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Today: April 12, 2025
Today: April 12, 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|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
News|Local

Secret recordings allegedly reveal LAPD officers making racist comments

A Los Angeles Police Department officer secretly recorded approximately 90 conversations over several months revealing colleagues in the department’s recruitment division making racist, sexist, and homophobic comments about police applicants and fellow officers, according to a complaint filed with the LAPD’s Professional Standards Bureau and the inspector general’s office. The recordings – made between March and October 2024 – document officers and supervisors engaging in discriminatory conversations about potential recruits and colleagues based on race, sex, and sexual orientation. These same officers were responsible for determining who could join the LAPD. In one recorded conversation detailed in the complaint, a

Secret recordings allegedly reveal LAPD officers making racist comments
Political

Elon Musk's controversial moves spark backlash against Tesla

Tesla, once celebrated as a pioneer in the electric vehicle industry and a symbol of environmental progress, is now facing backlash. In California and beyond, the brand is facing protests, vandalism, public dissent and a decline in its stock value.  This shift is largely attributed to CEO Elon Musk’s prominent role in President Donald Trump’s administration as head of the Department of Government Efficiency. In California – a state known for its environmental initiatives – Tesla dealerships and charging stations have been targeted.  Tesla chargers in Meyers, California were defaced with swastikas, prompting an investigation by the El Dorado County

Elon Musk's controversial moves spark backlash against Tesla
Local

California's cracking down on rising inmate violence

Following seven homicides in the first nine weeks of 2025, California prison authorities restricted inmate movement and revoked privileges such as visits and phone calls at high-security facilities across the state. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation announced the restrictions in response to a surge in violence targeting inmates and staff. The measures impact 11 prisons: Calipatria State Prison, Centinela State Prison, California Correctional Institution, High Desert State Prison, Kern Valley State Prison, California State Prison-Los Angeles County, Mule Creek State Prison, Pelican Bay State Prison, California State Prison-Sacramento, Substance Abuse Treatment Facility, and Salinas Valley State Prison. Officials

California's cracking down on rising inmate violence
Crime

Menendez brothers back in spotlight as D.A. opposes resentencing

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced his opposition to resentencing Lyle and Erik Menendez, who have served three decades in prison for the 1989 murders of their parents in Beverly Hills. In a motion filed with the L.A. Superior Court, Hochman moved to rescind former District Attorney George Gascón’s recommendation that would have changed the brothers’ sentences from life without parole to 50 years to life, potentially making them eligible for parole as youthful offenders since they committed the crimes when they were younger than 26. “The Menendez brothers have continued to lie for over 30 years about

Menendez brothers back in spotlight as D.A. opposes resentencing
Health

Groundbreaking pathway found to combat Alzheimer's

Researchers at University of Southern California Stem Cell identified a novel approach to eliminate toxic tau protein buildup in brain cells, a major contributor to Alzheimer’s disease and related neurodegenerative disorders.  The study, published in the journal Neuron, demonstrates how suppressing a specific gene can activate cellular cleaning mechanisms to remove harmful tau proteins. The research team conducted experiments using laboratory mice and human brain organoids — miniature lab-grown brain-like structures — to investigate the relationship between the neurotransmitter glutamate and tau accumulation. Glutamate, while essential for normal brain function, including memory and mood regulation, can promote a toxic buildup

Groundbreaking pathway found to combat Alzheimer's
News|Political

Lawsuit raises concerns over disability rights for millions of Americans

Jennifer Kucera, a 55-year-old Ohio resident with muscular dystrophy, relies on daily caregivers to help her get out of bed, bathe and dress. Without these services, she would likely be forced into institutional care. “I am basically fighting for my life,” Kucera said to The Washington Post. “It is frightening because this lawsuit could affect everything.” The lawsuit Kucera refers to, Texas v. Becerra, was filed last year by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in response to updated regulations in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, a landmark federal law prohibiting disability discrimination. The case has triggered alarm

Lawsuit raises concerns over disability rights for millions of Americans
Health|News

