Latest news with #AdamGordon
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Man charged after authorities make horrific discovery inside vehicle dashboard: 'It's criminal'
Man charged after authorities make horrific discovery inside vehicle dashboard: 'It's criminal' Fourteen live toucans were found stuffed inside the dashboard of a car at the California border, the Times of San Diego reported. It's the fourth time in recent months that someone has been caught trying to smuggle exotic birds into the U.S. Officials say these kinds of cases hurt the animals and could spread disease to people. What's happening? Carlos Abundez, a 35-year-old San Ysidro resident, was arrested at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry after U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers and their detection dog discovered a live keel-billed toucan taped beneath the dashboard of his Volkswagen, per the Times of San Diego. The search led to finding 14 more sedated and injured young toucans hidden in the side panel of the dashboard. The birds had injuries like broken tails and a broken leg. Toucans are a protected species due to declining population numbers, and could get someone up to $5,000 each in illegal trade. According to the Times of San Diego, this case is the fourth recent incident in San Diego involving the smuggling of exotic species, with past cases involving orange-fronted parakeets, parrots, and 12 other protected species. Some of the smuggling attempts resulted in deaths or serious injuries to the animals. Why is preventing illegal trade important? Keel-billed toucans are listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora Appendix II, meaning if one were to trade them internationally, it would require export permits to prevent illegal trade and overexploitation. A 2023 review using CITES data found that more than 22,000 toucans were exported globally between 1985 and 2018, generating nearly $72 million in retail value. Smuggling live birds skips the mandatory 30-day quarantine and disease testing that are designed to decrease the risk of spreading illnesses like the avian influenza. All in all, illegal wildlife trade can bring disease into human communities and also undermine the ecosystem's balance. Invasive species — including those that are deliberately released or accidentally lost by smugglers — harm native species that serve key ecological roles for their habitat. What's being done about bird smuggling? Federal authorities, led by the U.S. Attorney's Office and Fish and Wildlife Service, are prosecuting bird smuggling at the Southern California border crossings. According to the Times of San Diego, a statement was issued by San Diego U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon. "Smuggling endangered birds by sedating them, binding their beaks and hiding them in car compartments is not just cruel — it's criminal," Gordon said in the statement. "This disturbing trend of trafficking exotic wildlife through Southern California ports poses a serious threat to public health and agriculture." CITES works with INTERPOL and the U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime to help share information with border and customs officials around the world. They all work together through something called the International Consortium on Combating Wildlife Crime. Per their official website, "The partner agencies to ICCWC are the [CITES] Secretariat, INTERPOL, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the World Bank and the World Customs Organization (WCO)." Do you think fracking should be illegal in America? Yes — everywhere Yes — in most areas In some areas No Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Man charged after authorities make horrific discovery inside vehicle dashboard: 'It's criminal'
Man charged after authorities make horrific discovery inside vehicle dashboard: 'It's criminal' Fourteen live toucans were found stuffed inside the dashboard of a car at the California border, the Times of San Diego reported. It's the fourth time in recent months that someone has been caught trying to smuggle exotic birds into the U.S. Officials say these kinds of cases hurt the animals and could spread disease to people. What's happening? Carlos Abundez, a 35-year-old San Ysidro resident, was arrested at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry after U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers and their detection dog discovered a live keel-billed toucan taped beneath the dashboard of his Volkswagen, per the Times of San Diego. The search led to finding 14 more sedated and injured young toucans hidden in the side panel of the dashboard. The birds had injuries like broken tails and a broken leg. Toucans are a protected species due to declining population numbers, and could get someone up to $5,000 each in illegal trade. According to the Times of San Diego, this case is the fourth recent incident in San Diego involving the smuggling of exotic species, with past cases involving orange-fronted parakeets, parrots, and 12 other protected species. Some of the smuggling attempts resulted in deaths or serious injuries to the animals. Why is preventing illegal trade important? Keel-billed toucans are listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora Appendix II, meaning if one were to trade them internationally, it would require export permits to prevent illegal trade and overexploitation. A 2023 review using CITES data found that more than 22,000 toucans were exported globally between 1985 and 2018, generating nearly $72 million in retail value. Smuggling live birds skips the mandatory 30-day quarantine and disease testing that are designed to decrease the risk of spreading illnesses like the avian