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Today: January 26, 2025
Today: January 26, 2025
Zakir Jamal

Zakir Jamal

Staff Writer

Zakir Jamal is a freelance writer for the L.A. Post., covering arts, culture and news. He obtained his Bachelor's Degree from the University of Chicago, and is currently working on his Master's thesis at McGill.

Latest From Zakir Jamal

US|Americas|Economy|Election|Local|News|Political|WrittenByLAPost

L.A. agencies attempt to adapt to immigration crackdown

On the campaign trail, President Donald Trump promised to deport millions of people who, he said, were in the country illegally. In response, Los Angeles passed a “sanctuary city” ordinance, prohibiting police from cooperating with federal deportation efforts. But some advocates say that this will not be enough to protect the city’s vulnerable communities.

L.A. agencies attempt to adapt to immigration crackdown
Americas|Local|US|WrittenByLAPost

How to prepare for the next fire in LA

As growth slows in the Palisades and Eaton Fires, the question for many Los Angeles homeowners will be how to prepare for the next blaze. Though fire season usually ends in October, the National Interagency Fire Center projects that elevated fire risk will continue until rains fall across Southern California. As such, it is important for area residents to take precautions to protect themselves and their property.

How to prepare for the next fire in LA
Arts|Celebrity|Entertainment|Local|News|US|WrittenByLAPost

David Lynch, director of “Twin Peaks” and “Mulholland Drive” dead at 78

David Lynch, director, actor and visual artist, known for his unsettling, otherworldly films, passed away Thursday at the age of 78, his family said on Facebook. “It is with deep regret that we, his family, announce the passing of the man and the artist, David Lynch,” the post said. “We would appreciate some privacy at this time. There’s a big hole in the world now that he’s no longer with us. But, as he would say, ‘Keep your eye on the donut and not on the hole.’” The director told Sight and Sound in November that he was housebound due

David Lynch, director of “Twin Peaks” and “Mulholland Drive” dead at 78
Local|Environment|US|WrittenByLAPost

More than 1,000 incarcerated firefighters assist in the L.A. blazes for $1 per hour

Among those on the front lines against the fires – Palisades and Eaton – that have burned across the Los Angeles area are approximately 1,100 trained firefighters who are currently serving prison sentences. Around 50 of these firefighters are between the ages of 18 and 25, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation told the Guardian. 

More than 1,000 incarcerated firefighters assist in the L.A. blazes for $1 per hour
US|Crime

Inglewood Man's Conviction Upheld Pomona Woman's Murder

Inglewood Man's Conviction Upheld for Woman's Murder in Pomona

Inglewood Man's Conviction Upheld Pomona Woman's Murder
Local|Crime|News|Political|US

LA County Defends Decision Not to Evacuate Juvenile Hall

Following some public criticism about the county's decision not to evacuate Barry J. Nidorf Juvenile Hall in Sylmar as the nearby Hurst Fire raged, county Probation Department officials insisted Tuesday they were prepared to act and kept detainees safe, but the facility never fell under a mandatory evacuation order.

LA County Defends Decision Not to Evacuate Juvenile Hall
Local|Environment|News|US|WrittenByLAPost

What is ‘wildfire containment?’ How to interpret updates on the fires

Firefighters continue to make progress containing the Palisades and Eaton Fires Monday, after the blazes spent almost a week out of control.  Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the Eaton Fire was one-third contained. Meanwhile, the Palisades Fire is hovering around 14% containment. The Kenneth, Sunset, and Lidia Fires are all 100% contained, and the figure for the Hurst sits at 89%. But readers may find this nomenclature confusing. When authorities report that a fire is “contained,” it does not necessarily mean it has been extinguished.  According to Cal Fire, “containment is a measure of the amount of line around a wildfire.

