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USA TODAY
paydesk has 32 reporters who cover USA TODAY. Our journalists are already on location, all over the world, and ready to work at a moment's notice. Our top correspondents who cover USA TODAY are Aram Arkun and Zack Baddorf. Use our journalist directory to find an USA TODAY member to work for you.
Journalists Who Cover USA TODAY
Aram Arkun
Aram Arkun is a journalist based in Lynnfield, United States of America. He is a graduate of Princeton (BA), with a master's degree in International Affairs from the University of Pennsylvania and a C.Phil. in Armenian history from UCLA (ABD), with Byzantium, Modern Europe and Russia as secondary ...
Armenian
English
French
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Interview (Video / Broadcast)
Feature Stories
Research
+4
Politics
Current Affairs
Science & Environment
+3
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NBC News Correspondent Dilanian to Speak at Mirror
Ken Dilanian, an NBC News correspondent, reflects on his career, including his experiences embedded with the US military in Iraq and his work covering intelligence agencies and the Justice Department. He discusses the challenges of maintaining journalistic independence and the importance of diverse sources. Dilanian also touches on his Armenian heritage and the limited US media coverage of recent events in Armenia and Artsakh. He highlights the decline of metropolitan newspapers and the uncertain future of journalism amidst the rise of digital media and partisanship.
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Zack Baddorf
I'm a journalist and filmmaker with more than 15 years of experience producing award-winning stories in more than 30 countries, including Syria, Ukraine, Afghanistan, Pakistan, the West Bank, Kashmir, and Iraq, as well as rebel-held territory in Sri Lanka and Burma. I've reported for Al Jazeera ...
Creole
English
French
+80
Video Package (Web / Broadcast)
Audio package (Radio / Podcast)
Interview (Video / Broadcast)
+12
Business
Politics
Current Affairs
+7
Jobs Completed 62
Job Success Rate 100%
Usually Responds Within a few days
Related Articles
CNN’s Jake Tapper kicks off inaugural #MVJ2021 convention – Military Veterans in Journalism
Military Veterans in Journalism's first annual convention began with a keynote speech by CNN's Jake Tapper, emphasizing the unique skills veterans bring to newsrooms. Tapper, along with other speakers like Brianna Keilar and Paul Szoldra, highlighted the importance of veterans in journalism and the need for their stories to be heard. The event featured a mix of current and aspiring journalists and included a career fair and breakout sessions focused on investigative and niche reporting.
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Rebecca Bird
Rebecca Bird is an ethical multimedia journalist and news editor based in Newcastle, United Kingdom. She has more than 17 years of experience working on newspapers, news websites and radio stations in the UK and the Caribbean. Rebecca has additional related skills in photography, videography, ...
English
Journalism
Jobs Completed 17
Job Success Rate 100%
Usually Responds Within an hour
Related Articles
From a celebrity arrest to Golden Globes gifts: Cayman earns spots in ‘best of’ lists
The Cayman Islands have been recognized in various end-of-year lists for their appeal as a retirement destination, a top spot for digital nomads, and for having one of the world's smallest airports. The territory also made headlines for a celebrity arrest involving Gigi Hadid and for being featured in the Golden Globes winners' gift pack. Publications like USA Today, A-Z Animals, The Travel, Yahoo, and Travel and Leisure highlighted the islands' tropical climate, luxurious resorts, and high cost of living.
Informative
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Wilner Bossou
My name is Wilner Bossou. I am an experienced journalist based in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. I work as well in many parts in the country like Cap-Haitian and southern Capital. I write articles and produce video on culturals, Sports and political events.
