Today: October 05, 2024
Today: October 05, 2024

WrittenByLAPost

Economy|Travel|WrittenByLAPost

DOT Fines Southwest Airlines $140M Over 2022 Meltdown

The knives came out for Southwest Airlines Monday as the Department of Transportation (DOT) slapped the carrier with a record $140 million fine resulting from massive flight disruptions stranding countless travelers over Christmas 2022. The penalty dwarfs previous settlements and signals regulators’ dwindling patience for operational meltdowns, leaving fliers high and dry.Southwest faced the DOT’s wrath over its systemic collapse in the week leading up to Christmas after a winter storm overwhelmed outdated crew scheduling technology. The cascading cancellations swelled to nearly 17,000 flights, disrupting travel plans for upwards of 2 million customers purchasing higher-yield holiday tickets long in advance.

December 21, 2023
DOT Fines Southwest Airlines $140M Over 2022 Meltdown
Travel|WrittenByLAPost

Airlines reveal the eye-opening reality behind most flight delays

“We’ll make up the time in the air,” the gate agent tells waiting passengers when a flight is delayed. Behind the scenes, the pilots give each other knowing looks, knowing short delays from weather constraints, repairs, or a crowded airport rarely get made up once the plane takes off, especially on short flights. Still, telling this little white lie is expected in the airline industry. It helps keep passengers calm. “While we might make up some time on long flights, we usually only gain back 5-10 minutes on a typical delayed short flight,” admits Nick Anderson, a pilot with 15

December 20, 2023
Airlines reveal the eye-opening reality behind most flight delays
Economy|WrittenByLAPost

New Visa program offers relief, but leaves families behind

A new pilot program by the State Department enabled H-1B visa holders to extend their work authorizations within the United States, which will conspicuously omit their dependents. This primarily affects the spouses and children of these skilled foreign workers, a significant aspect that has yet to be disclosed. Despite businesses and advocates viewing the pilot as a crucial initial move towards modernizing an antiquated visa renewal system, there is disappointment regarding the necessity for family members to undergo overseas travel, often incurring substantial expenses and causing disruption. The H-1B program has evolved into a crucial avenue for American businesses to

December 20, 2023
New Visa program offers relief, but leaves families behind
Economy|WrittenByLAPost

California Eviction Law Firm Draws Heat for AI-Laced Court Filing

A prominent California eviction law firm has come under fire after submitting an AI-generated court document containing fictitious case law, spurring debate on ethical AI use in legal proceedings. Dennis P. Block & Associates, the self-proclaimed “leading eviction law firm” in the state, was recently sanctioned by a Los Angeles County Superior Court judge for a filing crowded with fabricated citations.   The incident raised concerns about accountability and integrity in eviction cases, where outcomes have major consequences for vulnerable renters. While AI tools like ChatGPT hold the potential for efficiency gains, experts warn they require diligent supervision to prevent factual

December 20, 2023
California Eviction Law Firm Draws Heat for AI-Laced Court Filing
Economy|WrittenByLAPost

“Seafaring Bandits” Terrorize San Francisco Bay, Targeting Houseboats

A dramatic surge in maritime crime targeting houseboats and yachts has alarmed residents along the shores and waterways of San Francisco Bay. Over the past several months, daring thefts and acts of vandalism have become increasingly common, forcing victims to confront the perpetrators themselves without an effective law enforcement response.   The coastal communities dotting the San Francisco Bay have seen a marked spike in crimes committed on the water by what locals have dubbed “seafaring bandits.” Former harbor master Brock de Lappe expressed grave concern over the situation at a recent municipal meeting, stating, “The open shoreline of the estuary

December 19, 2023
“Seafaring Bandits” Terrorize San Francisco Bay, Targeting Houseboats
Health|WrittenByLAPost

Why frequent flyers should skip the steamy shower post-flight

Travys Carinci typically logs almost 60,000 air miles monthly, crisscrossing Australia for work. But the veteran airline operations manager skips steamy showers upon returning home from grubby planes and airports despite yearning to scrub off germs. Why forgo a steamy shower? The health of the human body’s largest organ – the skin. “I skip overly hot showers which, even though it is tempting after a long flight, is a surefire way to dry out your skin,” Carinci revealed to Condé Nast Traveller, urging cooler cleansing for frequent flyer skin integrity. After inevitably contacting dubious surfaces and strangers gate-to-gate for hours, travelers

December 19, 2023
Why frequent flyers should skip the steamy shower post-flight
Sports|WrittenByLAPost

Jaguars President Sets Sights on Accelerating Stadium Rebuild

The Jacksonville Jaguars aim to accelerate plans for a $2 billion renovation of EverBank Stadium, team president Mark Lamping said recently. Originally projected to displace the team from Jacksonville for two seasons starting in 2025, Lamping told the team’s website that efforts are underway to “maybe go from playing away for two years to just one year.”   The proposed renovations, which would transform EverBank into the “Stadium of the Future”, complete with an adjacent entertainment district, have sparked negotiations between the Jaguars and the city of Jacksonville over cost sharing. The team proposes a 50-50 public-private split for the project’s

December 18, 2023
Jaguars President Sets Sights on Accelerating Stadium Rebuild
Health|WrittenByLAPost

Why Rubbing Your Feet Like a Cricket May Help You Sleep

Some people experience blissful slumber simply by rubbing their feet together before bed, and TikTokers can’t stop raving about the soothing sleep technique they call “cricketing.” The practice mimics crickets’ tendency to constantly fidget their legs as a self-calming behavior. And while the motion may appear odd, science and firsthand accounts affirm its incredible power lulling the body into peaceful relaxation ideal for rapid sleep onset. Over 50 million TikTok views extoll cricketing’s virtues through posters demonstrating pre-bedtime foot rubs while praising their effectiveness. “It’s comforting!” one commenter declared. And the mounting buzz even surprised longtime nightly practitioners unaware of

December 18, 2023
Why Rubbing Your Feet Like a Cricket May Help You Sleep
Economy|News|WrittenByLAPost

Crooks Impersonate Biden and Snoop Dogg in Social Security Scam

The latest online swindle captivating TikTok carries an enticing yet unbelievable promise: earn up to $6,400 in no-hassle government assistance, endorsed by none other than President Joe Biden and rap icon Snoop Dogg themselves. But financial experts warn such outlandish free money claims reveal only an elaborate digital fraud in the making, one deploying deep fake celebs to bait seniors already conditioned to pandemic stimulus windfalls. Several misleading videos currently circulate on TikTok and Facebook touting supposed Social Security bonus subsidies accessible through special links. Some feature spliced footage showing Biden alongside Snoop claiming “The U.S. is sending everyone a

December 15, 2023
Crooks Impersonate Biden and Snoop Dogg in Social Security Scam
Environment|Health|WrittenByLAPost

Researchers scour NYC wildlife for next pandemic pathogen clues

A group of scientists in New York set traps for local wildlife, such as possums and raccoons, for months, ranging from Staten Island to Queens. Their goal was not to tag and release the animals but rather to thoroughly examine and swab them for pathogens that could be harmful to humans before the creatures disappeared back into the shadows of the city. Their goal is to shield city people from animal diseases that might be hidden among the furry residents who live off the main road in the large city. The Columbia University researchers aim specifically to trace coronaviruses and

December 15, 2023
Researchers scour NYC wildlife for next pandemic pathogen clues
Health|WrittenByLAPost

Nightmare Tenant Discovery: Drinking Toilet Water for Half a Year

A young couple in Beijing endured a nauseating ordeal after discovering a hidden pipeline had secretly been supplying their kitchen taps with toilet water for over six months. Only upon developing an unshakable cough and strange outbreaks of hair loss did the pair finally trace the source of their deteriorating health back to drinking and cooking with liquid siphoned straight from the latrine. According to boyfriend Mr. Tan, subletting an apartment with his girlfriend earlier this year initially proceeded smoothly until the roommates noticed concerning changes to their wellbeing soon after moving in. His hacking cough worsened while acne and

December 15, 2023
Nightmare Tenant Discovery: Drinking Toilet Water for Half a Year
Food|WrittenByLAPost

U.S. dietary guidelines: shaped by experts or industry interests?

According to a recent study, almost half of the experts who create federal dietary guidelines had questionable financial relationships to large food and medicine companies. This raises concerns about possible undue corporate influence over important nutrition policy. The U.S. Right to Know analysis uncovered nine of twenty appointed experts crafting the nation’s 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recently took money from infant formula brands, pharmaceutical firms, trade groups, and more. One received a six-figure research grant from a top insulin manufacturer specifically to study diabetes and diet. Such corporate relationships inevitably raise suspicions of unconscious bias among advisers analyzing policy

December 15, 2023
U.S. dietary guidelines: shaped by experts or industry interests?
Health|WrittenByLAPost

How Covid-19 Stunted a Generation

The COVID-19 pandemic threw off everyone’s life, but it was especially hard for people in their late 20s and early 30s, as goals and plans were delayed or abandoned due to lockdowns. This sense of falling behind is referred to as a “quarter-life skip” by psychologists. Dubbed the “pandemic skip,” the phenomenon describes a sentiment especially acute among teens, 20-somethings, and 30-somethings – that lockdowns slammed brakes on growing up itself. According to psychologists, this view is based on reality: without those happy events that shape adulthood, important stages of growth would have stayed dormant. “I’m 26 but feel 23,”

December 14, 2023
How Covid-19 Stunted a Generation
Health|WrittenByLAPost

Can Applying Psychology Help Us Accomplish Our New Year's Resolutions?

Resolutions symbolize our desire for self-improvement and the optimism accompanying a new year’s blank slate. These annual pledges aim to enhance lives by changing undesired traits, meeting personal goals, or kicking bad habits. However, ambitions often exceed follow-through. Early excitement yields to obstacles as resolutions crumble by February. Understanding the psychology behind resolutions can reveal why they fail along with science-backed strategies for finally making our promises stick. The alluring idea of reinvention draws us each January 1st. A new calendar encourages reflection while triggering the “fresh start effect” psychologically. As holidays end, we crave departing from stress and excess

December 14, 2023
Can Applying Psychology Help Us Accomplish Our New Year's Resolutions?
Health|WrittenByLAPost

The Dark Side of Going Viral: 'Likes' Push Online Haters to Keep Topping Themselves

New research reveals much online hate speech stems less from malice than hunger for approval, ensuring trolls keep posting to chase “likes” from their bile. Cornell University investigators found users glowing with praise for early toxic posts reliably return with amplified attacks next, hooked on the viral attention rather than targets’ hurt. “It now appears that the same dynamics that can make some online relationships intensely positive can also fuel friendly feelings among those who join together online in expressing enmity toward identity groups and individual targets,” said scholar Joseph Walther of Harvard. Walther argues digital bonds formed through shared

December 14, 2023
The Dark Side of Going Viral: 'Likes' Push Online Haters to Keep Topping Themselves
Business|Technology|WrittenByLAPost

Doritos Invents App to Quiet Crunching

Gaming chip giant Doritos has unveiled a potential breakthrough consumers never knew they needed – AI-powered software enabling silent snacking. Dubbed Doritos Silent, the free app leverages artificial intelligence trained on hundreds of noisy chip crunch recordings to actively cancel out embarrassing eating sounds. Created in partnership with Brooklyn developer Smooth Technology, Doritos Silent specifically targets gamers frequently forced to mute themselves mid-match as culinary indulgence shatters stealth. Now, through simulated sound wave inversion, the program allows bold flavor without awkward audio blowback. “The connection between Doritos fans and the gaming community is undeniable,” said Doritos marketing head Fernando Kahane,

December 14, 2023
Doritos Invents App to Quiet Crunching
Health|WrittenByLAPost

Inmate with schizophrenia dies following extended stint in solitary confinement

A disturbing new lawsuit alleges extended solitary confinement and willful neglect killed a mentally ill county jail inmate after nearly 3 weeks locked naked in a padded cell. Attorneys for Joshua McLemore’s family argue his untreated schizophrenia psychosis kept him from eating or drinking despite guards delivering food, ultimately causing fatal organ failure. According to court filings, police brought the 29-year-old McLemore to emergency services after finding him dazed in his apartment mid-psychotic break in summer 2021. But he soon faced arrest for erratic behavior like pulling a nurse’s hair, then transfer to Jackson County Jail on charges of battery

December 14, 2023
Inmate with schizophrenia dies following extended stint in solitary confinement
Health|WrittenByLAPost

The Culprit Behind Red Wine Headaches

People have complained about headaches specifically from red wine for thousands of years, but science is only now closing in on an explanation for the phenomenon. A new study proposes that an antioxidant found in grape skins hampers the body’s processing of alcohol, allowing buildup of a toxic compound that triggers migraines in susceptible drinkers. While all alcoholic beverages can cause headaches, red wine appears particularly linked to painful “wine headaches” arising shortly after a glass rather than next-morning hangover. Researchers have puzzlingly struggled to account for why despite red wine containing many ingredients also found in other foods not

December 13, 2023
The Culprit Behind Red Wine Headaches
Health|WrittenByLAPost

Traumatic memories continue to torment PTSD patients- here's why

A new brain imaging study shows that traumatic memories use different neural paths than normal memories. This shows that they work as vivid pieces of a current event rather than processed past memories. Findings from the study help us understand how traumatic memories stay with us for a long time. They shed light on why they keep coming back as flashbacks and night terrors, which are common symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Study co-author Daniela Schiller from Mount Sinai’s Icahn School of Medicine remarked, “The brain doesn’t appear to be in a state of memory; rather, it seems to

December 13, 2023
Traumatic memories continue to torment PTSD patients- here's why
Economy|WrittenByLAPost

America's Most Popular Rifle: The Cultural Rise of the AR-15

The popularity of the AR-15 rifle has skyrocketed in recent years, becoming a common household item for gun enthusiasts even as it remains intertwined with political divisions and mass shootings. Once created for military applications in the late 1950s, around 20 million AR-15-style rifles now circulate across the United States.  A World War II veteran, Eugene Stoner led the original design team that developed the AR-15 as a lightweight and durable combat rifle using a new .223 caliber cartridge. Initial skepticism from gun makers stalled plans for a semi-automatic civilian version until manufacturers recognized emerging market demand in the years

December 13, 2023
America's Most Popular Rifle: The Cultural Rise of the AR-15
Health|WrittenByLAPost

Self-Googling for Disorders Harms Teen Wellness, Experts Warn

Erin Coleman grew alarmed as her 14-year-old daughter increasingly used TikTok and Instagram not for entertainment or memes but to search for videos about mental health conditions. Over months of scrolling, the teen became convinced social media clips matched her own struggles and she likely had depression, ADHD, autism, extreme germophobia, and more. “Each week, she would come up with another diagnosis,” Coleman recalled. “If she perceives any resemblance between herself and someone else, she believes she possesses the same qualities.” Ultimately medical testing revealed Coleman’s daughter suffered mainly from severe anxiety rather than the entire catalogue. “Even now, she

December 13, 2023
Self-Googling for Disorders Harms Teen Wellness, Experts Warn
Economy|News|WrittenByLAPost

Holiday Shoppers Beware: Gift Card Fraud Scheme Goes Nationwide

Law enforcement agencies across the country are sounding the alarm about a dangerous form of gift card fraud known as “card draining” this holiday season. Authorities report busting what they describe as a highly sophisticated scheme just this month to steal funds off gift cards before recipients can spend them. The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office in California arrested a man caught tampering with thousands of gift cards last week. Detectives had observed Ningning Sun acting suspiciously in the payment aisles of a Target store before confronting him trying to exit with over 5,000 gift cards lifted from Target and Apple.

December 13, 2023
Holiday Shoppers Beware: Gift Card Fraud Scheme Goes Nationwide
Health|WrittenByLAPost

Tis the Season...For Cuffing?

With winter here and thoughts of cuddling up by a warm fire starting to circulate, many are wondering if it’s wise to commit while still navigating the ups and downs of college life. Although bonds can ease fears of the future and strengthen everyday communities, some bonds made in the midst of scholastic stress and loneliness may not be beneficial to development in the long run. When one’s job, priorities, and sense of self undergo continuous transformations until maturity takes its ultimate shape, it becomes imperative to regularly assess one’s relationships to ensure their well-being.. Making the most of limited

December 12, 2023
Tis the Season...For Cuffing?
Health|WrittenByLAPost

The science of bathing: Why more isn't always better

While survey data suggests 60% of Americans believe daily showers are essential, but experts say that there is no magic bullet when it comes to personal hygiene; rather, the appropriate number of baths each week is contingent on a wide range of individual health variables. No matter what, scientific knowledge about the when why, and how of lathering can help us understand our different skin types better. Those exercising heavily or prone to abundant perspiration should certainly wash away accumulating sweat regularly. Letting pores clog risks breakouts and infections, while scalp oils similarly merit shampooing too for some prone to

December 12, 2023
The science of bathing: Why more isn't always better
Health|Economy|WrittenByLAPost

Can You Really Test For Your "Trigger Foods"? The Controversy Explained

Millions seeking digestive relief turn to diagnostic kits promising personalized answers on triggering foods. However, experts argue evidence doesn’t support home sensitivity tests flooding the alternative wellness market and making big claims on customized health insights. Behind marketing suggesting custom diets curing bloating and discomfort lurk problematic science and potential harms meriting caution before buying. Mainstream medicine makes limited distinctions around adverse food reactions beyond clear-cut allergies and intolerances like lactose or gluten. Still, companies sell hair mineral scans or blood antibody screens purportedly unveiling specific inflammatory triggers. These expensive, unreliable results often severely restrict diets without clinical basis. Seeking

December 12, 2023
Can You Really Test For Your "Trigger Foods"? The Controversy Explained
Health|WrittenByLAPost

Christmas Trees Can Trigger Miserable “Holiday Syndrome”

Decking halls with boughs of holly and twinkling trees spreads yuletide cheer for many holiday celebrants. But amid the backdrop of nostalgic decor emerges a seasonal syndrome sabotaging merriment for some. Invisible allergens riding evergreens trigger classic respiratory and skin symptoms creating “Christmas tree syndrome” – the sad fate of developing runny noses, coughs or rashes instead of cozy comfort from the symbolic centerpiece. Culprits range from specific pollen species to generic irritants like mold, dust and pesticides. Real varieties pose more concerns with natural volatile oils and shedding pine needles. But cheap synthetic trees harbor other hazards after years

December 12, 2023
Christmas Trees Can Trigger Miserable “Holiday Syndrome”
Economy|Health|WrittenByLAPost

Exhausted Air Traffic Controllers Raise Alarm on Safety Risks

A nationwide air traffic controller shortage has forced intensely demanding schedules and deteriorating working conditions, fueling a dangerous increase in mistakes guiding planes. Fatigued and demoralized, some controllers report nodding off during shifts while others show up drunk – alarming violations jeopardizing passenger safety. Hundreds of incident reports describe distraught employees struggling with impossible overtime burdens amid understaffing crisis levels. Controllers manage unfathomable stress directing thousands of lives daily. But current excessive strains break even the most dedicated. While recent years saw traffic rebound from the pandemic, controller numbers significantly declined over the past decade despite elevated retirements requiring replacement.