What is ‘wildfire containment?’ How to interpret updates on the fires
Local|Environment|WrittenByLAPost

A list of free or discounted resources for wildfire evacuees

As major fires have spread across Los Angeles County, more than 150,000 people have been forced from their homes. Numerous organizations are providing assistance, from free meals to discounted hotel stays, for those affected. Below is a partial list of resources which may be useful if you are in need of assistance.

A list of free or discounted resources for wildfire evacuees
Local|Environment

What do the different evacuation terms mean? Terminology explained

With fires burning across the Los Angeles area, it is more important than ever to understand the information that government agencies put out. 

What do the different evacuation terms mean? Terminology explained
Local|Environment|WrittenByLAPost

Here’s how to get help removing debris before it becomes a fire hazard

Los Angeles County has three major fires burning Wednesday amid a severe bout of Santa Ana winds. With wind speeds gusting up to 80 mph, area residents may find debris from trees littering the roads and sidewalks. 

Here’s how to get help removing debris before it becomes a fire hazard
Local|Americas|Environment|News|US

Dangerous windstorm brings fire weather to SoCal

A windstorm that forecasters described as potentially destructive and life-threatening will develop across the Southland Tuesday, dramatically raising the risk of wildfires for the next several days.

Dangerous windstorm brings fire weather to SoCal
Arts|Entertainment|Local|News|US|WrittenByLAPost

2025 MPSE Golden Reel nominations announced

Motion Picture Sound Editors (MPSE) revealed its slate of nominees for the 2025 Golden Reel awards Monday, recognizing achievement in disciplines involved in the production of sound for the film, television, and video game industries. The awards comprise 20 categories, and include categories for sound editing, sound design, music editing, and foley artistry. Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune: Part Two” and Shawn Levy’s “Deadpool & Wolverine” each received three nominations, the most of any film. Both pictures were nominated for dialogue/ADR, effects/foley, and music.  Three films were nominated for two awards: “Alien: Romulus,” “A Complete Unknown,” and “Wicked.” The full list of

2025 MPSE Golden Reel nominations announced
Crime|Technology|US

Man attempts to hijack Waymo self-driving taxi in Downtown LA

Man Attempts to Hijack Self-Driving Taxi in Downtown LA

Man attempts to hijack Waymo self-driving taxi in Downtown LA
US|Local|News

65-year-old Motorcyclist Killed in Crash in Irvine

A 65-year-old Santa Ana motorcyclist was killed in a crash in Irvine, police said today. "Yesterday, January 1, 2025, at about 4:53 p.m., the Irvine Police Department (IPD) received reports of a collision between a vehicle and a motorcycle on Alton Parkway and Foster," the IPD said in a statement.

65-year-old Motorcyclist Killed in Crash in Irvine
US|Business|Crime

Packages spilled after crash involving Amazon vehicle in East Los Angeles

An Amazon tractor trailer was involved in a multiple-vehicle crash on the Golden State (5) Freeway in East Los Angeles Monday, leaving the road littered with packages.

Packages spilled after crash involving Amazon vehicle in East Los Angeles
Local|News

Sedan Crashes into Pole in Torrance, Killing Passenger

A 31-year-old Inglewood man was killed today when the sedan he was riding in crashed into an electric support pole in Torrance.

Sedan Crashes into Pole in Torrance, Killing Passenger
Local|News

Severed leg found during search for missing boaters

Authorities have encountered a severed leg on the shoreline while attempting to find two men who disappeared white boating off the coast of Palos Verdes Estates Monday night. The limb was recovered around 8:20 a.m. Wednesday, near the place where the men’s boat is thought to have capsized. Authorities are awaiting examination of the leg by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner in order to assess any possible connection to the boaters. Two men are believed to have gone missing early Tuesday while fishing in choppy conditions near Palos Verdes. The Los Angeles County Fire Department found a boat against

Severed leg found during search for missing boaters
News|Americas

Santa begins his journey around the world, according to NORAD Tracker

As the sun sets on Christmas Eve, thoughts inevitably turn to the following morning. Children begin to wonder when they must be in bed if they want to avoid spoiling their chance of receiving presents.  Thanks to the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), the agency responsible for monitoring the skies over the United States, it is possible to know precisely where Santa Claus is at any given time. NORAD operates a Santa Tracker each year, showing the agency’s live estimate of Saint Nicholas’s location. The tracker will be active until the end of the night. The program began 69

Santa begins his journey around the world, according to NORAD Tracker
Local

What’s open on Christmas Day? Stores and activities available in L.A. 

