Headlines From The Times

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.