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.