Newly released Epstein estate emails allege Donald Trump “knew about the girls,” prompting new scrutiny from House Democrats. In Brazil, Gov. Gavin Newsom challenges U.S. federal climate inaction while promoting California’s model at COP30. Los Angeles considers capping annual rent increases at 3% in its biggest rent-control update in decades. President Trump urges Israel to pardon Prime Minister Netanyahu as his corruption trial continues. G7 leaders reaffirm support for Ukraine amid escalating Russian strikes. The IAEA says it has lost insight into Iran’s near–weapons-grade uranium after June strikes. In business, Netflix accelerates its global reality competition slate, and Paramount eliminates 1,600 jobs as part of a sweeping corporate overhaul.

After 42 days, the longest government shutdown in U.S. history nears an end, though the fight over healthcare continues. The Justice Department investigates security at UC Berkeley following violent protests. A new report raises questions about the Los Angeles Fire Department’s handling of the Lachman and Palisades fires. A West Virginia judge allows National Guard patrols in Washington to continue. California braces for a major storm while the Port of Long Beach keeps holiday shipments moving despite rising costs. And Grindr’s chairman resigns to lead a $3.5 billion bid to take the company private amid record growth.

The Senate moves toward ending the record-long government shutdown with a short-term funding deal, while Democrats warn it leaves healthcare unresolved. The Supreme Court rejects Kim Davis’ appeal, reaffirming same-sex marriage as a constitutional right. Meanwhile, the court also weighs whether SNAP food aid can resume during the shutdown as families face mounting hardship. Flight cancellations continue to ripple across Southern California airports as unpaid controllers stay home. Overseas, the BBC faces resignations and legal threats after editing Trump’s January 6th speech. And in Washington, President Trump pardons key allies including Rudy Giuliani and Mark Meadows.