December 12, 2023
Exhausted Air Traffic Controllers Raise Alarm on Safety Risks
Health|WrittenByLAPost

What really causes sore muscles after exercise?

The dreaded soreness that follows a workout often seems like just part of the process as your body gets stronger. But what actually causes sore, strained muscles days after a tough workout? And do things like massage guns or hot tubs actually help you recover faster, as everyone claims? New research explains why our muscles protest so much in the first place. It turns out it might not be lactic acid or tiny tears in muscle fibers causing the hurt, as experts used to think. And the common fixes people swear by may just provide temporary relief without addressing the

December 07, 2023
What really causes sore muscles after exercise?
Technology|WrittenByLAPost

When YouTube's AI Labels Your 7-Year-Old a Predator

When Jennifer Watkins‘ 7-year-old son uploaded a silly “nudie” video dare from a classmate to the family’s shared YouTube account, the Australian mother never imagined a catastrophic fallout ending her decade-long digital access. Yet within minutes, Google permanently deleted Watkins’ account with zero appeals, locking treasured memories behind supposed child safety imperatives. As digital life increasingly interconnects personal, professional, and family spheres, mistaken account terminations create collateral damage, wrecking entire household ecosystems. Critics argue for proportional responses aligned with nuanced contexts instead of automated blanket bans mismatched to incidental infractions. When Google abruptly notified Watkins of deleted YouTube access she

December 06, 2023
When YouTube's AI Labels Your 7-Year-Old a Predator
Economy|News|World|WrittenByLAPost

Census Reveals Striking 85% Surge in Native American Population

The Native American population in the United States has seen a remarkable growth rate of 85% in the last decade. The U.S. Census data report shows a spike from 5.2 million in 2010 to 9.6 million in 2020. This striking increase in the Native American population, surpassing the growth rates of other racial groups, has left experts perplexed as they struggle to attribute the surge solely to immigration or elevated birth rates. After a more thorough examination, census officials and scholars have proposed a theory suggesting that significant alterations in the categorization and counting of race data during the 2020

December 06, 2023
Census Reveals Striking 85% Surge in Native American Population
Health|WrittenByLAPost

Can an Open Marriage Bring Couples Closer?

When Sheila first suggested to her husband Jim that they go to an event for monogamous couples, he reluctantly agreed, hoping that she could enjoy her sense of adventure. But neither of them expected the strong desire to explore even further after becoming friends with another nice couple there. As middle-aged parents of two teenage children stuck in an affectionless rut, Jim and Sheila saw their family-oriented responsibilities were slowly suffocating the carefree pair who had met in a bar almost 20 years ago. Because they wanted to get away, they went to a polyamorous retreat that promised “sexy fun.”

December 06, 2023
Can an Open Marriage Bring Couples Closer?
Health|WrittenByLAPost

Herbal Mood Supplements - Are they Helpful or Hurtful?

A walk down any health store aisle will show you shelves full of supplement bottles that are calling to people who are stressed out or sad. Labels that look good say that herbs, oils, vitamins, and nutrients will help you deal with life’s mental storms. But can a pill really make you feel better or calm your worries down? Experts say that there is little to no evidence to back popular supplements for anxiety and depression, despite what marketers say. While some natural options like St. John’s wort show glimmers of potential benefit, data quality and clinical impact lag far

December 06, 2023
Herbal Mood Supplements - Are they Helpful or Hurtful?
Health|WrittenByLAPost

Can Ice Plunges Sooth Anxiety and Depression? Watch the Video

A growing wellness trend touts icy plunges as self-treatment for anxiety, depression and other mental health woes. From TikTok’s #ColdPlunge community to Netflix documentaries on extreme athlete Wim Hof’s frigid endurance challenges, the notion of therapeutic benefits from voluntarily induced hypothermia proliferates in pop culture. And while evidence remains limited and risks plentiful, some preliminary research does suggest cold water immersion may improve certain markers of mood and resilience. Proponents claim subjecting the body to freezing temperatures counterintuitively promotes relaxation and calm after the initial shock. The hypothesis makes physiologic sense – activating the stress response stimulates release of hormones

December 06, 2023
Can Ice Plunges Sooth Anxiety and Depression? Watch the Video
Technology|WrittenByLAPost

Your iPhone Keyboard Could Be Quietly Betraying Your Private Data

A chilling new cyberattack allowing hackers to spy on iPhone users’ most sensitive information has security experts sounding the alarm. By weaponizing iOS’s third-party custom keyboards to serve as keyloggers, hackers can now covertly monitor every tap and swipe unsuspecting victims make, transmitting back data on private messages, passwords, web activity, and more. Investigations by security firm Certo Software uncovered these invasive iPhone keyboard hacks in action after helping multiple victims of digital stalking. Their findings reveal a clever technique to bypass Apple’s normally rigorous security protections on its devices. Through a multi-stage approach, hackers remotely installed malicious non-Apple keyboards

December 05, 2023
Your iPhone Keyboard Could Be Quietly Betraying Your Private Data
Lifestyle|WrittenByLAPost

Is 'Boyfriend Air' a Drain on Your Self-Care?

Women on TikTok are talking about a new idea called “boyfriend air,” which means that dating someone can somehow make you look worse. The trend has become so popular that more than 225 million people have watched videos with the term #boyfriendair. The premise is that after spending time with a boyfriend, a woman may notice her skin breaking out, her hair feeling oilier, or her makeup seeming not to stay on as well. It’s as if “her boyfriend is changing the air around her or somehow influencing her environment,” explains psychology professor Maryanne Fisher. While no clear scientific explanation

December 05, 2023
Is 'Boyfriend Air' a Drain on Your Self-Care?
Health|WrittenByLAPost

TikTok’s Sweet Anxiety Hack: How Sour Candy May Short-Circuit Panic. Watch the Video.

If you’re having a panic attack, TikTokers say sour candy may help calm your nerves. This advice seems to have some scientific backing, with mental health experts confirming that sour candies like Warheads can serve as an effective distraction during moments of high anxiety. When anxiety begins to spike and panic sets in, eating an intensely tart candy can offer “faster relief” by giving the brain something else more immediate to focus on, says therapist Catherine Del Toro. This redirects the brain’s attention away from the anxiety, providing a brief respite in which symptoms can subside. The key seems to

December 05, 2023
TikTok’s Sweet Anxiety Hack: How Sour Candy May Short-Circuit Panic. Watch the Video.
Technology|WrittenByLAPost

The New LMAO? Why "Ijbol" Has Gone Viral

A peculiar new online slang has entered the chat – “ijbol.” While it may look like an obscure foreign word, ijbol is actually just an acronym that stands for “I just burst out laughing” in English. And despite existing since the late 2000s, ijbol is having a viral resurgence in 2022 among Gen Z social media users. After first gaining traction in niche online circles and K-pop fandoms last year, tweets and TikToks using ijbol have now exploded more mainstream. Yet ijbol’s cryptic appearance continues sparking confusion – and hilarity – among internet users trying to decipher its definition. The

December 05, 2023
The New LMAO? Why "Ijbol" Has Gone Viral
Travel|WrittenByLAPost

Luggage Tracking Devices Fail to Recover Majority of Lost Bags

Over 300,000 bags were mishandled by U.S. airlines in early 2023, a figure sadly on par with years prior, according to airline data. Security experts say that gadgets like AirTags give travelers false confidence once their bags go missing, even though they are meant to give passengers peace of mind. And companies that don’t care add to their problems. “Even the most advanced technologies are not foolproof,” said California-based travel safety expert Mike Millerson. “There’s no substitute for smart planning and common sense when preventing luggage loss.” The core failing lies in how savvy thieves readily identify and then remove

December 04, 2023
Luggage Tracking Devices Fail to Recover Majority of Lost Bags
World|Entertainment|Travel|WrittenByLAPost

Passenger Exits Plane Through Emergency Exit. Watch the Video.

A Southwest Airlines passenger who was reportedly experiencing a mental health crisis departed the plane last Sunday using the emergency exit at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. Staff members apprehended the 38-year-old guy after he jumped from the wing at about 8pm. The shocking event happened while Flight 1525 waited at the gate, just before it was supposed to take off for Atlanta. A passenger “utilized an emergency exit door to exit a plane,” according to the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, which prompted airport police to hurry to the scene. The guy appeared confused and lost when he was

December 04, 2023
Passenger Exits Plane Through Emergency Exit. Watch the Video.
Health|News|WrittenByLAPost

Botched Cosmetic Injection Leaves Woman Without Nose

Krysta Carson had been getting Botox injections without issue for 20 years leading up to the cosmetic procedure that would abruptly end that streak. The 52-year-old singer and model from Seattle opted for filler injections in 2015 seeking to restore a more youthful appearance after one too many people mistook her for looking significantly older. But what began as a routine cosmetic treatment to smooth developing laugh lines rapidly morphed into a nightmare ordeal culminating in necrosis so severe her nose fully detached. Now after 200 reconstructive surgeries, Carson still requires a prosthetic nose to breathe. She continues sharing her

December 01, 2023
Botched Cosmetic Injection Leaves Woman Without Nose
Food|WrittenByLAPost

This Potato Prep Trick Just Blew Up The Internet

A clever potato skinning trick demonstrated in a viral TikTok video has home cooks astounded over its game-changing simplicity. In the clip that’s drawn 22 million views, user @quitmyjob reveals an astonishingly easy method to strip potato skins using only your hands after boiling. The process begins by cutting a slit midway around raw potatoes before dropping them in boiling water. Once cooked, grip the slice, and the taut skin peels right off without needing a peeler at all. Fans call it a “life hack” that should be common knowledge by now for basic vegetable prep. But based on the

December 01, 2023
This Potato Prep Trick Just Blew Up The Internet
Health|WrittenByLAPost

40% Suicide Spike- LA's Teen Mental Health Crisis

For the first time, the typical age of teen suicide in Los Angeles County has dropped to just 16 years old. This was the shocking news. Also, the number of girls who kill themselves has gone up to almost half of all student deaths this school year. These alarming figures from county medical examiners expose a youth mental health crisis worsening despite years of prevention efforts. Now, families who have lost a loved one say that strict school rules that are supposed to keep kids safe may be making teens even more depressed after the pandemic. When 17-year-old Jeramie Naya

December 01, 2023
40% Suicide Spike- LA's Teen Mental Health Crisis
World|Local|News|WrittenByLAPost

Mother Faced With Daughter's Decaying Remains After Death in LA County Jail

When police officers arrived at Melinda Bettencourt’s door one morning last fall, she instantly feared the worst before they even spoke. Her youngest daughter, Amanda Bews, had battled addiction and homelessness for years after developing a painful nerve condition. With Amanda estranged and struggling on the streets, news from law enforcement felt ominous from the start. Bettencourt’s dread proved tragically founded: Bews had been arrested in Los Angeles County days earlier and died in custody at age 29. But neither the officers nor officials in the ensuing weeks offered Bettencourt answers about what happened. And what she eventually saw for

November 30, 2023
Mother Faced With Daughter's Decaying Remains After Death in LA County Jail
News|WrittenByLAPost

Father Accused of Trafficking Own Daughter's Nude Photos, Pocketing Six Figures

A father in California’s Central Valley was taken into custody over accusations that for months he allowed his 16-year-old daughter to sell nude photos online, capping a three-month investigation by the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office. To protect the minor’s identity, officials chose not to identify the guy who was detained on November 15th. He faces accusations including child abuse, contributing to a kid’s delinquency, and criminal sex trafficking. The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office had not originally targeted the father when its investigation began in August, instead focusing on the “very well known online presence” the teenager maintained across

November 30, 2023
Father Accused of Trafficking Own Daughter's Nude Photos, Pocketing Six Figures
Health|WrittenByLAPost

Necrophilia Nightmare: Electrician Violated Over 100 Corpses for 15 Years While Hospital Management Failed to Notice

A damning 300-page British inquiry report reveals that electrician David Fuller’s unfathomable 15-year spree violating over 100 corpses could have been prevented. Fuller ultimately faced conviction for 1987 double homicide cold cases, prompting discovery of his mortuary necrophiliac acts. However, the inquiry condemned systemic “failures of management, governance, regulation and processes” enabling his crimes. Authorities uncovered Fuller’s acts after tying DNA from decades-old murder scenes to the 69-year-old electrician. This launched inquiries into mortuary breaches at two Kent hospitals where Fuller worked. Investigators subsequently unearthed over 10 million disturbing media files within the killer’s residence. Among these were timestamped photos

November 30, 2023
Necrophilia Nightmare: Electrician Violated Over 100 Corpses for 15 Years While Hospital Management Failed to Notice
Economy|WrittenByLAPost

Beware of Fake Delivery Updates This Season - Verify Before You Click

The holiday season brings joyful gatherings with loved ones, but also prime opportunities for scammers seeking quick paydays through online theft. Many fraudsters gain initial access by exploiting commonly reused passwords across multiple accounts, warns Chris Maxwell, a former Nigerian cybercriminal. “Once you access passwords, you access social security numbers, driver’s licenses, credit cards, bank accounts. It’s very easy to do damage with that information,” Maxwell described. Unsecured passwords represent the gateway for fraudsters to financially bleed victims dry. A record $10.3 billion drained from Americans through online scams last year, Federal-2022 Trade Commission data shows. Louisiana saw 4,335 victims

November 30, 2023
Beware of Fake Delivery Updates This Season - Verify Before You Click
Health|WrittenByLAPost

The Risks of Letting Dogs Lick Your Face and Sleep in Your Bed

As man’s best friend, dogs enrich our lives in countless ways – easing anxiety, reducing loneliness, spurring physical activity, and even potentially lowering cardiovascular disease. However, these beloved pets can also transmit illness-causing germs to humans through bites, scratches, face licks, or accidental ingestion of feces. Thankfully, simple precautions can greatly mitigate sickness risks for people snuggling up to their furry companions. Veterinarians caution that dogs harbor diverse bacteria, parasites, and fungi transmissible to humans – including salmonella, E. coli, campylobacter, giardia, cryptosporidium, hookworm, and roundworm. These can spark gastrointestinal troubles like diarrhea or abdominal pain. Dogs may also spread

November 30, 2023
The Risks of Letting Dogs Lick Your Face and Sleep in Your Bed
Entertainment|WrittenByLAPost

Tinder Date Ends With Man Stealing $1000 Shoes

A Lower East Side woman revealed how her Tinder date stole her designer shoes from her apartment to gift his girlfriend. As dishonesty and technology continue to blend, cases like the “Tabi Swiper” demonstrate how dating applications are deteriorating. The woman identified publicly as Elaine Wu, recounted her experience in a rapid-fire TikTok series drawing millions of fascinating views. The 30-something fashion professional explained matching online with an attractive stranger who suggested drinks. They later returned to her apartment only to have security footage showing the man brazenly smuggling a box under his shirt when departing. Ms. Wu then launched

November 29, 2023
Tinder Date Ends With Man Stealing $1000 Shoes
Health|WrittenByLAPost

More Than Manicures: Inside Acrylic Manicures' Infection Risk

The trendy acrylic nail extensions glamming up hands from coast to coast bring an unsightly downside – the terrifying possibility of chronic green nail infections. Some technicians allegedly do a poor job of applying the product, which allows bacteria to enter via the press-on plastic tips and causes a visible fungus that is very difficult to remove. Los Angeles dermatologist Dr. Sermed Mezher urgently highlighted the phenomenon on TikTok after treating numerous cases of the “beautician’s nightmare” condition nicknamed “The Greenies.” His video and warnings detail how the causative microbe thrives inside moisture trapped under cheap fill acrylic bonds slightly

November 29, 2023
More Than Manicures: Inside Acrylic Manicures' Infection Risk
Entertainment|WrittenByLAPost

Duped by Dinner- How One Girl Got Catfished by an East Village Eatery

Taylor Paré entered the small East Village restaurant, expecting to meet the handsome suitor she had matched with on a popular dating app. After primping all evening before the highly-anticipated date night, Ms. Paré arrived eager to see if this digital match could transfer into real-world chemistry. But following 15 minutes alone at the table checking her phone, it became clear she had been stood up. Or so it seemed. The man had suddenly unmatched her on the dating app as she waited. Suspicions arose about the restaurant’s possible involvement when Ms. Paré later saw other women report similar experiences

November 29, 2023
Duped by Dinner- How One Girl Got Catfished by an East Village Eatery
Science|WrittenByLAPost

More Awake Than Expected: Surprising Awareness Found in Sedated Patients

Going under anesthesia feels like instantly plunging into darkness, right? New Australian research suggests otherwise—finding 1 in 10 younger surgical patients briefly hover at more of a dimmer switch level. Scientists discovered a significant portion of 18-40-year-olds remain responsive despite sedative IV drips supposedly inducing foolproof unconsciousness. Startlingly, the phenomenon showed higher in women subjects monitored during routine preparatory phases. They reacted to verbal commands from doctors far more than expected before amnesia set in from subsequent anesthetic stages. The study indicates wider problems of “connected consciousness” where patients hover reactively inside supposed oblivion states. The research uncovers an awareness

November 28, 2023
More Awake Than Expected: Surprising Awareness Found in Sedated Patients
Health|WrittenByLAPost

Here's Why Your Cold Seems More Severe After Bedtime

If your cold or cough seems worse at night, science confirms it’s not your imagination. Physicians identify biological rhythms, hormone fluctuations and body positioning as key factors aggravating overnight symptoms. Simple home remedies like hydration, humidifying and cough drops can ease disruption, but understanding the body’s natural circadian cough cycle helps normalize the experience. Tuning into the outsized reaction at one point of the daily clock offers reassurance while combatting its severity. Specifically, our inner sleep/wake programming directs key immune cells to rev up activity after dark seeking pathogens. But their well-intended efforts also spark inflammation temporarily compounding congestion, irritation

November 28, 2023
Here's Why Your Cold Seems More Severe After Bedtime
Food|WrittenByLAPost

Baby Carrots Aren't What They Seem – The Disturbing Truth

The shelves in supermarkets are just a trick. One vocal blogger says the tiny doppelgangers are just made from poor, full-grown rejects so that many of them are the same and are only two inches long. This system might make results more efficient by automating the peeling, cutting, and polishing processes. That being said, the blogger says the finished goods don’t have complicated flavors, waste resources, cost too much, and spread false ideas about how great they are through dishonest advertising that makes health halos. In fact, most tiny vegetables that look like carrots are really just picked baby root

November 28, 2023
Baby Carrots Aren't What They Seem – The Disturbing Truth
Environment|WrittenByLAPost

Explorer Finds 16-Foot Shark Haunting Empty Exhibit. Watch the Video.