Creole
English
French
News Gathering
Content Writing
Interview (Print / Radio / Podcast)
+2
Politics
Film & Theatre
Entertainment & Celebrity
+2
Jobs Completed 67
Job Success Rate 99%
Usually Responds Within a few minutes
Related Articles
Halle Berry to Pay $8000/Month in Child Support to Her Ex-Husband
Halle Berry has finalized her divorce from Olivier Martinez, agreeing to pay $8,000 per month in child support for their nine-year-old son, Maceo. Additionally, Berry will pay 4.3% of her income over $2 million to Martinez and cover Maceo's private school expenses, including uniforms, educational materials, extracurricular activities, health insurance, and therapy. The couple will share custody of Maceo, alternating weekends, with specific guidelines for communication between the child and the non-custodial parent.
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Gillian Branstetter
Gillian Branstetter is a journalist based in Harrisburg, United States of America.
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How Do You Change a Conversation You Aren’t Allowed to Have?
The article discusses the challenges transgender people face in media representation, highlighting the lack of transgender voices in major news outlets and the biases that persist in coverage. It critiques the media's portrayal of transgender people as outsiders and emphasizes the need for more inclusive and accurate storytelling. The piece also addresses the broader issues of systemic bias and the importance of amplifying marginalized voices, particularly those of transgender people of color. It calls for a shift in media practices to better reflect the realities and priorities of transgender communities.
Interpretive
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Left
Political View
Phoebe Cooke
Phoebe Cooke is a freelance journalist based in London.
English
German
Feature Stories
Content Writing
Research
+3
Current Affairs
Science & Environment
Investigative Reporting
+1
Jobs Completed 1
Usually Responds Within a few hours
Related Articles
R. Kelly seen for first time since new sex assault charges with underage victim as singer denies 11 counts in court
R. Kelly appeared in court to deny 11 new counts of sexual assault against a teen victim, adding to the ten counts of aggravated sexual abuse he already faces. The new charges, which could result in up to 30 years in prison each, involve a victim identified as J.P. and are alleged to have occurred between 2009 and 2010. Kelly's defense attorneys argue that these are not new charges but recharges in an existing case. The singer has faced numerous allegations of sexual misconduct over the years, including claims of holding women against their will and infecting a woman with an STD. Kelly denies all allegations, stating they have tarnished his legacy.
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Jack Flanagan
Jack Flanagan is journalist living in London, UK. His bylines are in some of the top-tier names in publishing, including the Observer, Guardian and the Huffington Post. His work as a news journalist and opinions writer with the Advocate, Gay Star News, and Pink News make him singularly aware of ...
English
Feature Stories
Content Writing
Interview (Print / Radio / Podcast)
+1
Current Affairs
Science & Environment
Fact Checking
Usually Responds Within a few days
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What Can’t Mookie Betts Do?
Mookie Betts, the Los Angeles Dodgers' superstar, had a remarkable week, which included the birth of his second child and a last-minute arrival to a game against the Chicago Cubs where he played shortstop for the first time in his professional career. Betts, who is known for his Gold Glove outfield play, demonstrated his versatility by making an impressive double play. Despite being drafted as a middle infielder, Betts was moved to the outfield by the Red Sox due to a crowded infield. His athletic prowess extends beyond baseball, as he is also an accomplished bowler. With injuries to several Dodgers players, Betts may see more time in the infield, and there is speculation about potential trades to address the team's needs.
Misha Gajewski
Misha Gajewski is a freelance journalist based in Toronto, Canada. She has worked in both the UK and Canada specializing in health and science reporting. Her work has featured on BBC News, CTV News, ITV News and Vice among others. She is also a producer for The Story Collider podcast.
English
French
Feature Stories
Content Writing
Corporate Content
+4
Current Affairs
Technology
Science & Environment
+4
Usually Responds Within an hour
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Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Panic Move To The Suburbs
The article discusses the trend of people considering moving to the suburbs from cities due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with references to various reports and surveys indicating a range of interest in such moves. It highlights the potential risks and downsides of relocating to the suburbs, including impacts on mental and physical health, social isolation, and the possibility of pay cuts for remote workers. The article cites studies and experts to support the argument that while the suburbs may seem appealing during a pandemic, they may not be beneficial in the long term.
