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Today: April 09, 2025
Today: April 09, 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

Health

UCLA researchers develop new test for Alzheimer's seizures

Researchers at University of California, Los Angeles Health have found that specific brain rhythm patterns can predict seizure risk in Alzheimer’s disease patients, offering a potential breakthrough in early detection and treatment. According to a study published in Brain Communications, the research team found that rapid brain signals called high-frequency oscillations occur at rates two to three times higher in Alzheimer’s patients than in those without cognitive impairment. UCLA neurologist Dr. Keith Vossel, who led the study, has previously established that more than 40% of Alzheimer’s patients experience silent seizures that can accelerate cognitive decline beyond the 20% who have

UCLA researchers develop new test for Alzheimer's seizures
Health

New Cancer Patterns Signal Major Shift in Women's Health

Cancer rates are rising among young and middle-aged women in the United States, marking a notable shift in a disease traditionally associated with aging, according to a report released by the American Cancer Society. The report reveals while overall cancer survival rates have improved, six of the 10 most common cancers are increasing, with women bearing a disproportionate burden of new cases. These include breast and uterine cancers, as well as colorectal cancer in people under 65, prostate cancer, melanoma and pancreatic cancer. “These unfavorable trends are tipped toward women,” said Rebecca L. Siegel, an epidemiologist with the American Cancer

New Cancer Patterns Signal Major Shift in Women's Health
Local

Newsom launches L.A. fire relief efforts with deadline extensions

LOS ANGELES — Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a new executive order to streamline Los Angeles fire relief efforts for survivors by reducing administrative barriers and extending critical deadlines for affected residents. The order suspends various regulations and provides regulatory relief to help families access essential services, including childcare, education, rental housing, health care, and tax assistance as they work to rebuild their lives. “As Los Angeles rises, we will continue to remove the barriers that would stand in the way,” Newsom said. “This executive order provides targeted relief from regulations that impact victims and would otherwise slow this community’s quick

Newsom launches L.A. fire relief efforts with deadline extensions
Local|Travel

Why Joshua Tree is the Ultimate Escape—and How to Avoid the Crowds

If you’re planning a trip to Joshua Tree National Park this winter, be prepared for heavy traffic and crowded trails. Park officials warn that the peak season, which runs from October through May, brings a surge of visitors, especially on long weekends and holidays. The Joshua Tree Visitor Center alone can see more than 4,000 people per day. With its stunning landscapes, unique rock formations, and star-filled night skies, the park offers a one-of-a-kind experience that draws outdoor enthusiasts, photographers, and adventure seekers from all over the country. The dramatic desert scenery provides the perfect backdrop for hiking, rock climbing,

Why Joshua Tree is the Ultimate Escape—and How to Avoid the Crowds
Health

New Study Links Popular Thyroid Medication Levothyroxine to Bone Loss Risk in Older Adults

New research from Johns Hopkins Medicine suggests that a popular thyroid drug, Levothyroxine, may raise the risk of bone loss in older adults. Hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, is treated with levothyroxine, which is marketed under brand names including Synthroid. In the United States, it is the second most often prescribed drug for senior citizens. Approximately 23 million Americans, or 7% of the population, are prescribed this medication.  The preliminary study found that levothyroxine users experienced greater bone mass and density loss over a six-year period than non-users, even when their thyroid function tested in the normal range. The study

New Study Links Popular Thyroid Medication Levothyroxine to Bone Loss Risk in Older Adults
News|Entertainment

Blake Lively vs. Justin Baldoni: The courtroom showdown

The story unfolding from the sets of It Ends With Us has reached a new peak, with lawsuits filed by both the lead actors.  What started as messy promotions at the premiere in August 2024 and a ‘he said, she said’ discourse has now evolved into accusations of sexual harassment, smear campaigns, and unethical crisis management tactics when Blake Lively filed a lawsuit in December 2024. As the dispute intensifies, Lively and Baldoni’s legal teams prepare for a trial that could redefine the stars’ reputations.  The root of the conflict can be traced back to the premiere of the movie,

Blake Lively vs. Justin Baldoni: The courtroom showdown
Lifestyle

Do you engage in 'boomerasking' behavior in small talk?