influenza. All in all, illegal wildlife trade can bring disease into human communities and also undermine the ecosystem's balance. Invasive species — including those that are deliberately released or accidentally lost by smugglers — harm native species that serve key ecological roles for their habitat. What's being done about bird smuggling? Federal authorities, led by the U.S. Attorney's Office and Fish and Wildlife Service, are prosecuting bird smuggling at the Southern California border crossings. According to the Times of San Diego, a statement was issued by San Diego U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon. "Smuggling endangered birds by sedating them, binding their beaks and hiding them in car compartments is not just cruel — it's criminal," Gordon said in the statement. "This disturbing trend of trafficking exotic wildlife through Southern California ports poses a serious threat to public health and agriculture." CITES works with INTERPOL and the U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime to help share information with border and customs officials around the world. They all work together through something called the International Consortium on Combating Wildlife Crime. Per their official website, "The partner agencies to ICCWC are the [CITES] Secretariat, INTERPOL, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the World Bank and the World Customs Organization (WCO)." Do you think fracking should be illegal in America? Yes — everywhere Yes — in most areas In some areas No Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Solve the daily Crossword
Daily Mail
08-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Robert De Niro, 81, steps out looking thin after making major career decision on filmmaking
Robert De Niro looked frail on his most recent outing as the legendary actor and filmmaker just made a major career decision. The 81-year-old living legend - who recently made comments about parenting - appeared to be thinner during a solo outing in New York City on Tuesday. The Goodfellas star looked trim as he donned a pair of khaki cargo shorts while strolling through Manhattan. Robert also donned a grey hat with matching track jacket over plain white T-Shirt and a pair of black Sketchers slip-in shoes. He proudly showed off his grey locks as he sported a bit of scruff on his face along with his signature eyeglasses. Robert - who has 120 credits to his name over a 60 year period - also recently made a bold career decision on filmmaking. The native New Yorker is investing in the city he loves and has served as a muse in his career as he just opened a 775,000-square-foot production studio in Queens along with his son Raphael De Niro and business partner Adam Gordon. 'I have always loved shooting in New York. There's no place like New York,' Robert told the New York Times on Monday. The film industry has suffered in the state in recent years including strikes, the cutting of workforce, and productions moving out of state. Robert is hoping to change that after New York Governor Kathy Hochul approved $800million in film subsidies for productions in the state. Now the star is hoping to exclusively film in the state as he told the publication: 'It's always better to shoot in New York, period.' Meanwhile, no doubt being a father of a young child has also kept the star active. Just months ago the A-lister revealed what he thinks the most important rule of parenting is. The Hollywood icon is dad to seven kids — his youngest being two-year-old daughter Gia, whom he shares with girlfriend Tiffany Chen, 45. 'The main thing is to support your kids,' the seasoned parent — who attended Cannes Film Festival — said. He reiterated while speaking to Entertainment Tonight back in June: 'As long as they're not hurting themselves, doing anything destructive or anything like that, you have to support them — period.' The A Bronx Tale star added, 'Even if you don't go with it or think that they… you have to support them. And they have to know that you support them. Always.' During his ET interview, the seasoned entertainer also opened up about his youngest child, whom he and Chen welcomed in April 2023. 'She's just pure joy,' the proud father gushed. 'She's two now, so as they get older and older then… you know? But it's always wonderful. Pure joy, what can I say?' It comes after he admitted that he does not change his baby's diapers. 'No, no, but I used to,' he told Sunday Times in January. 'I spend my mornings watching Miss Rachel with her, and I give her her bottle.' In addition to Gia, the actor is a parent to Drena, 57, Raphael, 48, twins Julian and Aaron, 29, Elliot, 27, and Helen, 14. His first two children came from his marriage to Diahnne Abbott. He went on to welcome twins with girlfriend Toukie Smith. Elliot and Helen are shared with ex-wife Grace Hightower — the two married in 1997 and separated in 2018. On the Today show in 2023, De Niro said about becoming a father for the seventh time: 'It feels great.' In regards to how he has changed as a father, the star told host Hoda Kotb, 'I have certain awareness — when you're older you have awareness of certain things in life, dynamics, everything, family dynamics.' The Meet The Parents sensation added, 'You can't avoid learning certain things and how you can deal with those and manage them and this and that, the usual. 'It's amazing, but I'm very happy about it.' Shortly after the news of his new family addition came to light, the actor told Page Six that welcoming his youngest child was 'planned' and questioned 'how you could not plan that kind of thing.' Meanwhile, he told The Guardian in October 2023, '[Having children] doesn't get easier. It is what it is. It's OK. I mean, I don't do the heavy lifting.
