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Today: April 18, 2025
Today: April 18, 2025
Sirisha Dinavahi

Sirisha Dinavahi

Staff Writer

Sirisha is a staff writer for the L.A. Post with a background in digital marketing, specializing in blog writing, SEO-optimized content, and social media. She has previously worked as a content specialist, honing her skills in creating engaging digital narratives. A writer by day and a reader by night, Sirisha loves reading and listening to music!

Latest From Sirisha Dinavahi

Political

Revised projected federal spending cuts estimates cast doubt on DOGE

Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency has significantly reduced its projected federal spending cuts for the 2026 fiscal year, lowering the target from an initial $1 trillion to $150 billion. This adjustment follows scrutiny over the feasibility of the original goal and concerns about the impact on essential public services. During an April 10 Cabinet meeting, Musk attributed the revised savings estimate to reductions in waste and fraud, asserting these cuts would enhance government services. “I’m excited to announce that we anticipate savings in ’26 from the reduction of waste and fraud by $150 billion,” Musk told President Donald Trump,

Revised projected federal spending cuts estimates cast doubt on DOGE
News

Cost of building homes rises as immigrant labor becomes harder to access

As home prices soar and demand continues to outpace supply, a growing question looms over the U.S. construction industry: What happens if the immigrant labor force and foreign-sourced materials that have quietly underpinned the sector for decades are suddenly restricted or disappear? In Phoenix, builder Nathan Anderson is already running the numbers. His current project — a high-end home in a quiet suburban neighborhood — cost about $1.29 million to build. However, projections show without immigrant workers and with new tariffs on imported materials, that figure could climb by more than $235,000. For Anderson, it’s a warning sign of how

Cost of building homes rises as immigrant labor becomes harder to access
Local|News

California poll reveals widespread support for immigrant social service access

A majority of California voters view undocumented immigrants as essential to the state’s economy and support expanding access to social services for all residents, regardless of immigration status, according to a recent statewide poll conducted by David Binder Research. The survey of 800 voters, commissioned by the California Community Foundation and other partner organizations, found strong public backing for policies that provide health care, food assistance, and legal protections to undocumented immigrants. The results reflect a humanitarian and practical perspective that contrasts with federal enforcement policies aimed at deporting immigrants without legal status. “Californians understand what a vital role immigrants

California poll reveals widespread support for immigrant social service access
News|Local

Newsom fights for library funding as Trump administration terminates grants

California has joined 20 other states in a lawsuit against President Donald Trump’s administration after federal library funding was cut off when an executive order sought to dismantle the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), a key funding agency for libraries nationwide. Gov. Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta announced the legal action as National Library Week began, calling the administration’s move to shutter the federal agency “illegal” and warning it threatens critical services at the state’s 1,127 public libraries. “Our libraries are hubs for learning, civic engagement, and community. They provide important services to Californians, from kids

Newsom fights for library funding as Trump administration terminates grants
Science

Antarctic iceberg break exposes hidden marine ecosystem thriving

A colossal iceberg named A-84 – comparable in size to Chicago – calved from the George VI Ice Shelf on Jan. 13, unveiling a seafloor area previously concealed for decades. This event provided scientists aboard the Schmidt Ocean Institute’s (SOI) research vessel R/V Falkor (too) with an unprecedented opportunity to explore the newly exposed marine environment.  Upon arrival on Jan. 25, the research team deployed remotely operated vehicles to document and collect specimens from the seafloor. Contrary to initial expectations of sparse life due to prolonged ice coverage, the area revealed a vibrant ecosystem teeming with diverse species, including icefish,

Antarctic iceberg break exposes hidden marine ecosystem thriving
Education

UC, CSU face $17B maintenance backlog as students study in unsafe classrooms

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Students and faculty across California’s public universities are confronting unsafe and deteriorating campus conditions, as the University of California and California State University systems face a combined $17.4 billion deferred maintenance backlog.  Despite repeated calls for long-term solutions, state support has proven inconsistent, exacerbating problems in aging academic buildings and threatening the integrity of public higher education across the state. According to the California Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO), as of the 2023–24 academic year, the University of California system reported $9.1 billion in deferred maintenance needs, while the California State University system reported $8.3 billion. These figures