A common conversational behavior called “boomerasking,” where people ask questions only to redirect attention back to themselves, undermines genuine dialogue and social connections, according to a study published in the Wall Street Journal on Jan. 21. In her study, Alison Wood Brooks explains that the phenomenon often plays out in everyday exchanges. A typical scenario unfolds when someone asks about weekend plans, receives a brief response, and then immediately launches into describing their own elaborate activities, like going to a lake house for a massive bonfire or attending a medieval fair to use their homemade trebuchet. Boomerasking describes a pattern

Do you engage in 'boomerasking' behavior in small talk?
Entertainment

Drake sues Universal Music over alleged defamation in 'Not Like Us' lyric claims

Drake filed a federal lawsuit Wednesday against Universal Music Group, claiming the company put his life and reputation at risk by releasing and promoting a Kendrick Lamar diss track that he says falsely portrays him as a pedophile. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, alleges Universal valued “corporate greed over the safety and well-being of its artists” by publishing and promoting Lamar’s chart-topping single “Not Like Us.” Drake, whose legal name is Aubrey Drake Graham, claims the record label “approved, published, and launched a campaign to create a viral hit out

Drake sues Universal Music over alleged defamation in 'Not Like Us' lyric claims
Health

Does parental divorce raise stroke risk for adults?

Adults whose parents divorced during their childhood face a 60% higher risk of experiencing a stroke compared to those whose parents remained married, according to new research from the University of Toronto. The study, published in PLOS One, analyzed data from 13,200 adults aged 65 and older who reported no history of childhood abuse. About 14% of participants had experienced parental divorce before reaching adulthood, and 7% reported having a stroke. “The magnitude of the association between parental divorce and stroke was comparable to well-established risk factors for stroke such as male gender and having diabetes,” said Esme Fuller-Thomson, senior

Does parental divorce raise stroke risk for adults?
Local

California's new rules for home projects, unlicensed contractors

California will double the maximum cost of home improvement projects that can be performed without a contractor’s license, raising the threshold from $500 to $1,000 starting Jan. 1, 2025. The change comes through Assembly Bill 2622, marking the first adjustment to the limit since 1987. The California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) will oversee the implementation of the new regulations. The increased threshold applies only to basic repair and maintenance work that does not require building permits. Projects involving electrical, plumbing, structural modifications, or those requiring permits must still be performed by licensed contractors regardless of cost. Under the updated

California's new rules for home projects, unlicensed contractors
Lifestyle

Solo Dating Emerges as New Wellness Movement

In a world increasingly focused on self-care, solo dating has emerged as a new trend that invites individuals to prioritize their own company and well-being, according to a recent report in Glamour magazine. The growing movement encourages people to take themselves on dates — whether it’s going to a movie, dining out or even attending a music festival — without waiting for a partner or friend to join them. Solo dating, also known as self-dating, emphasizes independence and self-love. It promotes the idea that one doesn’t need a romantic partner to experience joy, fun or meaningful activities. While it may

Solo Dating Emerges as New Wellness Movement
Entertainment|Lifestyle

'We Listen and We Don't Judge': The TikTok Trend Taking Relationship Confessions Too Far

‘We listen, and we don’t judge’ has become TikTok’s most judged phrase of 2024. What started as couples sharing harmless confessions has evolved into a viral phenomenon that’s exposing the uncomfortable underbelly of modern relationships – from strategic manipulation to casual deception. As millions of viewers watch partners reveal increasingly troubling behaviors, the trend has sparked a larger conversation about what we’re willing to normalize in the name of entertainment The confessions started innocently enough. Couples shared minor mishaps like covering ceiling holes with birthday decorations. But as the trend gained momentum, the revelations became increasingly concerning. Partners began admitting

'We Listen and We Don't Judge': The TikTok Trend Taking Relationship Confessions Too Far
Celebrity|Entertainment

