Today’s edition of quick hits.

* A bold move in Sacramento: “California Gov. Gavin Newsom said Thursday he is commuting all death sentences in the state, sparing roughly a quarter of the nation’s entire death row population in a move he acknowledged ‘may surface excruciating memories for victims’ families.’ The decision shifts ‘all Californian death sentences to life without the possibility of parole,’ and applies to 548 people, according to the Death Penalty Information Center.”

* It’s probably not a good day to check on your 401(k): “Stocks had their worst day in nearly two years as investors’ concerns about weaknesses in the A.I. industry re-emerged after Democratic midterm victories raised the prospect of tighter regulation. The S&P 500 fell 4.3 percent on Thursday, marking the most severe drop for the index since April 2025, when President Trump unveiled sweeping global tariffs.”

* SCOTUS news: “It’s looking more and more like President Donald Trump will be stuck with only having appointed the three Supreme Court justices at whom he has lashed out for not siding with him in every single case. Despite Democrats winning Senate control this week, Justice Samuel Alito has reportedly discussed his intention not to retire immediately and give Trump a chance to have the outgoing GOP-controlled Senate confirm his successor in the lame-duck period.”

* Document retention matters: “A top House Democrat is warning members of the Trump administration not to hide or destroy documents as the party plans to investigate top officials in the next Congress. Virginia Rep. Bobby Scott, who is primed to lead the House Education and Workforce Committee next year, sent letters to the heads of numerous federal agencies on Wednesday, reminding them of the Federal Records Act and the threat of criminal liability for anyone in violation of it.”

* An economic metric the White House prioritizes: “The U.S. trade deficit — a measure of the difference between what the country imports and what it exports — ticked downward slightly in September from the previous month but remained at relatively high levels, defying efforts by the Trump administration to shrink it.”

* Elections are already having consequences in Texas: “Less than 24 hours after a historic sweep of Texas’ statewide elected offices by Democrats, the state’s attorney general-elect Nathan Johnson said Tuesday he will not continue Ken Paxton’s practice of suing doctors in other states for sending abortion medication to patients here.”

* I’m really sorry to see Salon close up shop: “Salon.com, the pioneering digital news website known for its political and cultural commentary, permanently shuttered on Thursday, sharing in an open letter that ‘we are saddened to announce that Salon is ceasing publication.’” (Disclosure: 20 years ago, I worked for Salon.)

See you tomorrow.

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