UC, CSU face $17B maintenance backlog as students study in unsafe classrooms
Business|News

Amazon makes bid to buy TikTok as ban deadline is extended

Amazon has submitted a last-minute bid to acquire TikTok’s U.S. operations. The popular video-sharing app faces a looming deadline to divest from its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, or face a nationwide ban. The offer was made in a letter addressed to Vice President JD Vance and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, according to an administration official who spoke on condition of anonymity.  The U.S. government has expressed longstanding national security concerns regarding TikTok’s Chinese ownership, leading to legislation requiring ByteDance to sell its U.S. operations by April 5. President Donald Trump previously extended the original Jan. 19 deadline to allow more

Amazon makes bid to buy TikTok as ban deadline is extended
Local

Newsom announces plan to support Californians with developmental disabilities

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the release of a comprehensive plan to improve services for residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities, following a year-long community-driven process. The program known as ‘The Master Plan for Developmental Services’ is a community-driven vision that outlines recommendations to strengthen support systems for more than 500,000 Californians with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families. “California succeeds when ALL communities succeed,” Newsom said. “Our Administration has prioritized transparency, accountability, and equity in supports that make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities. We are proud to receive this Master Plan

Newsom announces plan to support Californians with developmental disabilities
Political

How Trump’s auto tariffs could reshape the car market and push entry-level buyers out

As President Donald Trump implements a 25% tariff on imported cars and auto parts, consumers and automakers are bracing for potential price increases and market shifts. Industry analysts warn these tariffs could add thousands of dollars to vehicle prices, potentially pricing out entry-level buyers and reshaping the automotive landscape. Effective April 2, the tariffs have led to a surge in car purchases as consumers attempt to buy vehicles before prices rise. Rhett Ricart, owner of Ricart Automotive Group in Ohio, reported increased demand and numerous inquiries about the tariffs’ impact on various brands.  “One out of four of the people

How Trump’s auto tariffs could reshape the car market and push entry-level buyers out
Education

USC freezes hiring due to federal funding challenges

The University of Southern California has implemented a series of austerity measures, including a staff hiring freeze, in response to financial uncertainties stemming from federal funding challenges and ongoing investigations by the President Donald Trump administration. In a letter released Monday, university leaders, including outgoing President Carol Folt, cited “federal funding uncertainty” as a primary concern. Among the nine measures outlined are a reassessment of capital spending projects and restrictions on discretionary spending. The letter emphasized the need for “bold action now” to enhance financial resilience amid “exceptional financial uncertainty,” noting that USC received approximately $569 million in research funding

USC freezes hiring due to federal funding challenges
Health

Drug-resistant fungus spreads rapidly in hospitals across the U.S.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified Candida auris – a deadly and drug-resistant fungus – as an “urgent threat” due to its rapid spread in healthcare facilities across the United States. Cases have surged since its first U.S. appearance in 2016, with over 4,000 new clinical cases reported by March 2023. California recorded 1,566 infections during this same period, more than any other state. Candida auris is a type of yeast that can cause severe infections, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems. The fungus is notably resistant to multiple antifungal medications, complicating treatment efforts.  “The

Drug-resistant fungus spreads rapidly in hospitals across the U.S.
Local

California deploys satellites to track methane emissions as EPA reconsiders climate rules

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California has launched a new satellite-based initiative to track and reduce methane emissions, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced on March 31. The program comes as the federal Environmental Protection Agency, under President Donald Trump’s administration, reconsiders key climate protections. The program employs satellite-mounted sensors to detect large methane leaks that may otherwise go unnoticed, allowing state and local agencies to work with industry to address these emissions quickly. “Decades of progress to protect public health is on the line as the Trump Administration works to roll back critical environmental protections,” Newsom said. “California isn’t having it. Thanks to