What a body language expert sees in Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce relationship

Body language expert and author Patti Wood analyzed Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s on-field interactions following the Kansas City Chiefs’ AFC Championship victory, detailing how their public displays of affection have evolved over the past year. Wood, author of “Snap: Making the Most of First Impressions, Body Language, and Charisma,” observed the couple’s celebratory moments after the Chiefs defeated the Baltimore Ravens, securing their third straight Super Bowl appearance. In their post-game celebration, Swift, a 14-time Grammy winner, and Kelce, a Pro Bowl tight end, shared several intimate moments amid falling confetti. Wood noted a significant shift in their comfort

What a body language expert sees in Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce relationship
Crime

Black Dahlia murder remains unsolved after 78 years

The brutal murder of 22-year-old Elizabeth Short, known as the “Black Dahlia,” remains one of Hollywood’s most notorious unsolved cases, with a former Los Angeles Police Department detective now pointing to his own father as the likely killer. Short’s mutilated body was discovered on Jan. 15, 1947, in an undeveloped area of L.A.’s Leimert Park neighborhood. The case garnered widespread media attention and spawned decades of investigation, yet no one has ever been charged with the crime. Steve Hodel, a retired LAPD detective and private investigator, believes his father, Dr. George Hodel, was responsible for Short’s death. The elder Hodel,

Black Dahlia murder remains unsolved after 78 years
Entertainment|Local

Are Prince Harry and Meghan Markle the American version of royals?

LOS ANGELES – A body language expert says Prince Harry and Meghan Markle presented themselves as an “American version of royals” during their visit with Los Angeles fire evacuees at a local convention center. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex visited the Pasadena Convention Center to distribute supplies and meet with residents displaced by the Eaton fire.  “Meghan is doing some full body hugs here in a ritual of consoling, and her facial expression mirrors the sadness the people she’s meeting must be feeling,” body language expert Judi James told the Mirror.  “Coming on top of some more practical help

Are Prince Harry and Meghan Markle the American version of royals?
Local|Lifestyle

Cheers to change: Nonalcoholic drinks inspire a new dining revolution

Los Angeles is at the center of a beverage revolution, where craft mocktails command the same reverence as their alcoholic counterparts. With alcohol consumption dropping 10% among young adults, the city’s bars and restaurants are crafting sophisticated nonalcoholic drinks that appeal to both dedicated abstainers and the “sober curious” alike. A new era of drinking is being ushered in by the city’s varied culinary scene and the rising desire for alcohol-free and health-conscious alternatives, according to a report from the L.A. Times. L.A. is leading the way in a beverage revolution, from spirit-free cocktails to nonalcoholic beers and de-alcoholized wines.

Cheers to change: Nonalcoholic drinks inspire a new dining revolution
Environment|Local

Is the Air Quality Index reliable after wildfires in L.A.?

LOS ANGELES — Despite Air Quality Index readings showing “healthy” or “moderate” levels across Los Angeles County, experts warn these measurements do not fully capture health risks from recent urban fires and high winds. Air quality specialists and public health officials say the Air Quality Index, or AQI, fails to measure specific toxic particles released by burning structures, even when air appears clear to residents. “The AQI is not reliable for this situation,” said Anthony Wexler, director of the Air Quality Research Center at the University of California-Davis. “And you can’t see it. So, looking around and saying, ‘Oh, it

Is the Air Quality Index reliable after wildfires in L.A.?
Technology

How Starlink satellite is transforming standard smartphones

SpaceX’s Starlink satellite network is launching a service enabling standard smartphones to make calls and send texts from anywhere on Earth, expanding global telecommunications access without requiring specialized equipment. The company’s new Direct-to-Cell service allows iPhone and Android users to connect to Starlink satellites using their existing phones, provided they are LTE-compatible devices. SpaceX outlined the service’s capabilities in recent regulatory filings with the Federal Communications Commission. The company reports successful testing with mobile devices from leading manufacturers, including Apple, Samsung, and Google, across urban and rural areas, outdoors and indoors, even under tree cover or clear skies. The service

