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.



NJ Gov. Phil Murphy Signs Executive Order Enshrining Net Neutrality

On Monday, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy (D) signed into effect an executive order upholding net neutrality. Unless the act is challenged in court, Murphy’s order will prohibit internet service providers which do business with the state from ‘blocking, throttling, or favoring web content,’ writes The Hill. Whether the governor’s mandate can stand is up


NTSB Uncovers Possible Explanation for Yet Another Deadly Amtrak Cash

Details on the fourth deadly Amtrak accident in less than two months are starting to emerge. According to NPR, the fault may lie in a safety switch which was locked in the wrong position. While the investigation has only just begun, accusations are already being brought against a supposed “lax safety culture” at Amtrak –


TWP: Female Employees of Federal Prisons Still Face Harassment

A recent Washington Post article outlines how female employees of federal prisons have found themselves repeatedly facing discrimination and harassment from colleagues and inmates alike. Taronica White, recounts the Post, relayed how misbehavior on the part of inmates can lead to poor conduct on the part of prison staff. Showing up for her first day


Washington Lawmakers Sponsor Bills to Take Sexual Harassment Out of the Workplace

Lawmakers in Washington state are making moves to out-maneuver sexual harassment in the workplace. According to the Peninsula Daily News, a Senate committee oversaw the introduction of several bills aiming to limit sexual coercion on the job. Among the proposals are a ban on non-disclosure agreements in cases relating to sexual harassment, as well as


Uber Contractor’s Gender Discrimination Suit Given Green Light

A former Uber contractor’s gender discrimination suit against the ride-sharing company is being allowed to move forward by a San Francisco judge. Ilana Diamond sued Uber Technologies, Inc., in October, claiming she was passed up for a full-time spot as the acting photo brand manager. Even though Diamond’s responsibilities as a contractor were synonymous with


Haven Hospice Announces Shutdown of Affiliate Hit With $5m Fine

Hardly a month after its affiliate was hit by a $5 million federal fine, Haven Hospice announced its subsidiary, VNA and Hospice of the Florida Keys, will shut down by February’s end. “Haven knowingly submitted false claims to the Medicare and Medicaid programs for medically unnecessary hospice care for certain patients who had lengths of


California Woman Sues Wal-Mart, Claims Racial Discrimination in Beauty Product Displays

A California woman is suing retail giant Wal-Mart on grounds of racial discrimination, claiming that it keeps skin- and haircare products used by African-Americans behind locked sliding-glass panels. The unusual display setup, she argues, serves little purpose other than to perpetuate the stereotype that blacks are taken to criminality. Plaintiff Essie Grundy, a 43-year old


Florida Police Officers Use ‘Stand Your Ground’ To Excuse Brutality

Police officers accused of excessive force in Florida are trying to claw their way behind the state’s ‘Stand Your Ground’ law. Intended to protect civilians from accusations of force when using a firearm to defend their lives, ‘Stand Your Ground’ was intended to let ordinary people defend themselves without fear of arrest or incarceration. But,