California deploys satellites to track methane emissions as EPA reconsiders climate rules
Local

Best hiking trails in Los Angeles, Orange County to visit this spring

LOS ANGELES —With spring in full bloom, Los Angeles County and Orange County hikers have several scenic hiking trails to explore. The region’s diverse landscapes offer everything from rugged coastal cliffs to serene waterfalls, making it an ideal time to lace up hiking boots and hit the trails. Solstice Canyon Located in Malibu, Solstice Canyon offers a three-mile round-trip hike featuring ruins of an old stone house – Robert Ranch House, a seasonal waterfall, and scenic ocean views. The trail is rated easy to moderate, with shaded sections making it a pleasant choice for spring hiking. No entrance fee is

Best hiking trails in Los Angeles, Orange County to visit this spring
Education

How closing the Department of Education could impact funding for students

President Donald Trump’s recent executive order to dismantle the Department of Education has elicited a significant concern among educators and students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds and with disabilities. The initiative aims to decentralize educational oversight, transferring authority to individual states.  The Department of Education, established in 1979, administers federal funding programs such as Pell Grants for low-income college students and Title I funds for K-12 schools serving disadvantaged communities. It also enforces civil rights laws to ensure equitable access to education.  The act creating the department described its mission, in part, as: “To strengthen the Federal commitment to ensuring

How closing the Department of Education could impact funding for students
Political

Trump invokes Alien Enemies Act as deportations escalate amid legal challenges

President Donald Trump has invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to deport hundreds of Venezuelan migrants, a move that has intensified political divisions and sparked protests from immigrant rights advocates. The administration deported 238 Venezuelan migrants, alleging ties to the Tren de Aragua gang. This action proceeded despite a federal judge’s order to halt the deportations and return any planes already in transit.  The Alien Enemies Act grants the president authority to deport citizens of foreign nations deemed hostile during times of war or invasion. Historically, it was used during World War II to intern individuals of Japanese, German,

Trump invokes Alien Enemies Act as deportations escalate amid legal challenges
Health

HPV vaccine could prevent rising throat cancer cases, UCLA doctor says

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is responsible for as many as 70% of oropharyngeal cancers, which affect the middle part of the throat. Despite this connection, many people remain unaware that HPV vaccination can protect against these cancers. “Around 2018, when new data was just coming out on this, I was in medical school,” said Dr. Lauran Evans, a PGY-5 otolaryngology resident in the University of California Los Angeles Department of Head and Neck Surgery. “I talked with my medical school colleagues, residents, and professors about it. I found it shocking that no

HPV vaccine could prevent rising throat cancer cases, UCLA doctor says
Education

How the Department of Education cuts could change federal support for schools

President Donald Trump’s administration’s recent decision to significantly reduce the U.S. Department of Education’s workforce has raised concerns about the potential impact on the stability and quality of American education. Over 1,300 employees were laid off and nearly 600 resigned voluntarily. This move aligns with Trump’s long-standing objective to dismantle the Department of Education, a goal shared by many conservatives who advocate for reduced federal involvement in education. Established in 1980, the department oversees various programs, including managing a $1.6 trillion student loan portfolio and enforcing civil rights laws in educational institutions.  Education Secretary Linda McMahon described the layoffs as

How the Department of Education cuts could change federal support for schools
Education

Faculty, students discuss effects of institutional neutrality on key issues

As universities navigate an increasingly polarized political landscape, many have adopted institutional neutrality policies, limiting official statements on social and political issues. Supporters say these policies preserve academic freedom and prevent institutions from endorsing particular viewpoints, while critics argue they suppress important discourse and leave students feeling unheard. The University of Michigan’s Board of Regents unanimously approved a new policy – institutional neutrality for university leaders – on Oct. 17, 2024. This decision aligns with a broader trend among higher education institutions to limit official commentary on contentious topics. Regent Mark Bernstein emphasized the policy aims to empower individual faculty

Faculty, students discuss effects of institutional neutrality on key issues

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