Today: September 21, 2024
Today: September 21, 2024

Latest From Nahal Garakani

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
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
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|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
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%
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
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.
World|WrittenByLAPost

From Attack to Justice: Female Crime Scene Investigator Survives Point-Blank Ambush. Watch the Video.

In the middle of an ordinary April evening in 2022, crime scene investigator Nicki Lenway found herself in a unique and potentially life-threatening situation. Someone approached her as she was walking to pick up her kid from a parenting program and shot him many times. Lenway was horribly injured in the horrific incident that took place in a public parking lot, yet he amazingly survived. This event is a horrifying illustration of real-life crime and intrigue, with all the markings of a film thriller. Lenway had just picked up Callahan, then five, from the FamilyWise parenting center at about 7:30

October 07, 2023
From Attack to Justice: Female Crime Scene Investigator Survives Point-Blank Ambush. Watch the Video.
Travel|Local

Leave your car at home and explore the beach with free trolley rides in Los Angeles

Planning to hit the beaches in Orange County this summer? Leave the car at home and jump on a free trolley instead. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, you can ride free trolleys in Dana Point, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Laguna Beach, Laguna Niguel, and Newport Balboa Peninsula. These trolleys make beach trips in Los Angeles, easy, without the hassle of parking or gas costs. The Newport Balboa Peninsula trolley runs on Saturdays and Sundays from May 25 to September 2. With 22 stops, you can check out places like Balboa Village & Fun Zone and Lido Marina Village.

June 12, 2024
Leave your car at home and explore the beach with free trolley rides in Los Angeles
Travel|Local

LA, want a slice of reality TV? New Bravo pop-up has you covered

Los Angeles and New York City are gearing up to welcome a new Bravo TV-themed cocktail bar experience called the Diamonds and Rosé Experience. Expected to draw reality TV enthusiasts, this immersive bar will officially open on August 2 in New York City and on August 9 in Los Angeles. The Diamonds and Rosé Experience is created by Bucket Listers, known for their Malibu Barbie Cafe in NYC and The Golden Girls Kitchen in Miami. This new attraction targets fans of Bravo TV’s reality shows, offering themed cocktails and mocktails named after popular programs. Expect drinks like the Pumptini, reminiscent

June 12, 2024
LA, want a slice of reality TV? New Bravo pop-up has you covered
Travel|Local

Sun, sand, and serenity: Unveiling LA's best-kept beach secrets

With miles of coveted coastline, some of the best beaches in Los Angeles are the most sought after for sunning, surfing and simply enjoying the sand and sea. From celebrity-studded Malibu to laidback Long Beach, these sun-kissed havens offer the quintessential SoCal lifestyle. As summer approaches, Angelenos look forward to more carefree days enjoying the ultimate luxury: a wealth of beloved beaches. Here is the list of the best beaches in Los Angeles you can’t miss this summer. Santa Monica ranks as the crown jewel despite its reputation for being overcrowded and expensive. Its iconic Santa Monica Pier, bustling Third

June 07, 2024
Sun, sand, and serenity: Unveiling LA's best-kept beach secrets
Travel|Local

Uncover the hidden gems: A guide to LA's most unique swimming holes

Nestled in California’s majestic forests and canyons lies a siren call for adventure-seekers and nature-lovers alike. Discover LA’s hidden swimming holes, offering adventure and peace from the soon to be summer heat. As temperatures rise and Angelenos start to seek alternatives to crowded beaches, hidden gems like Eaton Canyon Falls and Bridge to Nowhere lure hordes with their Instagram-worthy beauty. It’s no wonder why. “It’s an oasis that seems almost too good to be true,” says Sara Sampson, 37, an avid hiker who commonly explores trails surrounding the inland swimming holes. “You hike for over an hour, sweat pouring in

May 17, 2024
Uncover the hidden gems: A guide to LA's most unique swimming holes
Travel|Local|WrittenByLAPost