On Tuesday, many stores and businesses will close their doors for the final holiday of the year. It’s a welcome respite from Los Angeles’ usual bustle. But if you have an errand you forgot to run — or if you don’t celebrate Christmas — you may end up looking for options among a limited set.

What’s open on Christmas Day? Stores and activities available in L.A. 
US|Crime|Education

Teacher Pleads Not Guilty to Possession of Child Porn

A Pasadena man who worked as a teacher and youth soccer coach pleaded not guilty today to a felony charge of possession of youth or child pornography.

Teacher Pleads Not Guilty to Possession of Child Porn
Local|Celebrity|Entertainment|News

James Kennedy will not split from girlfriend after domestic violence arrest

‘Vanderpump Rules’ star James Kennedy will remain with his girlfriend Ally Lewber after being arrested for domestic violence Thursday. Sources who know the couple told TMZ that police were called to their apartment by a neighbour who overheard a nonviolent argument. People reported that formal charges against Kennedy are still pending review by the Burbank City Attorney’s office. The same report also noted that the police did not observe any injuries at the scene. Despite that, several of Kennedy’s exes expressed a lack of surprise in the wake of his arrest.  A lawyer for Rachel Leviss, a fellow ‘Vanderpump’ star

James Kennedy will not split from girlfriend after domestic violence arrest
US|Crime|Sports

Suit alleging LAPD shot woman with rubber bullet headed to trial

Woman's Suit Alleging LAPD Shot Her With Rubber Bullet Headed to Trial

Suit alleging LAPD shot woman with rubber bullet headed to trial
Uncategorized

Jude Law star unveiled on Hollywood Walk of Fame

English actor Jude Law attended the unveiling of a star in his honor on the Hollywood Walk of Fame Thursday, accompanied by his wife and two children. In a speech, Law thanked his family for their support over the course of his career.  “I’ve been very very lucky to have had a family around me that have lived with and supported my passion for acting and filmmaking,” Law said. “And some of those members of my lovely family are here today. And they know what they mean to me. I love them so much.” Law was born in London England

Jude Law star unveiled on Hollywood Walk of Fame
Local|Arts|Entertainment|News

Kendrick Lamar to reunite with Top Dawg at Christmas concert

Top Dawg Entertainment’s annual holiday concert this year will feature a big name who has not played the event in years. Kendrick Lamar is set to perform alongside fellow former Black Hippy members Ab-Soul, Jay Rock and Schoolboy Q. Other TDE artists performing include Doechii, SZA, and Zacari. The concert will take place Thursday, December 12, in Watts. The event will start at 1 p.m., with the lineup of featured artists beginning to play at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are free, but require a donation of either an unwrapped toy or clothes, which will be donated to local children in need.

Kendrick Lamar to reunite with Top Dawg at Christmas concert
Local|Crime|News

Homicides decline over 25%, according to mayor's office

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass announced Tuesday a decline of more than one-fourth in the number of homicides and people shot since she took office two years ago. Statistics released by the L.A. Police Department show murders are down 28.1% and 26.2% fewer people have been shot. Gang-related homicides were a particularly bright spot, down by 50% since 2022. City officials attributed the decline in part to programs like Summer Night Lights and Fall Friday Nights, which aim to create supervised spaces for young people at times when gang activities have traditionally been high. Over 316,000 people received food, programming,

Homicides decline over 25%, according to mayor's office

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