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Today: May 14, 2025
Today: May 14, 2025
Pooja Mamnoor

Pooja Mamnoor

Staff Writer

Pooja is a content specialist with a knack for writing. With a deep rooted interest in news and content writing, she has worked as a journalist with brands like CNBC-TV18 and Mirror Now. She has a PG Diploma in TV journalism and has worked across all sectors of content creation - TV production, content creation for digital platforms, anchor videos for YouTube and writing for various digital websites. Currently covering news on the LA Post, her goal is to write content that piques reader interest. Pooja spends her free time dancing, traveling and playing.

Latest From Pooja Mamnoor

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

Students trigger evacuations with 'Chromebook Challenge'
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

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

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

War fears surge as India launches multi-site attacks on Pakistan

Tensions between India and Pakistan reached a dangerous new high after India launched extensive military strikes against its nuclear-armed neighbor, retaliating for a deadly militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir last month that killed 26 people. Pakistani officials reported the Indian strikes killed at least 21 civilians, including two children, raising fears of a potential war between the two nuclear powers who have fought multiple conflicts since their independence in 1947. The aerial assault shattered a fragile ceasefire that had largely held since 2021 and exceeded the scale of India’s 2019 strikes when it targeted a single remote Pakistani location following

War fears surge as India launches multi-site attacks on Pakistan
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,

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

California applies to expand health benefits to include IVF, hearing aids
News|Political|US

USPS Inspection Service assists federal immigration enforcement efforts

The law enforcement arm of the U.S. Postal Service has begun collaborating with federal immigration officials to locate individuals suspected of being in the country illegally. According to documents obtained by The Washington Post and sources familiar with the matter, the Postal Inspection Service is now participating in a Department of Homeland Security task force focused on finding, detaining, and deporting undocumented immigrants. Immigration officials are seeking access to the Postal Inspection Service’s surveillance systems and requesting photographs of the exteriors of mail and packages through a program known as “mail covers,” according to people who spoke on condition of

USPS Inspection Service assists federal immigration enforcement efforts
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

L.A. pedestrian deaths rise despite safety initiative
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

California's canal solar plan could save water, generate power
Local|News|Political

Trump admin pursues immigration charges in fatal crash case

President Donald Trump’s newly appointed chief federal prosecutor in Los Angeles announced plans to pursue immigration charges against a man who could be released from state prison after serving approximately three years for a fatal 2021 crash that killed a young couple. Bill Essayli, who was sworn in this month as U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, highlighted the case amid reports the driver could be freed after serving less than half of his 10-year sentence for vehicular manslaughter. “If the State of California will not seek the full measure of justice against this individual, [the Justice Department]

Trump admin pursues immigration charges in fatal crash case
Health

California makes naloxone available at half market price

Gov. Gavin Newsom announced CalRx-branded naloxone nasal spray is now available to all California residents for $24 per twin-pack carton, nearly half the standard market price.  The over-the-counter medication – which can rapidly reverse opioid overdoses – was previously available only to government entities and businesses in bulk quantities of 24 packs. “Life-saving medications shouldn’t come with a life-altering price tag,” Newsom said. “CalRx is about making essential drugs like naloxone affordable and accessible for all — not the privileged few. California is using our market power as the 5th largest economy in the world to disrupt a billion-dollar industry

California makes naloxone available at half market price
Americas

How many Americans are breathing unhealthy air?

Nearly half of Americans are breathing unhealthy air, which is considered unsafe due to high levels of ozone and particulate pollution, according to the American Lung Association’s latest annual State of the Air report.  At least 156 million Americans – approximately 46% of the population – live in areas with unsafe pollution levels. The report – which analyzed air quality data between 2021 and 2023 – found exposure to ozone and particulate pollution increased during this period. The analysis coincided with Canada’s worst wildfire season on record, significantly impacting air quality across the U.S. “The biggest thing that has saved

