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Today: July 15, 2025
Today: July 15, 2025
Zakir Jamal

Zakir Jamal

Staff Writer

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

Latest From Zakir Jamal

Entertainment

Film professionals turn to vertical dramas as slack Hollywood schedule drags on

Amid a slowdown in Hollywood production, film professionals have begun seeking employment in a little-covered corner of the motion picture industry: vertical-form features. Apps such as ReelShort and Dramabox stream full-length films broken into episodes of just one to three minutes. Viewers swipe from episode to episode on an interface resembling that of TikTok or Instagram Reels. The series are meant to be watched on phones held upright; it would make little sense to ever show them on a television or theatre screen. Users are given a certain number of free episodes for each series, usually representing the first twenty

Film professionals turn to vertical dramas as slack Hollywood schedule drags on
Celebrity|Crime|Entertainment|News|WrittenByLAPost

Tory Lanez reportedly hospitalized after stabbing at Tehachapi Prison

Canadian rapper Tory Lanez has reportedly been rushed to the hospital after being stabbed by another inmate. The incident took place on the grounds of the California Correctional Institution at Tehachapi Monday, TMZ reported. The outlet’s sources said the stabbing occurred in the prison’s yard, and that Lanez’s injury was not life-threatening. No motive was identified.  Lanez is serving the second year of a 10 year prison sentence for shooting rapper Megan Thee Stallion in 2020. Megan testified in court that Lanez had shot at her feet as she walked away from the vehicle in which the pair had been

Tory Lanez reportedly hospitalized after stabbing at Tehachapi Prison
Local|Environment|News|WrittenByLAPost

‘Mini heat wave’ to bring near-record temps to SoCal this weekend

Mother’s Day may be perfect for a trip to the beach this year. The National Weather Service has put out an advisory for a “mini heat wave.”

‘Mini heat wave’ to bring near-record temps to SoCal this weekend
Local|News|WrittenByLAPost

1 student killed, 2 injured in Santa Ana High School stabbing

Three students were transported to the hospital Wednesday afternoon after a stabbing attack outside Santa Ana High School.

1 student killed, 2 injured in Santa Ana High School stabbing
Local|Environment|Health|News|WrittenByLAPost

L.A. released thousands of mosquitoes last year. They could be helping prevent infectious disease.

In 2023, some districts in Southern California announced a plan to reduce the number of invasive mosquitoes.

L.A. released thousands of mosquitoes last year. They could be helping prevent infectious disease.
Local|News|WrittenByLAPost

3 dead, 9 missing after panga boat capsizes off San Diego coast

A densely-packed "panga"-style boat capsized off the coast of San Diego Monday, leaving three passengers dead, four injured, and nine missing.

3 dead, 9 missing after panga boat capsizes off San Diego coast
Sports|Celebrity|Local|News|WrittenByLAPost

LeBron James says ‘I don’t know the answer to that right now’ when asked about retirement

As has been the case after the last several Lakers seasons, LeBron James refused to comment on his plans for the future.  “I don’t have an answer to that,” the player told reporters during his post-game press conference Wednesday night. “Something I’ll sit down with my family, my wife and my support group and kind of just talk through it and see what happens.” James’ contract includes a player option, which would allow him to return for an additional year at a salary of $52.6 million, if he so chooses. Additionally, his son, Bronny James, is under contract with the

LeBron James says ‘I don’t know the answer to that right now’ when asked about retirement
Celebrity|News|Sports|US|WrittenByLAPost

Jeff Sperbeck, business partner of John Elway, dies after golf cart accident

Jeff Sperbeck, the business partner and former agent of former quarterback John Elway, died at 62-years-old Wednesday. He had reportedly been hospitalized after falling from a golf cart driven by Elway on the evening of April 26. The Riverside County Coroner said in a press release Sperbeck had died at 1:10 a.m., and his family had been notified. According to TMZ, Sperbeck was riding on the back of the golf cart when he fell, hitting his head on the asphalt. CAL FIRE officers transported him to a trauma center, but did not disclose his condition at the time. The Riverside

Jeff Sperbeck, business partner of John Elway, dies after golf cart accident
Business|Economy|Local|News|Political|WrittenByLAPost

55,000 County workers strike over alleged labor violations

Tens of thousands of Los Angeles County employees began a strike Monday evening, alleging their employer had failed to negotiate with the union.

