Headlines From The Times

At least 20 Palestinians die in a stampede at a Gaza food distribution site, with conflicting accounts of what triggered the deadly panic. Meanwhile, President Trump shocks his own supporters by dismissing demands to release Jeffrey Epstein’s client list, calling it a “Democrat hoax.” The U.S. sends migrants from Jamaica and Cuba to Eswatini under new third-country deportation deals. California’s National Weather Service faces dangerous staffing cuts as wildfire season intensifies. San Francisco and San Jose emerge as national leaders in AI innovation, while Los Angeles ranks close behind. And downtown LA businesses call for help to recover from immigration raids, tariffs, and pandemic-related losses. Listen for these stories and more from LA Times Studios.

USC warns of major layoffs and pay adjustments to close a $200 million deficit, citing falling federal support and international enrollment, while staff blame costly campus projects. Meanwhile, President Trump sends more U.S. weapons to Ukraine and gives Moscow 50 days to agree to peace or face new sanctions. Trump faces backlash from his base over conspiracy theories demanding an Epstein list the DOJ says doesn’t exist. Courts block his immigration raids in Southern California, ruling agents can’t target people by race or language alone. Meanwhile, Nextdoor struggles to revive its app with AI and news partnerships after stock losses, and SpaceX plans to use Starship for in-orbit drug research. Together, these stories show political turmoil and bold business moves shaping headlines.

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.

Seven are confirmed dead after a pyrotechnics warehouse explosion in Northern California. Firefighters battle the Madre Fire, the state’s largest blaze of the year. President Trump signs a sweeping spending bill that boosts military and immigration enforcement while cutting aid programs. Proposed NIH budget cuts freeze thousands of medical research projects. The Justice Department says Epstein had no client list, contradicting prior claims. Masked ICE raids spark lawsuits in L.A. State Farm faces investigation over wildfire insurance claims. And a GOP bill ends federal EV tax credits, threatening adoption.

California fire season is off to a dangerous start, with experts warning of a severe year ahead. A California man is indicted for sharing a hit list with a white supremacist terror group. Nordstrom announces it will close its Santa Monica store after 15 years, amid concerns over safety. And the L.A. City Council approves a $425 million plan to use “mansion tax” funds for affordable housing and homelessness programs.

A new Gallup poll shows national pride is dropping—especially among Democrats and Gen Z. Tesla sales continue to decline amid political backlash tied to Elon Musk. Tinder rolls out mandatory facial scan verification in California to fight scams. And despite growing divisions, Fourth of July fireworks celebrations are still happening across L.A., from the Hollywood Bowl to Catalina Island.