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Today: May 19, 2025
Today: May 19, 2025

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Local

Tough Stance on Hemp: California's Efforts to Protect Young Consumers

Nearly all California businesses are following state regulations that ban selling intoxicating hemp products potentially harmful to young people, state officials reported. Data from the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control shows 99.7% compliance among licensed businesses in 2025. Enforcement agents have inspected more than 11,445 establishments since September 2024, identifying only 148 locations with prohibited items. Gov. Gavin Newsom established emergency rules through the California Department of Public Health on Sept. 6, 2024, citing concerns about public safety. “We are doing our part to ensure intoxicating hemp products are out of the reach of vulnerable groups like children. We must

May 16, 2025
Tough Stance on Hemp: California's Efforts to Protect Young Consumers
Local

Beat the heat: How to stay cool in Los Angeles this summer

As Los Angeles approaches the peak of summer, the city’s heat waves can make daily life challenging. Luckily, L.A. has no shortage of ways to stay cool, from public pools and beach escapes to indoor cooling centers when the sun gets too intense. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, here’s how to beat the heat while staying safe. Cool Off at Public Pools There’s nothing quite like a swim to break free from a scorching day. The city of L.A. operates 28 public swimming pools each summer, many tucked inside neighborhood parks. It offers a budget-friendly way to enjoy

May 15, 2025
Beat the heat: How to stay cool in Los Angeles this summer
Local

California debuts AI chatbot to deliver wildfire info in 70 languages

California has unveiled a new artificial intelligence-powered chatbot designed to provide wildfire safety information and emergency resources in 70 languages, state officials announced during Wildfire Preparedness Week. Gov. Gavin Newsom introduced the tool, called “Ask CAL FIRE,” last week. It is now live on CAL FIRE’s website, fire.ca.gov, and is intended to make it easier for residents to access critical wildfire information around the clock. “California is harnessing technology and innovation to help people when it matters most,” Newsom said in a statement. “Ahead of peak wildfire season, we’re launching a new chatbot that will connect Californians with real-time information

May 15, 2025
California debuts AI chatbot to deliver wildfire info in 70 languages
Local

Cities with the most UFO sightings in California

Stacker compiled a ranking of cities with the most UFO sightings in California using data from the National UFO Reporting Center.

November 27, 2024
Cities with the most UFO sightings in California
Local|News|US

Students trigger evacuations with 'Chromebook Challenge'

Schools across the U.S. are dealing with a dangerous trend that has resulted in classroom evacuations, destroyed equipment, and criminal charges against students.  The “Chromebook Challenge,” which spread on social media platform TikTok, involves students deliberately causing short circuits in school-issued laptops by inserting metal objects into charging ports. The challenge has prompted numerous school districts to issue warnings as incidents emerge from coast to coast. In Long Beach, a 13-year-old student was arrested on arson charges after participating in the trend at Perry Lindsey Academy, according to Long Beach Police Department spokesperson Alyssa Baeza. “Recent cases have triggered fire

May 12, 2025
Students trigger evacuations with 'Chromebook Challenge'
Local|News

California faces Real ID deadline with millions still unprepared

As the federal Real ID enforcement took effect on May 7, California finds itself grappling with a significant number of residents yet to obtain the compliant identification necessary for domestic air travel and access to federal facilities. According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, approximately 18.6 million Californians had acquired a Real ID as of Feb. 1, leaving about 8.4 million residents without one. This means nearly one-third of the state’s drivers and ID holders are at risk of facing travel disruptions. In response to the impending deadline, the California DMV has implemented measures to facilitate the application process.

May 09, 2025
California faces Real ID deadline with millions still unprepared
Local

Top LAFD union officers suspended after audit flags $800K credit card purchases

The president and two other top Los Angeles Fire Department’s labor union officers were suspended following an investigation that uncovered approximately $800,000 in credit card purchases lacking proper documentation. The International Association of Fire Fighters, which oversees the United Firefighters of L.A. City and other local firefighter unions nationwide, took the extraordinary step after discovering what it described as “serious problems” with missing receipts. IAFF General President Edward Kelly announced the suspension of UFLAC President Freddy Escobar and two other officers in a letter to union members. The parent organization appointed John Bagala, a state representative for the IAFF and

May 09, 2025
Top LAFD union officers suspended after audit flags $800K credit card purchases
Entertainment|Local|News

Will Trump’s proposed tariff on foreign films help or harm Hollywood?

