This is an LA Times Studios podcast.

Hi, I'm Angelica Cornado at LA Times Studios.

Here are some of today's headlines from the Los Angeles Times.

Sean Diddy Combs is facing federal racketeering and sex trafficking charges, and authorities are saying the case reaches far beyond just him.

Richard Winton reports prosecutors claim Combs used his power, money, and the bad boy empire to control, abuse, and silence those around him.

This week's testimony brought some disturbing details involving

his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura. Among other allegations, former bad boy executive Capricorn Clark

described one morning when Combs showed up at her door with a gun, threatened to kill rapper Kid

Cutty, and later assaulted her in his home. Other assistants testified about cleaning up

after drug-fueled

parties and watching Ventura cry out for help. Combs has pleaded not guilty and his defense

argues the charges are being misrepresented, but the evidence keeps mounting.

The U.S. Justice Department is investigating whether California schools are violating the civil

rights of cisgender girls by allowing

transgender students to compete in girls' sports.

LA Times reporters say this move follows intense political pressure, including Donald Trump

threatening to cut California's federal funding.

The focus is on schools like Jerupa Valley High, where a 16-year-old trans athlete has

been at the center of public backlash, following her

win in the girls' long jump and triple jump over the weekend.

Her mother calls it heartbreaking, saying her child just wants to play sports and build friendships.

California officials say they will keep defending state laws protecting LGBTQ plus students,

...