Lori Aratani
Lori Aratani
@loriara.bsky.social
Washington Post reporter covering aviation and transportation innovation. Tips and story ideas welcome. Old school email: [email protected]
It's been a year of difficult weeks for the families who lost loved ones in last year's midair collision near National Airport that killed 67. Some said they are finding comfort in their advocacy work and in being together for this week's sad anniversary. www.washingtonpost.com/transportati...
After the deadly DCA crash, some airspace rules have changed. Is it enough?
Officials have taken steps to make the airspace near Reagan National Airport safer but experts say more work is needed to prevent a repeat of the tragedy that killed 67 people.
www.washingtonpost.com
January 26, 2026 at 5:39 PM
❄️=🍞🥛(alas no toilet paper emoji(
❄️ Odds rising for one of D.C.’s biggest winter storms in years
Heavy snow/ice late Sat into early Monday, w/ bitter cold.
Several inches likely, double digits plausible.
Temps: Teens to low 20s.
Still 4–5 days out, details evolving.
Briefing link: www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2026...
Odds rising for one of D.C.’s biggest winter storms in years this weekend
The snow and perhaps ice, accompanied by bitter and long-lasting cold, could cause major disruptions to schools, airports and businesses Sunday into next week.
www.washingtonpost.com
January 21, 2026 at 4:54 PM
Was surprised to learn there wasn't a crash test dummy specifically modeled on a woman -- until now. Meet THOR-5F: www.washingtonpost.com/transportati...
This new crash test dummy could keep women safer in car accidents
While regulators have been testing crash impacts for decades, there’s a dearth of data on women, who face a higher risk of death in auto accidents.
www.washingtonpost.com
January 12, 2026 at 2:11 PM
New year, new hobby? Some fun suggestions here: www.washingtonpost.com/home/2026/01...
12 of-the-moment hobbies to try this year
Take up fencing. Befriend a crow. Anything is better than scrolling on your phone.
www.washingtonpost.com
January 8, 2026 at 3:53 PM
Your brain is biased to negativity. Here’s how to be more positive.
www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/202...
Your brain is biased to negativity. Here’s how to be more positive.
Negativity bias may have evolved to help us survive. But it also can ramp up our anxiety.
www.washingtonpost.com
December 16, 2025 at 5:36 PM
New study shows how your brain changes at four key ages: 9, 32, 66 and 83 --https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2025/12/09/five-phases-brain-structure-changes/
New study shows how your brain changes at four key ages: 9, 32, 66 and 83
New research finds that brain development is not linear. There are distinct phases with unique characteristics.
www.washingtonpost.com
December 9, 2025 at 2:53 PM
For some fliers, the indignities of modern air travel don’t deserve their formalwear. www.washingtonpost.com/travel/2025/...
Travelers wear pajamas to airports in protest of government request
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy asked travelers to skip the pajamas and slippers. Many said: Nah, we’re good.
www.washingtonpost.com
December 4, 2025 at 3:33 PM
And with this, airlines are now firmly focused on Thanksgiving. Let's hope Mother Nature cooperates. www.washingtonpost.com/transportati...
FAA lifts all flight cuts, says normal operations can resume
The restrictions will be lifted Monday, transportation authorities said, after mandating cuts during the shutdown that caused thousands of cancellations and delays.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 17, 2025 at 1:39 PM
Explore the ways animals and plants protect human health and what’s at stake when species are endangered. www.washingtonpost.com/climate-envi...
50 species that save us
Explore the ways animals and plants protect human health and what’s at stake when species are endangered.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 14, 2025 at 1:47 PM
🪙
After 232 years, the U.S. Mint has retired the penny.

The end of its production comes amid a years-long farce of the government producing coins that cost more to make than they are worth. https://wapo.st/47DdYAZ
November 12, 2025 at 11:54 PM
Reposted by Lori Aratani
This new dating app matches people through their shared love of dogs.

There’s even an option to make a profile for your pup.
People are tired of dating apps. Can dogs help?
A new dating app matches people through their shared love of dogs. There’s even an option to make a profile for your pup.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 12, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Northern lights danced above the U.S. Will there be more aurora tonight? www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2025...
Northern lights danced above the U.S. Will there be more aurora tonight?
Skywatchers in northern Maryland, Central Virginia and near the Chesapeake Bay witnessed shimmering curtains of pink, purple and green.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 12, 2025 at 1:23 PM
Could be a tough day for travelers. Let us know what you are seeing out there and whether you are running into any trouble: www.washingtonpost.com/transportati...
Travelers brace for turmoil as flight cuts kick in at major U.S. airports
Airlines have canceled more than 1,000 flights to comply with a shutdown-related FAA directive to reduce traffic at 40 airports, including Atlanta, Chicago and Dallas.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 7, 2025 at 2:48 PM
D.C. ‘sandwich guy’ goes on trial, says prosecution is half-baked: www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/202...
D.C. ‘sandwich guy’ goes on trial, says prosecution is half-baked
Authorities initially sought to charge Sean C. Dunn with a felony. But grand jurors declined to indict, and prosecutors downgraded the charge to a misdemeanor.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 5, 2025 at 1:23 AM
For the president, the party out of power and more, there is a lot at stake at the ballot box in Virginia, New Jersey, New York and California. www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
Five big questions for Trump and Democrats on Election Day 2025
For the president, the party out of power and more, there is a lot at stake at the ballot box in Virginia, New Jersey, New York and California.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 4, 2025 at 2:26 PM
A reminder of why it's important not to believe everything you see. A must
read by @drewharwell.com and Joyce Sohyun Lee: www.washingtonpost.com/investigatio...
Trump administration uses misleading videos to portray chaos, push deportations
Official videos purporting to show the triumph of recent immigration operations used footage that was months old or recorded thousands of miles away, a Washington Post analysis found.
www.washingtonpost.com
October 29, 2025 at 12:53 PM
An unforgettable night at the World Series lasted 18 incredible innings www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
An unforgettable night at the World Series lasted 18 incredible innings
Freddie Freeman hit a walk-off home run in the 18th inning of Game 3, but that was only the final step of a remarkable baseball odyssey.
www.washingtonpost.com
October 28, 2025 at 12:27 PM
Things are pretty tense right now. Have you tried screaming about it?https://www.washingtonpost.com/style/trends/2025/10/22/scream-clubs/
Things are pretty tense right now. Have you tried screaming about it?
Scream clubs are the latest way to bellow into the void.
www.washingtonpost.com
October 22, 2025 at 12:57 PM
Reposted by Lori Aratani
Demolition crews have begun tearing down part of the White House to build President Trump’s long-desired ballroom — despite his pledge that construction of the $250 million addition wouldn’t “interfere” with the existing building. https://wapo.st/4hl7jyF
October 20, 2025 at 7:45 PM
Republicans have attacked Democratic health care demands in shutdown debate as funding medical care for undocumented immigrants. The reality is more complicated. www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...
Here’s who pays when undocumented immigrants get health care in America
Republicans have attacked Democratic health care demands in shutdown debate as funding medical care for undocumented immigrants. The reality is more complicated.
www.washingtonpost.com
October 20, 2025 at 1:01 PM
A beloved shop cat disappeared. Security footage solved the mystery.
www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/202...
A beloved shop cat disappeared. Security footage solved the mystery.
Francine, the beloved cat from a Richmond Lowe's, was found in Garysburg, North Carolina, after a two-week search.
www.washingtonpost.com
October 8, 2025 at 7:04 PM