Over ten years ago, an Australian wildlife park with special features such as a large preserved great white shark suddenly shut down, leaving numerous animals withering behind locked gates. However, just recently, Luke McPherson entered the deserted building and posted impressive and disturbing pictures of its eerie insides. The most noticeable feature is the 16-foot-long preserved shark named Rosie, which is still floating completely intact in a tank of chemicals. The tank’s broken glass no longer entirely covers her dried-out carcass. The tale began in 1998 with Rosie’s accidental capture in South Australian tuna nets, likely spurring her unnatural death.

November 27, 2023
Explorer Finds 16-Foot Shark Haunting Empty Exhibit. Watch the Video.
Food|WrittenByLAPost

The Truth About Your Daily Coffee Limits

While offering an array of potential wellness benefits, America’s beloved coffee habit also carries side effects from overdoing caffeine consumption. Experts say most adults can safely drink up to 4 cups daily, or 400 milligrams, but our bodies process the stimulant differently based on genetics and lifestyle. Understanding your limits and how speedily you metabolize caffeine helps strike balance between coffee’s pros and cons. Tracking physical cues makes recognizing excess straightforward for those willing to tune into their own rhythms. Specifically, the average person clears about half a caffeine dose every four to ten hours, with quick metabolizers avoiding later

November 27, 2023
The Truth About Your Daily Coffee Limits
Economy|Food|WrittenByLAPost

Who's Really Behind Our Diet Advice? Study Questions Integrity of Diet Rules

Concerns about industrial influence on official dietary guidelines aimed at preserving public health were heightened this week by a watchdog study. Nearly half of the present members of the guideline committee guiding major food policy have substantial business conflicts, according to the report. It expands on previous claims that the apparent impartial scientific advice supporting critical food changes in the United States is, in fact, heavily influenced by deep-seated personal connections.  The revelations stoke fears that faith in a broken system further erodes absent addressing why government nutrition policy repeatedly skews towards big food interests over wellbeing. Specifically the nonprofit

November 27, 2023
Who's Really Behind Our Diet Advice? Study Questions Integrity of Diet Rules
Health|WrittenByLAPost

Unsupervised Ketamine Use for Depression Raises FDA Concerns

The FDA warned against clinicians prescribing compounded formulations of ketamine absent careful monitoring, citing harms from the anesthetic’s growing unsupervised use as an alternative depression remedy. Citing adverse event reports, regulators targeted exploitative telehealth and direct-to-consumer providers, feeding surging patient demand for psychedelic therapy, showing promise in stubborn mental illness. But nuances separating legitimate supervised protocols from dangerous DIY usage fuel debates on avoiding over-correction given ketamine’s steadfast restrictions limiting medical access. Specifically the agency alert aims distinguishing between supervised ketamine injections administered in clinics from uncontrolled usage filling online prescriptions remotely. Its caution calls out compounding pharmacies specially mixing

November 27, 2023
Unsupervised Ketamine Use for Depression Raises FDA Concerns
Health|WrittenByLAPost

Is 98.6 No Longer Normal Body Temperature?

Modern evidence increasingly challenges long-accepted baselines about “normal” human body temperature established over 150 years ago. Recent studies of large populations find average readings substantially lower than the near-universal 98.6 Fahrenheit etched into medical lore. That leaves unsettled debates around properly identifying fevers amid shifting data that both reveals we run cooler today and highlights natural individual variations. With core measures declining below standardized cutoffs, some propose personalizing fever benchmarks while others argue widening diagnosis criteria risks overlooking serious infection. The new normal results prime modern medicine to revisit physiological assumptions rooted in a different era. In the late 1860s,

November 27, 2023
Is 98.6 No Longer Normal Body Temperature?
Uncategorized|WrittenByLAPost

TikTok Creators Join Forces with Harvard Researchers

This year Harvard researchers undertook an unusual collaboration bringing ivory tower expertise together with mass influencers dispensing mental health advice to millions via social media. Their goal: inject more scientifically validated content into TikTok and Instagram feeds increasingly relied on by youth. Selecting subjects with large followings and ethical approaches, the team provided toolkits on issues like trauma and climate anxiety to observe if credible data permeated popular post trends. Despite inhering skepticism over digital health content, results showed modest uptake – along with forging bonds between academia and creators potentially benefiting both. Specifically, a group from Harvard Medical School

November 27, 2023
TikTok Creators Join Forces with Harvard Researchers
Health|WrittenByLAPost

FDA Bans Cancer-Causing Straighteners

This week the FDA proposed banning hair straighteners containing formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, targeting products marketed mainly for Black women despite over a decade of evidence on cancer risks. The agency determined frequent chemical straightener use significantly elevates uterine cancer chances, with toxicity also linked to breast and ovarian malignancies. But though the FDA itself deemed formaldehyde carcinogenic in 2015, only mounting publicity and Congressional regulation recently prompted concrete plans to halt allowable exposure from cosmetics. Specifically, the agency now moves to outlaw hair products emitting formaldehyde directly or through release from compounds that convert to the chemical through air

November 27, 2023
FDA Bans Cancer-Causing Straighteners
Economy|WrittenByLAPost

Is Facebook Addiction Real? Lawsuit Accuses Meta of Hooking Kids on Social Media

A coalition of states filed a lawsuit accusing Meta’s Facebook and Instagram of deliberately addicting children to social media through manipulative features maximizing engagement time. The complaint alleges the company knowingly exploited powerful algorithms and design techniques to compel underage users into obsessive platform habits despite recognizing inherent risks. It spotlights deeper unresolved debates around technology overuse constituting genuine addiction – and raises questions on parental, corporate and regulatory responsibilities in an increasingly wired landscape. Specifically, 41 states and Washington, D.C. jointly sued Meta in federal court, contending the social media giant “ensnared” young consumers for profit through unethical psychological

November 27, 2023
Is Facebook Addiction Real? Lawsuit Accuses Meta of Hooking Kids on Social Media
Entertainment|WrittenByLAPost

Mariah Carey Sued Again: Did She Steal That Christmas Song?

Mariah Carey faces another lawsuit alleging she stole her defining Christmas pop hit “All I Want for Christmas Is You” from a decades-old country song bearing the same unique title. Songwriter Andy Stone, who performs as Vince Vance, filed a complaint in Los Angeles claiming his 1989 Yuletide release predates Carey’s blockbuster. It marks the second attempt by Stone to legally dispute the smash single’s origins through accusations of copyright infringement. The latest lawsuit demands $20 million in damages while spotlighting the legal gray areas around proving musical inspiration versus theft in court. According to the suit, Stone’s band Vince

November 22, 2023
Mariah Carey Sued Again: Did She Steal That Christmas Song?
Travel|WrittenByLAPost

Raging Passenger Duct-Taped After Groping Allegations

A 22-year-old’s extreme mid-flight meltdown recently gained international attention thanks to viral videos showing the consequences of his unruly behavior – namely, getting duct-taped to a seat by frustrated flight attendants. Maxwell Berry now faces assault charges after apparent intoxication sparked harassing and violent acts towards crew and passengers. The severe incident spotlights ongoing issues of passenger misconduct in the air, especially abuse targeting airline staff enforcing safety rules. It further raises questions on appropriate restraining methods when verbal de-escalation fails with severely disruptive travelers. According to accounts, Berry’s outburst occurred aboard a Frontier Airlines flight last August. Having already

November 22, 2023
Raging Passenger Duct-Taped After Groping Allegations
World|Environment|WrittenByLAPost

Scientists Unleash Millions of Mosquitoes to Block Disease

In an ambitious global experiment, scientists are unleashing millions of engineered mosquitoes carrying virus-blocking bacteria upon dense urban landscapes as an ecological solution to infectious diseases transmitted by the insects’ bites. Initial trials suppressing dengue spread by up to 80 percent bolster hopes of harnessing evolution to vanquish humankind’s most lethal animal foe, responsible for nearly a million annual deaths. But realizing lasting impacts across continents presents daunting financial and logistical hurdles. At dedicated factories in Colombia, technicians mass-produce Aedes aegypti mosquitoes infected with the Wolbachia parasite, which largely prevents transmission of viruses like dengue. The ambitious aim: completely replace

November 21, 2023
Scientists Unleash Millions of Mosquitoes to Block Disease
Health|News|WrittenByLAPost

Woman Discovers Live Spider and Shed Exoskeleton in Ear Canal. Watch the Video.

A 64-year-old woman in Taiwan was disturbed from sleep for several nights by strange noises and sensations in her left ear, only to discover the startling source – a live spider and its shed exoskeleton dwelling inside her ear canal. Documented in a recent case study in the New England Journal of Medicine, the arachnid intruder measured just 2-3 millimeters, or around 1/10 inch. But its movements and activity generated disturbing sounds described as “abnormal beating, clicking and rustling.” Beyond disrupted sleep, the woman reported feeling a “creature moving” inside her ear over several days. The sensations prompted her to

November 21, 2023
Woman Discovers Live Spider and Shed Exoskeleton in Ear Canal. Watch the Video.
Health|Environment|WrittenByLAPost

Dog Owners Warned As Mystery Respiratory Disease Emerges

Veterinarians across multiple states are investigating an unusual respiratory illness spreading among dogs that resists antibiotics and can lead to pneumonia. First detected a few months ago, over 200 cases have now emerged in Oregon, with additional reports from Colorado, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire and potentially Illinois. Experts remain unsure of the exact cause but describe the disease as a likely viral infection passed through close contact, resulting in coughing, discharge and lethargy. While researchers characterize the outbreak more as a chronic nuisance than major threat, they advise vigilance and caution from owners as they work to pinpoint the

November 21, 2023
Dog Owners Warned As Mystery Respiratory Disease Emerges
Entertainment|WrittenByLAPost

Have Barbie and Dorothy Been Separated at Birth? See the Startling Proof

Little has emerged about the plot of Greta Gerwig’s highly anticipated “Barbie” film, sparking fans to advance their own theories based on trailers and casting news. Margot Robbie plays the Mattel icon in her first live-action film, joined by Ryan Gosling as Ken and a star-packed ensemble. With the comedy arriving July 21st, a recent preview offered clues towards a “Wizard of Oz” parallel storyline. Multiple TikTok users spotted possible homages in costumes, set designs and motifs. If correct, Robbie’s Barbie could embark on a self-discovery journey not unlike Dorothy’s Technicolor trip from Kansas to Oz. April’s second trailer shows

November 21, 2023
Have Barbie and Dorothy Been Separated at Birth? See the Startling Proof
Food|WrittenByLAPost

Deep Frying: The Best Thing That Ever Happened to Turkey

As interest grows in over-the-top culinary concoctions, one author eschews modern gimmicks while embracing a classic: deep-fried turkey. Though frying a whole bird may seem a stunt itself, when done properly the technique beautifully crisps the skin while keeping the meat remarkably moist. The dish has become a new tradition across the American South. Deep-frying a turkey produces the best bird this author has ever tasted. The high heat of the peanut oil seals in turkey juices while imparting crackling skin and rich, crispy flavor even into the meat. While stunt dishes like gold-leaf steak or wine with snakes hold

November 21, 2023
Deep Frying: The Best Thing That Ever Happened to Turkey
World|WrittenByLAPost

Victim or Villain? An American Mom's ISIS Story

In a disturbing video, a young American boy wanders through ISIS territory wearing a suicide vest. This chilling footage launched journalist Josh Baker on an investigation that revealed the boy’s identity and his family’s harrowing path into the terrorist group’s inner circle. It became a journey that exposed difficult truths about coercion versus complicity in one mother’s story. Investigative reporter Josh Baker first encountered the video through an anonymous contact in 2019. Alarmed by the sight of a child outfitted for a suicide bombing, Baker traveled from London to the boy’s aunt in Indiana. She identified him as 10-year-old Matthew

November 20, 2023
Victim or Villain? An American Mom's ISIS Story
Food|WrittenByLAPost

Orzo Carbonara: A Faster Route to Creamy Comfort Without the Fuss

Carbonara purists fiercely guard what’s considered “authentic” – no cream, ham, or Parmesan allowed. But what if a small tweak to the iconic Roman pasta dish both streamlined the process and opened the door to new flavors? Using orzo instead of spaghetti transforms carbonara into a faster, foolproof meal. The Italian carbonara police have strong opinions on ingredients. But as journalist Roberto Serrini notes, carbonara evolves with the times. In the 1960s, a splash of cognac was common. Today, guanciale, pecorino cheese, eggs, and black pepper define the dish. While tradition offers comfort, orzo provides a fresh take. In Italy,

November 20, 2023
Orzo Carbonara: A Faster Route to Creamy Comfort Without the Fuss
Health|WrittenByLAPost

Running vs. Walking: Study Finds Picking Up The Pace Adds Health Benefits

Walking is rightfully lauded as an accessible, enjoyable activity with proven health benefits. But science shows that making even part of your regular walk a jog or run delivers advantages in less time. While both provide a path to fitness, running edges out walking for improving cardiovascular health and longevity based on key research. With a thoughtful progression, it’s possible to transition gradually from walking to running within two months or less. It’s simple why walking is so popular worldwide – it requires no equipment except shoes and can be done almost anywhere. Studies confirm walking helps lower anxiety, depression,

November 20, 2023
Running vs. Walking: Study Finds Picking Up The Pace Adds Health Benefits
World|WrittenByLAPost

Netflix Family Awarded $261 Million After Medical Nightmare

In a controversial ruling, the Supreme Court on Monday refused to consider the appeal of an Illinois inmate who has been kept in isolation and denied outside recreation for nearly three years. The court’s brief order rejecting the case gave no rationale, as is customary. But three dissenting liberal justices penned a forceful rebuttal, decrying the appalling mistreatment suffered by inmate Michael Johnson. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, joined by Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan, described the harrowing conditions imposed on Johnson at Pontiac Correctional Center. “Throughout that period, Johnson spent almost every hour of his life in a cell

November 20, 2023
Netflix Family Awarded $261 Million After Medical Nightmare
Technology|WrittenByLAPost

IRS Warns of "Pig Butchering" Schemes 

The IRS is warning customers about scams using false online dating accounts that are used to deceive people into making fraudulent Bitcoin investments. These fraudulent activities are increasing worldwide, with American individuals often being targeted.  The IRS Criminal Investigation division describes pig butchering as a disturbing financial exploitation tactic exploiting vulnerable people seeking connection. In these schemes, strangers cultivate relationships through dating sites or social media, building affection and trust. Eventually, the scammer urges their target to invest in a cryptocurrency platform they tout, promising huge returns. But the entire operation is fabricated to steal funds, leaving victims penniless. According

November 20, 2023
IRS Warns of "Pig Butchering" Schemes 
Health|WrittenByLAPost

Is it Anxiety or a Panic Attack? Learn to Tell the Difference

While commonly used interchangeably, “anxiety attack” and “panic attack” refer to distinct conditions, each with significant differences. Learning to identify each can help assess when professional treatment may be needed. While both create distress, their causes, onset, severity and duration vary. Recognizing the divergence equips individuals to better manage symptoms. Unlike panic attacks, anxiety attacks have no formal clinical definition. The presence of those conditions is not explicitly recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). However, the DSM-5 defines anxiety as a feature of disorders like generalized anxiety, social anxiety, PTSD and more. Anxiety often relates

November 20, 2023
Is it Anxiety or a Panic Attack? Learn to Tell the Difference
Food|WrittenByLAPost

