the University of California considers raising its annual tuition increase cap from 5% to 7% to address budget cuts, inflation, and reduced federal support. Critics worry the plan focuses more on revenue than student aid, while a cohort-based tuition freeze is set to expire in 2026. 

At least 20 Palestinians die in a stampede at a Gaza food distribution site, with conflicting accounts of what triggered the deadly panic. Meanwhile, President Trump shocks his own supporters by dismissing demands to release Jeffrey Epstein’s client list, calling it a “Democrat hoax.” The U.S. sends migrants from Jamaica and Cuba to Eswatini under new third-country deportation deals. California’s National Weather Service faces dangerous staffing cuts as wildfire season intensifies. San Francisco and San Jose emerge as national leaders in AI innovation, while Los Angeles ranks close behind. And downtown LA businesses call for help to recover from immigration raids, tariffs, and pandemic-related losses. Listen for these stories and more from LA Times Studios.

USC warns of major layoffs and pay adjustments to close a $200 million deficit, citing falling federal support and international enrollment, while staff blame costly campus projects. Meanwhile, President Trump sends more U.S. weapons to Ukraine and gives Moscow 50 days to agree to peace or face new sanctions. Trump faces backlash from his base over conspiracy theories demanding an Epstein list the DOJ says doesn’t exist. Courts block his immigration raids in Southern California, ruling agents can’t target people by race or language alone. Meanwhile, Nextdoor struggles to revive its app with AI and news partnerships after stock losses, and SpaceX plans to use Starship for in-orbit drug research. Together, these stories show political turmoil and bold business moves shaping headlines.

UC Berkeley’s chancellor prepares to testify before Congress as lawmakers investigate antisemitism and federal probes target universities nationwide. Meanwhile, a worker dies fleeing a federal immigration raid on a Camarillo pot farm that led to hundreds of detentions, sparking debate over enforcement tactics. We look at how civil rights, campus politics, and immigration enforcement collide as pressure mounts on schools and communities across the country. The Supreme Court allows President Trump to overhaul the Education Department, drawing praise from his administration and sharp criticism from educators. Trump gives Russia 50 days to end the war in Ukraine or face new tariffs targeting its trade partners. Teen developers on Roblox earn millions as the platform relaxes ownership rules. And Elon Musk plans to direct Tesla investments into his AI company, XAI, while assuring shareholders the two firms will remain separate despite controversy.

California officials warn that federal budget cuts are undermining critical wildfire prevention and water programs—but say the state is fighting back. With the 2028 Olympics approaching, tourism leaders are working to boost California’s image despite safety concerns and financial risks. We also look at how AI chatbots are complicating disaster misinformation, and report on Tesla’s first deliveries to India as it seeks to tap into the country’s growing auto market.

Los Angeles County launches an investigation after a sanitation tunnel collapse traps 31 workers underground. Governor Gavin Newsom tours South Carolina, drawing both praise and criticism over his national ambitions. Meanwhile, Hollywood’s soundstage operators hope new state tax credits will revive production after a historic slowdown. Plus, a watchdog warns of a 400% surge in AI-generated child abuse imagery, calling for urgent regulation. Stay tuned for these stories and more from the LA Times newsroom.