Ditch the 405 for the open road: L.A.'s top road trip destinations

With Summer right around the corner, life opens up many fun weekend getaways, many of which are just a short drive from Los Angeles. From the calming vibe of Palm Springs to the misty redwood groves of Big Sur, the Golden State offers a wide range of possibilities. With such a diverse range of choices spanning the region, venturing out of the city provides the perfect opportunity to escape to the congestion and commotion of urban living. The drive is just long enough to reach a trip to Ventura, a perfect weekend gateway and an unhurried beach community with small-town

May 03, 2024
Ditch the 405 for the open road: L.A.'s top road trip destinations
Travel|Local|WrittenByLAPost

Seeking serenity in LA? Explore these secret gardens

Among the unique concrete landscape of Los Angeles, the city has many hidden gems, parks and gardens tucked-away These secret green spaces provide a tranquil retreat from the bustling noise and crowds of the urban environment. Scattered around the metropolitan area, these parks offer an opportunity to escape the concrete surroundings and immerse oneself in serene, verdant havens. The heart of Echo Park is graced by the stately “Nuestra Reina de Los Ángeles” statue standing sentry. This lush sanctuary invites picnickers to feast on delicacies from nearby vendors, savoring from traditional carts and piping hot pizza slices. At the same

May 02, 2024
Seeking serenity in LA? Explore these secret gardens
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
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.
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
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
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|Economy|WrittenByLAPost

This Tesla owner's annual charging bill will have you rethinking EV

In a groundbreaking revelation, a Tesla owner has gone viral online by revealing their shockingly low yearly electric cost of just $2.37 to charge their vehicle. This tiny figure has reignited debates about the real costs of running an electric car compared to gas-powered vehicles. The Tesla driver, known only as @Tesla_GTownTX, shared a screengrab of their utility statement showing the $2.37 balance owed after 12 months of charging their Tesla. As the story spread getting thousands of responses, many were surprised at how little electricity was required, thinking it would negate any fuel savings. However, the likely reason for

May 07, 2024
This Tesla owner's annual charging bill will have you rethinking EV
Technology|WrittenByLAPost

Apple's baffling lockout bug: Are your devices at risk?

A strange and concerning bug has been plaguing some Apple users over the past few days. People are reporting being randomly signed out of their Apple ID accounts across all of their devices without explanation. When they try to sign back in using their current passwords, they find themselves locked out of their accounts entirely. This has left many Apple customers understandably frustrated and worried about securing their devices and data. The issue seems to have started occurring last Friday, April 26th according to reports from the technology news site 9to5Mac. Affected users say they were simply using their Apple

May 02, 2024
Apple's baffling lockout bug: Are your devices at risk?
Technology|WrittenByLAPost

Authorities are warning the public of a new police impersonation scam

A new wave of scam phone calls has been flooding Southern California, leaving authorities scrambling to protect residents from these slick crooks behind the shady ruse. The underhanded operators are pretending to be police in a shameless attempt to swindle cash from unsuspecting folks. The underhanded scheme kicks off with scammers dialing up locals and spinning a tall tale about bogus outstanding arrest warrants that need settling immediately. They falsely claim to hail from the Simi Valley Police Department and instruct rattled victims to fork over funds by calling a phony number. But this is an outright lie – the

April 29, 2024
Authorities are warning the public of a new police impersonation scam
Technology|WrittenByLAPost

Why did U.S. officials stop investigating radiation research?

Abruptly and without scientific justification, federal agencies have halted further research into potential health risks from cellphone radiation exposure. This stunning reversal comes despite decades of concerning animal studies indicating serious harms. The National Toxicology Program (NTP), tasked with investigating toxins, recently announced it will no longer pursue evidence that cellphone radiation can harm animals or humans. This flies in the face of their own two-year rodent studies published in 2018, which found “clear evidence” linking cellphone radiation to brain and heart tumors in male rats. “There’s no scientific explanation or justification for this sudden reversal,” said Devra Davis, a

March 13, 2024
Why did U.S. officials stop investigating radiation research?

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