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Today: May 12, 2025
Today: May 12, 2025

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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

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

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

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

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

Earthquake early warning app surges to 4M downloads
Local|News

L.A. firefighters fight for fair compensation amid wildfire struggles

After battling some of the fiercest wildfires in the history of Los Angeles County, local first responders are pushing for better pay and working conditions. They are frustrated by years of budget cuts that left them dangerously short-staffed and under-resourced during the crisis, reported by the L.A. Times. This past wildfire season torched over 40,000 acres, destroyed more than 15,000 structures, and claimed at least 27 lives, according to reports from emergency services and wildfire response teams. More than 16,000 first responders were called in, many working marathon shifts with little sleep and facing fires. Behind their demands lies a

L.A. firefighters fight for fair compensation amid wildfire struggles
Local|News|Political

California to file lawsuit over AmeriCorps dismantling effort

Gov. Gavin Newsom announced California will file a lawsuit against the federal government following notification that the state’s AmeriCorps grant programs will be terminated as part of the Department of Government Efficiency initiative to dismantle the national service organization. “The federal government is giving the middle finger to service. We will serve them with a lawsuit,” Newsom said. Newsom’s office received formal notice from federal officials that funding for AmeriCorps programs in California would end. These programs support volunteer and service efforts throughout the state, including disaster relief, education initiatives, and environmental projects. Newsom announced plans last week to challenge

California to file lawsuit over AmeriCorps dismantling effort
Local|News

Strike over alleged labor violations disrupt L.A. operations

Approximately 55,000 Los Angeles County workers represented by the Service Employees International Union Local 721 commenced a two-day strike Monday evening, leading to widespread disruptions in public services across the county. The walkout – which began at 7 p.m. Monday and is scheduled to conclude at 7 p.m. Wednesday – marks the first time all SEIU Local 721 members have participated in a countywide strike.  The strike affects various county departments, including healthcare, social services, libraries, and parks. While hospitals remain operational, several healthcare clinics, libraries, and public service counters are closed. Additionally, beach maintenance and administrative operations at the

Strike over alleged labor violations disrupt L.A. operations
Business|Economy|Local|News|Political|WrittenByLAPost

55,000 County workers strike over alleged labor violations

Tens of thousands of Los Angeles County employees began a strike Monday evening, alleging their employer had failed to negotiate with the union.

55,000 County workers strike over alleged labor violations
Local|News

Judge may impose fine after no show in Starbucks hot drink suit

Judge May Impose Fine After Plaintiff No Show in Starbucks Hot Drink Suit

Judge may impose fine after no show in Starbucks hot drink suit
Entertainment|Local|News

L.A. City Council approves proposal to help film production

City Council Approves Proposal to Help LA Film Production

L.A. City Council approves proposal to help film production
Entertainment|Celebrity|Local|News

Ellen Pompeo's star on Hollywood Walk of Fame unveiled

Walk of Fame Star Honoring Ellen Pompeo Unveiled Today

Ellen Pompeo's star on Hollywood Walk of Fame unveiled
Local|News

L.A. City Council defers vote to ban racial slur, obscene word to May 6

LA City Council Defers Vote to Ban on Racial Slur, Obscene Word to May 6

L.A. City Council defers vote to ban racial slur, obscene word to May 6
Crime|Local|News

Man convicted of fatally stabbing girlfriend in Huntington Beach

Man Convicted of Fatally Stabbing Girlfriend in Huntington Beach

Man convicted of fatally stabbing girlfriend in Huntington Beach
News|Local

Luke Doncic donates $5K for Kobe, Gianna Bryant mural restoration

A mural of Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna, in downtown Los Angeles has been vandalized over the weekend.  Lakers star Luka Doncic has donated $5,000 for the restoration of the “Mambas Forever” mural Tuesday. The graffiti is covering most of the mural.  It is located on the side of a building at the corner of 14th and Main streets in downtown L.A. “Mambas Forever” was created by artist Sloe Motions, whose real name is Louie Palsino. The mural was one of the first pieces of art created after the death of Bryant and Gianna in a 2020 Calabasas helicopter

Luke Doncic donates $5K for Kobe, Gianna Bryant mural restoration
Local|Environment|News

California’s EV school bus plan could boost local jobs

California’s ambitious $500 million initiative to deploy 1,000 electric school buses is not just a win for the environment—it’s also an economic driver.  This investment is leading to the creation of jobs along with fostering local industry growth, and positioning California as a leader in clean transportation. Last Week, Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office announced the state will allocate 1,000 zero-emission school buses, along with associated charging infrastructure, to over 130 school districts serving rural, low-income, and disadvantaged communities. In addition, the initiative will fund the installation of approximately 500 new charging stations, supplementing the more than 200 stations currently operational

California’s EV school bus plan could boost local jobs
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
Local

California bar exam faces backlash over AI-generated questions

The State Bar of California is under fire after disclosing it used artificial intelligence to draft some questions for the February 2025 bar exam without informing test takers or stakeholders. This decision has triggered backlash from legal educators, students, and the California Supreme Court, the Los Angeles Times reported. Out of the 171 multiple-choice questions on the exam, 23 were developed with AI assistance by ACS Ventures, a consulting firm hired by the Bar. The remaining questions were a mix of a first-year law student exam and Kaplan Exam Services. This use of AI was not disclosed to candidates until

California bar exam faces backlash over AI-generated questions
Environment|Local|News

ATF to Conduct Controlled Fire Testing in Santa Monica Mountains

The public is asked to avoid the Temescal Ridge Trail Tuesday night through Thursday while the ATF conducts controlled fire testing.

ATF to Conduct Controlled Fire Testing in Santa Monica Mountains
Local

Forecast accuracy may falter as budget cuts slash staff at NWS offices

The National Weather Service is facing a wave of staffing reductions that experts say could seriously compromise the accuracy of weather forecasts, delay life-saving alerts, and undermine long-term climate research. As the current situation stands, balloon launches are suspended, emergency forecast products are scaled back, and meteorologists report significant vacancies at local offices.  Recent layoffs and a hiring freeze have led to substantial vacancies across NWS offices. Nearly half of the 122 forecast offices report vacancy rates exceeding 20%, with some offices experiencing rates above 35%, particularly in regions prone to severe weather, such as the Midwest and Plains states.

Forecast accuracy may falter as budget cuts slash staff at NWS offices
Celebrity|Entertainment|Local|News|US|WrittenByLAPost

Beyoncé to commence Cowboy Carter Tour at SoFi

Monday night, Beyoncé kicks off her “Cowboy Carter Tour” at Inglewood’s SoFi Stadium. The singer has five performances booked at that venue.

Beyoncé to commence Cowboy Carter Tour at SoFi
Health|Local|News

L.A. County investigating measles case in resident

LA County Investigating Measles Case in Resident

L.A. County investigating measles case in resident
Local

L.A. homeowners sue insurance companies over wildfire coverage

Homeowners in Los Angeles are suing major insurance companies, claiming the companies worked together to cancel fire insurance after a series of destructive wildfires. The lawsuits say 25 insurance companies, including State Farm, stopped offering coverage in high-risk areas, which forced many people to buy expensive insurance from the state-run FAIR Plan instead. The lawsuits were filed in April 2025, a few months after wildfires in January burned nearly 18,000 buildings and killed at least 30 people in L.A. Homeowners who lost everything are accusing the insurance companies of breaking the law by acting together to stop selling or renewing

L.A. homeowners sue insurance companies over wildfire coverage
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