This is an LA Times Studios podcast.

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

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

California is suing to stop the Trump administration from taking back hundreds of millions

in COVID-19 education funds.

LA Times reporters say the money helps schools pay for tutoring, summer programs, mental health services,

and classroom tech.

The state says students are still struggling from pandemic learning loss.

And losing this money would hurt the kids.

Education Secretary Linda McMahon claims the funding is no longer needed now that the pandemic is over.

But California Attorney General Rob Bonta calls a move illegal, saying the funding was extended

legally under Biden and should last through 2026.

Fifteen other states and D.C. have joined the lawsuit.

Three people have died from the Haunted Virus in Mammoth Lakes, sparking new fears about this rare but deadly disease.

Reporter Karen Garcia says the virus which killed Jean Hackman's wife earlier this year spread through droppings or saliva from infected mice.

Health officials warn that deer mouse numbers are high this year in the

Eastern Sierra, raising the risks of indoor exposure. Symptoms include fever,

muscle legs, and breathing trouble. All three individuals who have contracted and

died from Haunted virus and mammoth showed symptoms starting in February. All

three had evidence of mice at their workplaces.

Officials urged people to seal up cracks, avoid rodents, and clean carefully with gloves

and masks.

...