How many Americans are breathing unhealthy air?
Local

Vacant lot in Riverside County becomes new home for controversial trailers

A fleet of approximately 70 empty RV trailers, which previously attracted squatters in Los Angeles County, has migrated to Riverside County, creating new challenges for local officials.  The Black Series trailers, recently removed from a vacant lot in the City of Industry, are now stored on an empty lot in Wildomar without proper permits, prompting city officials to take action. Wildomar Mayor Ashlee DePhillippo issued a statement confirming the city is pursuing a warrant to remove the trailers after attempts to work with the owner.  “I want to be clear, the issuance of the warrant may not line up with

Vacant lot in Riverside County becomes new home for controversial trailers
World

How Pope Francis’ legacy reshapes the American catholic landscape

Pope Francis, who died Monday after serving as pontiff for 11 years, energized a traditionalist movement within American Catholicism that gained strength throughout his papacy. Pope Francis’ emphasis on inclusion, climate change, and migrants clashed with conservative Catholic sensibilities in the U.S., leading to a decade of tension that transformed the American church. When Pope Francis assumed leadership in 2013, many American Catholics anticipated his focus on inclusivity and ministry to marginalized communities would revitalize the church. Instead, his progressive approach galvanized conservative Catholics, strengthening resistance among the American church hierarchy, elected officials, and congregants. “Pope Francis changed all that,”

How Pope Francis’ legacy reshapes the American catholic landscape
Technology

Experts warn against direct Chinese factory purchases promoted on TikTok

A recent wave of viral TikTok videos encouraging Americans to purchase products directly from Chinese factories has propelled Chinese e-commerce applications DHgate and Taobao near the top of the most downloaded iPhone apps in the U.S., according to Sensor Tower. The videos, which have gained substantial traction amid concerns about rising tariffs on Chinese goods, promote direct factory purchasing to avoid retail markups. However, retail and e-commerce experts caution these claims may be misleading and potentially dangerous for consumers. “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is,” Sky Canaves, principal retail and e-commerce analyst at eMarketer, said,

Experts warn against direct Chinese factory purchases promoted on TikTok
Health

How common are serious side effects in COVID-19 treatments?

Most approved COVID-19 treatments cause few serious side effects, according to new research from the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California.  The comprehensive analysis evaluated evidence from 54 U.S. studies spanning clinical trials and observational research in inpatient and outpatient settings. Oral antiviral medications – including Paxlovid – showed no significant association with serious adverse events. These findings offer reassurance to patients who may require COVID-19 treatment, particularly those with risk factors such as advanced age, obesity, cardiovascular issues, diabetes, or compromised immune systems. “The main message is, if your doctor puts you on Paxlovid, you

How common are serious side effects in COVID-19 treatments?
Health

COVID fallout leaves many NHPI adults without adequate care

Despite experiencing negative mental health and economic impacts during the COVID-19 pandemic, a majority of eligible Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders in California did not receive available care and financial assistance, according to a new report released this month. The California Pacific Islander Well-being and COVID-19 Economic Survey – known as CAPIWAVES – surveyed more than 900 NHPI adults in California between January and May 2024. Researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles Center for Health Policy Research’s NHPI Data Policy Lab, UC Irvine, and UC Riverside collaborated on the study. The report revealed about one in three NHPI

COVID fallout leaves many NHPI adults without adequate care
Business

Revolve faces $50M lawsuit over undisclosed influencer marketing

Fashion retailer Revolve is facing a $50 million class-action lawsuit alleging the company misled consumers by disguising paid influencer endorsements as organic content. Filed in California Central District Court, the lawsuit accuses the company of operating a deceptive advertising scheme in violation of federal trade law and multiple state consumer protection statutes. The plaintiffs argue the campaign misled at least a million consumers. The lawsuit, led by California resident Ligia Negreanu, states Revolve used payments and free merchandise to encourage influencers to promote its products while failing to ensure proper disclosure of those material relationships. “For many years, Revolve used

Revolve faces $50M lawsuit over undisclosed influencer marketing
Local|News

Swatting calls spark fear, massive police responses in California

False emergency reports, known as “swatting,” are triggering massive law enforcement responses and causing widespread panic across California. In early March, Claremont McKenna College experienced the consequences of swatting when a 911 caller claimed to be holding someone captive in a campus restroom. “The caller told dispatch they were in a restroom on the Claremont McKenna College campus, holding someone captive and threatening to harm them,” the Claremont Police Department said in a statement. “They also stated they had a bomb and were going to walk around with a rifle and shoot anyone they saw on the campus.” The call