Glasgow Times
07-05-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Co-op cyber attack leaves Glasgow stores shelves empty
The food store is the main retailer in parts of Scotland, like the Western Isles, where there have been reports that the chain's stores are running low on fresh food supplies. Pictures from the supermarket's shelves in Portree and Skye show row upon row of sparse and empty shelves, with some people even reporting some Co-ops in Glasgow having similar supply issues. The disruption comes after the retailer said there had been an attack on its systems on Friday, which resulted in 'significant' amounts of customer data being stolen. READ NEXT: Filming for exciting new TV series to close several Glasgow roads READ NEXT: Warrant issued for woman who 'falsely claimed to be pregnant to extort £7k' A Co-op spokesperson said deliveries to its stores were also impacted by the "sustained malicious attempts by hackers to access our systems", and staff were working around the clock to reduce disruption. There have been reports of stores also being affected across other parts of the UK. One shopper who visited the Co-op's Dennistoun store said the store was barren of any fresh fruit or vegetables. They said: 'I was shocked to see the empty shelves on Monday night. 'It honestly looked worse than during Covid. 'There was no fresh produce, and I had to resort to the clearance section to find anything for my dinner.' (Image: Supplied) Adam Gordon said that milk had to be rationed at the Portree supermarket before it all sold out. He told BBC Radio Scotland: 'It's a boorach (mess) here at the Co-op. 'There's no fresh milk, all fruit and veg is gone, there's no meat and no dairy.' Gordon said there were similar situations at Co-ops in Broadford and Kyle of Lochalsh, adding that staff at the stores said deliveries were expected to arrive in 'dribs and drabs'. On Monday, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) warned that criminals launching cyber attacks at British retailers were impersonating IT help desks to break into organisations. Marks & Spencer and Harrods were also targeted by hackers in the last two weeks, with the anonymous group telling the BBC there will be more attacks soon. NCSC, the government agency responsible for cyber security, has also issued guidance to organisations urging them to review their IT helpdesk 'password reset processes' to reduce their chances of getting hacked.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Yahoo
Dad in coma, son dead and 10-year-old daughter missing after migrant boat capsizes; 5 charged
Five Mexican citizens have been charged with participating in human smuggling after a small boat carrying migrants capsized off San Diego on Monday, killing four people including two children, authorities said. Tragic new details about the deadly smuggling incident came to light Tuesday. The body of a 14-year-old boy from India was among three recovered following the accident, and his 10-year-old sister remains missing at sea and is presumed dead, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. The siblings' parents were rescued, but the father is now in a coma, and the mother remains hospitalized. 'The drowning deaths of these children are a heartbreaking reminder of how little human traffickers care about the costs of their deadly business,' U.S. Atty. Adam Gordon said in a statement. 'We are committed to seeking justice for these vulnerable victims, and to holding accountable any traffickers responsible for their deaths.' The U.S. Coast Guard received a call around 6:30 a.m. Tuesday reporting that a small panga-style boat with an estimated 16 people on board had overturned just north of Torrey Pines State Beach, said Hunter Schnabel, a Coast Guard public affairs officer. Bystanders and San Diego lifeguards were able to rescue four people. Three bodies were recovered from the scene, and nine people were initially unaccounted for. Two of the smuggling suspects — Jesus Ivan Rodriguez-Leyva, 36, and Julio Cesar Zuniga-Luna, 30, both of Mexico — were arrested on the beach, prosecutors said. They have been charged with bringing in migrants resulting in death, which has a maximum penalty of death or life in prison. Although the death penalty remains legal in California, Gov. Gavin Newsom has declared a moratorium on executions, in effect halting them during his tenure. They are also charged with bringing in migrants for financial gain, which is punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Three additional arrests were made Monday night after Border Patrol agents spotted a car, which had been seen earlier near the accident scene, some 25 miles south in Chula Vista, which is just 10 miles north of the Mexican border. The driver of the vehicle fled the scene. Agents continued their investigation and successfully stopped two other vehicles involved in the smuggling incident, authorities said. Inside the vehicles, they discovered eight of the nine missing migrants, with the exception of the 10-year-old girl, prosecutors said. The drivers of the vehicles — Melissa Jenelle Cota, 33, Gustavo Lara, 32, and Sergio Rojas-Fregoso, 31 — were arrested and charged with the transportation of undocumented immigrants, which is punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Rojas-Fregoso faced an additional charge for being in the country illegally after having been previously deported in December 2023, prosecutors said. This charge is punishable by up to two years in prison. "Human smuggling, regardless of the route, is not only illegal but extremely dangerous. Smugglers often treat people as disposable commodities," Shawn Gibson, special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations, San Diego, said in a statement. "Yesterday's heartbreaking events are a stark reminder of the urgent need to dismantle these criminal networks driven by greed." Read more: Migrants make increasingly dangerous journeys to enter California through the coast The smuggling of migrants is a persistent problem along the California coastline and one that often has deadly consequences. In 2023, at least eight people died when two migrant smuggling boats overturned off Black's Beach in San Diego County. A year earlier, a man and two women died when a panga boat crashed into rocks at the base of the cliffs of Point Loma in San Diego. Times staff writer Hannah Fry contributed to this report Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
