California Today: Under Trump’s Crackdown, a New Crop of Immigrant Rights Groups Rises

July 7, 2025, 6:30 a.m. Pacific time

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

Today’s Top Story

Kate Medley for The New York Times

Under Trump’s Crackdown, a New Crop of Immigrant Rights Groups Rises

The latest networks of volunteers are hyperlocal and focused on responding to federal actions. As the crackdown becomes more intense, so could confrontations.

7 Bodies Found at Site of California Fireworks Warehouse Explosion

The explosion, which left seven people missing, started a wildfire and forced some cities and counties to cancel or postpone Fourth of July fireworks shows.

A Scramble for a Woman, 77, Who Lost Her ‘Forever’ Apartment

When Patricia Brennecke returned to the rental market in the Bay Area, she was frustrated by how expensive apartments were, in an almost entirely digital market.

She Wanted to Save the World From A.I. Then the Killings Started.

At first, Ziz LaSota seemed much like any other philosophically inclined young tech aspirant. Now, she and her followers are in jail, six people are dead, and Rationalists are examining whether their ideas played a role.

Congress Passes a National School Voucher Program

The plan, part of the Republican domestic policy bill, includes all but the wealthiest families. But states must opt in, which could limit its reach.

They Planned Parties and Salsa Music for July 4th. ICE Raids Made Them Think Twice.

Some communities in the Los Angeles region canceled events over fears of immigration raids, as Latinos grapple with how, and whether, to celebrate Independence Day.

Immigration Agents Appear to Urinate in Public at a California School

School officials have demanded answers from federal agencies. It was the latest example of how locals have scrutinized the actions of immigration agents.

Mexico Hopes U.S. Will Deport Julio César Chávez Jr., Sheinbaum Says

The well-known Mexican boxer was detained by U.S. immigration agents in California on Wednesday, days after fighting a high-profile contest against the former YouTuber Jake Paul.