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. targets loopholes in food safety rules

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced his first major initiative as the nation’s top health official to address chemicals in the American food supply. He directed the Food and Drug Administration to explore new rules to close a decades-old regulatory gap allowing companies to add ingredients without government review. Kennedy is targeting the “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) provision that permits food manufacturers to self-certify certain ingredients without notifying federal regulators. The Department of Health and Human Services said a potential rule change would likely require companies to notify the FDA and submit safety data when adding new ingredients to food

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. targets loopholes in food safety rules
Local

California’s high-speed rail project faces major challenges

The head of California’s High-Speed Rail Authority warned that without stable funding sources, the multibillion-dollar project faces further delays and cost increases.  CEO Ian Choudri delivered this message during a board meeting, just two weeks after the Trump administration announced a compliance review of the project. “I have come to a conclusion, if we do not stabilize a funding approach on this, the inefficiencies will continue to pose a risk to schedule and cost,” he said during the meeting. Choudri noted industry experts have developed a plan and he continues to communicate with Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office, the state Department

California’s high-speed rail project faces major challenges
Education

L.A. universities top economic mobility rankings in California

California State University, Los Angeles ranks first in California for improving the economic status of low and moderate-income students, according to a new study. The California Mobility Index – created by the HEA Group and College Futures Foundation – shows CSU campuses are nine of the top 10 schools most effective at boosting economic mobility in the state. The index evaluates 82 four-year California colleges and universities based on their ability to elevate the socioeconomic standing of students from households earning $75,000 or less annually. CSU campuses dominate the rankings, with Cal State L.A. leading the list, followed by other

L.A. universities top economic mobility rankings in California
Health

How a mouse study sheds light on air pollution's health impact

Researchers at University of California, Los Angeles Health have discovered exposure to diesel exhaust causes substantial disruption to liver function in mice.  The investigation revealed altered activity in 658 genes and 118 metabolites following exposure, potentially shedding light on how air pollution contributes to metabolic disorders in humans. The study found diesel exhaust exposure led to increased production of triglycerides, fatty acids, and sugars in the mice. These metabolic changes were largely attributed to mitochondrial dysfunction, as these cellular structures play a crucial role in energy production. When researchers directly exposed liver cells to diesel particles, they observed activation of

How a mouse study sheds light on air pollution's health impact
Crime

Manhunt underway for suspect in Cal Fire captain's murder

A woman sought in connection with the fatal stabbing of her wife, a Cal Fire captain, was previously convicted of killing her first spouse, according to court records and law enforcement officials. Rebecca Marodi, 49, a Cal Fire captain who recently fought the Eaton fire, was found stabbed to death at a residence in Ramona, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department reported. Her 53-year-old wife, Yolanda Marodi – also known as Yolanda Olejniczak – is now a suspect in the homicide. Public records reveal the couple had been married for just over two years and shared the same address, according

Manhunt underway for suspect in Cal Fire captain's murder
Local

Why are so many sea lions becoming ill along Malibu waters?

Marine experts have documented at least 14 sea lions showing signs of illness along the Malibu coastline, according to the California Wildlife Center. Officials believe the marine mammals are suffering from domoic acid poisoning caused by harmful algal blooms in coastal waters. The California Wildlife Center has responded to numerous reports of distressed sea lions displaying neurological symptoms. The affected animals exhibit distinctive behaviors including seizures and a head-tilting posture known as “stargazing,” both hallmark signs of domoic acid toxicity. “Malibu residents, visitors, and other beachgoers are advised to keep their distance from animals on the beach and call or

Why are so many sea lions becoming ill along Malibu waters?
Local

California gears up for multibillion-dollar sports events

SACRAMENTO — California will host a series of major international sporting events over the next three years, which are projected to generate billions of dollars in economic activity across the state. The lineup includes the NBA All-Star Games, X Games, FIFA World Cup matches, Super Bowls, and Olympic and Paralympic Games. Gov. Gavin Newsom emphasized the significance of these events for the state. “From Northern to Southern California, the state is preparing to shine on the world’s biggest stages, welcoming fans from around the globe to experience the energy and diversity of our great state,” he said. “These events will