55,000 County workers strike over alleged labor violations
Celebrity|Entertainment|Local|News|US|WrittenByLAPost

Beyoncé to commence Cowboy Carter Tour at SoFi

Monday night, Beyoncé kicks off her “Cowboy Carter Tour” at Inglewood’s SoFi Stadium. The singer has five performances booked at that venue.

Beyoncé to commence Cowboy Carter Tour at SoFi
Economy|Americas|Business|Local|News|US|WrittenByLAPost

Port of L.A. Director: ‘In two weeks time, arrivals will drop by 35%’ due to tariffs

The Executive Director of the Port of Los Angeles predicted Thursday that arrivals at his port would drop by more than a third in the coming weeks.

Port of L.A. Director: ‘In two weeks time, arrivals will drop by 35%’ due to tariffs
Environment|Health|Local|News|WrittenByLAPost

Los Angeles named ‘smoggiest city’ by American Lung Association for 25th time

Smog in Los Angeles is a fraction of what it once was. But according to the American Lung Association, it’s still the worst in the country. The organization released its annual “State of the Air” report Wednesday, detailing the level of harmful matter in the air across the U.S. The report grades cities on three types of pollution: ozone, also known as smog, as well as the number of harmful particles in the air on a year-round basis, and the number of individual days with elevated particulate levels. L.A. ranked worst in the country for its number of high-ozone days,

Los Angeles named ‘smoggiest city’ by American Lung Association for 25th time
Economy|Local|News|WrittenByLAPost

L.A. housing construction plummets in first quarter, according to analysts

Los Angeles developers received over 56% fewer permits to build housing units in the first quarter of 2025, compared to the same period last year.

L.A. housing construction plummets in first quarter, according to analysts
Sports|Local|News|WrittenByLAPost

Kings set to face Oilers in round one of Stanley Cup Playoffs: preview

The Los Angeles Kings will play the Edmonton Oilers in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs starting April 21.

Kings set to face Oilers in round one of Stanley Cup Playoffs: preview
News|Entertainment|US|WrittenByLAPost

Fyre Festival 2 stops ticket sales for Mexico event

Three years ago, Billy McFarland was released from prison on charges related to the failure of Fyre Festival. The event, which had advertised itself as a luxury Bahamian concert series, delivered only disaster relief tents and cheese sandwiches. Shortly after McFarland was released, he announced plans to revive the Festival. By Thursday morning, McFarland’s organization began to cancel tickets to the sequel. Some ticket holders reported receiving refunds, while the festival announced it was scouting new locations. Fyre Festival 2 was announced in 2023. Promotional materials once again touted an ultra-upscale event, in stark contrast to the dusty campgrounds which

Fyre Festival 2 stops ticket sales for Mexico event
Americas|Sports|WrittenByLAPost

Ex-Lakers player Carmelo Anthony to expand cannabis brand to New York

Retired basketball player Carmelo Anthony, who finished his career with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2022, announced the roll-out of his cannabis brand, STAYME70, in New York Monday. STAYME70, pronounced “Stay Melo,” describes itself as a purveyor of “couture cannabis.” Offerings include premium vaporizers and cannabis flower products. Its products have been available on the West Coast since 2024. “I’m excited to be launching the debut of STAYME7O in New York,” Anthony said. “New York is home, and bringing this project to life here feels incredibly personal and full circle. This isn’t just about cannabis—it’s about empowering our communities, uplifting

Ex-Lakers player Carmelo Anthony to expand cannabis brand to New York
Entertainment|News

Euphoria and Grey’s Anatomy actor Eric Dane diagnosed with ALS

Eric Dane, an actor best known as Cal Jacobs in “Euphoria," announced Thursday he had been diagnosed with ALS.

