The board of Warner Bros. Discovery rejects Paramount's hostile bid. Meanwhile, Nick Reiner appeared for the first time in Los Angeles Superior Court and was denied bail. And for nearly a year, Times reporters have been covering the rebuilding efforts in Pacific Palisades, following the devastating fires that destroyed thousands of homes. Meanwhile, Times reporters are reporting that four alleged members of a child sex abuse network have been charged; investigators say the group, CVLT, is mostly dismantled, but has splintered into another entity. Also, some exciting news for sports fans: it may be a bit easier to score tickets to the World Cup in 2026, with a new supporter entry tier for tickets at a fixed rate of $60. And, just up the 101 in Santa Barbara, the city's newspaper, the Santa Barbara News-Press, is back and with a new editor. In business, experts are saying L.A. County's $700 million estimate to retrofit its old headquarters is grossly inflated, and Instacart is facing backlash following an AI experiment that charged customers different prices for the same items.
The suspected gunmen of an antisemitic terrorist attack in Australia are a father and son, reportedly inspired by ISIS. In the U.S., the unemployment rate ticked up to 4.6%, the highest it's been in four years. Meanwhile, in Texas, the state is moving to expand conservative student clubs in public high schools, with Governor Greg Abbott emphasizing his support for Turning Point USA. Also, in Southern California, forecasters are monitoring a strong storm that's expected to reach the coast on December 23rd and last through Christmas Day. And, new reporting is showing the impact of Brendan Carr's leadership at the Federal Communications Commission on San Francisco-based station KCBS and beyond. In business, the company behind Roomba files for bankruptcy, and an Amazon warehouse near LAX sells for a record price.
Hollywood is mourning the death of Rob Reiner and his wife Michele Singer Reiner; their son, Nick Reiner, was arrested soon after on suspicion of homicide. Meanwhile, federal authorities say they stopped a New Year's Eve terror attack, targeting Los Angeles area businesses, arresting four people involved in the plot. In California, a growing teacher shortage is being made worse by a new Trump administration policy requiring employers to pay a one-time sponsorship fee for new H-1B work visas for international workers. And on the first night of Hanukkah, the Pacific Palisades community stood together for their 38th menorah lighting. In sports, the Los Angeles Rams rallied to beat the Detroit Lions and clinch a playoff berth. In business, homeowners who lost their houses in January’s LA wildfires say banks are denying or limiting mortgage forbearance, despite a state law promising up to a year of relief, and the podcast industry is being reshaped by a surge of AI-generated shows.
A federal judge rules that the Trump administration must withdraw the National Guard from Los Angeles, saying the deployment is no longer lawful. Australia becomes the first country to ban social media use for anyone under 16. The Federal Reserve issues its third interest rate cut of the year. Another court orders the release of Jeffrey Epstein’s 2019 grand jury records under the new transparency law. The Trump administration proposes a settlement that could remove millions from the SAVE student loan plan, while Congress extends the Secure Rural Schools Act. Candidate Tom Steyer opposes both Netflix’s and Paramount’s proposed acquisitions of Warner Bros. Discovery. Heavy fog disrupts travel across California’s Central Valley. In business, a major appliance chain abruptly closes, leaving customer orders in limbo, and personal finance columnist Liz Weston explains why everyone should have a will.
President Trump is in Pennsylvania on Tuesday, defending his record on affordability. New details in the Epstein investigation might emerge in the coming days after a federal judge in New York approved the Justice Department's request. Also, Nvidia shares are falling today after Trump announced Monday that the California-based company would be able to sell its H200 AI chip to approved customers in China. Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve is expected to again lower interest rates. In Los Angeles, Times reporter Karen Garcia profiled Joey Garcia, a working dad by day and a street parking defender by night. And Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani is named Male Athlete of the Year by The Associated Press. In business, Netflix's proposed buyout of Warner Bros. is sparking concern in the movie industry, while a closer look at Netflix's CEO, Ted Sarandos, reveals the road to the deal.
Paramount is staging a hostile bid for Warner Bros. Discovery. Meanwhile, the Trump administration halted immigration applications for people from over 30 countries last week, following the shooting of two National Guard soldiers in Washington, D.C. Also, the Supreme Court heard arguments in a case that could expand President Trump's control over independent federal agencies. Across the pond, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met in London with European allies. And the investigation into Kerri Ann Abatti's death continues. She was part of one of the most influential farming families in Southern California's Imperial Valley. In business, a Google-backed film by Michael Keaton is aiming to change the narrative on AI, and the California State Transportation Agency rejected plans to raise the height of the Port of Los Angeles Vincent Thomas Bridge as re-decking on the overpass begins.
Netflix agrees to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery in an unprecedented Hollywood merger that will reshape the entertainment landscape. The CDC reverses its long-standing recommendation for the hepatitis B birth vaccine, drawing immediate backlash from medical experts. The Supreme Court allows Texas to use a disputed congressional map expected to add GOP seats. A Pentagon watchdog finds Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth violated communication rules during Yemen strike discussions in a group chat on the "Signal" app. California expands oversight to protect underage farmworkers. LeBron James’ historic scoring streak comes to an end. Architecture pioneer Frank Gehry dies at 96. In business, a Waymo autonomous taxi hits a dog in San Francisco reigniting a fierce debate about safety and Saudi Arabia’s public investment fund moves toward controlling EA in a record-setting buyout.
President Trump’s remarks targeting Somali immigrants and Rep. Ilhan Omar escalate tensions as federal agents prepare enforcement actions in Minnesota. CBS News announces a primetime special featuring Erika Kirk, marking Editor in Chief Bari Weiss’ on-camera debut and signaling a shift in the network’s editorial approach. In business, a new UCLA report warns California’s unemployment rate will rise as immigration policies hit specific regions and Costco sues the Trump administration to halt global tariffs and recover billions in import duty payments.
Republican Matt Van Epps wins Tennessee’s special election by a narrower margin, signaling potential movement ahead of 2026. Michael and Susan Dell pledge more than $6 billion to expand President Trump’s new children’s investment accounts, drawing praise and criticism. Los Angeles County advances a measure to bar masked immigration and law enforcement agents, prompting federal pushback. San Francisco files a landmark lawsuit accusing major food companies of deceptively marketing ultra-processed products. In business, California’s job market shows sharp layoffs in tech and entertainment even as the aerospace and defense industries expand, and Greystar agrees to halt algorithmic rent pricing and pay $7 million in a multi-state settlement over alleged collusion that inflated housing costs.
Lawmakers are demanding answers after reports that U.S. forces striking alleged Venezuelan drug boats were directed to kill survivors — an order Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth denies as conflicting statements from the administration fuel concern over legality and oversight. President Trump’s pardon of former Honduran president Juan Orlando Hernández sparks regional uncertainty and potential political repercussions amid Honduras’ Presidential election. generating billions in revenue and driving major economic impact as its final season rolls out. In business, Netflix’s Stranger Things cements itself as the company’s most powerful franchise. and construction begins on the $10-billion One Beverly Hills development.
The Trump administration freezes asylum and Afghan visa processing after a deadly shooting near the White House, raising questions about the future of U.S. immigration policy. In Hong Kong, investigators probe a high-rise fire that killed more than 150 people and exposed construction failures. Luigi Mangione returns to court as his defense fights to suppress key evidence in the murder of a healthcare CEO. Southern California braces for two rounds of Santa Ana winds. California’s Indian truck drivers face license cancellations under new federal rules. Snapchat nears 1 billion users but continues to struggle with profitability.
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.