California Today: More Than 50,000 Workers Go on Strike as Budget Woes Disrupt L.A. County

April 30, 2025, 9:31 a.m. Eastern time

Good morning. Here are the top stories from across California.

Today’s Top Story

Jaimie Ding/Associated Press

More Than 50,000 Workers Go on Strike as Budget Woes Disrupt L.A. County

The nation’s most populous county was already juggling legal liabilities, wildfire costs and threats to federal funding. Now its largest union is holding a 48-hour strike.

West Coast Ports Brace for China Tariffs to Dent Import Volume Within Days

Large importers, including retailers and manufacturers, paused imports from China this month amid an escalating trade war. Ports are now poised to feel the fallout.

On California’s State Bar Exam, More Questions Than Answers

The State Bar of California’s new exam has been rife with problems, an A.I. controversy and now the likelihood of delayed results.

How California Sanctuary Policies Are Faring Under Pressure From Trump

State and city officials in California are vowing to uphold protections for immigrants, even as President Trump threatens more action against their jurisdictions.

Feeling Political Heat, Colleges Pump Up Their Lobbying

An analysis by The New York Times found that schools targeted by the Trump administration have sharply increased spending on lobbying and became far more reliant on lobbyists with Republican ties.

A Coming-of-Age Party in Los Angeles That Traveled Back in Time

A quinceañera thrown by artists reimagined the city’s Y2K era.

Trading Mere Survival for a Chance at Stability

A man, 29, sees a path forward after years of housing insecurity and a series of low-paid jobs. Through it all, he had the support of his parents.

Trump’s Tariffs Prompt Wave of Lawsuits as States and Businesses Fight Back

The cases are the latest test of the president’s expansive claims of executive power.

Immigration Has Always Been Complex. Just Ask the People Who Built U.S. Railroads.

In “Strangers in the Land,” Michael Luo tells the story of the Chinese workers lured to the United States and expelled when 19th-century politicians turned against them.

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Today's Recipe

David Malosh for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Simon Andrews.

Crispy Chicken With Lime Butter

By Eric Kim

40 minutes

Makes 4 servings

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