How Starlink satellite is transforming standard smartphones
Food

Here's the top food trends from cocktails to social gatherings for 2025

The Manhattan cocktail, Orange County dining, and pavlova desserts are among the top food trends expected to shape the culinary landscape in 2025, according to predictions from LAist’s food writer. The forecast, published by LAist, outlines 12 trends spanning beverages, dining locations, desserts, and social gatherings that are anticipated to influence how people eat and drink in the coming year. The report indicates that the classic Manhattan cocktail is poised to follow in the footsteps of previously trending drinks like the Old Fashioned, martini, and Negroni. The whiskey-based cocktail, which combines sweet vermouth and bitters, represents a middle ground between

Here's the top food trends from cocktails to social gatherings for 2025
Lifestyle|Local

Los Angeles Valentine's Day guide maps out romantic adventures

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, Los Angeles is the perfect place to create lasting memories. From breathtaking views to delicious meals and unique experiences, the city offers plenty of options for a romantic day or evening. Whether people are looking for something relaxing or a little more adventurous, here are some of the best date ideas in L.A. for celebrating Valentine’s Day, complete with details on where to go, what to expect, and how much people can expect to spend. 1. A Romantic Sunset at Griffith Observatory A visit to Griffith Observatory is one of the most iconic

Los Angeles Valentine's Day guide maps out romantic adventures
Health

Are these social media fitness trends actually healthy for you?

Health and fitness experts are warning against several popular social media trends that they say promote unsustainable habits and misleading information about exercise and nutrition. Massachusetts General Hospital lifestyle medicine program director Dr. Amy Comander said fitness advice on social media platforms often contains misinformation and unrealistic promises, particularly regarding targeted weight loss and quick-fix solutions. “All of us have different heights, different weights, different body compositions,” Comander said, cautioning against following generalized workout and nutrition advice from social media influencers. The “75 Hard” challenge, which gained widespread attention on social media platforms last year, has drawn criticism from fitness

Are these social media fitness trends actually healthy for you?
Technology

Cable TV Outlets Find New Purpose in Home Networking

A practical alternative to unreliable Wi-Fi connections allows homeowners and renters to create wired networks using existing cable TV outlets, eliminating the need for new wall or ceiling modifications. The solution uses Multimedia over Coax Alliance (MoCA) technology to transmit high-speed internet through coaxial cables originally installed for television service. The latest version, MoCA 2.5, supports speeds up to 2.5 gigabits per second. While Wi-Fi offers mobility, wired connections provide faster speeds and lower latency for video conferencing, file sharing, and gaming. However, installing 50 or 100 feet of Ethernet cabling throughout a home often proves costly and impractical, especially

Cable TV Outlets Find New Purpose in Home Networking
Local

Here's some new family leave benefits in California

SACRAMENTO, Calif.: In 2025, California will expand family leave benefits and workplace protections through laws to support working families across the state. The centerpiece legislation increases wage replacement rates for Paid Family Leave and State Disability Insurance. Under SB 951, authored by Senator María Elena Durazo of Los Angeles, lower-income workers can receive up to 90% of their wages while on leave, with middle-income workers qualifying for 70% wage replacement. This makes it easier for more Californians to take time off to care for family or recover from illness. “California’s new laws tackle today’s biggest emerging challenges head-on,” Governor Gavin

Here's some new family leave benefits in California
Health

Can Your Morning Habits Affect How Fast You Age?

The battle against time may be fought – and potentially won – in the first hours after dawn. New research reveals that your morning routine could be the secret weapon in slowing down the biological clock, with scientists identifying seven key habits that may influence how quickly we age. While aging remains inevitable, health researchers note that individual aging rates vary significantly, often correlating with established morning routines. These practices range from proper hydration to mindful meditation and consistent sleep patterns. Research indicates that hydration plays a vital role in the aging process. The human body comprises 60 percent water,

Can Your Morning Habits Affect How Fast You Age?

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