Swatting calls spark fear, massive police responses in California
Science

Gray whales face mass mortality event along Pacific Coast

Gray whales are experiencing another mass mortality event along the North American Pacific coastline, with at least 70 whales perishing since the beginning of the year in Mexico’s Baja California peninsula.  Scientists are recording alarming statistics – including the lowest number of mother-calf pairs ever observed in key breeding lagoons – raising concerns about a potential repeat of the 2019 die-off, which claimed hundreds of whales. The declining population was first noticed in Mexico’s shallow, protected lagoons where the mammals traditionally congregate to calve, nurse, and breed. Steven Swartz, a marine scientist who has studied gray whales since 1977, reported

Gray whales face mass mortality event along Pacific Coast
Local|Health

What are 'poppers' and why is the FDA cracking down on them?

Alkyl nitrites – commonly known as “poppers” – have a complex regulatory history dating back to the 19th century, when amyl nitrites were used as medical treatments for chest pain and asthma. According to a 2024 paper in the California Law Review, these substances were available over the counter during the 1960s before being restricted to prescription use after gay nurses helped popularize recreational applications. As amyl nitrite gave way to other alkyl nitrite formulations, the products maintained popularity in clubs during the 1970s. By the 1980s, use became largely concentrated among gay men, partly due to the stigma associated

What are 'poppers' and why is the FDA cracking down on them?
Local|News

FDA crackdown on 'poppers' triggers supply rush

Retailers along Santa Monica Boulevard report a surge in demand for poppers, the recreational inhalant popular in LGBTQ+ communities, following a FDA raid on manufacturer Double Scorpio earlier this month. The enforcement action has sparked concerns about a broader crackdown on the product that has long existed in a legal gray area. Poppers, small vials containing alkyl nitrite, produce a brief but intense feeling of euphoria when inhaled and cause smooth muscle relaxation. Though officially prohibited for human consumption by the FDA, these products have been openly sold as nail polish remover, liquid incense, or VHS tape cleaner. The purchasing

FDA crackdown on 'poppers' triggers supply rush
Local

Harvest your own memories with fruit-picking in Southern California

Southern California offers a variety of farms where visitors can pick their own fruits, providing an educational and recreational experience. These farms cater to people seeking to connect with local agriculture and enjoy fresh produce. Carlsbad Strawberry Company People looking to experience fruit-picking can visit the Carlsbad Strawberry Company in Carlsbad. This family-owned farm has been operating for four generations, offering visitors the opportunity to pick fresh strawberries. Admission is priced at $17 per person, which includes a bucket for collecting strawberries; for those not wishing to pick, admission is $10 without a bucket. Additional activities include tractor rides for

Harvest your own memories with fruit-picking in Southern California
Health|Local|News

Can blood pressure during pregnancy signal future hypertension risk?

A new study reveals women who maintain blood pressure within normal clinical ranges during pregnancy but do not experience the typical mid-pregnancy drop may face a higher risk of developing hypertension within five years after giving birth.  The research, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology: Advances, identifies a previously unrecognized group of women who could benefit from early intervention despite not being flagged by current medical guidelines. Researchers from the Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California collected comprehensive health data from 854 pregnant women and tracked them for up to five years postpartum.

Can blood pressure during pregnancy signal future hypertension risk?
Lifestyle

Viral beauty hack leaves patients with worse than acne

While social media platforms continue to promote toothpaste as a quick fix for acne, dermatologists are raising the alarm about this trending home remedy that could potentially cause more harm than good to your skin. “It’s understandable that people may have tried this as a home remedy, especially in the days before we had the better options for acne spot treatments,” said Dr. Shadi Kourosh, director of the dermatology division of Community Health at Massachusetts General Hospital and associate professor at Harvard Medical School. The appeal of using toothpaste for acne treatment stems from some of its active ingredients, particularly

Viral beauty hack leaves patients with worse than acne

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