Amid peak harvest season in California, a wave of immigration enforcement is leaving fields bare and crops rotting. In the fertile farmlands of Ventura County and beyond, early July ICE raids have sent shockwaves through the agricultural workforce—many of whom are undocumented but vital to the food supply chain.

Lisa Tate, a sixth-generation farmer, paints a stark picture: “In the fields, I would say 70% of the workers are gone. If 70% of your workforce doesn’t show up, 70% of your crop doesn’t get picked—and it can go bad in one day.”

Why it matters:

California produces more than a third of the nation’s vegetables and over 75% of its fruits and nuts. In 2023 alone, the state generated nearly $60 billion in agricultural sales. But ICE raids—part of President Trump’s crackdown on undocumented immigration—are hitting farm operations hard.

Supervisors across multiple farms report similar scenes:

• A strawberry field that usually needs 300 workers had only 80.

• Another farm had just 17 workers show up out of the usual 80.

Many workers are too afraid to return. One undocumented farmworker told reporters, “Basically, we wake up in the morning scared. We worry about the sun, the heat, and now a much bigger problem—many not returning home.”

As we gear up for fireworks and festivities, Amazon is quietly dropping some explosive early deals in advance of Prime Day (starting July 8). From tech to home essentials, this round of July 4th discounts feels like a celebration in itself — and yes, some items are now at their lowest prices ever.

Top Picks You Don’t Want to Miss:

• iPads & Fire TVs: Expect deep discounts across popular electronics — a perfect excuse to upgrade your screen time.

• Shark Misting Fan: Stay cool during those summer heat waves with this indoor/outdoor fan, now at a record low price and $50 off.

• Black & Decker Stick Vacuum: Lightweight and reliable, it’s a steal at just $74.

• Craftsman Hand Vacuum: This powerful, portable vacuum is down to $59 from $100 — a great deal if you're tackling small messes or car cleanups.

• RoC Eye Cream: Treat your skin to this top-rated anti-aging formula, nearly 35% off and approved by beauty pros.

Whether you're planning a pool day or a backyard BBQ, now’s the time to score some practical upgrades — and maybe a few treats for yourself — while supplies last.

As we gear up for fireworks and festivities, Amazon is quietly dropping some explosive early deals in advance of Prime Day (starting July 8). From tech to home essentials, this round of July 4th discounts feels like a celebration in itself — and yes, some items are now at their lowest prices ever.

Top Picks You Don’t Want to Miss:

• iPads & Fire TVs: Expect deep discounts across popular electronics — a perfect excuse to upgrade your screen time.

• Shark Misting Fan: Stay cool during those summer heat waves with this indoor/outdoor fan, now at a record low price and $50 off.

• Black & Decker Stick Vacuum: Lightweight and reliable, it’s a steal at just $74.

• Craftsman Hand Vacuum: This powerful, portable vacuum is down to $59 from $100 — a great deal if you're tackling small messes or car cleanups.

• RoC Eye Cream: Treat your skin to this top-rated anti-aging formula, nearly 35% off and approved by beauty pros.

Whether you're planning a pool day or a backyard BBQ, now’s the time to score some practical upgrades — and maybe a few treats for yourself — while supplies last.

Is this the start of a summer surge—or a setup for surprises?

The S&P 500 just crossed 6,000, fueled by AI innovation, strong corporate earnings, and nearly $1 trillion in stock buybacks. Citi and Oppenheimer have both raised year-end targets, with many experts calling this a bull market revival.

Meanwhile, job reports remain strong, delaying the Fed’s expected rate cuts to September 2025. Inflation, set to be reported June 11, is the next big market mover.

Why it matters:

• Corporate profits and productivity are soaring

• The Fed is being cautious, but not panicked

• Global diversification is trending

• “Buy the dip” may still be the winning move

Investor Tip of the Month:

Diversify smartly. Tech and cyclical stocks still shine, but Europe and short-term bonds offer safety nets.

Key Dates to Watch:

• June 11 – CPI Inflation Report

• June 17 – Federal Reserve Meeting

• Ongoing – U.S.–China Trade Negotiations

Got an idea? Here’s the first step: write it down. Then, outline your market, your customer, and what makes you different. Next, test it—start small and get feedback. Successful businesses don’t need to be perfect at launch. They need to solve real problems. BizTV’s platform is filled with shows to keep you creative with fresh ideas.

Small businesses are the backbone of our economy. They create jobs, drive innovation, and build community. At BizTV, we shine a light on the stories that don’t always make national headlines but deserve to. Want your business featured? Join "Biztv's Beyond the Brand " guestlist and let’s celebrate your impact.