The Los Angeles Post
California & Local
U.S. World Business Lifestyle
Games
Today: March 22, 2025
Today: March 22, 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

Lifestyle|Entertainment|Opinion|WrittenByLAPost

'Stucktopia': why it feels like nothing ever changes

Life in the first half of the 2020s can feel somewhat like sitting in a waiting room. We pass the time, but nothing much seems to change. On the surface, this is surprising. Politics, technology and the climate have rapidly changed the way we all live. So it’s hard to see and understand why we all feel so stuck. Literary critic Hillary Kelly may have an explanation. In an opinion piece for the New York Times, she describes a concept she calls “stucktopia,” which names a world that is not wholly bad, but rather agonizingly unchanging. America is like this,

'Stucktopia': why it feels like nothing ever changes
Business|Local|News|US|WrittenByLAPost

‘Starbucks Monday’: how to get free coffee in Los Angeles

A fifteen-second ad aired during the Super Bowl gives few details. “Free coffee on us 2.10.2025” the spot reads, between clips of baristas opening a Starbucks store set to AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck.” The chain of coffee houses is offering complimentary 12-ounce hot or iced coffees Monday to members of its loyalty program. To receive the beverage, customers must download the Starbucks app, and then order either online or in person. A map of Starbucks locations in Los Angeles can be found on the company’s website. Some locations may not participate in the promotion. The deal is likely intended to promote changes

‘Starbucks Monday’: how to get free coffee in Los Angeles
Local|Environment|News|WrittenByLAPost

Flood advisories expire across SoCal; chance of ‘atmospheric river’ remains for next week

The National Weather Service allowed flood advisories to expire early Friday for parts of Los Angeles and Ventura Counties, but said that stronger storms remain possible through Feb. 15 as a result of a second atmospheric river.

Flood advisories expire across SoCal; chance of ‘atmospheric river’ remains for next week
Business|Americas|Economy|Local|News|WrittenByLAPost

Costa Mesa-based owner of Volcom, Quiksilver, Billabong to shutter US stores

Liberated Brands, the owner of clothing chains Volcom, Quiksilver and Billabong, announced Thursday that it would close all its locations in the United States and file for bankruptcy in the coming weeks.

Costa Mesa-based owner of Volcom, Quiksilver, Billabong to shutter US stores
Asia|Europe|News|WrittenByLAPost

Aga Khan IV, Muslim leader and philanthropist, dies at 88

Prince Karim Al-Husseini, Imam, or leader, of the Ismaili Muslims and chair of the Aga Khan Development Network, passed away Tuesday in Lisbon, Portugal. His son, Prince Rahim Aga Khan, was named in his will as successor.

Aga Khan IV, Muslim leader and philanthropist, dies at 88
Election|Local|News|Opinion|Political

Immigration protests commence across L.A.; Spring street demonstration dispersed

Protests against the federal government’s plan to deport millions of undocumented immigrants began Sunday and continued into Monday across Los Angeles. Protestors demonstrating against a planned increase in federal deportations blocked major downtown thoroughfares Sunday. The 101 Freeway was closed near Boyle Heights until 6 p.m., while Spring Street was closed from 1st Street to Temple Street until 1 p.m. Videos of the demonstration show participants holding flags and signs opposing Trump administration immigration policies. Some people can be seen spray painting graffiti and setting off fireworks. Around 6 p.m., authorities claimed that the event lacked necessary permits, and moved

Immigration protests commence across L.A.; Spring street demonstration dispersed
WrittenByLAPost|Entertainment|Local|News

Nirvana reunites for first performance in 11 years at FireAid

Drummer Dave Grohl and bassist Krist Novoselic performed under the Nirvana name Thursday in a surprise performance at the FireAid benefit concert in Los Angeles. 

Nirvana reunites for first performance in 11 years at FireAid
US|Crime

Amber Alert Issued Across SoCal for Murder, Abduction Suspect

The California Highway Patrol issued an Amber Alert across much of Central and Southern California Wednesday as authorities searched for a man suspect of killing a woman in Kings County and abducting their two young daughters.

Amber Alert Issued Across SoCal for Murder, Abduction Suspect
Local|Economy|News

Newsom announces fire recovery fund with $100 million donation from Dodger leadership

Gov. Gavin Newsom announced an initiative Tuesday to support rebuilding efforts in areas affected by the Southern California Wildfires. 

Newsom announces fire recovery fund with $100 million donation from Dodger leadership
Entertainment|Local|WrittenByLAPost

Disney Lunar New Year celebrations to continue through Feb. 16

Lunar New Year, in the Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese calendars, will take place next week, celebrated with festivities across the world. As in previous years, Disney is set to hold a range of festivities at California Adventure Park in Anaheim. 

Disney Lunar New Year celebrations to continue through Feb. 16
WrittenByLAPost|Environment|Local|News

Rains ease across SoCal; no severe mudslides reported

Long-awaited rainfall was easing throughout Southern California Monday, without having generated the floods feared in the wake of the local fires.

Rains ease across SoCal; no severe mudslides reported
Local|News|Travel|WrittenByLAPost

I-5 closed through Grapevine due to snow and ice

A portion of Interstate 5 running from Parker Road in Castaic to Grapevine Road in Lebec was closed Sunday night due to snow and rain. As of Monday morning, traffic is still blocked in both directions.

I-5 closed through Grapevine due to snow and ice
US|Americas|Economy|Election|Local|News|Political|WrittenByLAPost

L.A. agencies attempt to adapt to immigration crackdown

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

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

How to prepare for the next fire in LA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Inglewood Man's Conviction Upheld Pomona Woman's Murder

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

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

LA County Defends Decision Not to Evacuate Juvenile Hall

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

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

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

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

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

A list of free or discounted resources for wildfire evacuees

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

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

What do the different evacuation terms mean? Terminology explained

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

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

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

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

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

Dangerous windstorm brings fire weather to SoCal

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

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

2025 MPSE Golden Reel nominations announced

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

2025 MPSE Golden Reel nominations announced

Follow