Headlines From The Times

With just a week until California’s special election, Governor Gavin Newsom’s Proposition 50 campaign surges ahead, drawing over $114 million in donations as early voting accelerates statewide. The U.S. military carried out deadly strikes in the Pacific targeting alleged drug-smuggling boats again. Federal funding cuts threaten millions of Californians’ healthcare access as the government shutdown deepens. A San Bernardino deputy was killed during a high-speed chase on the 210 Freeway. President Trump strengthens trade and security ties during his visit to Japan. The Dodgers take a historic 18-inning World Series victory at home. In business, OpenAI’s Sora app faces backlash for hyperreal deepfakes and rising cocoa prices push Halloween shoppers toward gummy candy this year.

Hurricane Melissa intensifies into a Category 5 storm as Jamaica braces for catastrophic flooding and evacuations. The ongoing U.S. government shutdown halts SNAP benefits, leaving millions without food assistance. A U.S. missile destroyer arrives in the Caribbean amid escalating tensions with Venezuela. Washington threatens to pull funding from California over noncitizen commercial licenses, while LAX experiences major delays as unpaid air traffic controllers protest. Governor Gavin Newsom and former Vice President Kamala Harris both signal possible 2028 presidential runs. In business, El Segundo moves forward with plans for a $175 million surf park, and EV maker Rivian announces more than 600 layoffs amid slowing electric vehicle demand.

President Trump halts all trade negotiations with Canada after accusing officials of using a misleading ad about tariffs. In Los Angeles, thousands of deputies inside the county jail system are now required to wear body cameras following a record number of inmate deaths. The Justice Department will monitor polling sites in five California counties during next month’s Proposition 50 election. The Dodgers prepare for the World Series without reliever Alex Vesia, who’s out for personal reasons. In business, Californians bought a record number of electric vehicles before federal tax credits expired, and Life360 unveils a new GPS pet tracker that lets owners monitor their pets in real time.

California’s early voter turnout is exceeding expectations ahead of November’s special election, with more than 3.4 million mail-in ballots already returned — a potential boost for Proposition 50, the redistricting measure backed by Democrats. In national news, NBA coach Chauncey Billups and player Terry Rozier face federal charges in a sweeping sports gambling probe. L.A.’s firefighters union president accuses Mayor Karen Bass of retaliation after criticizing city funding. Orange County says goodbye to the 50-year-old Westminster Mall as redevelopment plans move forward. In business, Waymo faces a federal investigation after one of its self-driving taxis failed to stop for a school bus in Atlanta.

President Trump demands $230 million from the Justice Department, claiming political investigations caused him financial harm. LAX begins a $30 billion renovation of Terminal 5 ahead of the 2028 Olympics, promising smoother travel and reduced congestion. Matcha lovers face soaring prices as Japan’s supply struggles with climate change, aging farmers, and new import tariffs. Meta lays off 600 AI employees in a restructuring move. Construction begins on a $250 million White House ballroom ordered by President Trump. In business, California insurers plan to charge homeowners new fire-related fees, and the Phillips 66 refinery site in Wilmington is set for redevelopment into a mixed-use space.