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Carmen Gentile
Carmen Gentile has written for some of the world’s leading publications including the New York Times, TIME, Newsweek, USA Today and many others. He has also produced online video reporting for The Times and TIME. He also regularly produces radio reports and has published numerous photos with his ...
English
Portuguese
Spanish
Video Package (Web / Broadcast)
Audio package (Radio / Podcast)
Interview (Video / Broadcast)
+13
Politics
Current Affairs
Fact Checking
Jobs Completed 1
Usually Responds Within a few days
Related Articles
The Afghan man you need to know
An anonymous journalist shares the story of a friend, an Afghan journalist, who is trying to escape Afghanistan with his family amidst the Taliban takeover. The friend has faced threats from the Taliban due to his work and has struggled to enter the Kabul airport for evacuation. The author expresses frustration and shame at the Biden administration's handling of the withdrawal from Afghanistan. A group of journalists, former diplomats, and others are working to assist the friend's escape. The author hopes to introduce the friend to readers once he is safely out of the country.
Interpretive
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Far Left
Political View
Matt Haines
Matt Haines is a journalist based in New Orleans, United States of America.
Jobs Completed 99
Job Success Rate 100%
Related Articles
Why is there resistance among Democrats to Biden's re-election announcement?
President Joe Biden's announcement to run for re-election in 2024 has divided Democratic voters, with many expressing concerns about his age and approval ratings. While some Democrats feel disappointed, they acknowledge Biden as the best option against a Republican candidate, particularly Donald Trump. Polls indicate a lack of enthusiasm among younger voters for Biden, who is the oldest president to seek re-election. The article highlights the broader issue of gerontocracy in U.S. politics and the challenges faced by both parties in appealing to voters. Despite mixed feelings, many Democrats are likely to support Biden to avoid a Republican presidency, especially with Trump as a potential opponent.
Interpretive
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Center-Left
Political View
Pearly Jacob
I'm passionate about pursuing environmental and cultural stories and just as obsessed in capturing cinematic moments in human stories. I write and I film. I've been published and broadcast by Al Jazeera, BBC, VOA, National Geographic, Bloomberg Quicktake, CCTV News (Now CGTN), Dutch Channel VPRO, ...
Assamese
English
French
+1
Video Package (Web / Broadcast)
Audio package (Radio / Podcast)
Documentaries
+6
Science & Environment
Social
Cultural
+3
Jobs Completed 1
Usually Responds Within a day
Related Articles
Some Russians escape country, war in Ukraine, to a 'fairytale' retreat in nearby Georgia
The article by Pearly Jacob for USA TODAY explores the complex situation of Russians fleeing their country to Georgia to avoid conscription and participation in the war in Ukraine. It focuses on Chateau Chapiteau, a commune in Georgia founded by Vanya Mitin, which has become a haven for Russian exiles. The piece delves into the moral dilemmas faced by these Russians, their sense of guilt, and the reactions of Ukrainians and Georgians to their presence. It also touches on the broader geopolitical implications of the war and the historical tensions between Russia and Georgia. The article features interviews with various individuals, including Russians who have left their country, Ukrainians affected by the war, and Georgians concerned about the influx of Russians and their country's future.
Megy Karydes
Megy Karydes is a journalist based in Chicago, United States of America. Her byline has appeared in USA Today, Fortune, Forbes, Rodale's Organic Life, National Geographic's The Plate, The Atlantic's CityLab, Sierra, Midwest Living magazine, Travel + Leisure, Chicago Tribune, among others.
