Marines Deployed to Los Angeles Amid Ongoing Immigration Protests
About the People Mentioned
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.
Dietrich Knauth
Dietrich Knauth is a writer and reporter based in Brooklyn, New York, specializing in niche areas of business and legal issues. He has a strong focus on government contracts law, federal spending, and private equity investing. Knauth's career has been marked by his ability to make complex legal and business trends accessible to readers. One of his notable roles was helping to relaunch the government contracts newsletter PubKLaw in 2014. He managed the daily newsletter and a spinoff focused on cybersecurity from 2014 to 2016[1]. His expertise extends beyond government contracts to private equity, where he tracks investment strategies and trends, particularly among public employee pensions. He has also reported on public pensions' efforts to influence corporate practices, such as diversity and climate change mitigation[3]. Knauth's versatility as a freelancer has allowed him to cover a wide range of topics since 2016, including wine, health law, and politics[3]. His work demonstrates a commitment to providing detailed insights into specialized fields, making him a valuable resource for those seeking to understand complex legal and financial issues. Currently, Knauth continues to contribute to the media landscape with his reporting and writing. His recent work includes collaborations with other journalists, such as a report on a bankruptcy judge's sudden resignation[5]. This event highlights his ongoing relevance in legal journalism, as he helps to shed light on significant developments in the field. Knauth's contributions to legal and business journalism have established him as a knowledgeable and reliable source for those interested in these areas.
About the Organizations Mentioned
U.S. Marines
The **United States Marine Corps (USMC)**, founded on November 10, 1775, began as the Continental Marines to provide ship-to-ship fighting, ship security, and landing forces during the American Revolutionary War[1][2][4]. Initially serving as naval infantry aboard ships, their role expanded significantly over time to include amphibious warfare, which became central to U.S. military strategy, especially in the Pacific Theater during World War II[1][2][4]. The Marines are known for their rapid-response expeditionary capabilities, often deployed to crisis zones worldwide on short notice, making them a vital instrument of U.S. foreign policy[1]. Historically, the Marine Corps has fought in nearly every major conflict in U.S. history, including the Revolutionary War, Spanish–American War, World Wars, Korea, Vietnam, and recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan[1][2][5]. Notable achievements include their pivotal roles in amphibious assaults such as Iwo Jima, Guadalcanal, and Tarawa during WWII, where they significantly shaped modern amphibious warfare doctrine[2][4]. The iconic flag-raising on Iwo Jima symbolizes the Marines’ tenacity and sacrifice[4]. The USMC is also known for innovations like the use of Navajo code talkers in WWII, which contributed to their operational success[4]. The Marine Corps operates under the Department of the Navy and maintains a unique relationship with the U.S. Navy, often working as an integrated naval force[2][3]. Legally, the Corps' minimum organizational structure—three divisions and three air wings—is mandated by law, underscoring its institutional importance[5]. In recent decades, Marine leaders have gained significant influence in U.S. military command structures, with figures like General Joseph Dunford serving as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff[5]. Today, the Marines are highly trained, versatile, and capable of both land and maritime operations, committed t
Los Angeles area
The term "Los Angeles area" primarily refers to the dynamic economic and technological ecosystem of Los Angeles County, a major hub for innovation and industry in the United States. This region is renowned for its diverse economy, with key sectors including technology, aerospace, entertainment, biotechnology, and clean technology. Los Angeles has rapidly evolved into a prominent technology center, often dubbed "Silicon Beach," encompassing neighborhoods like Santa Monica, Venice, and Playa Vista. This tech hub hosts over 500 companies, ranging from pioneering startups to established giants such as Google, Snapchat, Amazon Studios, and Snap Inc. The area is noted for its strong venture capital influx, with annual investments exceeding $8 billion, fueling growth in software development, e-commerce, health tech, and clean technology[1][3][2]. Historically, aerospace and defense have been foundational to the LA economy, supporting over 85,000 high-skilled jobs with major players like Northrop Grumman, Boeing, Raytheon, and SpaceX operating locally. This sector remains robust, driven by both private investment and significant government contracts from NASA and the Department of Defense[1]. The LA tech ecosystem is distinguished by its integration across traditional and emerging industries. Unlike many tech hubs, approximately 80% of LA’s tech workforce is employed outside pure software or IT companies, in sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, education, and entertainment. This cross-sector tech integration broadens opportunities for talent and innovation[4]. Key achievements include LA’s rise as the third-largest startup hub globally, trailing only Silicon Valley and Tel Aviv in startup numbers, funding, and entrepreneurial diversity. The city’s unique blend of creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, and institutional support—bolstered by local universities and a supportive business environment—continues to attract talent and investment[2][9]. Currently, Los Angeles is positioned for sustained growth with ongoing investment in workforce development, infrastructure, and innovation platforms, reinforcing its status as a leading center for technology and business i
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].