Ryan Farrick is a freelance writer and small business advertising consultant based out of mid-Michigan. Passionate about international politics and world affairs, he’s an avid traveler with a keen interest in the connections between South Asia and the United States. Ryan studied neuroscience and has spent the last several years working as an operations manager in transportation logistics.


Uber Drivers in Massachusetts Sue, Alleging Labor Violations

Uber drivers in Massachusetts are suing the ride-sharing company, claiming it illegally labels its employees independent contractors in a bid to skirt minimum wage and state law. The Boston Herald reports that the suit, filed earlier this week in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, claims that the company “regularly fails to


Tamaqua School District Under Fire for Proposing to Arm Teachers

Gun control advocates are suing Tamaqua School District for a recently-passed policy that allows teachers to carry firearms at school. WFMZ reports that on Thursday, families launched a second lawsuit against the school district. Backed by Cease Fire PA, the litigation aims to topple Tamaqua’s firearms policy. “It’s not staff members’ place to have a


Settlement Brings Healthcare Relief for Illinois Prisoners

Accused of enabling negligence and providing substandard care, Illinois has agreed to a series of reforms intended to improve health throughout its prison system. Under the agreements, writes the Chicago Tribune, a federal monitor will oversee adjustments to prison healthcare. Among the accepted changes are increased medical and dental staffing, ‘proper training and qualifications for


Appeals Court Scores a Win for Trump’s Transgender Ban

On Friday, an appeals court ruled in favor of President Donald Trump’s ban on transgender persons serving in the U.S. military. The ruling lifted a lower court injunction against the policy. Bloomberg.com reports that the contested plan, crafted by recently-departed Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, was ‘less restrictive’ than the all-out ban first proposed by Trump.


Black NYPD Officer Wins $5m Almost 10 Years After Violent Assault

A black NYPD officer who was beaten by law enforcement at a birthday party has settled with the city for $5 million. The longstanding lawsuit was initiated following a violent confrontation in 2010. Officer Larry Jackson says his wife had called police to report a gate-crasher, only for first-responders to beat, pummel and arrest the


Trump’s Shutdown Overwhelms Immigration Courts and Stiffs Agents

President Donald Trump’s demands for a bigger, better border wall are taking a toll on immigration agents and officers. While the federal government continues to grind through a partial shutdown, not all of its employees are exempted from staying home. Workers who perform ‘essential’ functions still have to punch the clock, without pay or knowing


San Bernardino Victims’ Social Media Lawsuit Dismissed

A San Francisco judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by survivors and family members of a 2015 mass shooting in California. The suit, writes National Public Radio, accused Facebook, Google and Twitter of knowingly supporting the Islamic State terror group and assisting its social media campaign. Fourteen people were killed and another 22 injured when



Parkland Commission Recommends Giving Guns to Teachers

A commission charged with investigating last year’s mass shooting in Parkland, Florida recommends that teachers who volunteer to undergo training be allowed to carry firearms in schools. The Guardian reports that the state-appointed, 15-member Marjory Stoneman Douglas high school public safety commission unanimously approved the 446-page report. Included within was a recommendation to arm teachers,


New Year’s Day Brings Tear Gas, Chaos to U.S.-Mexico Border

Chaos again erupted along the U.S.-Mexico border Tuesday, as federal agents used tear gas to control what one official described as a “violent mob” of migrants. Reuters reports that ‘clouds of noxious gas’ could be seen wafting above a Tijuana border fence. One migrant purportedly picked up a tear gas canister and tossed it back