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What, exactly, defines a "laser incident?" A laser being pointed at a plane that can temporarily blind pilots or permanently damage their eyesight. The FAA says that many of the laser-situations involve planes that are in the middle of takeoffs and landings, the most dangerous phases of flight when "pilots need to be at their most alert" and is reminding the public that it is a violation of federal law to shine a laser at an aircraft.
The Huffington Post notes that the lasers are many times more powerful than lasers used by lecturers and that Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood called the laser incidents "an unacceptable risk to passenger safety."
LAX had more of these "incidents" than any other airport in the country last year. No word on what is being done at LAX to prevent further laser-pointing at pilots.
Fentanyl and other drugs fuel record deaths among people experiencing homelessness in L.A. County. From 2019 to 2021, deaths jumped 70% to more than 2,200 in a single year.
