News Assistant/Reporter

Christina Merino

Christina Merino received her bachelors degree in journalism at California State University, Long Beach in May 2022. She worked as opinions editor and arts & life assistant at the Daily Forty-Niner, tha campus newspaper. She also got an associate degree in communication studies at Antelope Valley College. She is an avid concert goer and likes to explore new places and eateries in the area.

Scuba Show, North America’s largest consumer scuba diving expo, returns to the Long Beach Convention Center on Saturday and Sunday, May 30-31, with exhibits, seminars, workshops, and hands-on experiences. (Photo by Christina Merino, Press-Telegram/SCNG)

Scuba Show, largest diving expo in U.S., returns to Long Beach

May 29, 2026 at 3:53 p.m.

Attendees can experience diving firsthand, as well as exhibits, seminars, workshops and more during the two-day expo on Saturday and Sunday, May 30-31, at the Long Beach Convention Center.

Port Coppers FC, members of the Los Angeles Port Police Department, captured the championship trophy in a five-on-five soccer tournament on Monday, May 25, 2026, at the 10th annual L.A. Fleet Week in San Pedro. The event was staged by FIFA in advance of the upcoming World Cup. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)

Thousands celebrate Memorial Day at final day of 2026 LA Fleet Week

May 26, 2026 at 10:24 a.m.

From ship tours to a thrilling soccer match, hundreds descended onto the San Pedro waterfront to celebrate Memorial Day on the last day of Fleet Week on Monday, May 25.

The Los Angeles Religious Education Congress, also known as RECongress, one of the largest annual Catholic gatherings in the country, has selected the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center as its new home beginning in 2028. (Photo by Christina Merino, Press-Telegram/SCNG)

RECongress selects Long Beach Convention Center to host annual Catholic conference starting in 2028

May 20, 2026 at 7:08 a.m.

RECongress, one of the largest annual Catholic gatherings in the U.S., will move from Anaheim to the Long Beach Convention Center in 2028.

The 43rd annual Long Beach Pride Parade was held on Sunday, May 17, 2026, with thousands in attendance. (Photo by Christina Merino, Press-Telegram/SCNG)

Thousands celebrate community, love at 43rd annual Long Beach Pride Parade

May 18, 2026 at 7:36 a.m.

The annual Long Beach Pride Parade took place on Sunday, May 17, with thousands of people lining Ocean Boulevard and more than 100 entries.

Jennifer McMullen, 101, of Whittier, worked as a riveter at Lockheed Aircraft Corporation in Burbank in 1944. One of the women was later immortalized as “Rosie the Riveter,” a symbol of the women who helped win the war by working in aircraft factories. (Photo by Keith Durflinger, Contributing Photographer)

For Mother’s Day weekend, we turn to moms at least 100 years old for their wisdom

May 9, 2026 at 3:30 p.m.

Centenarian mothers have some thoughts on their favorite lifetime appointment.

The CSU system is making a bold promise: Every student will graduate with a clear path to a career or graduate school. And it is planning changes to make the system’s degree programs more career-focused, possibly by phasing out some majors. Cal State Long Beach College of Engineering graduates walk into Angel Stadium for a commencement ceremony in Anaheim in May 2025. (File Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)

Many California colleges, universities, public schools impacted by nationwide Canvas breach

May 7, 2026 at 6:14 p.m.

"Instructure is working diligently to gather more information and get systems restored," the CSU wrote on its website.

Poolside performs on the main stage during day three of the BeachLife Festival in Redondo Beach on Sunday, May 3, 2026. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Press-Telegram/SCNG)

Last day of BeachLife began with a delay, fans still enjoy the music

May 3, 2026 at 6:32 p.m.

The BeachLife Festival had its final day on Sunday, May 3, but it was delayed because of a police investigation nearby.

The Redondo Beach Pier was evacuated and some nearby streets were closed because of a police investigation on Sunday morning, May 3, 2026. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Press-Telegram/SCNG)

Redondo Beach Pier reopens after swatting threat leads to police evacuation

May 6, 2026 at 8:23 a.m.

The threat led to an extensive police search, authorities said, but in the end, nothing was found.

President Trump posted a photo on social media of law enforcement detaining a suspect, Cole Thomas Allen, after a shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, D.C., on April 25, 2026. (President Donald J. Trump via Truth Social)

Cole Allen, accused of trying to kill Trump, described as ‘apolitical’ as an undergrad

April 27, 2026 at 9:56 p.m.

'I had to prompt him to get him to agree Martin Luther King was justified in his actions,' said a fellow member of the Caltech Christian Fellowship.

Dean Mac, 21, a mechanical engineering student, shows Bruin Racing Supermileage Club’s hydrogen car “Toothless” during Earth Day at UCLA in Los Angeles on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.The car recently competed in the urban concept category at the Indianapolis Speedway. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

For Mother Nature’s sake: LA County rolls out Earth Day events

April 22, 2026 at 7:09 p.m.

Earth Day, first observed in 1970, is held annually on April 22 and now includes events in more than 190 countries aimed at protecting and replenishing the planet.

All Stories