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.


NTSB Blames Amtrak for Fatal Crash

A federal agency blamed the safety culture at Amtrak for last year’s fatal crash near Philadelphia, which left two railway employees dead along the tracks. Traveling at 106 miles per hour – just below its authorized speed – the train collided with a piece of construction equipment parked close to the rail line. Immediately after


Grays Harbor County Settles Suit Over Use of Solitary Confinement for Kids

Grays Harbor County in Washington agreed to pay damages and make policy changes after a suit challenged its use of solitary confinement in juvenile detention centers. According to U.S. News, the lawsuit was originally filed by a local chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union in March. The organization provided legal counsel to the mother


Florida Doctor Peter Katz Arrested for Illegal Drug Sales, Bad File-Keeping

A 73-year old doctor from Florida has been arrested in connection with the deaths of four former patients. Boynton Beach physician Peter Katz had already been arrested in April. According to the Sun-Sentinel, he’d been prescribing medication with “limited to no exam, no patient files and no medical history.” Sometimes Katz would try fulfilling his



9-Year Old Cheyenne Lewis Wins $4m After Dad Sues State

A 9-year old girl named Cheyenne Lewis will receive $4m from the state of Washington. The child was found living in sordid conditions in 2015. Lewis’s mother and boyfriend had kept her and two siblings locked up in a dilapidated and patently disgusting Lake Stevens home. KOMO News reports how law enforcement officers reacted after


Female Public Defenders Sue Chicago Jails Over Masturbating Inmates

Female public defenders in Chicago are now suing the city, saying it hasn’t done enough to stop masturbating inmates from exposing themselves. A half-dozen attorneys claim that serial instances of indecent exposure and masturbation are a major problem in Chicago’s courtroom lock-ups and county jails. Reuters reports that officials are aware of the problem and


Columbia University Professor Steps Down Amidst Sexual Harassment Allegations

A distinguished professor at Columbia University stepped down after being accused of kissing and groping a graduate student. The news, as relayed by The New York Times, was circulated by the university to its students and staff early last week. According to a lawsuit filed in Manhattan court against Columbia and Professor William V. Harris,


Sandy Hook Parents Pursue Lawsuit Against Newtown and School District

Lawyers for parents of two of the children slain in the Sandy Hook massacre asked that a judge not throw out their lawsuit against Newtown and the local school district. According to the News Times, attorneys for the city want the courts to dismiss the suit. Their argument is that only one individual – Adam


City of Denver Settles in Prisoner Death Lawsuit

The City of Denver agreed to pay $4.6 million to the relatives of a black inmate who was killed during a psychotic episode in 2015. During a mental health breakdown inside a Denver jail, Michael Marshall was suffocated to death while being restrained by deputies. The complaint and untimely demise of Marshall will lead to


Hurricane Survivors Sue EPA Over Delayed Formaldehyde Ban

Survivors of Hurricanes Rita and Katrina are suing the Environmental Protection Agency for upending the enforcement of rules governing the safe use of formaldehyde. An article from The Advocate explains why the issue is so important to some Louisiana residents, including members of the advocacy group “A Community Voice.” “Formaldehyde is so dangerous for our