Headlines From The Times

UC Berkeley’s chancellor prepares to testify before Congress as lawmakers investigate antisemitism and federal probes target universities nationwide. Meanwhile, a worker dies fleeing a federal immigration raid on a Camarillo pot farm that led to hundreds of detentions, sparking debate over enforcement tactics. We look at how civil rights, campus politics, and immigration enforcement collide as pressure mounts on schools and communities across the country. The Supreme Court allows President Trump to overhaul the Education Department, drawing praise from his administration and sharp criticism from educators. Trump gives Russia 50 days to end the war in Ukraine or face new tariffs targeting its trade partners. Teen developers on Roblox earn millions as the platform relaxes ownership rules. And Elon Musk plans to direct Tesla investments into his AI company, XAI, while assuring shareholders the two firms will remain separate despite controversy.

California officials warn that federal budget cuts are undermining critical wildfire prevention and water programs—but say the state is fighting back. With the 2028 Olympics approaching, tourism leaders are working to boost California’s image despite safety concerns and financial risks. We also look at how AI chatbots are complicating disaster misinformation, and report on Tesla’s first deliveries to India as it seeks to tap into the country’s growing auto market.

Los Angeles County launches an investigation after a sanitation tunnel collapse traps 31 workers underground. Governor Gavin Newsom tours South Carolina, drawing both praise and criticism over his national ambitions. Meanwhile, Hollywood’s soundstage operators hope new state tax credits will revive production after a historic slowdown. Plus, a watchdog warns of a 400% surge in AI-generated child abuse imagery, calling for urgent regulation. Stay tuned for these stories and more from the LA Times newsroom.

Protesters in Santa Monica rally against Trump’s immigration raids and question the legacy of hometown figure Stephen Miller. California farmers dismiss claims that machines or Medicaid recipients can replace undocumented workers and urge legalization for essential labor. Homicides in Los Angeles fall 20%, setting the city on pace for its lowest total since 1968 despite LAPD budget concerns. Officials failed to act on federal disaster warnings before fires in L.A. and floods in Texas, delaying evacuation orders. Mattel debuts its first Barbie with Type 1 diabetes to reflect more children’s experiences. Linda Yaccarino steps down as CEO of Elon Musk’s X amid advertiser exits and controversy over antisemitic posts by the platform’s AI chatbot.

The Supreme Court allows Trump to move forward with mass federal layoffs, while L.A. cracks down on “renovictions” to protect tenants. In tech, Meta poaches a top AI executive from Apple. Governor Newsom demands long-term disaster aid as a new lawsuit threatens funding for Latino and low-income college students. And Amazon’s Prime Day sees slower sales and fewer discounts amid rising tariffs.