Marines Deployed to Los Angeles in Response to Protests over George Floyd's Death
#military #civil unrest #george floyd #protests #police brutality #racial injustice
About the People Mentioned
Omar Younis
Omar Younis is a managing partner at Younis Law Group, where he specializes in providing legal solutions for businesses, with a particular focus on property tax appeals, real estate, and business law[1][2]. His career is rooted in both practical business experience and a deep understanding of legal challenges faced by small business owners. Before entering the legal profession, Younis managed operations at his family’s car dealership, giving him firsthand insight into the complexities and inequities of the Illinois property tax system—an experience that directly influenced his legal career path and areas of practice[1][2]. Educationally, Younis earned a Juris Doctor (JD) in 2017 and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in 2014[2]. During law school, he clerked at firms specializing in commercial litigation, real estate, collections, and minority-ownership oppression lawsuits, gaining hands-on experience in filing legal documents and navigating court procedures[2]. He also served as a certified mediator for the Center of Conflict Resolution in Chicago and worked as a legal intern in mediation and alternative dispute resolution, further honing his skills in negotiation and conflict resolution[2]. These experiences have contributed to his reputation as an attorney who not only understands the letter of the law but also the practical realities of running a business. Younis is currently recognized for his role in advocating for fair property taxation and for guiding businesses through regulatory challenges[1]. His approach emphasizes building trust with clients and offering tailored solutions that go beyond standard legal services, aiming to protect and help businesses thrive in a competitive environment[1]. While there is no indication of recent major public events or controversies involving Younis, his ongoing relevance stems from his active practice in Palos Heights, Illinois, and his commitment to addressing issues that disproportionately affect small business owners, such as unfair property tax assessments[1][2]. He is fluent in both English and Arabic, which may broaden his client base and enhance his ability to serve diverse communities[2]. Younis’s career reflects a blend of entrepreneurial insight and legal expertise, positioning him as a practical advocate for business clients navigating complex legal and regulatory landscapes[1][2].
Brad Brooks
Brad Brooks is a multi-faceted musician, vocalist, and songwriter based in the San Francisco Bay Area, widely recognized for his dynamic performances and creative versatility. He is the owner of Mouth Magic Music, an entertainment company specializing in a range of genres, including jazz, rock, pop, and blues[1]. His musical journey began in childhood, mastering instruments such as guitar, violin, and drums, which laid the foundation for a professional career that has spanned decades[1]. After college, Brooks quickly established himself as a sought-after musician and producer, collaborating with major artists like Mariah Carey, Bruno Mars, and Beyoncé, and earning several industry awards and accolades for his contributions[1]. Brooks has released four solo records since 2000 and is celebrated locally as one of the Bay Area’s finest vocalists and songwriters[4]. His reputation extends beyond solo work; notably, he served as the lead singer in Wayne Kramer’s “We Are All MC5,” a “reanimation” of the iconic proto-punk band MC5, touring and recording new material alongside MC5 classics[5]. This project brought together notable musicians, including drummer Winston Watson and bassist Vicki Randle, and showcased Brooks’ ability to bridge classic and contemporary rock sounds[5]. The band’s album, *Heavy Lifting*, recorded in 2021, was released in October 2025 after delays, with Brooks contributing live vocals on several tracks[5]. In recent years, Brooks has remained active in the Bay Area music scene, both as a performer and a provider of customized musical entertainment for events[1]. His adaptability across genres and commitment to high-quality performances have kept him relevant and respected among peers and audiences alike[1]. While there have been no major public announcements about new projects in 2025, his involvement in *Heavy Lifting* and continued local performances underscore his ongoing influence in the regional music landscape[5]. Brooks’ career reflects a blend of artistic passion, professional achievement, and a dedication to enriching the cultural life of his community.
