Headlines From The Times

Sean “Diddy” Combs avoids the most serious charges in a closely watched federal case. A new poll shows Kamala Harris is a clear favorite in the California governor’s race—if she runs. Jane Fonda and other celebrities call out Amazon over treatment of pregnant warehouse workers. And Microsoft announces layoffs, joining a growing list of tech companies cutting jobs in California.

The Senate passes Trump’s sweeping tax and healthcare bill by a single vote — but it still faces a challenge in the House. Questions grow around Pam Bondi’s claim of “tens of thousands” of Epstein videos, as legal experts say there’s no evidence they exist. Apple considers outsourcing Siri’s core technology to OpenAI or Anthropic as it struggles to compete in the A.I. space. And Lululemon files a lawsuit against Costco, accusing the wholesaler of selling lookalike gear that mimics its high-end designs.

Sean “Diddy” Combs’ defense team pushes back on racketeering and trafficking charges, with legal experts saying a guilty verdict isn’t guaranteed. Meanwhile, the Trump administration accuses Harvard of failing to protect Jewish students from antisemitic abuse and warns it could lose federal funding. In California, Blue Shield faces criticism for moving its parent company out of state — a change approved quietly by regulators. And President Trump says he won’t extend a pause on global tariffs beyond July 9, urging countries to cut deals or face steep new trade penalties.

Gas prices in California are set to jump this July, with new taxes and refinery rules adding costs at the pump. Meanwhile, illegal fireworks are already lighting up L.A., raising safety and environmental concerns ahead of the Fourth of July. Across the U.S., consumers are pulling back on spending as inflation outpaces income growth, affecting travel, recreation, and more. And in the face of growing energy demands, big batteries are emerging as a key tool in preventing summer blackouts.

The Supreme Court has ruled that states can block Medicaid patients from using Planned Parenthood, reshaping access to reproductive healthcare. In federal court, Sean “Diddy” Combs’ trial wraps up as the jury prepares to deliberate charges of sex trafficking and racketeering. Meanwhile, Apple rolls out major changes to its App Store in Europe to avoid future antitrust fines, offering lower fees and more flexibility to developers. And in California, Fourth of July cookouts will cost more this year due to inflation, supply issues, and labor disruptions.