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.



Lawmakers Introduce Bills to Regulate Firearm Accessory Used in Las Vegas Shooting

A bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced legislation to regulate a firearm accessory used in the Las Vegas shooting. Introduced on Tuesday, the bill would place some restrictions on the manufacture and sale of “bump stocks,” which harness the recoil of semi-automatic firearms to increase rates of fire. The legislation is authored by Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick



Former High School Athlete Awarded $1.2 Million Medical Malpractice Lawsuit

A New Jersey high school student forced to attend her prom in a wheelchair was awarded $1.2 million following a successful medical malpractice lawsuit. Samantha Alpert – now 22 – was once an all-star tennis player at Livingstone High School, according to NJ.com. After a biopsy on her leg went wrong, the woman suffered nerve



Texas Legislators Introduce New Safety Bill for Hot Air Balloon Pilots

One year after the deadliest hot air balloon crash in American history, Texas lawmakers are proposing new rules to make the industry safer. Reps. Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), Blake Farenthold (R-TX) and Will Hurd (R-TX) jointly introduced a measure to Congress which would mandate that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) require medical certifications for hot air


Department of Justice Admits It Couldn’t Prosecute Kettle Falls Five

A Department of Justice motion could clean away the convictions of the Kettle Falls Five, who were charged with cultivating marijuana for personal use. Nearly five years ago, federal agents raided the home of Larry Harvey and Rhonda Firestack-Harvey, near Kettle Falls, WA. In the ensuing search, law enforcement officials say they found numerous marijuana


Government Forgives Student Loans for Wounded Vet Will Milzarski But IRS Doesn’t

The IRS is asking wounded Michigan veteran Will Milzarski to pay $62,000 in income taxes after the federal government forgave his student loans. First Lt. Milzarski had served two tours in Afghanistan, which left him with a traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, and hearing loss. After deeming him permanently and totally disabled, the federal



“Underwear Bomber” Sues Government Over Civil Rights Abuses

The would-be terrorist now known as the “Underwear Bomber” is claiming that a federal prison in Colorado is violating his constitutional rights. In a lawsuit filed last week, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallah claimed to be the victim of discrimination and psychological abuse. The failed terrorist said facilities at Florence Supermax in Colorado were forcing him to