English
Feature Stories
Content Writing
Corporate Content
+2
Food & Drink
Health & Fitness
Social
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Best Home Security Systems for Bay Area Homes
The article provides an in-depth analysis of various home security systems suitable for Bay Area homes, focusing on features, costs, installation methods, and monitoring options. ADT is recommended for its professionally installed and monitored systems, though it lacks extensive smart home integrations. SimpliSafe is highlighted for its wireless, Wi-Fi-connected components and affordability. Frontpoint is praised for its smart home features and user-friendly app, despite being pricier. Vivint is noted for its high-quality equipment and professional monitoring, albeit at a higher cost. The article also mentions other options like Ring Alarm, Deep Sentinel, Brinks, and abode, each with unique features like AI security cameras or extensive smart home compatibility. The piece emphasizes the importance of choosing a system based on monitoring needs, installation preferences, and smart home integration capabilities.
Ben Kelly
Ben Kelly is a journalist based in London, United Kingdom.
English
Interview (Video / Broadcast)
Feature Stories
Content Writing
+3
Politics
Current Affairs
Arts & Books
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How Derry became the best Halloween destination in the world
Derry, Northern Ireland, has been recognized as the best Halloween destination in the world, a title awarded by USA Today in 2015. The city's Halloween celebrations, deeply rooted in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, have grown significantly since the local community and Derry City Council began organizing events in 1986. The festivities include parades, fireworks, and various cultural activities, attracting visitors from around the globe. The Halloween carnival, a highlight of Derry's cultural calendar, showcases the city's creativity and historical significance, making it a unique and vibrant celebration.
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Cindy Ladage
Cindy Ladage is a journalist based in Virden, United States of America. Cindy is a columnist for Farm World, her column is Wrenching Tales and it focuses on antique tractors, literature, memorabilia and toys. She also provides features about medical and agricultural subjects. Cindy also writes for ...
English
News Gathering
Fact Checking
Business
Current Affairs
Science & Environment
+5
Related Articles
Branson Has it All
The article is a travelogue about the author's visit to Branson, Missouri, highlighting the town's patriotic spirit, entertainment options, historical sites, and natural beauty. The author stayed at the Chateau on the Lake and visited various attractions including Dick’s 5 & 10, the Branson Centennial Museum, and the Celebrity Car Museum. They enjoyed performances at Dolly Stampede, Legends in Concert, and the Presley Jubilee, and experienced dining at Billy Gail’s and Clockers Café. The author also explored Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, Top of the Rock, and took a Pink Jeep Tour. The trip concluded with a visit to the Aquarium at the Boardwalk. The article emphasizes Branson's offerings of rides, shows, art, and food, and its ability to entertain all ages.
Monica Lopez
Monica Lopez is a journalist based in Los Angeles, United States of America.
Related Articles
Texas State Aquarium listed as one of 10 must-see aquariums in the nation
The Texas State Aquarium in Corpus Christi, the largest in Texas with over 171,000 square feet of exhibit space, has been listed by TheTravel as one of the '10 Must-See Aquariums in the United States.' The aquarium, which attracts over 500,000 visitors annually, was recognized for its extensive educational programs. This follows previous accolades from USA Today and Budget Travel. Tom Schmid, the aquarium's President & CEO, expressed pride in the recognition, emphasizing the institution's role in conservation and education. The aquarium's programs reached over 82,000 children last year.
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Heather Lusk
Heather Lusk is a freelance journalist based in Indianapolis, United States of America. She has written for local newspapers and national websites. She primarily focuses on human interest stories, history and travel. Living in a conservative state like Indiana she has access to people who feel ...
English
Feature Stories
Corporate Content
Research
+2
Current Affairs
Arts & Books
Film & Theatre
+7
Jobs Completed 2
Usually Responds Within a day
Related Articles
Exclusion of Student with Down Syndrome from Sorority Recruitment Sparks Conversation on Inclusivity
The article discusses the exclusion of AnnCatherine Heigl, a student with Down syndrome, from sorority recruitment at George Mason University. Despite her achievements and active participation in the university's cheerleading team, AC did not receive any bids from the eight sororities she visited. Her sister, Lillie Heigl, expressed her disappointment and concerns about inclusivity and discrimination in an email to the Mason Panhellenic, which governs the university's Greek organizations. The incident has sparked a broader conversation about the participation of students with disabilities in Greek life. The sororities mentioned have policies against discrimination, and the issue may involve individual bias or national policies that limit students who are not eligible for a traditional university degree. The article also notes that October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month, established by the National Down Syndrome Society.