Gluten-Free Recipes That Show You Care This Thanksgiving

The beloved children’s book character Amelia Bedelia wins over her angry boss with a tasty homemade pie. As Thanksgiving nears, it’s a reminder that food can be a small gesture of care, especially when accommodating dietary restrictions. Preparing gluten-free dishes shows guests you want everyone to feel included. Two recipes—savory sticky rice stuffing and pumpkin meringue pie—will please all palates with flavor and thoughtfulness. In the first Amelia Bedelia book, the new housekeeper bakes a delicious pie before carrying out chores literally rather than figuratively. Her pie appeases her boss, who then vows to give clearer instructions. The story captures

November 20, 2023
Gluten-Free Recipes That Show You Care This Thanksgiving
Entertainment|WrittenByLAPost

Matthew Perry Foundation Launched to Continue Actor's Addiction Work

Following the untimely death of beloved actor Matthew Perry on October 28th at age 54, a foundation has been established to carry on his dedication to helping fellow addicts. Announced via press release on November 18th, the Matthew Perry Foundation will accept donations to assist individuals struggling with substance abuse and addiction. “In the spirit of Matthew Perry’s enduring commitment to helping others battling the disease of addiction, we embark on a journey to honor his legacy,” reads the foundation’s statement. Guided by Perry’s own words and experiences, the organization aims to make a difference for as many lives as

November 16, 2023
Matthew Perry Foundation Launched to Continue Actor's Addiction Work
Economy|WrittenByLAPost

Supreme Court Rejects Outdoor Exercise for Solitary Confinement Prisoners

The Supreme Court made a controversial decision on Monday by choosing not to consider the case of an Illinois inmate who has been kept in solitary confinement and without outdoor exercise for nearly three years. The court’s brief order rejecting the case gave no rationale, as is customary. But three dissenting liberal justices penned a forceful rebuttal, decrying the appalling mistreatment suffered by inmate Michael Johnson. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, joined by Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan, described the harrowing conditions imposed on Johnson at Pontiac Correctional Center. “Throughout that period, Johnson occupied a cell without windows, constantly illuminated,

November 16, 2023
Supreme Court Rejects Outdoor Exercise for Solitary Confinement Prisoners
Local|WrittenByLAPost

The Saga of LA's "Tenant From Hell"

In an ordeal spanning nearly two years, a Los Angeles homeowner has finally evicted a woman he describes as the “tenant from hell.” Elizabeth Hirschhorn was removed by police last Friday from a Brentwood guest house she had occupied since 2021 without paying rent. The dramatic saga highlights the complexities of short-term rental laws. Hirschhorn initially rented Sascha Jovanovic’s guesthouse through Airbnb in 2021. Their landlord-tenant relationship began normally, with Hirschhorn paying $105 per night to stay in the unit, as stipulated on Airbnb. But when her 6-month lease ended, Hirschhorn refused to vacate the property. This began a contentious

November 16, 2023
The Saga of LA's "Tenant From Hell"
Food|WrittenByLAPost

No-Knead Bread: The Recipe That Launched a Thousand Loaves

In November 2006, the food world glimpsed the start of a baking revolution. At the test kitchens of Cook’s Illustrated magazine, colleagues crowded around a just-baked loaf of bread. Still steaming and crackling as it cooled, the open, moist crumb and glossy crust were astonishing. This was no-knead bread, a technique recently published by Jim Lahey and Mark Bittman in The New York Times. It would profoundly impact how home bakers saw yeast breads. “This was the recipe that democratized bread-baking,” says chef Peter Reinhart, author of The Bread Baker’s Apprentice. Both simple and foolproof, no-knead bread yielded superior flavor

November 16, 2023
No-Knead Bread: The Recipe That Launched a Thousand Loaves
Health|WrittenByLAPost

A Bad Night of Sleep Affects You More Than You Think 

At times, we encounter difficulties in achieving restful sleep—whether it involves struggling to fall asleep until the early morning, waking up multiple times during the night, or staying awake all night. The repercussions of insufficient sleep are detrimental, impacting cognitive abilities and emotional well-being, as indicated by studies. Nevertheless, science offers guidance on mitigating the adverse effects that cannot be avoided when faced with a night of poor sleep. The brain plainly suffers when sleep-deprived. Studies forcing subjects to stay awake 24+ hours find slowed reactions, lapses in memory, a weakened ability to pay attention, and flawed decision-making. But even

November 16, 2023
A Bad Night of Sleep Affects You More Than You Think 
Health|WrittenByLAPost

Is self-checkout making us lonelier?

Self-checkout lanes are on the rise, and while most customers prefer the privacy of self-checkout, experts have argued that increased reliance on automated transactions chips away at critical social bonds. According to Catalina Marketing, self-checkout now accounts for nearly 40% of checkout lanes at grocery stores. Research reveals the number of lonely Americans has risen steadily since self-checkout’s emergence. With less daily interaction between customers and frontline workers, so-called “weak ties” that boost wellbeing fade. And 75% of Americans say innovations like self-checkout have decreased social skills despite their convenience. Toni Antonucci, a University of Michigan psychology professor, explains weak

November 16, 2023
Is self-checkout making us lonelier?
Health|WrittenByLAPost

Do Emotions Get 'Stuck' in the Body?

The term “emotional baggage” is commonly used in reference to persons who are dragged down by their prior experiences. Though it may sound abstract, many people do think that pent-up feelings may have real physical effects. The question is – does scientific evidence support this mind-body connection? In recent decades, research has increasingly indicated a link between mental and physical health. Emotions generate physiological responses, like muscle tension or changes in heart rate. Over time, unprocessed emotions may contribute to chronic issues. However, the mechanisms behind this require more study. When a strong emotion arises, brain activity increases in the

November 16, 2023
Do Emotions Get 'Stuck' in the Body?
Health|WrittenByLAPost

Public Restroom Warning About Toilet Paper Sparks Alarm

Using public restrooms is an everyday necessity for most people. However, a recent viral TikTok video has raised alarming concerns about the potential health risks hidden in plain sight in these public spaces. The now infamous video by user Dane Jones displays an image of a toilet paper roll covered in small red flecks and thin streaks. Jones claims these stains come from intravenous drug users cleaning their needles on the toilet paper, leaving behind traces of contaminated blood. With over 7 million views, the graphic advisory has left many viewers fearful of using public restrooms. But how credible are

November 15, 2023
Public Restroom Warning About Toilet Paper Sparks Alarm
Entertainment|Sports|WrittenByLAPost

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce: Real Romance or NFL Cash Grab?

The National Football League (NFL) has made millions in recent weeks thanks to an unexpected source: pop superstar Taylor Swift. Rumors linking Swift to NFL player Travis Kelce, tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, have driven up television ratings, merchandising revenue, and ticket sales. This windfall illustrates how the NFL capitalizes on every money-making opportunity associated with its players. Dating speculation began swirling in September 2022 when Swift was spotted in the stands at a Chiefs home game, seated near Kelce’s mother. Kelce then mentioned in an interview that he had given Swift his phone number and invited her

November 14, 2023
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce: Real Romance or NFL Cash Grab?
Health|WrittenByLAPost

Can't Face Another Burpee? Meet "Cozy Cardio," Exercise for the Rest of Us

Amid the sweat-drenched aura of high intensity workouts, a TikTok creator is pioneering a radically different fitness vision centered on low-impact “cozy cardio.” This feel-good approach reimagines exercise as a self-care ritual rather than a draining chore, garnering devotees and expert praise. Hope Zuckerbrow coined the “cozy cardio” concept in videos showing her exercising casually while wearing pajamas and watching TV. This unorthodox routine was born when Zuckerbrow, unable to fall back asleep one morning, started walking on her treadmill with coffee in hand. She decided to film this relaxing activity, dubbing it “cardio…but make it cozy.” The video amassed

November 13, 2023
Can't Face Another Burpee? Meet "Cozy Cardio," Exercise for the Rest of Us
World|WrittenByLAPost

Trainer's 527 Citations for Safety Violation Expose Crisis of Enforcement

Santa Anita Park, a renowned Southern California horse racing venue, has built a reputation for having stringent safety measures to protect its equine athletes. However, recent revelations have raised serious concerns within the horse racing community regarding hypocrisy and favoritism at the track. The issues center around trainer Dan Blacker, who was cited for a staggering 527 violations by the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) for failing to schedule veterinary examinations within 72 hours of racehorses’ workouts. This violation was uncovered following the tragic breakdown and subsequent euthanization of Blacker’s unraced 2-year-old filly, Animae, after a workout. Investigators found that

November 13, 2023
Trainer's 527 Citations for Safety Violation Expose Crisis of Enforcement
Entertainment|Political|WrittenByLAPost

From Pop Concerts to MAGA Rallies: How Fandom Fuels Trump

When pop icon Taylor Swift appeared at an NFL game to support her boyfriend, it set off a media frenzy, underscoring the magnetic pull between megastars and their superfans. This same magnetic force continues to sustain former President Donald Trump’s political movement, revealing how modern fandom dynamics now shape public life. Just as Swifties flock to her concerts in costume and find community in collective musical passion, Trump supporters gather at rallies wearing MAGA hats while finding tribal identity in their political allegiance. This phenomenon transcends mere popularity to become an immersive culture and powerful group identity. While fandom has

November 13, 2023
From Pop Concerts to MAGA Rallies: How Fandom Fuels Trump
Economy|WrittenByLAPost

The Systemic Failures That Nearly Caused an Airport Disaster

On a foggy morning in February, an air traffic controller in Austin cleared a FedEx cargo jet to land just as a Southwest Airlines passenger plane barreled down the same runway for takeoff. Seconds from disaster, the FedEx pilots wrenched their aircraft up and over the other jet, averting tragedy for the 128 passengers and crew aboard. The alarming near-collision represented just the latest in a string of close calls stemming from lapses in air traffic control this year. An investigation by The New York Times exposed how this incident resulted not from one controller’s isolated mistake, but rather systemic

November 13, 2023
The Systemic Failures That Nearly Caused an Airport Disaster
Health|WrittenByLAPost

Inside the Hidden Eating Disorder Symptom That Sabotages Recovery

While sensationalized disorders like anorexia, bulimia and binge eating capture headlines, a lesser-known but exceedingly common disordered behavior hides in plain sight. Compulsive exercise afflicts up to 80% of those with eating disorders, yet few recognize the immense dangers it poses. Understanding this prevalent symptom is key to providing proper support for recovery. Also called excessive exercise or over-exercising, compulsive exercise involves working out excessively in a rigid, rule-bound way, both as part of an eating disorder and as a standalone issue. Those who suffer feel internally driven or compelled to exercise for long hours daily, even when injured, ill

November 13, 2023
Inside the Hidden Eating Disorder Symptom That Sabotages Recovery
Business|Economy|WrittenByLAPost

Inside the Coordinated Effort to Roll Back State Child Labor Laws

When Iowa legislators voted in April to allow 14-year-olds to work overnight shifts, they advanced an agenda stealthily coordinated by a major conservative advocacy group. The Foundation for Government Accountability has orchestrated a systematic state-level push to weaken child labor regulations, achieving remarkable success in rolling back protections. This lobbying effort comes as the Biden administration scrambles to enforce federal child labor laws amid surging violations. The FGA notched its biggest win in March, playing a key role designing a new Arkansas law eliminating work permits and age verification for workers under 16. The legislation’s sponsor openly acknowledged it “came

November 13, 2023
Inside the Coordinated Effort to Roll Back State Child Labor Laws
Health|WrittenByLAPost

Does TikTok's Navel Oiling Trend Really Aid Weight Loss and Stress Relief?

The latest health fad exploding on TikTok is navel oiling, which involves massaging oil on the belly button and surrounding abdomen. Videos under the hashtag #naveloiling have amassed over 11.5 million views, as social media influencers tout a range of enticing health claims about this traditional practice. But medical experts caution that there is minimal to no scientific evidence backing these exaggerated assertions. Also called navel pulling, navel oiling traces back thousands of years to Ayurvedic medicine traditions in India. Practitioners applied oils like ginger, peppermint, olive, coconut, and sesame to the navel area for purported therapeutic benefits. This ancient

November 13, 2023
Does TikTok's Navel Oiling Trend Really Aid Weight Loss and Stress Relief?
Health|WrittenByLAPost

Navigating the Nuances of Hot New Weight Loss Drugs

“Ozempic” has become shorthand for a new class of injectable diabetes and weight loss drugs flooding social media and dominating conversations. But use of the brand name overlooks meaningful distinctions between Ozempic and its sister drugs Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound. Understanding the nuanced differences in approval, dosing, mechanisms and results can empower patients to make informed choices about these potentially life-changing medications. Ozempic (semaglutide) was first approved by the FDA in 2017 for managing type 2 diabetes at doses of 0.5mg and 1mg, and received approval for a 2mg dose in 2022. Critically, it is not approved for weight loss

November 13, 2023
Navigating the Nuances of Hot New Weight Loss Drugs
Business|WrittenByLAPost

Two Sides of the Same Con: How Trump and Bankman-Fried Deployed Similar Tactics to Dupe the Public

Fabricating a compelling personal narrative and exuding an air of humble genius, Sam Bankman-Fried and Donald Trump crafted larger-than-life public personas that masked fraudulent business dealings. Though seemingly opposite characters, both men relied on similar tools of deception, from doctored financials to tight inner circles, to successfully pull off their respective cons. Their eventual downfalls exposed the manipulative showmanship hiding behind their calculated facades. On the surface, the disheveled tech wunderkind “SBF” and the brash real estate tycoon Trump appear personas apart. But a closer examination reveals striking parallels in how they carefully curated their images to enable their deceptive

November 13, 2023
Two Sides of the Same Con: How Trump and Bankman-Fried Deployed Similar Tactics to Dupe the Public
World|Education|WrittenByLAPost

Inside the Frat-Boy Crime Ring That Swept the South

The flowed facade of fraternity life has long obscured a troubling underbelly of secretive wrongdoing. This was never more apparent than in the unraveling of a sprawling fraternity crime ring that recently sent shockwaves across the southern United States. Led by an ambitious college student named Mikey Schmidt, this clandestine criminal enterprise exploited the loyalty and resources of fraternity networks to facilitate an array of illicit activities. Over time, the seemingly innocuous traditions and rituals of fraternity life became breeding grounds for increasingly serious criminal transgressions. The eventual downfall of this crime ring would expose unsettling truths about the capacity

November 13, 2023
Inside the Frat-Boy Crime Ring That Swept the South
World|WrittenByLAPost

Cold and Calculated: Microsoft Exec's Ex-Wife Behind His Murder, Police Allege

The former wife of a Microsoft executive who was killed in Florida last year has been arrested for allegedly conspiring with her new spouse to commit the murder. According to prosecutors, Shanna Gardner-Fernandez allegedly planned for several months to have her former spouse, Jared Bridegan, murdered in the presence of their young child. Gardner-Fernandez was indicted by a grand jury for the killing that took place in February 2022. The charges include first-degree murder and child abuse. She was taken into custody in Washington state and will be sent to Florida. Prosecutors are also seeking capital punishment against her and

November 10, 2023
Cold and Calculated: Microsoft Exec's Ex-Wife Behind His Murder, Police Allege
World|Technology|WrittenByLAPost

China Constructing Largest 'Ghost Particle' Detector Under the Sea

Scientists in China are constructing the biggest detector on Earth to capture elusive subatomic particles called neutrinos, by anchoring thousands of sensors over a mile deep beneath the Pacific Ocean. Named the Tropical Deep-sea Neutrino Telescope (TRIDENT), the massive project will be online by 2030. By leveraging the ocean’s depth, TRIDENT will observe cosmic neutrinos in unprecedented detail as they briefly interact with water molecules. Neutrinos are nicknamed “ghost particles” because they pass through matter unaffected, including our entire planet. But TRIDENT’s enormous scale increases the chance to detect neutrinos when they rarely collide with water particles, producing telltale flashes

November 10, 2023
China Constructing Largest 'Ghost Particle' Detector Under the Sea
Local|Food|WrittenByLAPost

Say Goodbye to Salmon? California Ban Will Slash Supply and Spike Prices

Salmon lovers may need to budget more for the nutrient-rich fish this year as regulators move to halt all salmon fishing off California’s coast for 2023. With the state’s major wild salmon sources off limits, limited supply will drive up costs. The Pacific Fishery Management Council has recommended cancelling the season starting May 16 for salmon fishing in California and southern Oregon. This expected federal approval reflects forecasted low population numbers of Chinook salmon returning to spawn in the Klamath and Sacramento Rivers. “California is really good at providing nutritionally valuable food like salmon to Americans,” said PFMC’s Robin Ehlke.