Phil Stewart
Philip “Phil” Stewart was a journalist and communications professional who built a notable career in both broadcast news and corporate affairs, with a particular passion for air travel and global experiences. After graduating college, Stewart began his journalism career as a reporter and anchor at WCAV-TV in Charlottesville, Virginia. He later moved to Washington, D.C., where he spent four years as a reporter for WJLA-TV, earning a National Capital Emmy Award for investigative reporting and a Chesapeake Associated Press Broadcasters Award during his tenure[1]. His journalism work was marked by curiosity and a drive to uncover stories, traits that would define his professional and personal life. Following his journalism career, Stewart transitioned into public relations, serving as the spokesperson for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. In 2015, he realized a long-held ambition by joining a major airline in New York City, a move that aligned with his lifelong enthusiasm for aviation. He spent over eight years at JetBlue before recently taking on the role of Vice President of Corporate Affairs at British Airways earlier this year[1]. Colleagues and friends remember him for his dynamic personality, genuine curiosity, and ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds—qualities that enriched both his professional relationships and his travels. Stewart is survived by his husband, Barak Kessar, as well as his aunt and sister[1]. A memorial service was held in his honor at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in New York City on September 9, 2023[1]. In lieu of flowers, his family requested donations to The Trevor Project, reflecting a commitment to causes that support the LGBTQ+ community[1]. Throughout his career, Stewart was recognized for his investigative reporting, his leadership in corporate communications, and his dedication to fostering understanding across cultures. His recent move to British Airways highlighted his ongoing relevance in the aviation industry, while his personal legacy is remembered for warmth, inquisitiveness, and a passion for new experiences[1].
Idrees Ali
Unfortunately, the search results do not provide comprehensive information about a person named "Idrees Ali." However, there is a notable figure named **Idrees Ali**, who is a Pentagon correspondent for Reuters. Before joining Reuters, he worked on a series for the Washington Post focusing on the killing of journalists in U.S.-allied countries[6]. This role suggests that Idrees Ali is involved in significant journalism related to military and political issues. Idrees Ali's work as a Pentagon correspondent is critical in covering key global military issues. His position allows him to interact with sources within the Pentagon and attend press briefings, providing insights into U.S. military policies and actions. Given the sensitive nature of his reporting, his work is likely to be relevant in the context of international relations and military affairs. There is no information available on his personal background, education, or recent events specifically related to Idrees Ali in the provided search results. However, his role as a correspondent for Reuters indicates that he is a professional journalist with a focus on defense and military issues. His work is likely to continue influencing discussions on U.S. military engagements and global security matters. In summary, Idrees Ali is a significant figure in journalism, particularly in defense reporting, but the search results do not offer detailed personal or recent event information about him.
About the Organizations Mentioned
Reuters
**Reuters** is a leading global news agency founded in 1851 by Paul Julius Reuter, a German immigrant who innovatively combined telegraphy and carrier pigeons to transmit financial and news information rapidly between cities like London and Paris[1][2][4]. Starting from a modest office in London’s financial district, Reuters quickly gained a reputation for speed, accuracy, and impartiality, exemplified by its early scoop on the death of U.S. President Abraham Lincoln in 1865, beating competitors by hours[1][2]. Historically, Reuters evolved from a commercial news service focused on stock prices for banks and brokerage houses to a comprehensive international newswire serving newspapers worldwide. Its expansion reflected the growing importance of timely, reliable news in business and global affairs[2][3]. The company’s independence and editorial integrity have been safeguarded since 1947 by the Reuters Trust Principles, which commit Reuters to unbiased and accurate reporting[4]. Today, Reuters operates as part of Thomson Reuters, a Canadian multinational headquartered in Toronto. It is recognized as the largest global news agency, with over 2,600 journalists in 165 countries producing around 2 million unique news stories annually in 12 languages[5]. Reuters embraces cutting-edge technology to deliver breaking news, multimedia, and authenticated content to media, technology firms, governments, and corporations, ensuring fast and seamless distribution[5]. Notable achievements include winning over 300 journalism awards in the last decade, such as the 2024 Pulitzer Prizes for National Reporting and Breaking News Photography, and the George Polk Award for Business Reporting, underscoring its leadership in business and technology journalism[5]. Reuters continues to innovate, recently unveiling AI tools to enhance video production and engagement, reflecting its commitment to shaping the future of news in a digital age[5].