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Check FAQAbout Les
Les Neuhaus is an all-platform journalist, with a specialty in print reporting, based part of the year in Tampa-St. Petersburg, Florida and the other part of the year in Knoxville, Tennessee. He currently covers issues across the southeast U.S., but is available nationally. A former foreign and war correspondent, who lived and worked across Africa and Asia -- including the Middle East -- for several years (for The Associated Press, the Stars and Stripes newspaper, IRIN, etc), Les has more recently reported on a variety of issues for The Tampa Bay Times, The New York Times, The Washington Post, AFP, Reuters, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The Knoxville News-Sentinel, The Los Angeles Times, IJNet, Images and Voices of Hope, France 24 English, RTE, etc. He has also done work in assignment editing, most notably for CNN International News Gathering, while also writing for CNN.com, and TV/radio phoners for a variety of international outlets, along with radio work, most notably with Voice of America.
English
Portfolio
Apple Puts Spotify On Notice By Purchasing Shazam
Apple has acquired the music-recognition app Shazam in a move seen as a strategic play against Spotify. The acquisition, reported by TechCrunch, cost Apple $400 million, significantly less than Shazam's 2015 valuation of $1.02 billion. Shazam boasts over one billion downloads, 120 million active users, and valuable Big Data, alongside a portfolio of around 200 patents, making it an attractive asset for Apple.
Dictators Adopt Trump’s Modus Operandi, Eroding Democracy Worldwide
The article discusses the decline of democracy and press freedom worldwide, highlighting the influence of Donald Trump's treatment of the media on other world leaders, such as Cambodia's Hun Sen. It references reports by Freedom House and Reporters Without Borders, which indicate a global trend of eroding freedoms, particularly in democracies. The piece also touches on the misuse of the internet by governments to manipulate information and suppress dissent, and the challenges faced by watchdog groups in promoting transparency and democracy.
Deadly Mission in Niger Exposes Trump’s Wide Use of Special Forces
Three U.S. Army Special Forces operators and a Nigerien serviceman were killed in an attack by gunmen in southwest Niger during a joint military training exercise. Two other Green Berets were injured and evacuated to Germany. This incident marks the first U.S. casualties under enemy fire in Niger since the start of joint exercises 12 years ago, aimed at curbing terrorist proliferation by groups like AQIM and Boko Haram. The region's instability and the Nigerien government's inability to secure its borders have led to a closer U.S.-Nigerien partnership. Despite President Trump's initial stance to reduce the use of special forces, their deployment has increased. The article raises concerns about the lack of a clear goal in such military engagements.
Taliban Rockets Targeting Defense Secretary James Mattis Pelt Kabul Airport
On Wednesday, the Taliban launched a rocket attack on Kabul International Airport, coinciding with the arrival of U.S. Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis, resulting in one civilian death and eleven injuries. Both the Taliban and ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack, which lasted over six hours. Mattis, on his first visit to Afghanistan since President Trump's announcement of a new strategy, reaffirmed America's commitment to the conflict. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani also made statements during the incident. The attack raised concerns about a security breach, as only a few top officials knew of Mattis's visit.
Hurricane Irma called ‘potentially catastrophic’ as it bears down on the Caribbean and Florida
Hurricane Irma, a Category 5 storm with winds close to 185 mph, is heading towards the northeastern Caribbean with potential threats to Florida. States of emergency have been declared in Florida, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, with President Trump authorizing FEMA to coordinate relief efforts. Mandatory evacuations are being prepared in the Florida Keys, and residents across the region are urged to prepare. The storm is expected to bring life-threatening wind, rain, and storm surges, and could cause widespread power outages.
Interview with Bronx Documentary Center founder Mike Kamber for Images and Voices of Hope
Covering the war in Iraq in '07
Coverage for Vice News of Pentacostal snake handlers in Tennessee
Hulk Hogan wins $115 million in sex tape lawsuit against Gawker
The article discusses the legal battle between Hulk Hogan, whose real name is Terry Bollea, and the online media website Gawker, over a sex tape of Hogan that Gawker published. Hogan sued Gawker for invasion of privacy and emotional distress, seeking $100 million in damages. A Florida jury awarded Hogan $115 million, with $60 million for emotional distress and $55 million in punitive damages. Gawker's defense argued that the tape was newsworthy and that Hogan had discussed it publicly. However, the jury sided with Hogan, who differentiated between his public persona and his private life. Gawker plans to appeal, citing key evidence and a witness that were withheld from the trial. The article also touches on the broader implications of the case for celebrity privacy and tabloid journalism.
Nick Denton, on Stand, Justifies Posting of Hulk Hogan Sex Video
Nick Denton, the founder and CEO of Gawker Media, testified in defense of his website's decision to publish a sex video featuring Hulk Hogan, amidst a $100 million invasion-of-privacy lawsuit in Pinellas County Court. Denton argued that the video was newsworthy, highlighting the contrast between Hulk Hogan's public persona and the private individual. The lawsuit, initiated by Hogan, whose legal name is Terry G. Bollea, claims Gawker violated his privacy by posting the video in 2012. Gawker's defense is that Bollea's openness about his sex life in public forums, such as Howard Stern’s radio show, made it a matter of public interest.
Operation Rock Avalanche in Afghanistan Results in Civilian Injuries
The article reports on the aftermath of a joint U.S.-Afghan military operation, Operation Rock Avalanche, in northeastern Afghanistan, which resulted in injuries to 11 villagers, including women and children. U.S. military officials and NATO spokesmen confirmed the incident and stated that the Taliban used civilians as human shields. The operation, involving the U.S. Army's 173rd Airborne Brigade, aimed to target Taliban sub commanders. There were no immediate reports of Taliban casualties or weapons caches found. The article also mentions a previous firefight involving the 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment and the deaths of two U.S. soldiers. Additionally, it covers separate incidents in Kunar and Helmand provinces, with a total of nearly 60 Taliban killed over the weekend. The article notes that over 5,200 people have died in Afghanistan in 2007 due to insurgent violence.
Somali Prime Minister Takes Control of Mogadishu
Somalia's Prime Minister Ali Mohamed Gedi has taken control of Mogadishu, signaling a new era of peace and stability for the country. This significant move comes after Islamic fighters fled and Ethiopian-backed troops captured the city. Gedi's appearance in the capital was met with public support as he drove through Mogadishu with a heavily armed convoy. Despite the optimism, challenges remain with violent protests and the Islamic movement's leader vowing to continue the fight. President Abdullahi Yusuf and Ethiopia have declared a cease-fire for Eid al-Adha. However, Gedi has dismissed immediate peace talks with the Islamic movement after the recent conflict. The government, supported by the UN and previously hindered by clan violence, now seeks help to rebuild the nation and calls for regional peacekeepers. Martial law is expected to be implemented by parliament.
Somali Government Returns to Capital
The Somali government, backed by Ethiopian troops, has reclaimed control of the capital, Mogadishu, from the Islamic Courts Movement. Associated Press reporter Les Neuhaus, reporting from Mogadishu, discusses the mixed reactions of the local population, who express both cautious optimism and skepticism given the country's long history of instability. The Ethiopian military's presence is temporary, and concerns are rising about the potential for an insurgency similar to that in Iraq. Islamic Courts leaders have retreated to the southern city of Kisimayu, and there are fears of possible suicide bombings. The situation remains fluid, with the Somali population hoping for peace but bracing for the future.
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