November 10, 2023
Say Goodbye to Salmon? California Ban Will Slash Supply and Spike Prices
Health|WrittenByLAPost

Is Low Serotonin the Missing Long COVID Clue? New Finding Points to Chemical Imbalance

A new study suggests low serotonin levels in the body could help explain some of long COVID’s most troublesome symptoms, including brain fog, headaches, and fatigue. The research proposes lasting viral traces may hamper serotonin production, depriving patients of the essential chemical. Around 30% of COVID survivors worldwide develop long COVID, suffering prolonged effects like reduced endurance, anxiety, and memory issues months or years later. Though causes remain unclear, the recent study in Cell identifies a possible biological contributor: depleted serotonin resulting from inflammation and impaired nutrient absorption. If confirmed, the serotonin deficiency theory could pave the way for more

November 10, 2023
Is Low Serotonin the Missing Long COVID Clue? New Finding Points to Chemical Imbalance
Health|WrittenByLAPost

When Antidepressants Rob You of Sex—Permanently

Millions take selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Prozac and Celexa to treat depression and anxiety. But for some, once the drugs are stopped, permanent sexual side effects persist, devastating romantic lives. Now a vocal movement is speaking out about post-SSRI sexual dysfunction (PSSD) – a little-known condition where severe sexual problems continue even after quitting the medication. Patients report genital numbness, eliminated libido, and inability to orgasm or feel intimacy. “My clitoris feels like a knuckle. It’s not a normal thing to have to come to terms with,” said Emily Grey, who took Celexa at age 17-23 but still

November 10, 2023
When Antidepressants Rob You of Sex—Permanently
Economy|WrittenByLAPost

This Handyman Fought Back Against Squatters - Don't Do What He Did

When handyman Flash Shelton found squatters occupying his elderly mother’s California home, he hatched an unorthodox scheme to reclaim the property after police claimed they couldn’t help. But while his hands-on tactic worked, experts strongly advise against taking such risks. After the local sheriff’s office said the squatters’ furniture established residency rights, a tenacious Shelton assumed “squatter status” himself. By moving in and posting cameras, he forced the unwanted occupants to abandon his mom’s house. “I dissected the laws and figured out that until there’s civil action, the squatters didn’t have rights,” Shelton told Fox Business. “So if I could

November 10, 2023
This Handyman Fought Back Against Squatters - Don't Do What He Did
Economy|Travel|WrittenByLAPost

CDC Chief: Why I Get My Family Vaxxed and Tested Before Holiday Travel

As Thanksgiving approaches, Dr. Mandy Cohen, director of the CDC, knows some Americans remain wary of public health guidance post-pandemic. But she hopes insights into her own family’s precautions will build trust. Beyond leading the CDC, Cohen is a doctor and parent of two young daughters. She wants Americans to know that recommendations she makes professionally are the same ones she follows personally to keep her family safe. “I wouldn’t recommend something for the American people that I wouldn’t recommend for my own family,” Cohen told Yahoo Life. Her transparency aims to reinforce best health practices amid holiday travel. Cohen

November 10, 2023
CDC Chief: Why I Get My Family Vaxxed and Tested Before Holiday Travel
World|WrittenByLAPost

Doctors Make History With Patient's Eye and Face Transplant

In a groundbreaking procedure at NYU Langone Health, surgeons successfully completed a full-eye transplant on a living human, requiring approximately 21 hours. Aaron James, aged 46, now holds renewed optimism following this remarkable surgery. The operation came in the aftermath of a tragic electrical accident that inflicted extensive damage to his left eye and facial features. In June 2021, James, a former soldier from Arkansas, suffered profound facial injuries during his military service. His face made contact with a live electrical wire, delivering a powerful 7,200-volt shock. The aftermath of this incident led to the loss of his left eye,

November 10, 2023
Doctors Make History With Patient's Eye and Face Transplant
Economy|WrittenByLAPost

Scammers Make Off with $2.7 Billion Through Social Media Dupes Since 2021

Scams on social media sites like Facebook and Instagram have caused more financial harm to Americans than any other kind of interaction. A recent study by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) details the staggering breadth of deceit. According to FTC data analysis, between January 2021 and June 2022, social media fraud cost Americans almost $2.7 billion.  This exceeded all other formats, including phone, text, email, and mail. “Social media gives scammers an edge in several ways,” wrote FTC data researcher Emma Fletcher. Impersonation and hacking combined with targeted advertising tools allow fraudsters to manipulate users methodically. The most frequent social

November 09, 2023
Scammers Make Off with $2.7 Billion Through Social Media Dupes Since 2021
Health|WrittenByLAPost

Less Sex, More Substance: Gen Z Seeking Relatable Bonds Over Physical Relationships

A new study reveals American adolescents today want to see less sex and romance on screens. Instead, young viewers crave more depictions of platonic friendships reflecting their real-life experiences. The 2022 Teens & Screens report by UCLA’s Center for Scholars and Storytellers surveyed over 1,500 youths aged 10-24. It found a majority want more focus on non-romantic relationships and less expectation that male-female friends will inevitably fall in love. Nearly half felt sex wasn’t needed in most plots, while over a third wanted more asexual or aromantic characters. “Adolescents are seeking modeling in the art they consume,” said the center’s

November 09, 2023
Less Sex, More Substance: Gen Z Seeking Relatable Bonds Over Physical Relationships
Economy|Entertainment|WrittenByLAPost

Disney's Disturbing New Trend: Guests Defecating in Ride Lines

In two separate incidents this past month, Disney park guests have sparked outrage by defecating inside ride queues at Walt Disney World and Disneyland. Photos shared on social media reveal park visitors are relieving themselves in plain sight, creating unsanitary conditions. The first case occurred in the line for Rise of the Resistance at Disney World. A Reddit user reported witnessing a parent allow their child to defecate on the floor before leaving the mess and walking away. Though shocking, other Disney World visitors confirmed the account. A commenter who worked at the ride revealed sanitation issues were an ongoing

November 09, 2023
Disney's Disturbing New Trend: Guests Defecating in Ride Lines
Entertainment|Business|WrittenByLAPost

Streaming Services Now at a Crossroads. Can Innovation Survive?

A Golden Age of television led by streaming services like Netflix and Hulu has given way to an uncertain future, as economic challenges, industry strikes, and shifting viewer habits shake up the landscape. Behind the scenes, a high-stakes battle is unfolding that will shape the next era of TV. For years, streaming allowed consumers unprecedented choice in entertainment options and fueled a content boom. But today, with profits waning and debt mounting, streamers are cutting back on shows amid a period of turmoil. What does the path ahead look like? This TV season has seen major delays and cancellations as

November 09, 2023
Streaming Services Now at a Crossroads. Can Innovation Survive?
Health|WrittenByLAPost

Artificial Sweeteners: The Bitter Truth Behind Sugar-Free Claims

Artificial sweeteners have been marketed for years as a healthy sugar replacement that will allow consumers to continue enjoying sugary tastes while reducing their exposure to obesity and diabetes dangers. New study raises worrisome issues about the possible dangers of artificial sweeteners, yet the debate over their safety continues to go on. Evidence relating non-sugar sweeteners to health issues including cardiovascular disease has led to the World Health Organization advising against their use for weight reduction or blood sugar management.  The WHO’s cancer research arm also classified the popular sweetener aspartame as “possibly carcinogenic to humans.” While the food industry

November 09, 2023
Artificial Sweeteners: The Bitter Truth Behind Sugar-Free Claims
Health|WrittenByLAPost

Are You Aging Faster Than You Think? Learn Your Biological Age and What to Do

In the realm of age, there exists a fascinating duality that goes beyond mere numbers. It’s the paradox of feeling younger or older than your chronological age suggests—a phenomenon that science is now shedding light on. Recent studies reveal that our biological age, the rate at which our bodies age on a cellular level, may not always align with the years marked on our birth certificates. This discovery holds profound implications for our well-being and the possibilities of aging gracefully. The concept of biological age stands in contrast to chronological age, which is a straightforward tally of the yearschronological age,

November 09, 2023
Are You Aging Faster Than You Think? Learn Your Biological Age and What to Do
Business|Entertainment|WrittenByLAPost

Reality Performers Demand $5K Per Episode Minimum

In the world of glitter and glamour, reality TV stars are now pushing for more concrete recognition, seeking union protections. The reality TV industry, which has long been the stepchild of the entertainment world, is witnessing an uprising led by well-known figures like Bethenny Frankel, former star of the “Real Housewives of New York City”. The call for unionization comes at a critical time when Hollywood’s labor movement is already experiencing dual strikes by writers and actors guilds. Frankel, who catapulted to fame with her reality TV stints and later sold her Skinnygirl cocktail business for an estimated $120 million,

November 09, 2023
Reality Performers Demand $5K Per Episode Minimum
Sports|WrittenByLAPost

Lakers Lock In Rising Star Austin Reaves With $56M Max Deal

Despite his unexpected rise to fame and leap from a small Arkansas town to the bright lights of Los Angeles, Lakers star Austin Reaves remains grounded. While captivating fans and fellow players with his skills, the Team USA member stays humble amidst his newfound stardom. During a typical Las Vegas drive, Reaves spotted a mobile billboard displaying his image for an upcoming Team USA exhibition game. Seeing his face towering over the Strip’s bustling streets took Reaves by surprise. But this glimpse of fame was just the start of a journey that would become even more surreal. Later, Reaves’ photo

November 09, 2023
Lakers Lock In Rising Star Austin Reaves With $56M Max Deal
Business|World|WrittenByLAPost

Microsoft Japan Says 4-Day Weeks Boosted Productivity 40%

Microsoft Japan recently tested a radical perk for its workers: a four-day workweek with pay for five days of work. Employees took off entire Fridays in August while receiving their normal salaries. Microsoft says this compressed schedule boosted productivity by 40% compared to August 2018. The company also cut meeting times from 60 to 30 minutes, capping attendance at five people per session. Microsoft urged using chat instead of wasteful emails and meetings. The news excited workers in Japan and globally, with many hoping for four-day weeks at their own jobs. Microsoft isn’t alone in experimenting with abbreviated schedules. In

November 08, 2023
Microsoft Japan Says 4-Day Weeks Boosted Productivity 40%
Travel|WrittenByLAPost

Celebrate Winter Like a Local at Quebec's Carnival Party

As soon as snow blankets historic Old Quebec City, this charming French Canadian destination transforms into a magical winter wonderland. From late November through March, Quebec City becomes one giant playground where you can embrace winter like a local. So bundle up and experience the best of the season in this snow globe brought to life. Wandering the postcard-perfect streets of Old Quebec feels like stepping into a European Christmas village. Festive lights and decorations adorn the historic buildings, while scents of cinnamon and gingerbread waft from the German Christmas market. Visitors can also ring in the new year on

November 08, 2023
Celebrate Winter Like a Local at Quebec's Carnival Party
World|WrittenByLAPost

Man Sues Hospital After Surgeons Allegedly Take Out Part of Bowel Instead of Appendix

A Washington man is suing a Seattle hospital and two doctors for medical malpractice after he claims they removed the wrong organ during emergency surgery last December. George Piano and his wife Elizabeth filed the lawsuit November 2 against the University of Washington Medical Center and surgeons Nidhi Udyavar and Paul Herman. The 13-page complaint alleges botched surgery and serious complications resulting from the doctors’ failure to remove Piano’s appendix as intended. The lawsuit states that on December 6th, Piano experienced stomach pain and went to the UW Medical Center emergency department, where he was diagnosed with appendicitis. His inflamed

November 08, 2023
Man Sues Hospital After Surgeons Allegedly Take Out Part of Bowel Instead of Appendix
Economy|WrittenByLAPost

Flight Takes Off With Two Missing Windows at London Airport

A commercial plane departed London’s Stansted Airport and climbed past 10,000 feet before anyone realized two window assemblies were missing, according to a special bulletin from the UK’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB). The October 4 incident involved an Airbus A321 charter flight heading to Orlando, Florida carrying 21 people. Shortly after takeoff, passengers noticed the cabin seemed colder and noisier than normal, said the AAIB report. The plane continued climbing to 10,000 feet altitude before the seatbelt sign was switched off. At that point, the loadmaster at the rear noticed a loud noise that could “damage your hearing.” He

November 08, 2023
Flight Takes Off With Two Missing Windows at London Airport
Economy|Health|Local|WrittenByLAPost

LA Rejects Renewed Mask Mandates for Medical Workers This Fall

Los Angeles County has opted not to reinstate a mask mandate for healthcare workers this fall, diverging from most other counties in the San Francisco Bay Area. Instead, LA County issued a September health order requiring healthcare employees get both the flu and updated COVID-19 vaccines or mask up when in patient areas. A widespread healthcare mask order would only return if COVID hospitalizations substantially worsen, said county health officer Dr. Muntu Davis on Tuesday. Specifically, new coronavirus hospital admissions per 100,000 residents would need to exceed 20 per week, a threshold last exceeded locally during January-February 2022’s Omicron surge.

November 08, 2023
LA Rejects Renewed Mask Mandates for Medical Workers This Fall
Health|WrittenByLAPost

Is Your Fascia to Blame for Poor Posture and Stiffness?

Fascia, the resilient, flexible tissue that envelopes and connects our muscles, bones, and organs, has seen increasing recognition in contemporary fitness and wellness sectors. From Pilates instructors to massage therapists, everyone’s focusing on making this vital tissue more pliable. A plethora of products like foam rollers, massage guns, and “fascia blasters” have flooded the market, promising the enhancement of fascia health. “The surge in fascia’s popularity has been tremendous,” says Christopher DaPrato, a physiotherapist at the University of California, San Francisco, who explores the relationship between fascia and athletic performance. Until the early 21st century, the medical fraternity perceived fascia

November 08, 2023
Is Your Fascia to Blame for Poor Posture and Stiffness?
Economy|WrittenByLAPost

Luxury Brands Develop Digital IDs to Combat Booming Counterfeit Market

High-end fashion houses are turning to new technologies like digital IDs, AI detection, and blockchain tracking to help combat the explosion of counterfeit goods sold online and normalized by social media. But human expertise remains essential as “superfake” knockoffs become harder to distinguish from originals. Powerful AI-driven apps like Entrupy and Ordre’s Authentique system can purportedly spot fake bags and shoes by analyzing a few images. Ordre’s technology creates a unique digital “fingerprint” for each item based on minute manufacturing details. The fingerprint is then registered via blockchain, making it secure yet traceable across an item’s lifecycle. The Aura Blockchain

November 07, 2023
Luxury Brands Develop Digital IDs to Combat Booming Counterfeit Market
World|WrittenByLAPost

Police Knew Her Missing Son Was Dead But Kept Mother In The Dark For Months

For over five agonizing months, Bettersten Wade searched in vain for her missing 37-year-old son Dexter after he disappeared from their Mississippi home. Unbeknownst to her, Jackson police had known since the night he vanished that Dexter died after being struck by one of their vehicles on a highway. Yet they failed to identify him or notify his mother, leaving his body unclaimed in the morgue for months. Bettersten filed a missing persons report two weeks after Dexter left home on March 5 and called police repeatedly seeking updates. But investigators told her nothing even as the county coroner buried

November 07, 2023
Police Knew Her Missing Son Was Dead But Kept Mother In The Dark For Months
News|WrittenByLAPost

9th Grader's Medicated Soap Invention Wins America's Top Young Scientist Award

A 14-year-old boy from Virginia who invented an innovative soap to treat skin cancer has been awarded the title of “America’s Top Young Scientist” along with a $25,000 prize. Heman Bekele, a ninth grader from Annandale, VA, spent months creating the medicated bar soap as an affordable way to help combat rising skin cancer rates. Bekele was one of ten national finalists in the prestigious competition run by 3M and Discovery Education. The contest recognizes outstanding innovation by students in grades 5 through 8. Bekele rose above entrants from across the country to claim the top honor and recognition as

November 07, 2023
9th Grader's Medicated Soap Invention Wins America's Top Young Scientist Award
Travel|WrittenByLAPost

 81-Year-Old Best Friends Circle the Globe in 80 Days

At an age when many are settling into retirement, two Texas grandmothers embarked on the adventure of a lifetime, circling the globe in just 80 days. Defying expectations for their age group, 81-year-old Ellie Hamby and 81-year-old Sandy Hazelip completed an ambitious itinerary that took them across all seven continents in a modern-day homage to Jules Verne’s classic novel. The around the world 80 days journey began on January 11th in Antarctica, where the pair navigated the treacherous Drake Passage to reach the southernmost continent. “For almost two days, we were rocking and rolling and slipping and sliding through the

November 07, 2023
 81-Year-Old Best Friends Circle the Globe in 80 Days
Health|WrittenByLAPost

New Studies Confirm Strength Training Boosts Longevity as Much as Cardio

A growing consensus among health experts underscores the importance of strength training, along with cardiovascular exercise, for longevity and quality of life. Research increasingly shows that regularly lifting weights provides major benefits that help extend lifespans and preserve independence into old age. Based on a recent study in The British Journal of Sports Medicine, adults who engaged in one to two sessions of strength training per week had a 40% reduced risk of mortality compared to individuals who did not exercise. This was on top of the reduced death risk gained from moderate aerobic activity. The analysis underscores the significant

November 07, 2023
New Studies Confirm Strength Training Boosts Longevity as Much as Cardio
Travel|WrittenByLAPost

Hilton Debuts Tunisia Resort Infusing Signature Hospitality with Local Spirit

Hilton recently unveiled its first property in Tunisia, introducing the Hilton Skanes Monastir Beach Resort along the country’s Gulf of Hammamet coastline. Blending signature Hilton hospitality with an authentic Tunisian setting, the beachfront resort offers a portal into local art, cuisine and community. Just a five-minute drive from Monastir Airport, Hilton Skanes Monastir Beach occupies a prime coastal location. As Hilton’s inaugural Tunisian outpost, the property incorporates indigenous design details and showcases artisanal goods to envelop guests in Tunisian culture. The resort’s central role hosting international visitors provides a lively social hub intermingling with locals. Guests mingle in vibrant shared

November 07, 2023
Hilton Debuts Tunisia Resort Infusing Signature Hospitality with Local Spirit
Food|Health|WrittenByLAPost

Are High-Protein Legume Worth Their Hefty Price Tag

Legume-based pastas made from chickpeas, lentils and beans are popping up in grocery aisles and gaining hype as a nutrient-packed gluten-free swap. But despite the buzz, are these trendy alt-pastas truly a healthy upgrade? Experts weigh in on the pros and cons. Gastroenterologist Dr. Will Bulsiewicz examined the nutritional merits of chickpea and lentil pasta in a recent social media video. He called out several advantages compared to traditional wheat pasta – namely much higher protein and fiber content. Some legume pasta varieties offer around 25 grams of protein and 13 grams of fiber per serving, over twice as much

November 07, 2023
Are High-Protein Legume Worth Their Hefty Price Tag
Technology|WrittenByLAPost

Pet cloning: Can science replace a cherished pet?

