Headlines From The Times

Educators and activists rally for the release of an LA high school student detained by immigration agents, while President Trump escalates his push against the Smithsonian and other museums he accuses of promoting “woke ideology.” In Los Angeles, election technology firm Smartmatic faces federal corruption charges tied to alleged bribery schemes and misuse of taxpayer funds. Meanwhile, new developments emerge in the Menendez brothers’ case. In business, Tesla comes under mounting legal pressure over its self-driving technology and California braces for the closure of its last beet sugar factory.

Mediators in Qatar push for a ceasefire in Gaza after Hamas signals openness to a new proposal, while Israel prepares for a major offensive. President Trump assures he won’t send U.S. troops to Ukraine, clarifying earlier remarks as he seeks to broker an end to the war. In Los Angeles, Metro bus ridership continues to decline, raising questions about the impact of immigration raids and financial pressures. In business, Roblox faces lawsuits over child safety, accused of failing to protect kids from predators. Meanwhile, SpaceX’s plan to expand launches meets regulatory resistance.

Governor Gavin Newsom calls a November special election to redraw California’s congressional maps in a bid to favor Democrats, sparking criticism over undermining the state’s independent process. President Trump prepares for a surprise U.S.-Russia summit in Alaska, as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warns Vladimir Putin is bluffing about peace. LA28 secures a historic deal allowing corporate naming rights for 2028 Olympic venues. In Washington, D.C., federal officials clear homeless encampments under Trump’s crime crackdown. In business, an unusual chip deal between Trump and tech giants draws legal concerns, while OpenAI’s GPT-5 launch meets mixed reviews.

Border Patrol agents raid near Governor Gavin Newsom’s redistricting announcement in Los Angeles, drawing condemnation from local leaders. In Washington, D.C., officials sue to block President Trump’s federal takeover of the Metropolitan Police Department. Along the southern border, U.S. immigration agents deploy AI-powered drones to track migrants in Arizona. And in California, health officials warn that valley fever cases are rising at record rates, with infections spreading beyond traditional hotspots. In business, Ford invests $2 billion to convert a Kentucky plant for electric vehicles, while L.A. considers converting empty skyscrapers into housing.

Governor Gavin Newsom calls a November special election to redraw California’s congressional maps in a bid to favor Democrats, sparking criticism over undermining the state’s independent process. President Trump prepares for a surprise U.S.-Russia summit in Alaska, as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warns Vladimir Putin is bluffing about peace. LA28 secures a historic deal allowing corporate naming rights for 2028 Olympic venues. In Washington, D.C., federal officials clear homeless encampments under Trump’s crime crackdown. In business, an unusual chip deal between Trump and tech giants draws legal concerns, while OpenAI’s GPT-5 launch meets mixed reviews.

Los Angeles schools announce new security measures to protect immigrant students from ICE activity as classes resume. In Gaza, Israeli gunfire kills 25 near aid sites while displacement plans draw criticism. California leaders push back against possible National Guard deployments and a federal ban on benefits for undocumented immigrants. In business, Tesla’s board grants Elon Musk a $29 billion stock package to retain him as the company shifts toward robotics and AI, even as it appeals a ruling striking down his 2018 pay plan — and Claire’s files for bankruptcy for the second time in seven years.

Democratic lawmakers accuse ICE of concealing poor conditions inside a downtown Los Angeles detention site, sparking renewed oversight calls. A new study on a massive Myanmar earthquake offers scientists fresh insights into how California’s “Big One” might strike. In Texas, Republicans plan to end the current special session and begin another after redistricting efforts stall. And nationwide, hiring slows sharply as tariffs and trade policies weigh on the economy, with Amazon announcing 110 layoffs in its Wondery audio division.

One person is dead and another missing after a massive explosion at a U.S. Steel plant near Pittsburgh, prompting urgent rescue efforts and a shelter-in-place order. In Gaza, a strike on a journalists’ tent killed seven, including prominent Al Jazeera reporter Anas Al-Sharif, drawing international condemnation. Disney reports strong streaming growth despite theatrical losses, with plans to merge Disney+ and Hulu next year. And in California, wildfire survivors accuse the state’s last-resort insurer of illegally denying smoke damage claims, prompting state intervention.

New Medicaid work requirements could strip health coverage from millions, with California officials warning that over 3 million residents may be affected. The mandate, signed into law by President Trump, takes effect after the 2026 midterms and has sparked growing concerns over access and eligibility. Meanwhile, sweeping new tariffs on imports from more than 60 countries have taken effect, drawing criticism from economists and global leaders who warn the economic impact could escalate in the months ahead. Southern California faces triple-digit temperatures as a major heat wave peaks, with only slight relief expected over the weekend. The Gifford Fire has burned more than 96,000 acres, with two other wildfires still active amid dangerous winds and dry conditions. L.A. homeowners accuse the U.S. Army Corps of mishandling post-fire debris cleanup after January’s blazes, leaving hazardous materials behind. The company plans to merge Disney+ and Hulu into one app next year, signs a $1.6 billion deal with WWE, and acquires NFL Network ahead of its ESPN streaming launch. Meanwhile, California’s FAIR Plan faces state action over allegedly illegal denials of smoke damage claims from January’s Eaton Fires, as homeowners report being left to clean toxic debris themselves or accept low settlement offers.

A soldier opens fire at Fort Stewart in Georgia, injuring five before being taken into custody. Army officials say the shooter used a personal weapon, and investigations are underway. Then, in Los Angeles, Border Patrol agents carry out a pre-dawn immigration raid at a Home Depot, arresting at least 16 migrants. A murder in the Hollywood Hills reveals a secret network of high-stakes underground poker involving celebrities and organized crime. In Los Angeles, residents take safety into their own hands by painting illegal crosswalks, prompting the city to act. Thousands of Boeing workers walk off the job at military plants across the Midwest, demanding better pay and overtime protections. And American Eagle stock jumps after President Trump praises a controversial ad featuring actress Sydney Sweeney, despite backlash over its messaging and imagery. We break down four stories shaping headlines across the country today.