President Donald Trump has proposed a 100% tariff on all films produced outside the U.S., claiming international movie production poses a national security threat and is contributing to Hollywood’s decline. The announcement on Truth Social left entertainment executives, trade officials, and foreign governments grappling with the possible implications of a dramatic shift in U.S. film trade policy. “The Movie Industry in America is DYING a very fast death,” Trump wrote. “This is a concerted effort by other Nations and, therefore, a National Security threat. It is, in addition to everything else, messaging and propaganda! Therefore, I am authorizing the Department

May 09, 2025
Will Trump’s proposed tariff on foreign films help or harm Hollywood?
Local|Environment|News|WrittenByLAPost

‘Mini heat wave’ to bring near-record temps to SoCal this weekend

Mother’s Day may be perfect for a trip to the beach this year. The National Weather Service has put out an advisory for a “mini heat wave.”

May 09, 2025
‘Mini heat wave’ to bring near-record temps to SoCal this weekend
Local

How Angelenos can stay safe in the heat as L.A. braces for Summer

As summer approaches, Los Angeles public health officials are urging residents to prepare for prolonged periods of extreme heat, which pose serious health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations. In 2023, the U.S. recorded 2,325 heat-related deaths, marking a substantial rise in fatalities linked to high temperatures. Heat-related illnesses range from mild heat cramps to life-threatening heatstroke. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, and headache, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If untreated, heat exhaustion can progress to heatstroke, characterized by a body temperature of 103°F or higher, hot and dry skin, rapid pulse,

May 08, 2025
How Angelenos can stay safe in the heat as L.A. braces for Summer
Local|News|WrittenByLAPost

1 student killed, 2 injured in Santa Ana High School stabbing

Three students were transported to the hospital Wednesday afternoon after a stabbing attack outside Santa Ana High School.

May 08, 2025
1 student killed, 2 injured in Santa Ana High School stabbing
Local|News

California population rises for second straight year

California is showing clear signs of demographic recovery after the setbacks of the COVID-19 pandemic. Recent state reports indicate a renewed pattern of population growth, reflecting broader social and economic shifts. Factors such as natural population increases, legal immigration, and changing regional demographics are contributing to the resurgence. As the state continues to attract new residents from across the country and the world, California reaffirms its status as a dynamic and resilient hub of opportunity. California’s population increased by 108,000 in 2024, bringing the state’s total to 39,529,000 as of Jan. 1, according to new data from the California Department

May 08, 2025
California population rises for second straight year
Local|News

California tourism hits new record as officials warn of downturn

Tourism spending in California reached an all-time high of $157.3 billion in 2024, rising 3% from the previous year’s record, according to figures released Monday by Gov. Gavin Newsom and Visit California. State tourism officials simultaneously cautioned about projections showing potential declines in 2025. Forecasts predict a 1% drop in total visitors and a steeper 9.2% reduction in international tourism. Officials have labeled this anticipated decrease a “Trump Slump,” linking it to federal policies and global perceptions about traveling to the U.S. The economic impact report showed the tourism industry created 1.2 million jobs statewide last year and generated $12.6

May 08, 2025
California tourism hits new record as officials warn of downturn
Local|News

California applies to expand health benefits to include IVF, hearing aids

Gov. Gavin Newsom submitted an application to federal authorities to update the state’s benchmark plan. Pending approval, the plan would expand required health coverage to include fertility treatments, hearing aids, and mobility devices starting in 2027. The Department of Managed Health Care applied with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to revise coverage requirements for essential health benefits in individual and small-group markets. The proposed changes would cover in vitro fertilization and other fertility services, annual hearing examinations and hearing aids, and mobility equipment. “Quality health care should be available for all Californians, and one way we are working

May 08, 2025
California applies to expand health benefits to include IVF, hearing aids
Local|Environment|Health|News|WrittenByLAPost

L.A. released thousands of mosquitoes last year. They could be helping prevent infectious disease.

In 2023, some districts in Southern California announced a plan to reduce the number of invasive mosquitoes.

May 07, 2025
L.A. released thousands of mosquitoes last year. They could be helping prevent infectious disease.
Local|Crime|News

$20K reward offered in fatal Compton shooting of mother, daughter

A $20,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for a fatal drive-by shooting of a 45-year-old woman and her 22-year-old daughter in Compton was established Tuesday by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.  La’von Hall and her daughter, Ma’Laysia Martin, were shot on April 1 around 7 p.m. at Caldwell Street and Central Avenue, according to the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department. Deputies found Hall in the street and Martin in the passenger seat of a vehicle. Hall and Martin were both pronounced dead at the scene.  The women were in their

May 07, 2025
$20K reward offered in fatal Compton shooting of mother, daughter
Local|News

What will California do when it runs out of license plate numbers?

