Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs convicted of prostitution offenses, found not guilty of higher charges
Sean “Diddy” Combs was convicted of prostitution-related offenses but acquitted Wednesday of sex trafficking and racketeering charges that could have put one of hip-hop’s most celebrated figures behind bars for life. The mixed result came on the third day of jury deliberations, and a weeks-long trial. Combs, 55, could still be sent to prison for as long as a decade, and the verdict could end his career as a hit making music executive, fashion entrepreneur, brand ambassador and reality TV star. Prosecutors called 34 witnesses since the trial’s start in early May, including two ex-girlfriends of Combs who testified they felt coerced into marathon sex events with male sex workers that were called “freak-offs” or “hotel nights.” Jurors were shown about 20 minutes of video recordings from the dayslong events. Defense lawyers, though, say they were consensual sexual encounters consistent with the swingers lifestyle. Joining Larry this morning to break down what the verdict means for Combs, and his victims, are Laurie Levenson, professor of criminal law at Loyola Law School and former federal prosecutor, and Ambrosio Rodriguez, criminal defense attorney and former prosecutor with the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office.
With files from the Associated Press.
LA Sheriff Robert Luna on handling of ICE protests, firework safety and more
A lot has happened this year across the county from a public safety perspective. It’s been close to 6 months since the Palisades and Altadena wildfires impacted Los Angeles County residents. In the case of Altadena, many shared concerns about theft occurring as their homes were left to rubble. As Angelenos were recovering from this moment, others were left in fear following the Trump Administration’s decision to increase Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in the county. Protests have continued since June, with the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department being one of the arms of law enforcement that’s looked to protect and serve the region as tensions continue, while making it clear that they aren’t collaborating with ICE on detentions. Joining us today to discuss the state of his department as we inch closer to the 4th of July weekend is Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna. Do you have a question or comment for Sheriff Luna? Share it with us by calling 866-893-5722 or email atcomments@laist.com.
How volunteer historians are working to preserve Altadena’s history through oral stories
When the Eaton Fire burned through Altadena, it erased more than homes. It also took family photos, heirlooms and history. But a small group of volunteers with the Altadena Historical Society are now working to restore some of that history through the voices of fire survivors. The historical society has long recorded oral histories of residents for archiving. Now they want to capture as many stories of fire survivors as they can. The team have so far recorded the voices and stories of an 86 year old musician, a multigenerational family and a lifelong Altadenan in his 90s, among others. Today on AirTalk, president of the Altadena Historical Society Veronica Jones and LAist climate, environment reporter Erin Stone join the program to explain the race to preserve Altadena’s history, and Sheldon Wright, a participant of the Altadena Historical Society’s oral history project.
With files from LAist
How accurate are AI and plagiarism detectors?
As AI use amongst students becomes evermore present, professors and colleges are trying to find ways to better detect its use. Turnitin, one of the leading AI and plagiarism detection softwares, is used across California’s community colleges and universities. Turnitin detects plagiarism and AI use in student work by looking for language that matches other texts or matches language AI-tools use. In an extensive piece, CalMatters interviewed students and faculty about their use of Turnitin and found criticisms of the software’s accuracy. Many reported false AI detections and a lack of oversight by professors and colleges to corroborate Turnitin’s findings. Another concern is Turnitin’s use of submitted student work that is used by the company to further improve its software. Today on AirTalk, we discuss the concerns surrounding AI-detectors in grading and the complications professors face when trying to police AI use. We’re joined by Tara Garcia Mathewson, education reporter for CalMatters, and Stephen Aguilar, Associate Professor of Education USC and Associate Director of USC Center for Generative AI and Society.
What happens when death is your constant companion?
Paul Parker, a former Los Angeles County coroner is sharing the turmoil that can come when death is always by your side. His new book, In the Shadows of Death: Writing Life's Final Chapter (Houndstooth Press, 2025), explores his experience advocating for the deceased, the challenges in prioritizing his own health, addiction's role, and how he's turned his advocacy to fellow death investigators. Parker joins Larry to discuss the book. If you have questions, call 866-893-5722.
Join Parker at a book signing at the Barnes & Noble on Sunday, July 20 at 2 p.m. Learn more here.