The concept of pet cloning moved from the realm of science fiction to reality in the early 21st century. The first cloned mammal, Dolly the Sheep, made headlines in 1996. Dog and cat cloning became available to the public in 2015, facilitated by the Texas-based company ViaGen. Since then, the company has cloned nearly a thousand pets. Pet cloning involves a series of intricate procedures. It begins with a tissue sample from the pet to be cloned. This sample is cultured to produce millions of cells. An egg donor’s nucleus is then removed and replaced with a cell from the

November 07, 2023
Pet cloning: Can science replace a cherished pet?
Health|WrittenByLAPost

Why so many women feel compelled to drink after long days

Alcohol consumption driven by anxiety has been rising rapidly among women in recent years, a worrying trend made worse by the pandemic. At the same time, alcohol companies continue targeting marketing at women, subtly promoting drinking as an escape from daily stresses. Looking closer at research and data reveals complex reasons behind this stress drinking among women and its implications. “Alcohol became the modern tranquilizer, offered as an antidote for stress,” says Holly Whitaker, a former Silicon Valley executive and author of Quit Like a Woman. She describes past struggles with alcohol abuse, drawing parallels to historical sedatives like Valium

November 07, 2023
Why so many women feel compelled to drink after long days
Environment|WrittenByLAPost

Woman Survives Alligator Attack While Snorkeling in Florida. Watch the Video.

A Florida woman was viciously attacked by a 9-foot alligator while snorkeling at a recreation area over the weekend, suffering bite wounds to her forehead. Marissa Carr was swimming at Alexander Springs near Ocala on Sunday when the massive reptile emerged and bit her head before retreating, she recounted to local media. Incredibly, a photographer happened to capture graphic photos of the immediate aftermath showing blood streaming down her face as she exited the water. The terrifying encounter demonstrates the random danger alligators pose to humans even in designated swimming areas within their habitat. Carr said she was snorkeling with

November 07, 2023
Woman Survives Alligator Attack While Snorkeling in Florida. Watch the Video.
Travel|WrittenByLAPost

Celebrity Playground of the Past Revamped for Modern Luxury Travelers

A famed retreat for 1920s Hollywood stars, The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe has reopened following an extensive renovation honoring its glamorous past. The Southern California resort is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year with upgraded amenities and a new aesthetic reminiscent of the golden age of cinema. The 11-acre inn, located in the hills of Rancho Santa Fe, was a popular destination for celebrities such as Charlie Chaplin and Bing Crosby during its prime. It now emerges refreshed yet faithful to its roots as a sophisticated celebrity escape. The multimillion-dollar restoration added modern luxuries while preserving historic architectural details.

November 06, 2023
Celebrity Playground of the Past Revamped for Modern Luxury Travelers
Education|WrittenByLAPost

Overwhelmed Teachers, Frustrated Parents: Rebuilding Strained School Relationships

Horror stories teachers swap about nightmare parents are legendary. But in the decade since I started teaching at a public school outside Boston, tense interactions have become the norm. Expectations around communication have changed, burnout is worsening, and this strained dynamic could have serious implications for the future of the profession. More parental involvement broadly benefits students. Research confirms kids do better academically and socially when parents stay engaged. But the current environment often pits parents and teachers against each other instead of bringing them together for the students’ sake. I hear constantly from some parents while unable to reach

November 06, 2023
Overwhelmed Teachers, Frustrated Parents: Rebuilding Strained School Relationships
Health|WrittenByLAPost

Still in Love But Know It's Over? How to Healthily Move Forward

Ending a meaningful relationship can be intensely painful, even when you know it’s the right decision. Turning off deep feelings of love is often easier said than done. Processing the loss, identifying your needs in a partner, and accepting the importance of what you’ve lost are key steps in the complex journey of moving on. While you can’t control who you fall for, in some cases staying in love keeps you stuck. Perhaps your affection is one-sided. Or maybe you and your partner love each other but can’t overcome irreconcilable differences. However difficult, acknowledging when a romance has run its

November 06, 2023
Still in Love But Know It's Over? How to Healthily Move Forward
Local|Travel|WrittenByLAPost

This Southern California Beach Town Named Among Top 20 in America for 2023

The ‘best beach town’ in Southern California is Carpinteria, according to Trips To Discover. The national travel website recently ranked the top 20 best beach towns in America for 2023 and the small surf town in Santa Barbara County is the lone representative from the southern half of the state. Carpinteria cracked the list thanks to its quintessential Southern California beaches, charming small-town vibe and a plethora of outdoor activities from surfing to beach yoga. Despite its artsy and eclectic locals, Carpinteria has retained its original flavor and remains one of the few unspoiled beach communities in California. Trips To

November 06, 2023
This Southern California Beach Town Named Among Top 20 in America for 2023
Environment|Local|WrittenByLAPost

LA Reaps Benefits of "Cool Roofs" While Turning Down the Heat

Homeowners in Los Angeles who want to stay cool and reduce energy expenses are opting for “cool roofs” – roofs constructed with reflective materials that absorb less sunlight. Due to climate change causing higher temperatures, cool roofs offer a straightforward option to reduce excessive roof heat absorption. Studies indicate that they have the potential to decrease air conditioning usage by an average of 20% and lower indoor temperatures by as much as 10 degrees Fahrenheit.  “A roof and a wall that reflect light are straightforward and dependable passive methods that only require you to make the correct decision when it’s

November 06, 2023
LA Reaps Benefits of "Cool Roofs" While Turning Down the Heat
Health|WrittenByLAPost

Smiling on the Outside, Struggling on the Inside: The Hidden Truth About My Anxiety

Outwardly, people with high-functioning anxiety appear fine. They go to work, raise families, and contribute to society. But inwardly, they wage a constant battle against crippling anxiety that threatens to derail their lives. Approximately 40 million persons in the United States are impacted by anxiety disorders annually.  Symptoms like excessive worry, muscle tension, panic attacks, and compulsions can interfere with daily activities. But many hide their struggles to function normally. Those with high-functioning anxiety have developed coping strategies to present a capable face to the world. However, they still endure the same relentless fears and distress as anyone with an

November 06, 2023
Smiling on the Outside, Struggling on the Inside: The Hidden Truth About My Anxiety
Health|WrittenByLAPost

Time to Ditch Your Toxic Workout Wear? The Health Hazards Hiding in Your Activewear

The stretchy, sweat-wicking workout clothes that make exercising comfortable contain hidden health hazards. New research shows that the synthetic fabrics commonly used in activewear can leach potentially toxic chemicals onto your skin when you sweat. Scientists at the University of Birmingham in the UK found that the oil in human sweat acts as a conduit for chemical additives in plastics to dissolve from fabrics and be absorbed into the body. Their study focused specifically on flame retardants added to some textiles. However, the findings likely apply to other plastic chemicals like bisphenols and PFAS commonly used in workout clothes. With

November 06, 2023
Time to Ditch Your Toxic Workout Wear? The Health Hazards Hiding in Your Activewear
Health|WrittenByLAPost

Teen Girls Face Soaring Rates of Sadness and Sexual Abuse, New CDC Report Warns

Based on a new unexpected study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, teenage females are experiencing significantly elevated rates of sexual assault, despair, and suicidal ideation. A full third of high school females reported having thought about suicide, a 60% increase over the previous ten years. Up from 11% in 2019, over 14% of respondents said they were forced to have sex. Around 60% reported feeling consistently unhappy or gloomy to the point where they ceased their usual activities. The information is derived from the CDC’s Youth Risk Behavior Survey, which includes a diverse group of high

November 06, 2023
Teen Girls Face Soaring Rates of Sadness and Sexual Abuse, New CDC Report Warns
Economy|WrittenByLAPost

The End of 5%? Landmark Case Could Reshape Real Estate Commissions

A federal jury in Missouri delivered a $1.8 billion verdict against the National Association of Realtors and three major real estate brokerages on Tuesday, finding them guilty of illegally inflating commissions by conspiring to require home sellers to pay the buyer’s agent. This landmark antitrust case could reshape how homes are bought and sold in America by potentially changing the traditional compensation structure, where seller’s agents split a 5-6% commission with the buyer’s agent. For decades, it has been standard practice for home sellers to pay their listing agent a commission, typically around 3% of the sale price, which is

November 06, 2023
The End of 5%? Landmark Case Could Reshape Real Estate Commissions
Entertainment|WrittenByLAPost

TikTok 'Girl Dinner' Trend Flips the Script on Gender Norms Around Cooking and Indulgence

A new social media trend called “girl dinner” has emerged on TikTok, garnering over 30 million views. Girl dinner refers to individually portioned snack plates that women make for themselves to enjoy alone.  The trend appears to have started when Olivia Maher, a 28-year-old assistant living in Los Angeles, posted a TikTok video in May showing her spread of bread, cheese, grapes, pickles and wine. “I call this girl dinner,” Maher says in the clip, which has since amassed over one million views. In an interview, Maher said the idea for girl dinner stemmed from a conversation with a female

November 03, 2023
TikTok 'Girl Dinner' Trend Flips the Script on Gender Norms Around Cooking and Indulgence
Health|WrittenByLAPost

New Study Links Air Pollution to Increased Stroke Risk Within Days of Exposure

A new medical study indicates that even brief contact with common air pollutants raises the possibility of having a stroke within days. The analysis examined over 18 million stroke cases globally and determined that inhaling nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and ozone heightens stroke chances shortly after exposure. Fine particulate matter was also connected to higher risk. Air pollution impacts not only the respiratory system and vision but also other areas of the body. “The brain and cardiovascular system are also affected,” clarified Dr. Ahmad Tubasi, the main author and a researcher at the medical school of the University

November 03, 2023
New Study Links Air Pollution to Increased Stroke Risk Within Days of Exposure
Health|WrittenByLAPost

Family Feuds: Why Political Spats Often Turn Painfully Personal

Arguing politics with loved ones can quickly spiral into personal attacks that damage relationships. Experts say our political views become tied to identity, making dissent feel like a personal affront. This breeds defensiveness and strips nuance from debates. With partisanship rising nationally, Americans increasingly view opposing parties negatively. Growing polarization fuels emotional confrontations over issues. Figures show 35-45% of partisans now oppose interparty marriages in the family. I recently experienced this phenomenon firsthand. A discussion about politics with my brother rapidly devolved into hurtful statements. It ended with him blocking me on social media. We haven’t spoken since aside from

November 03, 2023
Family Feuds: Why Political Spats Often Turn Painfully Personal
Health|WrittenByLAPost

Did Social Media Hype Spark Bedbug Hysteria in Paris?

It started as a trickle of complaints during Paris Fashion Week in late September — reports on social media of bedbugs crawling on seats in the metro, lurking in hotel rooms and infesting apartments. Then the trickle turned into a flood, with panicked fashionistas warning others about the pests on Twitter and TikTok and posting stomach-churning photos of infested mattresses tossed on sidewalks. The bedbug hysteria went viral, amplified by screaming tabloid headlines and intense media coverage as outlets from Le Monde to the BBC sounded the alarm. Anxious citizens petitioned the government to act, and officials responded with promises

November 03, 2023
Did Social Media Hype Spark Bedbug Hysteria in Paris?
Economy|WrittenByLAPost

Museum of Natural History to Remove All Human Remains From Public View

The American Museum of Natural History in New York City is planning a major overhaul of how it handles the approximately 12,000 human remains in its possession, most acquired in questionable circumstances that are now seen as unethical. The museum’s new president, Sean M. Decatur, announced this week that the institution will remove all human bones currently on public display. It will also improve storage facilities where the bulk of the remains are kept and devote more resources to studying their origins and identities. The move comes as natural history museums face growing criticism over remains often obtained under now-discredited

November 03, 2023
Museum of Natural History to Remove All Human Remains From Public View
News|WrittenByLAPost

The Cards Say...You're Breaking the Law? Police Warn Occult Shop Over Fortune Telling Ban

A police chief in Hanover, Pennsylvania recently visited a local shop offering tarot card readings, stating that while he would not immediately press charges, any future complaints could lead to an investigation per an antiquated state law banning fortune telling.  The Serpent’s Key Shoppe and Sanctuary, run by 26-year-old Beck Lawrence, who uses they/them pronouns, was profiled in a recent business newsletter for the witchcraft-themed store’s tarot card readings. A few days after the article detailing the $10 to $100 card readings was published, Lawrence was informed that Police Chief Chad E. Martin read the piece and planned to pay

November 03, 2023
The Cards Say...You're Breaking the Law? Police Warn Occult Shop Over Fortune Telling Ban
Health|WrittenByLAPost

Is Toilet Texting a Health Hazard? What Doctors Want You to Know

Your smartphone accompanies you everywhere, including to the bathroom. But experts warn spending time scrolling on the toilet can negatively impact health. They advise leaving phones outside for quicker, more hygienic bathroom breaks. Dermatologist Dr. Joyce Park says extended toilet sitting heightens risks of developing hemorrhoids. The downward sloping toilet seat exerts added pressure on the lower rectum and anus. Prolonged straining from lengthy bathroom browsing can inflame veins in this area. “When you sit on the toilet for too long, especially if you have obesity or are pregnant, then these veins start to bulge or get bigger, and that’s

November 03, 2023
Is Toilet Texting a Health Hazard? What Doctors Want You to Know
News|WrittenByLAPost

Florida Dentist Denies Role in Brother-in-Law's Murder at Trial

A dentist from Florida who has been accused of planning the murder of his brother-in-law expressed his innocence with anxiety when testifying in court on Thursday. Charlie Adelson, a periodontist who is 47 years old, is currently on trial for supposedly hiring a hitman to murder Dan Markel, a well-known law professor at Florida State University, in 2014. Markel was shot dead in his own driveway as he returned home one July morning amid a contentious divorce and custody battle with Adelson’s sister Wendi. When asked by his attorney Thursday if he had any role in Markel’s slaying, a fidgety

November 03, 2023
Florida Dentist Denies Role in Brother-in-Law's Murder at Trial
Economy|WrittenByLAPost

Airbnb Sues New York City Over New Law That Restricts Short-Term Rental Listings

New York City implemented one of the most stringent rules on temporary rentals in the nation this week, effectively prohibiting Airbnb and similar platforms from functioning as they previously did. Local Law 18, which became effective on Tuesday, mandates that all hosts of short-term rentals must register with the city. Only those residing in the unit they rent, and present during a guest’s stay, can qualify. Listings are also limited to having a maximum of two guests. The new rules spell the end of the sleek downtown apartments, two- and three-bedroom homes near museums, and weekend rentals that fueled Airbnb’s

November 02, 2023
Airbnb Sues New York City Over New Law That Restricts Short-Term Rental Listings
Entertainment|WrittenByLAPost

Winning Lavish Home on Reality TV Leads to Unexpected Headaches for Lucky Couple

A couple who recently won a $2.7 million luxury home through an Australian reality TV show promotion are alleging the prize isn’t quite what it seemed. Kevin and Andrea Griffin were awarded the five-bedroom, six-bathroom house in Gisborne, northwest of Melbourne, after entering a contest held by LMCT+, an online company that offers members chances to win big-ticket items like sports cars and vacations. The couple had paid LMCT+’s $20 monthly membership fee for over a year when their name was drawn as the winner of the extravagant home, valued at nearly $3 million Australian dollars. But shortly after the

November 02, 2023
Winning Lavish Home on Reality TV Leads to Unexpected Headaches for Lucky Couple
Economy|WrittenByLAPost

Realtor Association Employees Call for CEO Goldberg's Resignation

The National Association of Realtors continues to confront demands for sweeping changes following sexual harassment and discrimination allegations reported in The New York Times. Internal critics say meaningful reform is still lacking. This week, NAR informed members it was bringing in a third-party HR reporting system and law firm to investigate complaints. Te moves align with proposals from the NAR Accountability Project, a group seeking reforms. “It has been an amazing week,” said group founder Jason Haber. He noted NAR adopted two of their four recommendations, including outside investigations and reporting channels. But NAR still faces skepticism that leadership changes

November 02, 2023
Realtor Association Employees Call for CEO Goldberg's Resignation
Economy|WrittenByLAPost

Hackers Ready to Unlock $235 Million Bitcoin Fortune, If Owner Cooperates

A team of hackers says they have developed a method to decrypt a long lost Bitcoin wallet containing 7,002 bitcoins worth about $235 million. But the wallet’s owner remains reluctant to let them try, despite potentially losing access forever. The Bitcoin are stored on an encrypted USB drive known as an IronKey built by the company Kingston. Its owner, San Francisco crypto entrepreneur Stefan Thomas, lost the password years ago after too many failed password attempts. Now hackers at a startup called Unciphered believe they can crack Thomas’ decade-old IronKey model. After reverse engineering the hardware, they found flaws that

November 02, 2023
Hackers Ready to Unlock $235 Million Bitcoin Fortune, If Owner Cooperates
News|WrittenByLAPost

Jury Hits Realtor Association With Bombshell $1.8B Verdict

A Missouri jury rocked the real estate industry this week by finding the National Association of Realtors and several major brokerages guilty of price-fixing, awarding home sellers a whopping $1.8 billion in damages. If treble damages are imposed, the total payout could reach $5 billion. The guilty verdicts assert the defendants conspired to inflate commissions by mandating sellers offer set commission rates to buyers’ agents before listing homes online. Plaintiffs argued this stifled competition and increased prices, while brokers maintained it ensured efficient markets. The landmark antitrust decision opens the door to similar lawsuits nationally. One was already filed this

November 02, 2023
Jury Hits Realtor Association With Bombshell $1.8B Verdict
Health|WrittenByLAPost

Dating Apps Are Leaving People More Burnt Out Than Loved Up

When dating apps like Tinder were initially introduced ten years ago, it appeared to be a fresh age for individuals who are not in a committed relationship. However, the actual experience has proven to be a difficult, frequently exasperating, and occasionally harmful process for numerous individuals. Many users feel emotionally exhausted due to the repetitive swiping, uninteresting chats, and the continual worry of being harassed. “It’s kind of like having a part-time job,” says Abby, a financial analyst and someone who has been using online dating sites for 8 years. Abby has used various dating apps, such as OkCupid, Bumble,

November 02, 2023
Dating Apps Are Leaving People More Burnt Out Than Loved Up
Food|Travel|WrittenByLAPost

Eat, Drink and Still Lose Weight? Science Explains Europe's Slimming Effect

You just spent two weeks enjoying the lavish cuisine and wines of Europe, gorging on rich pasta dishes, savory pastries, cheese boards and delectable desserts. Yet oddly, the number on the scale is lower now than when you left. What gives? While it may seem counterintuitive, indulgent European vacations involving lots of leisurely walking, even with copious eating, can sometimes yield unexpected weight loss. A convergence of lifestyle factors create an atmosphere ripe for slimming down without conscious dieting. “Many people return home weighing less after a vacation in Europe even after consuming decadent meals and wine daily,” said Dr.