California is running out of license plate numbers. The Department of Motor Vehicles announced the current “1ABC234” format, in use since 1980, will be exhausted by 2026. To address this, the new sequence “000AAA0” will be introduced, expanding the available combinations to meet the growing demand. In the first quarter of 2025, California recorded 463,114 new vehicle registrations, an 8.3% increase from the previous year. Despite a projected annual decrease of 2.3% in total vehicle registrations. Population growth further compounds the issue. In 2024, California’s population grew by 108,000 people, reaching 39.5 million as of January 1. This growth, combined

May 06, 2025
What will California do when it runs out of license plate numbers?
Local|News

L.A. pedestrian deaths rise despite safety initiative

Pedestrian fatalities in Los Angeles have surged dramatically despite a citywide initiative aimed at eliminating traffic deaths, highlighting an urgent public safety crisis on the city’s streets and sidewalks. Through April 12 of this year, 39 pedestrians were killed in traffic collisions in L.A., according to L.A.Police Department Traffic Division Compstat data. This marks a significant increase from a decade earlier, when 26 deaths were recorded during the same period. The rising pedestrian death toll comes despite the implementation of Vision Zero, a program launched under former L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti with the ambitious goal of eliminating all traffic deaths

May 05, 2025
L.A. pedestrian deaths rise despite safety initiative
Local|News|WrittenByLAPost

3 dead, 9 missing after panga boat capsizes off San Diego coast

A densely-packed "panga"-style boat capsized off the coast of San Diego Monday, leaving three passengers dead, four injured, and nine missing.

May 05, 2025
3 dead, 9 missing after panga boat capsizes off San Diego coast
Local|News

How many microplastic particles does chewing gum release?

A recent study has found that chewing gum – a daily habit for millions – could be an unexpected source of microplastic exposure. Researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles have discovered that natural and synthetic gums release microplastic particles into the mouth during regular chewing. The investigation, carried out by a team of engineers, aimed to assess whether chewing gum contributes to the growing concern of microplastics entering the human body.  Microplastics — tiny fragments less than five millimeters in size — are already known to be present in plastic containers, packaging, and various consumer products. However, gum

May 02, 2025
How many microplastic particles does chewing gum release?
News|Entertainment|Local

Green Day's star on Hollywood Walk of Fame unveiled

Rock band Green Day’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame was unveiled Thursday morning for a career that includes selling over 75 million records. “Thank you to all of our fans that bought our records and come to our shows,” frontman Billie Joe Armstrong told the crowd at the event. “We love you guys so much.” Rob Cavallo, who has produced several of Green Day’s records, and Ryan Reynolds, an actor, joined Armstrong, Mike Dirnt, and Tré Cool at the ceremony at 6212 Hollywood Blvd. The ceremony came 12 days after the band headlined Coachella both weekends.  Green Day’s

May 02, 2025
Green Day's star on Hollywood Walk of Fame unveiled
Sports|Celebrity|Local|News|WrittenByLAPost

LeBron James says ‘I don’t know the answer to that right now’ when asked about retirement

As has been the case after the last several Lakers seasons, LeBron James refused to comment on his plans for the future.  “I don’t have an answer to that,” the player told reporters during his post-game press conference Wednesday night. “Something I’ll sit down with my family, my wife and my support group and kind of just talk through it and see what happens.” James’ contract includes a player option, which would allow him to return for an additional year at a salary of $52.6 million, if he so chooses. Additionally, his son, Bronny James, is under contract with the

May 01, 2025
LeBron James says ‘I don’t know the answer to that right now’ when asked about retirement
Local|News

California's canal solar plan could save water, generate power

A research consortium led by the University of Southern California is exploring an innovative plan to cover California’s extensive canal network with solar panels, offering a dual solution to the state’s water conservation and renewable energy needs. The California Solar Canal Initiative aims to reduce water evaporation while generating clean power, using existing infrastructure without consuming additional land resources. The initiative, organized by Solar AquaGrid and the Public Exchange at USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences, brings together researchers from seven universities to investigate how solar panel installations over canals could preserve water supplies, reduce pollution, and advance

May 01, 2025
California's canal solar plan could save water, generate power
Local|News

Earthquake early warning app surges to 4M downloads

Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the state’s earthquake early warning application, the MyShake app, has reached over four million downloads, equivalent to more than 10% of California’s population. MyShake notifies users before earthquake shaking begins through a statewide network of ground motion sensors that detect seismic activity. “MyShake provides Californians with life-saving seconds before earthquakes strike. This milestone is a proud moment for California, and a reminder that preparedness is a continuous effort,” Newsom said. Launched in 2019, the California Earthquake Early Warning System has grown considerably. Since the program’s inception, over 60% of its 1,046 sensors have been installed. These

May 01, 2025
Earthquake early warning app surges to 4M downloads

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