California gears up for multibillion-dollar sports events
News|Local

Study links air pollution before pregnancy to childhood obesity risk

With rapid urbanization and industrial growth, air pollution levels are rising globally, posing serious risks to public health. From respiratory diseases to cardiovascular conditions, the adverse effects of polluted air are well-documented. However, emerging research suggests that air pollution may also have more subtle but long-term consequences—especially on early childhood development. A new study now reveals that exposure to air pollution in the three months before pregnancy could increase the risk of childhood obesity. The study, conducted on more than 5,000 mothers and their children, raises concerns about children’s body mass index and obesity risk factors up to age two. 

Study links air pollution before pregnancy to childhood obesity risk
News

IRS layoffs: What impact will it have for tax season?

The Internal Revenue Service is set to lay off approximately 6,700 employees, a restructuring move that could strain the agency’s ability to process tax returns and issue refunds during the critical filing season.  Over 6,000 employees – more than 6% of the total IRS workforce – are expected to be terminated by the end of this week, with more than 3,500 from the Small Business/Self-Employed Division, according to an email obtained by CBS News. The layoffs, primarily targeting auditors and collection staff, are part of a broader federal workforce reduction initiative by the Department of Government Efficiency , overseen by

IRS layoffs: What impact will it have for tax season?
Education

Lawsuit challenges holistic admissions, racial preferences at UC

A federal lawsuit has been filed against the University of California (UC) system, alleging its admissions policies unlawfully favor Black and Latino applicants, thereby disadvantageous to white and Asian American students. The suit, initiated by the group Students Against Racial Discrimination, contends that UC’s practices violate both state and federal laws prohibiting racial preferences in public education.  The plaintiffs argue that despite California’s Proposition 209 — enacted in 1996 to ban the consideration of race in public education — the UC system covertly incorporates racial preferences through its holistic admissions process. This approach evaluates applicants based on a range of

Lawsuit challenges holistic admissions, racial preferences at UC
Health

California's new bird flu variant: What does it mean for your breakfast table?

A California duck farm has identified the first case of highly pathogenic H5N9 avian influenza in American poultry. According to a recent report by the World Organization for Animal Health, this development comes amid the ongoing bird flu situation across the United States. The outbreak, which began on Nov. 23, 2024, at a commercial duck meat farm in Merced County, California, led to the culling of 118,954 birds by Dec. 2 to prevent the virus from spreading further. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported that the affected flock showed signs of increased mortality, prompting state officials to quarantine the premises.

California's new bird flu variant: What does it mean for your breakfast table?
Crime

Man allegedly arrested for dismembering wife's body

A former Indian Army serviceman has been arrested in Hyderabad for allegedly killing his wife and disposing of her body by dismembering, boiling, and crushing the remains. Police say the accused showed no remorse for the premeditated crime. Putta Guru Murthy, 39, was arrested on Jan. 28, ten days after his wife Putta Venkata Madhavi, 35, was reported missing by her mother. Rachakonda Police Commissioner G. Sudheer Babu said investigators gathered “sufficient credible, admissible evidence” to prove the crime. According to police, the incident occurred on Jan. 16 when Murthy allegedly assaulted Madhavi during an argument at their residence in

Man allegedly arrested for dismembering wife's body
News

Airplane crashes spark U.S. aviation safety concerns, investigations

The Jan. 29 collision between an American Airlines passenger jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter in Washington, D.C. has brought up long-standing aviation safety concerns. Less than a month later, the FAA reported another aircraft crash. On Feb. 17, a Delta Airlines jet from Minneapolis crashed and flipped on its roof while landing in Toronto’s Pearson Airport. At least 21 individuals were injured in the crash, but all 80 passengers survived. The Washington, D.C. crash occurred on the night of Jan. 29 when a regional jet operated by PSA Airlines as an American Airlines flight

Airplane crashes spark U.S. aviation safety concerns, investigations

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