Music

Defense says Combs led 'swinger's lifestyle,' was not coercive

Anastasia Tsioulcas

Defense lawyer Marc Agnifilo called the tumultuous relationship between Combs and singer Cassie Ventura "a great modern love story," and sought to dismantle the credibility of key witnesses.
On the ecstatic 'Virgin,' Lorde knows she doesn't have it all figured out

Hazel Cills

The pop star's fourth album, her first since 2021's polarizing Solar Power, finds the 28-year-old shedding the stoic self-possession that defined her early career.
The best new albums out June 27

Stephen Thompson

Wonway Posibul

Adrian Quesada throws a psychedelic fiesta. Madison McFerrin sings through the heartache. Durand Jones is thankful for what he's got. KALW's Wonway Posibul joins Stephen Thompson to discuss their favorite releases of the week.
National

Prosecution says Combs used 'violence, power and fear' to control victims

Isabella Gomez Sarmiento

On Thursday, the government delivered closing arguments in the sex trafficking trial of Sean Combs. The rapper and executive is accused of coercing multiple women into sexual encounters with male escorts.
Even as debuts crash the charts, Morgan Wallen still reigns

Stephen Thompson

For the fifth consecutive week, Morgan Wallen's I'm the Problem tops the Billboard 200 albums chart. But there's plenty of volatility beneath him on the chart.
Sean Combs' defense team doesn't call any witnesses, rests in under 30 minutes

Isabella Gomez Sarmiento

Combs did not take the stand as the case for his defense concluded. In lieu of witnesses, his team built on previous cross-examination to claim that his relationships were consensual and not coercive.
As Sean Combs' prosecutors rest, here is the case they've made

Anastasia Tsioulcas

Isabella Gomez Sarmiento

The meandering trial of the hip-hop mogul can be difficult to parse. Here's a broad overview of the charges and the case the government has presented to the jury.
National

Sean Combs' defense is about to get its day in court. Here's what to expect

Isabella Gomez Sarmiento

For weeks, federal prosecutors have laid out their case against Sean Combs in a Manhattan courtroom. His attorneys should begin presenting their defense on Tuesday. They aren't expected to take long.
Star bassist Carol Kaye rejects Rock & Roll Hall of Fame honor

Chloe Veltman

One of the most in-demand session players of the 1960s, Kaye was listed alongside the late record producer Thom Bell and the late pianist Nicky Hopkins as inductees in the Musical Excellence category.
The best new albums out June 20

Stephen Thompson

Raina Douris

Haim leaves it all behind. Hotline TNT turns it up to 11. Yaya Bey threatens fear with a good time. World Cafe host Raina Douris joins Stephen Thompson to discuss their favorite albums out today.