Jacob Resneck
Jacob Resneck is a professional journalist based in Wisconsin. His work appears in wire services, newspapers, magazines and radio outlets across the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
English
Audio package (Radio / Podcast)
Interview (Video / Broadcast)
Vox Pop
+10
Fact Checking
Usually Responds Within a few hours
Related Articles
Judge jails contractor over personal financial dispute, raising legal questions
The article discusses the case of Tyler Barth, a Hortonville cement contractor, who was jailed by Outagamie County Judge Mark McGinnis over a financial dispute with a client who had connections within the courthouse. The Department of Justice is investigating McGinnis' actions, but the case has not progressed for over a year. The article highlights the limited oversight of Wisconsin judges and the broad legal immunity they enjoy. It also details McGinnis' history of controversial actions and the lack of public consequences he has faced. Legal experts question the legality of McGinnis' actions in Barth's case, as there was no formal complaint at the time of the hearing. The article also touches on McGinnis' business dealings and past misconduct, including his involvement with a truancy court and training sessions for police officers. Barth was eventually released from jail after his attorney challenged the legal basis for his incarceration.
Ernest Sipes
Ernest Sipes United States Biography Ernest Sipes is an overseas reporter with a proven body of work in several countries. He has nine years of reporting experience while covering Conflict Zones in Africa, the middle east and the Caucasus. He has published one book in Canada and numerous ...
English
Feature Stories
Corporate Content
Risk Analysis
+5
Fact Checking
Usually Responds Within an hour
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Somalia braces for renewed violence as militants seek revenge
The article by Ernest Sipes for USA TODAY reports on the situation in Somalia following the death of al-Shabab leader Ahmed Abdi Godane by a U.S. airstrike. The terror group confirmed Godane's death and announced Ahmad Umar as the new leader. Somali government facilities are on high alert due to intelligence of potential attacks on medical and educational institutions. The return of gunmen and militias to Mogadishu has undermined the fragile stability, with extortion and looting becoming common. Al-Shabab continues to enforce strict sharia laws in rural areas and remains a significant threat despite past efforts to eliminate them. The presence of African Union troops and U.S. military advisers has not eradicated the group, which has also conducted attacks outside Somalia, including the Nairobi mall attack. The instability is affecting everyday life, including the education sector, as students face armed violence on their way to school.
Zara Stone
Zara Stone is a freelance multimedia journalist and producer. She has produced, shot and edited video for live TV and ABC affiliate stations and written stories for The Atlantic and OZY media.
Video Package (Web / Broadcast)
Audio package (Radio / Podcast)
Interview (Video / Broadcast)
+13
Fact Checking
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The Startups That Are Reinventing the Hiring Game
The article discusses innovative recruitment strategies by startups in India and the U.S. to address challenges in hiring. Abhijit Khasnis, the engineering director for Yahoo's India office, co-founded Hiree to tap into the pool of candidates serving notice periods. Hiree, along with other startups like Prehire, CodeEval, HackerRank, and Pymetrics, is offering creative solutions to improve the hiring process. GapJumpers promotes workplace diversity by conducting blind auditions, resulting in higher female employment in tech roles. HireVue Labs is developing machine learning programs to predict potential employees' future behaviors. However, there are concerns about the practicality and long-term feasibility of these methods, as well as the potential misuse of psychometric games in recruitment.
Maya Vidon-White
Maya Vidon-White is a print media and photojournalist based in Paris, France. Maya has been working as a journalist for over two decades. First settled in Jerusalem, she covered the Israeli-Palestinian conflict during the first intifada. Straying from daily trips to the Gaza strip, she flew to ...