November 01, 2023
Eat, Drink and Still Lose Weight? Science Explains Europe's Slimming Effect
Technology|WrittenByLAPost

Fake Jet Engine Parts Scare Prompts Calls for Tighter Distributor Oversight

A routine inspection by engineers at an aircraft maintenance facility in Lisbon this spring uncovered an audacious fraud that has sent shockwaves through the aviation industry. Workers noticed suspicious signs of wear on a replacement part for a CFM56 engine, the world’s most widely used jet engine model. The part’s paperwork identified it as brand new, but further scrutiny by the engineers revealed the documents had been forged. Their discovery led engine makers Safran and GE to uncover that thousands of counterfeit parts with fabricated certificates have entered the global supply chain through a single obscure distributor based in London

November 01, 2023
Fake Jet Engine Parts Scare Prompts Calls for Tighter Distributor Oversight
Environment|WrittenByLAPost

Dog parks: Are they helping or harming your pet?

Dog parks have become a wildly popular fixture in many communities across the United States. However experts say these off-leash play spaces come with several risks that dog owners should consider before frequenting them. While surveys show that around 90% of Americans view dog parks as beneficial amenities, canine behavior specialists caution that they are not always ideal environments for dogs. Concerns around socialization, injuries, disease transmission and misreading dog body language are frequently cited by professionals. Still, dog parks remain enticing to many urban and suburban owners looking for spaces where their pets can exercise and interact with other

November 01, 2023
Dog parks: Are they helping or harming your pet?
Health|WrittenByLAPost

Finally! Doctors Leak the Secret Ways to Never Catch a Cold Again

As the cold and flu season kicks in, people are starting to think about preventative measures to avoid becoming sick with the common cold. The common cold causes widespread misery in homes, schools and workplaces across America. While rarely severe, the congestion, sore throat, coughing, sneezing and general discomfort make it an illness most aim to dodge. The highly contagious virus easily passes through families, classrooms and offices. Thankfully, experts say proven methods exist to reduce your chances of catching a cold. Science-backed precautions like handwashing, surface disinfecting, masking, distancing and managing chronic conditions can help stop colds before they

November 01, 2023
Finally! Doctors Leak the Secret Ways to Never Catch a Cold Again
Science|WrittenByLAPost

Underground Water Loss Causing Noticeable Wobble in Earth's Axis

A recent study published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters suggests that the extraction of water from underground reservoirs by humans is occurring at a significant rate, leading to a change in the Earth’s axis. From 1993 to 2010, the Earth’s tilt changed by about 31.5 inches. Based on prior research, humans pumped an estimated 2,150 gigatons of water from natural underground reservoirs called aquifers during those years. That volume is equal to about 860 million Olympic-sized pools and equates to a global sea level rise of around one-quarter inch. Much of the extracted groundwater is used for irrigation and

November 01, 2023
Underground Water Loss Causing Noticeable Wobble in Earth's Axis
Health|WrittenByLAPost

New research shows that post-meal mini-walks have big impacts

An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” But could a simple post-dinner stroll offer similar perks? Exercise is undoubtedly healthy, yet guidance differs on ideal durations and timing. Emerging research now spotlights unique upsides to brief walking sessions soon after eating. Just 15 brisk minutes can energize digestion, mental clarity, blood sugar control, and diabetes prevention. “The benefits start accumulating with even minor additions of movement,” explains Dr. Kershaw Patel. “Every small step counts.” Unlike prolonged workout regimes, these mini walking breaks spur biohacks that integrate seamlessly into daily routines. And through incremental change, they summon surprising transformational impacts.

November 01, 2023
New research shows that post-meal mini-walks have big impacts
Travel|WrittenByLAPost

10 Can't-Miss Foodie Destinations Across the U.S.

Craving innovative cuisine and hidden food gems without leaving the country? Luckily, the United States is home to dozens of remarkable food cities brimming with highly-lauded restaurants, local flavors, and everything in between. From large metropolises like New York City and San Francisco to unexpected picks like Greenville, South Carolina, here are 10 of the best destinations for feasting across America. New York City represents a melting pot of cultures, which means food lovers can enjoy any type of cuisine within its 300-square-mile radius. Authentic dim sum in Chinatown, mouthwatering pastrami sandwiches at iconic Jewish delis like Katz’s, Polish bakeries

October 31, 2023
10 Can't-Miss Foodie Destinations Across the U.S.
Health|WrittenByLAPost

Insomnia Keeping You Up? Experts Explain What Really Works for a Good Night's Sleep

Tossing and turning nightly is frustrating. But frequent sleep disruptions impeding daily life likely signal chronic insomnia. We delve into the whys, whats, and hows of getting your Zs back. Sleep progresses through light and deep cycles. An occasional mid-sleep awakening is normal brain cycling. But regularly jolting awake and wrestling to resume sleep indicates a disorder. Age alters sleep architecture. Many seniors wake once or twice for bathroom breaks. That’s usually harmless unless extended awake time and difficulty returning to sleep follow. Those struggling to regain sleep face amplified health risks including dementia, diabetes, heart disease and more from

October 31, 2023
Insomnia Keeping You Up? Experts Explain What Really Works for a Good Night's Sleep
Sports|WrittenByLAPost

Can MLB Leverage Postseason Spotlight into Long-Term Momentum

After a turbulent five-year period, Major League Baseball in 2023 enjoyed a comeback season highlighted by renewed fan engagement, attendance growth, faster games, and an influx of young talent upending the sport’s typical financial dynamics. With metrics pointing to an unqualified success, MLB now aims to extend that momentum into the playoffs and use the 2022 postseason as a capstone.  “Our game has been blessed with an influx of young talent over the last five years unlike anything we have ever seen, and people are winning with young talent,” said MLB commissioner Rob Manfred on ESPN’s “First Take.” All signs

October 30, 2023
Can MLB Leverage Postseason Spotlight into Long-Term Momentum
Entertainment|WrittenByLAPost

You'll Never Guess What 'The Sandlot' Star Is Up To Now. Watch the Video.

Patrick Renna, most recognized for his notable performance as Ham in the 1993 coming-of-age baseball movie “The Sandlot,” has gained significant attention on TikTok for his dance videos. Now 44, the father of two has teamed up with childhood friends Caige and Cru Moore to perform choreographed dances to trending songs and NFL theme songs.  The group’s NFL-themed dance video has garnered over 6 million views since it was posted last year. Most recently, they created a dance to the NFL on Prime Video theme song after the NFL itself called them out for not including it. “We’re very red

October 30, 2023
You'll Never Guess What 'The Sandlot' Star Is Up To Now. Watch the Video.
Economy|WrittenByLAPost

Hairdressers Are Burning Out From Listening to Clients' Problems All Day

A new study in the hairdressing business has found that many hairdressers are experiencing a significant psychological burden from listening to clients discuss their personal concerns during appointments. The study by L’Oreal Professionnel found that 65% of the 1,750 hair professionals surveyed have experienced anxiety, burnout or depression during their careers, in large part due to spending hours each day serving as impromptu therapists for clients. Typically, hairstylists dedicate around 2,000 hours year to listening to customers discuss a wide range of topics, including difficult relationship endings and health challenges. This amounts to approximately 9 therapy sessions per workday. Yet

October 30, 2023
Hairdressers Are Burning Out From Listening to Clients' Problems All Day
Health|WrittenByLAPost

FDA Recalls Eye Drops Over Infection Risk Fears

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration advised consumers Friday to immediately stop using certain over-the-counter eye drop products due to potential bacterial contamination posing an infection risk that could lead to vision loss. The agency called for manufacturers to recall all lots of 26 different eye care products sold under brand names including CVS Health, Target’s Up&Up, Rite Aid, Leader, Rugby and Velocity Pharma. The FDA alert came after its investigators discovered unsanitary conditions at the manufacturing facility of Global Pharma Healthcare in India. Sampling identified bacterial contamination in critical production areas. There have been no confirmed illnesses linked to

October 30, 2023
FDA Recalls Eye Drops Over Infection Risk Fears
Business|WrittenByLAPost

Family Slammed With Fee After Kids Get Too Loud at Restaurant

A Georgia restaurant sparked outrage and went viral after tacking a $50 “adult surcharge” onto the bill of a large family dining with children. The incident occurred at Toccoa Riverside Restaurant in the small town of Blue Ridge. Lyndsey Landmann and her husband went to dinner there with their two young kids plus four other families – a group of 11 children in total ages 3 to 8. According to Landmann’s account, the kids were well-behaved during the meal. But after dessert, owner Tim Richter approached the table and announced he was imposing a $50 surcharge for the children being

October 30, 2023
Family Slammed With Fee After Kids Get Too Loud at Restaurant
Health|WrittenByLAPost

How Lunchables Found Their Way Onto School Lunch Trays

The pre-packaged Lunchables, critiqued as promoting highly processed junk food to kids, have become a staple for many students during school lunch. Their journey onto cafeteria trays stems from savvy marketing, industry lobbying, and financial pressures facing school districts. Synonymous with pre-made convenience foods, Lunchables exploded in popularity after launching in 1988 as a way for Oscar Mayer to market sliced meat and cheese. They gained devotees for letting children assemble their own mini meals. But nutrition advocates decried Lunchables’ lack of whole ingredients. A typical lunch kit pairs cracker sandwiches, cheese slices, deli meat, and candy – adding up

October 27, 2023
How Lunchables Found Their Way Onto School Lunch Trays
Entertainment|WrittenByLAPost

YouTube Star Lands Hornets Jersey Patch for Snack Brand

YouTube superstar Jimmy “MrBeast” Donaldson has landed the first creator-led brand jersey patch sponsorship in major American sports leagues. His snack company Feastables was announced as the new official jersey sponsor for the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets on Monday.  The Feastables logo will appear on the jerseys of the Hornets, their G League affiliate Greensboro Swarm, and esports team Hornets Venom GT starting this season. Terms of the sponsorship deal were not disclosed, but a Hornets spokesperson said it was negotiated internally rather than through an agency. While financial details remain private, it likely did not match the Brooklyn Nets’ $30

October 27, 2023
YouTube Star Lands Hornets Jersey Patch for Snack Brand
Local|Sports|WrittenByLAPost

LAFC Deal Fuels American Investors' European Soccer Shopping Bonanza

Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) is reportedly in negotiations to acquire Grasshopper Club Zurich, adding to a wave of American ownership stakes in European professional soccer teams and leagues. LAFC, co-owned by entrepreneur Peter Guber and actor Will Ferrell, would obtain the Swiss Super League club from its current Chinese ownership group led by Jenny Wang. Wang first placed Grasshopper Club Zurich up for sale back in April. If finalized, the deal would make LAFC the latest Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise to invest in soccer across the Atlantic. The trend comes as interest and investment in European soccer rapidly

October 27, 2023
LAFC Deal Fuels American Investors' European Soccer Shopping Bonanza
Science|WrittenByLAPost

NASA Reveals Carbon and Water Found in Record-Breaking Asteroid Sample 

In a historic reveal, NASA announced that its OSIRIS-REx spacecraft has returned an unprecedented asteroid sample containing “crucial elements” that may provide insight into the early days of our solar system.  Arriving on September 24, a pristine sample from the near-Earth asteroid Bennu, estimated to be around 4.5 billion years old, landed in the Utah desert within a capsule. Upon initial analysis, this sample exceeded NASA’s goal of 60 grams, marking it as the most substantial carbon-rich asteroid sample ever retrieved on Earth. This finding suggests the existence of water and an unexpectedly high concentration of carbon, hinting at the possibility

October 26, 2023
NASA Reveals Carbon and Water Found in Record-Breaking Asteroid Sample 
Local|WrittenByLAPost

Escape to Solvang for a Fairytale European Christmas

Nestled in California’s idyllic Santa Ynez Valley, the village of Solvang provides a passport-free holiday getaway reminiscent of a quaint European town. With its Danish-inspired architecture, abundant wineries and postcard-worthy scenery, Solvang charms visitors year-round. But it particularly shines during the festive season, when dazzling decorations, family-friendly events and lively markets capture the spirit of a Scandinavian Christmas. The temperate climate makes strolling the pedestrian-friendly downtown a pleasure, allowing you to admire the historic half-timbered buildings draped in lights. Visitors can snap photos of Solvang’s iconic windmills and nosh on open-faced smørrebrød sandwiches at the outdoor cafes. And there’s certainly

October 26, 2023
Escape to Solvang for a Fairytale European Christmas
Local|WrittenByLAPost

Violence on LA Streets: Homeless Murders Hit Record High

The homelessness crisis in Los Angeles took a deadly turn in 2022, as the number of homeless individuals murdered across the city climbed to 92 – a shocking 60% increase from 2020. The grim tally amounts to nearly a quarter of all 382 homicides recorded in LA last year, even though the unhoused make up only about 1% of the population. Experts say the violence stems from increased gang activity, disputes between homeless people, and bias against those living on the streets. “A friend of mine was thrown into a fire by a fellow homeless man,” said Rev. Andy Bales

October 26, 2023
Violence on LA Streets: Homeless Murders Hit Record High
Health|WrittenByLAPost

Why You Crave Comfort Foods More When It's Cold Outside

As temperatures drop, many people notice their appetites and cravings change along with the seasons. Salads and light summer fare no longer satisfy. Instead, carbohydrate and fat-laden comfort foods become far more appealing when it’s cold outside. Soups, stews, casseroles, baked goods and other indulgent dishes beckon. But what drives this common phenomenon of winter comfort food cravings? Experts say several factors play into these urges, from psychological to physiological. Understanding the science behind seasonal eating patterns can help people enjoy winter comforts in moderation. Neuroscientist Rachel Herz explains that carbohydrate-rich and fatty foods prompt the brain to release dopamine,

October 25, 2023
Why You Crave Comfort Foods More When It's Cold Outside
Business|Technology|WrittenByLAPost

30+ states allege Meta intentionally designed Instagram to be addictive

In a legal challenge, over 30 U.S. states are aiming for Instagram’s parent company, Meta, alleging its photo-sharing app was intentionally designed to hook and harm adolescents. Filed in federal court, the lawsuit claims Instagram deploys an addictive concoction of infinite feeds, constant notifications, and other behavioral tricks to entrap teens’ attention. This “addict’s algorithm” deliberately preys on young users’ vulnerabilities, the suit argues, triggering destructive usage, low self-esteem, and severe mental anguish. Installed on millions of teenagers’ phones nationwide, Instagram allegedly causes both mental and physical harm—from anxiety and depression to eating disorders and suicidal thoughts. With teen well-being

October 25, 2023
30+ states allege Meta intentionally designed Instagram to be addictive
Technology|WrittenByLAPost

Can AI Really Replace Human Creativity in Music?

