This is an LA Times Studios podcast.

Hi, I'm Cairo Jondu at LA Times Studios.

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

If California was its own country, its economy would now rank fourth largest in the world.

Clara Harder reports Governor Gavin Newsom announced a new global economic ranking after

data showed the state's nominal GDP reached $4.1 trillion, surpassing Japan.

That puts California behind only the U.S., China, and Germany.

We also have the fastest growing economy within the top four. With a 6% growth rate last year,

Newsom credited the state's success to strong tourism, tech, agriculture, and a surge in new business ventures. But he also issued

a warning, saying federal tariff policies could put that growth at risk. The May 7th deadline

for Real ID is almost here. And many Americans still don't have one. Karen Garcia reports 18 California DMV offices

will open an hour early on select days to help people apply. The Real ID Act was passed in 2005

to boost security after 9-11. But rollout delays mean the deadline is just now taking effect.

Starting next month, you'll need a real ID to fly domestically or enter a federal building,

unless you have another accepted form of ID, like a passport or a green card.

Right now, only 55% of Californians have one, which means the state still has a long way to go.

If you don't have a real ID or an approved alternative, you can be denied entry at airport security.

Imports at the Port of Los Angeles are expected to take a big hit.

Lawrence Darmiento reports, shipments could drop by 35% in just two weeks, according to

the port director, Jean Soroka.

The slowdown is tied to tariffs on Chinese goods and broader trade policies under President

Trump, even as final decisions on those tariffs are still being negotiated.

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