French
Interview (Video / Broadcast)
Vox Pop
News Gathering
+8
Politics
Current Affairs
Science & Environment
+12
Related Articles
Parents agonize over their children's fate as Islamic State crumbles
The article discusses the distress of Belgian and French parents whose children have joined the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. Veronique Loute's son, Sammy Djedou, joined ISIS and was killed in a drone attack in Raqqa. Despite the Pentagon confirming Djedou's role in planning terror attacks in Paris and Brussels, Loute remembers him as a loving boy and cannot believe he would commit such acts. Psychologists and psychiatrists like Amelie Boukhobza and Patrick Amoyel explain the denial and guilt parents feel, and the reasons why European youths might become radicalized. The article also touches on the challenges of communication between parents and their radicalized children, especially as conflicts intensify in areas like Mosul.
Murray Waas
Murray Waas is an insdependent journalist based in Washington DC, United States of America, who specializes in investigative reporting. He areas of expertise are national security affairs, foreign policy, and rule of law and social justice issues. Waas' reporting about the Trump and Biden ...
English
Feature Stories
Fact Checking
Fact Checking
Related Articles
Reuters, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Win Top Barlett & Steele Awards
The Donald W. Reynolds National Center for Business Journalism announced the winners of the fourth annual Barlett & Steele Awards for Investigative Business Journalism. Reuters won the gold award for Murray Waas's investigation into a health insurer dropping policyholders after a breast cancer diagnosis, leading to industry changes. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel won the silver award for John Fauber's series on conflicts of interest in medicine, prompting Senate inquiry and university reforms. Honorable mentions included McClatchy Newspapers, Minneapolis Star Tribune, Philadelphia Inquirer, and USA Today. The awards, named after journalists Don Barlett and Jim Steele, highlight excellence in investigative business journalism.
Chris White
I am a journalist and photographer based in London with 20 years journalism and PR experience. I've been staff on UK national newspapers, news editor at Now Magazine, showbiz and features editor at ZOO Magazine, and Senior PR at Action on Hearing Loss charity in London. I've recently moved back to ...
English
Feature Stories
Corporate Content
Research
+3
Current Affairs
Entertainment & Celebrity
Fact Checking
Usually Responds Seldom
Related Articles
Journalism that changed lives: Our best investigative work from 2018
The Courier Journal highlighted its most impactful investigative journalism from 2018, which included stories on safety issues with church vans, a significant raise given to Kentucky's tech chief by Governor Matt Bevin, disproportionate suspension rates in Jefferson County Public Schools, the dangers of bourbon warehouse collapses, Medicaid cuts affecting dental and vision care, high maternal mortality rates, the veil of secrecy around state-supported Braidy Industries, and the effects of the Trump travel ban on medical treatment access. The reporting led to various changes, such as policy reviews, reinstated Medicaid benefits, and legislative action.
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Jacob Wirtschafter
Jacob Wirtschafter is a journalist based in Istanbul, Türkiye.
English
Interview (Video / Broadcast)
Feature Stories
Corporate Content
+7
Business
Politics
Current Affairs
+11
Jobs Completed 13
Job Success Rate 92%
Related Articles
Raqqa's grim recovery: Finding bodies in the former Islamic State capital
The article by Filip Warwick and Jacob Wirtschafter for USA Today covers the grim aftermath of the Islamic State's occupation of Raqqa, Syria. It details the ongoing efforts to recover bodies from mass graves and the city's struggle to rebuild. Local authorities and international observers have identified nine mass graves, including one at the city's zoo. The Raqqa Civil Council Emergency Team, led by on-site doctor Mohammed Assad, is exhuming bodies, many of which are unrecognizable and were hastily buried during the conflict. Human Rights Watch has expressed concern over the technical adequacy of the exhumations. The article also touches on the broader impact of the conflict, including the destruction of infrastructure and the U.S. freezing recovery funds. The piece concludes with the personal story of Mohammed Salah, who is searching for his brother's remains, highlighting the emotional toll on Raqqa's residents.