In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, the music industry is at an intriguing crossroads. The introduction of AI has brought up exciting new opportunities and challenging new barriers in the realm of music production and listening. AI’s infiltration into music has been steady and impactful. Notably, the rise of AI-powered music startups, such as Mayk.It, signals a paradigm shift in music production. Mayk . In the same way that apps like Instagram and TikTok have made picture and video editing accessible to more people, this new paradigm in music production makes writing and producing music easier for everyone. Mayk.It leverages

October 25, 2023
Can AI Really Replace Human Creativity in Music?
Health|Technology|WrittenByLAPost

When Influencers Become Imaginary BFFs

As social media expands its reach, many people are developing intense one-sided relationships with influencers and media figures they follow online. These so-called “parasocial relationships” provide a sense of connection but rarely reflect reality. Jessica Grose, a journalist and novelist, recently found herself fixated on the drama unfolding among cast members of the Bravo reality show “Summer House.” She spent time analyzing their disputes and motivations with friends over text. “The kind of one-way friendship I have with these reality stars has a name in the sociology world: It’s called a ‘parasocial relationship,’” said Grose. This term was first coined

October 25, 2023
When Influencers Become Imaginary BFFs
Economy|Local|WrittenByLAPost

Disney Parks Spread Cheer with $50 Ticket Deal for Kids

The Walt Disney Company announced new discounts on children’s tickets at its U.S. theme parks in an effort to boost attendance, according to a company blog post. The temporary price reductions come as Disney parks grapple with signs of slowing foot traffic. Beginning October 24, Disneyland Resort in California will offer $50 per day tickets for children ages 3-9 valid for use between January 8 and March 10, 2023. Meanwhile, Florida’s Walt Disney World will roll out a vacation package deal on November 14 including reduced kids’ tickets and dining plans. That offer can be used for travel from March

October 24, 2023
Disney Parks Spread Cheer with $50 Ticket Deal for Kids
Local|WrittenByLAPost

Los Angeles Landmark: The Magic Behind the Magic Castle

For over six decades, the Magic Castle has been an iconic fixture in Hollywood, elevating the art of illusion to the level of a sought-after VIP experience. Only those who are lucky enough to get an invitation will learn the establishment’s secrets. The Magic Castle is more than just a venue – it’s an entire world of its own, a secretive society for members and their guests where magic is celebrated and appreciated. The idea for the private clubhouse was born in 1963 from founders Milt Larsen, William Larsen Jr., and Irene Larsen. From a terrible fire in 2011 to

October 24, 2023
Los Angeles Landmark: The Magic Behind the Magic Castle
World|WrittenByLAPost

Can Israel Destroy Hamas' Underground 'Gaza Metro' Without Civilian Toll

The Israeli military is gearing up to target an elaborate network of tunnels built by Hamas underneath Gaza City, known as the “Gaza metro,” as part of its ground offensive into the Palestinian territory. Hamas utilizes the underground passages to move fighters and weapons covertly. But given Gaza’s extreme population density, the subterranean system dangerously hides military assets below civilian areas, according to Israel. While tunnels have long offered asymmetric warfare advantages, Hamas has taken the concept to another level by constructing such an extensive tunnel network under one of the most crowded urban areas on Earth. Nearly 2 million

October 24, 2023
Can Israel Destroy Hamas' Underground 'Gaza Metro' Without Civilian Toll
Health|Local|WrittenByLAPost

Speed Dating Makes Comeback in LA with Creative New Twists

Speed dating is undergoing an unexpected resurgence in Los Angeles, transcending its 1990s origins to cater to the diverse demographics of the city. According to Eventbrite’s data, there’s an increase of 75% in speed dating events from 2021 to 2022. Furthermore, Google search interest surpassed pre-pandemic levels in February, marking the first instance of such a resurgence since the onset of COVID-19. This resurgence is drawing in not only older generations but also capturing the interest of Millennials and Gen Z, who are exploring modern approaches to courtship. While the traditional rapid-fire speed dating format remains, innovative variations such as

October 24, 2023
Speed Dating Makes Comeback in LA with Creative New Twists
Political|WrittenByLAPost

TikTok Steps Up Efforts to Curb Harmful Content Amid Israel-Hamas Conflict

Video-sharing app TikTok is implementing new measures to combat the spread of misinformation, hate speech and incitements to violence relating to the ongoing violent conflict between Israel and Hamas. The company announced Sunday that it is establishing a command center to coordinate moderation efforts, enhancing its technology to automatically detect graphic content, and hiring more Arabic and Hebrew speakers to review posts. “We do not tolerate attempts to incite violence or spread hateful ideologies,” TikTok said in a statement. “We have a zero-tolerance policy for content praising violent and hateful organizations and individuals.” Tensions boiled over on October 7 when

October 24, 2023
TikTok Steps Up Efforts to Curb Harmful Content Amid Israel-Hamas Conflict
Travel|WrittenByLAPost

Frontier's GoWild Pass Comes With Major Hidden Restrictions

Frontier Airlines’ all-you-can-fly GoWild pass has delivered frustration instead of flexibility for some customers who purchased the $699 travel deal. The GoWild pass allows unlimited flights, domestic or international, over a three-month period. But the pass comes with major restrictions that Frontier does not proactively advertise, leaving some feeling misled. The biggest constraint is that GoWild pass holders cannot book domestic flights more than 24 hours before departure. They can reserve international flights up to 10 days out. This limited advance booking window has made it impossible for some pass holders to plan trips and book preferred flights. Denise Smith,

October 24, 2023
Frontier's GoWild Pass Comes With Major Hidden Restrictions
Economy|WrittenByLAPost

Mega Millions Players Await Long-Absent 10 Ball After Powerball Hit

After 249 days without appearing, the number 10 Powerball finally rolled out during the October 11 drawing, producing a record $1.865 billion jackpot winner in California. Now lottery players are wondering if the long-absent Mega Millions 10 ball could be next to hit. The Powerball drawing garnered headlines for minting the largest-ever U.S. lottery prize, with winning tickets sold in California and seven other states. The coveted 10 ball had not emerged in the last 108 Powerball drawings until its long-awaited return. But the Mega Millions game has an even more conspicuous shutout ongoing. The yellow 10 ball has not

October 23, 2023
Mega Millions Players Await Long-Absent 10 Ball After Powerball Hit
Health|WrittenByLAPost

Updated COVID Boosters Come With Possible Side Effects, But Benefits Still Outweigh Risks

As COVID-19 infection rates spike heading into fall, the arrival of an updated booster vaccine targeting the latest Omicron subvariants comes at a critical time. But with any vaccine, side effects are possible. Experts say the benefits of the new COVID booster still far outweigh the risks. Immunologists concur that while the vaccine provides important protection, it should not be the sole preventative measure against the virus, especially amid surging rates of the highly contagious Omicron offshoot Eris. “The vaccine should be used in conjunction with other protective measures such as masking and ventilation for those people at higher risk

October 23, 2023
Updated COVID Boosters Come With Possible Side Effects, But Benefits Still Outweigh Risks
Health|WrittenByLAPost

COVID Cases Creeping Up as Officials Await New Boosters

As COVID-19 cases slowly rise in Los Angeles County, public health officials are anticipating the rollout of updated COVID-19 booster shots targeting the latest Omicron subvariants. The new bivalent booster shots have been tweaked with the goal of providing better protection against the currently dominant strains, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The big question is when the Omicron-specific shots will be available to the public. The CDC expects the updated vaccine rollout to begin in mid to late September, meaning pharmacies will likely start offering the new boosters in October. But who will be eligible

October 23, 2023
COVID Cases Creeping Up as Officials Await New Boosters
Economy|WrittenByLAPost

Drivers Targeted in Rash of Jewelry-for-Cash Schemes, Say Police

 The Bellevue Police Department issued a warning this week advising residents to be vigilant of an emerging scam involving strangers attempting to exchange fake jewelry for cash. According to authorities, incidents of this con, known as the “jewelry exchange” scam, have increased substantially this year with at least 10 cases reported to date. The scam typically begins with criminals flagging down drivers and concocting elaborate stories to convince them the jewelry is real and valuable. They will claim to be down on their luck and in urgent need of gas money or funds for a hotel room. As payment, they

October 23, 2023
Drivers Targeted in Rash of Jewelry-for-Cash Schemes, Say Police
Local|WrittenByLAPost

Small Towns, Big Experiences: Exploring the Charm of California's Central Coast

Blink, and you might miss them—but stay, and you’ll be treated to the big charm of our ten small towns on Highway 1 in California’s picturesque Central Coast. Here, you’ll find fun, flavor, and fantastic views—plus plenty of fins, flippers and feathers, too! Sip bold wines in a quaint tasting room, or find an epic surf spot where the harbor seals are your only competition for waves. Marvel at a kaleidoscope of tens of thousands of Monarch butterflies, tucked just off the roadway. Or glimpse through a tiny window to witness the unparalleled grandeur of Big Sur’s “million-dollar view.” Exploring

October 23, 2023
Small Towns, Big Experiences: Exploring the Charm of California's Central Coast
Business|WrittenByLAPost

Gift Card Fraud Predicted To Hit $228 Million This Year. Stay Alert

Scams have evolved into new, more sophisticated forms in the internet age. According to the Federal Trade Commission’s predictions, scammers are projected to defraud innocent customers of more than $228 million via gift card cons in 2022. This article illuminates these deceptive tactics, offers advice on not falling prey, and provides guidance if you’ve unfortunately already been ensnared by such schemes. Gift card scams typically involve fraudsters convincing victims to buy gift cards and share their numbers, a tactic the FTC has unequivocally labeled as fraudulent. It is critical to remember that any demand for gift card numbers is a

October 23, 2023
Gift Card Fraud Predicted To Hit $228 Million This Year. Stay Alert
Business|WrittenByLAPost

TikToker Cracks Secret Costco Pricing Code: 'Never Miss a Great Deal Again'. Watch the Video.

Costco customers are discovering that the wholesaler’s pricing contains hidden codes that reveal special deals and discounts. A viral TikTok video with over 1.3 million views claims to decode the cent values on Costco’s price tags, uncovering their secret meanings. The key to deciphering Costco’s prices lies in the cents, according to TikTok user Ryan Quinlan. His video breaks down what each price ending allegedly signifies: Prices ending in .99 indicate a regularly priced item. Costco prices most goods at .99. A .97 price denotes a store manager’s deal, exclusive to that location. These prices likely won’t last long. Items

October 23, 2023
TikToker Cracks Secret Costco Pricing Code: 'Never Miss a Great Deal Again'. Watch the Video.
Economy|WrittenByLAPost

Critical Failures in Air Traffic Control Putting Flyers at Risk Across America

Austin, Texas – This past February, air traffic controller Damian Campbell made a serious mistake that almost led to a disastrous jet crash at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport on a chilly, foggy morning. While a FedEx cargo plane was making its last descent to land on the same runway, Campbell gave the order for a Southwest Airlines flight to take off down runway 18L. With visibility extremely low due to heavy fog, the FedEx pilots could not see the Southwest plane until the last possible moment.The FedEx pilots accelerated and used maximum power at the critical moment before the potential crash,

October 20, 2023
Critical Failures in Air Traffic Control Putting Flyers at Risk Across America
Health|WrittenByLAPost

The Hidden Eating Disorder Behavior Ensnaring Millions of Teens

Raising awareness serves as the initial step toward aiding more individuals, especially teenagers. Heidi McLachlan, starting in her youth and spanning over two decades, grappled with a detrimental body image. Her relentless endeavors to prevent weight gain propelled her into a realm of disordered eating behaviors, including anorexia nervosa and chewing and spitting. Chew and spit (CHSP) is a behavior involving the act of chewing food and then intentionally spitting it out, driven by the desire to derive pleasure from the taste without actually consuming the calories. For McLachlan, chewing and spitting began as a symptom of anorexia nervosa —

October 19, 2023
The Hidden Eating Disorder Behavior Ensnaring Millions of Teens
World|WrittenByLAPost

UM-Flint Nursing Student Killed by Ex in Multi-State Tragedy

Last week, the life of Gina Bryant, a promising young nursing student at the University of Michigan-Flint, was tragically cut short. The 25-year-old was shot and killed on October 12 by her former boyfriend, Justin Wendling, who then took his own life at a rest stop in Iowa. The murder-suicide spanned three states and appeared to be linked to a history of domestic violence in their relationship, police said. Bryant was killed after family members believe she was abducted from her home in Macomb Township, Michigan where she lived. Her mother and sister had helped her move out just weeks

October 19, 2023
UM-Flint Nursing Student Killed by Ex in Multi-State Tragedy
World|WrittenByLAPost

After 18 Years, Confession Reveals Brutal Details in Holloway Murder Case. Listen to the Audio.

After nearly two decades, Joran van der Sloot has finally confessed in chilling detail to the brutal murder of Natalee Holloway in Aruba in 2005. In a newly released 3 minute and 45 second audio recording, van der Sloot calmly describes to investigators how he killed the 18-year-old Alabama high school student after she rejected his sexual advances on a beach. The fresh evidence comes as shocking evidence in the mysterious high-profile cold case.  Although he was never legally indicted, Van der Sloot was long suspected of being behind Holloway’s abduction. N Now 36 years old, he was convicted of

October 19, 2023
After 18 Years, Confession Reveals Brutal Details in Holloway Murder Case. Listen to the Audio.
Health|WrittenByLAPost

Do Your Dreams Keep Playing on Repeat? Here's What It Could Mean

Recurring dreams are a fascinating phenomenon that has intrigued psychologists, sleep scientists, and dream researchers for years. These are dreams that you experience repeatedly, often with the same theme or narrative. Mostly, recurring dreams are a common cause of anxiety and confusion for the individuals who experience them. However, this needn’t be the case for everyone. Let’s delve deep into the reality of recurring dreams and how to deal with them. Recurring dreams are not the same as your usual dreams. They’re a unique class of dreams that repeat themselves, often with the same theme or narrative. Whether the dream

October 19, 2023
Do Your Dreams Keep Playing on Repeat? Here's What It Could Mean
Health|WrittenByLAPost

Coffee or Tea - Which Gives You the Health Advantage? 

Each morning, as the streets of New York become infused with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and tea, the longstanding debate persists: which beverage holds greater benefits for human health? Recent research has shown fascinating clues that indicate both espresso and tea may include ingredients that are beneficial to living a longer, healthier life. An extensive research monitored half a million people in Britain for more than a decade; the country is well-known for its avid tea consumers.  The results were striking: individuals consuming at least two cups of tea daily had a 9-13% reduced likelihood of passing away

October 19, 2023
Coffee or Tea - Which Gives You the Health Advantage? 
Technology|WrittenByLAPost

Cable TV's Profits Dwindle as Streaming Services Rise

Cable TV, once a dominant force in the television industry, is facing an uncertain future as streaming services disrupt traditional business models. Recent disputes between major players foreshadow the challenges ahead as companies walk a fine line between maintaining lucrative cable deals while also positioning themselves for the streaming era. The tremors rocking cable TV were felt earlier this year in a standoff between Disney and Charter Communications, one of the largest cable providers. Charter CEO Chris Winfrey threatened to drop Disney channels, claiming they had diminishing value as Disney put more content on its streaming platforms. The two sides

October 18, 2023
Cable TV's Profits Dwindle as Streaming Services Rise
Health|WrittenByLAPost

Finding Camaraderie in New Friends and New Digs at a Retirement Community

As baby boomers reach their golden years, an increasing number are choosing to live in retirement communities. While retirement homes offer many benefits, from social activities to assisted care, the transition can also pose difficulties. Understanding the pros and cons of retirement living can help seniors make the best choice for their needs. Recent studies by the National Institute on Aging show that over 30% of Americans over 65 now reside in some type of retirement community. This represents a major shift, as past generations largely lived independently or with family in their later years. The rise of retirement homes

October 18, 2023
Finding Camaraderie in New Friends and New Digs at a Retirement Community
Business|WrittenByLAPost

Ordering in? Add a few bucks for blazing-fast delivery

Craving piping hot takeout, stat? Take it from the experts—your food won’t arrive crazy fast unless you cough up the minimum tip. Ordering delivery with just a few quick taps on your phone has become second nature. But while Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub make takeout easy, they don’t always guarantee fresh, lightning-fast service. Turns out, a fleeting factor determines whether your pad thai arrives lukewarm or mouth-wateringly hot and quick: the tip. Deliverers working as independent contractors rely on your generosity, not hourly pay. So when that growling stomach calls, how much should you tip to make sure your

October 17, 2023
Ordering in? Add a few bucks for blazing-fast delivery
Travel|WrittenByLAPost

Passport Delays Leave Travelers Frustrated and Scrambling

Applying for or renewing a passport has become an exercise in patience for many Americans in 2022. Processing times have slowed dramatically, with some waiting half a year or more to receive their new passport or get their expired one renewed. The delays stem largely from rampant demand as pandemic restrictions have eased combined with staffing shortages at the agency that issues passports, the State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs. The bureau says it is working to hire more passport agency employees to tackle the backlog, but in the meantime many travelers seeking passports are left frustrated and in limbo.

October 17, 2023
Passport Delays Leave Travelers Frustrated and Scrambling
Technology|WrittenByLAPost

AI-generated identity fraud steals billions as banks struggle to keep pace

Financial institutions are working hard to stop a growing trend of fake identity theft made possible by advanced AI technologies. A new poll of 500 scam experts from banks, credit agencies, and other finance companies shows that this quickly spreading threat, which costs lenders tens of billions of dollars yearly, makes them very nervous. These scams use AI to make fake customer identities to open fake accounts and steal money. This crime is expected to snowball as fraudsters use AI to make more believable fake identities on a large scale. With sophisticated algorithms automatically accepting fake applications, clever fake identities

October 17, 2023
AI-generated identity fraud steals billions as banks struggle to keep pace
Environment|WrittenByLAPost

How Birdsongs Can Transform Your Mental Well-being

Recent studies have shown that the presence of birds and listening to their calming melodies may have a significant impact on one’s state of mind in today’s fast-paced world. These winged companions, contrary to popular belief, may have a significant impact on our mental health just by sharing our space. The correlation between nature-based pursuits like birdwatching and overall happiness has been repeatedly supported by scientific research. Birds are a remarkable connection between people and the vast natural world since they are everywhere in our ecosystem. Their soothing tunes may be heard through the thickest of forest cover, bringing with

October 17, 2023
How Birdsongs Can Transform Your Mental Well-being
Economy|WrittenByLAPost

Landlords Adapt to Market Shifts, Offer Attractive Incentives

Landlords across the country are adjusting to the changing rental market by giving enticing incentives in numerous regions, indicating a considerable readjustment in a market that had previously appeared unstoppable. The U.S. rental market has surprising tendencies, despite its traditional stability and periodic growth. Redfin reports that the national median rent for a single-family home is currently $2,052, which is virtually unchanged from last year’s all-time high. Several property owners are using unusually large rent discounts and even rent-free periods to attract new tenants. New data from the St. Louis Federal Reserve shows that the rental vacancy rate has risen

October 17, 2023
Landlords Adapt to Market Shifts, Offer Attractive Incentives
Environment|WrittenByLAPost

Toxic Algae Outbreak Sickens Sea Lions in California

A sudden surge of sick and dying sea lions and dolphins washing up on Southern California beaches has experts concerned about a neurotoxin caused by algae blooms along the coast. This outbreak of so-called “red tide” algae has produced a toxin known as domoic acid, which can be fatal to marine mammals and other sea life when ingested. As of June 27th, the Marine Mammal Care Center in San Pedro has taken in over 60 sick sea lions in just two weeks. John Warner, CEO of the center, said it “started as a trickle” but quickly escalated. Between June 8-14,

October 17, 2023
Toxic Algae Outbreak Sickens Sea Lions in California

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