Euphoria and Grey’s Anatomy actor Eric Dane diagnosed with ALS
Arts|Celebrity|Entertainment|Local|News|WrittenByLAPost

Weezer bassist to play Coachella despite wife’s arrest

Scott Schriner, bassist for the rock band Weezer, will perform at Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival this weekend despite his wife’s shooting and arrest on attempted murder charges.

Weezer bassist to play Coachella despite wife’s arrest
Local|News|WrittenByLAPost

4 killed, 2 injured in Santa Ana crash, including 2 sets of sisters

Details continue to emerge about the deadly Santa Ana crash which killed four people and sent two others to the hospital Saturday night. “Based on the preliminary investigation, it is believed that the vehicle was travelling at a high rate of speed westbound on Sergerstrom Avenue when it collided against a tree. At this time, we can confirm that four people have been pronounced deceased, two are at the hospital, one of which is in critical condition and one of which is in stable condition,” said Natalie Garcia, a spokesperson for the Santa Ana Police Department, in a recorded statement.

4 killed, 2 injured in Santa Ana crash, including 2 sets of sisters
Lifestyle|Local|News|WrittenByLAPost

“Nurse Hailey,” nursing influencer, passes away in childbirth after amniotic fluid embolism

Hailey Okula, a Los Angeles-based nurse who operated a popular Instagram account posting videos about life in her profession, has passed away, her husband Matt Okula announced Wednesday. “It is with the heaviest of heart that I share the devastating news of the unexpected passing of my beautiful wife, Hailey Marie Okula, due to complications from childbirth,” Matt said in a post on Hailey’s page. The couple’s child, Crew, was delivered successfully and is in good health. In an interview with Fox 11, Matt reported that Hailey died of cardiac arrest following an amniotic fluid embolism, a rare post-birth emergency

“Nurse Hailey,” nursing influencer, passes away in childbirth after amniotic fluid embolism
Business|Local|News|WrittenByLAPost

Rick Caruso’s Palisades Village Mall announces potential reopening plans

The Palisades Village Mall almost burned to the ground. In January, the Palisades Fire ravaged the surrounding neighborhood, destroying over 6,000 structures in the affluent seaside community. The ritzy mall, however, was protected by private firefighters. Rick Caruso — the eponymous founder of Caruso, the real estate group which owns Palisades Village — said in an interview with ABC7 the mall could reopen in early 2026. As of early April, the surrounding neighborhood has not been cleaned, nor have the streets been reopened, Caruso said. As a result, his company has had to wait to perform needed restoration work. During

Rick Caruso’s Palisades Village Mall announces potential reopening plans
Environment|News|US|WrittenByLAPost

Silver Fire prompts evacuation order in Inyo County

The Silver Fire has prompted an evacuation order for parts of Inyo County, and the closure of Highway 6 in both directions.

Silver Fire prompts evacuation order in Inyo County
Lifestyle|Local|WrittenByLAPost

Muslim communities across L.A. prepare for Eid al-Fitr, end of Ramadan

Eid al-Fitr, or the Festival of the Breaking of the Fast, occurs on the first of the Muslim month of Shawwal. Because the Islamic calendar is based on the cycles of the moon as it is visible from the ground, the beginning of Eid will not be confirmed until the crescent moon is sighted.

Muslim communities across L.A. prepare for Eid al-Fitr, end of Ramadan
Sports|Local|News

Dodgers acquire pitcher Noah Davis, will open North American season vs Tigers in L.A.

The Los Angeles Dodgers ended their preseason with a trade Thursday, just hours before they’re set to play their first game of the regular season at home against the Detroit Tigers.

Dodgers acquire pitcher Noah Davis, will open North American season vs Tigers in L.A.
Sports|Local|News|WrittenByLAPost

Angels release former first-overall pick Mickey Moniak after arbitration

The L.A. Angels have elected to release outfielder Mickey Moniak from his contract after the outfielder won $2 million in arbitration.

Angels release former first-overall pick Mickey Moniak after arbitration

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