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.