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.


Los Angeles County Pays Staggering Amount in Sheriff’s Department Lawsuits

Los Angeles County paid out almost $51 million over its Sheriff’s Department in 2016. Making use of data provided by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, an LA Times report published Sunday drew a bleak conclusion about a troubling trend. Since 2011, the County has been paying an increasing amount of money to plaintiffs who



Trump Pick for SCOTUS, Neil Gorsuch, Confirmed After Senate Goes Nuclear

President Donald Trump’s pick for the Supreme Court, Neil Gorsuch, was confirmed Friday after the Senate went nuclear. The successful appointment marked what must have been a refreshing victory for the fledging administration, which has so far been frustrated by the judiciary at almost every turn. Gorsuch joined the Supreme Court on Monday as the


Trump Orders Missile Strikes on Syria

The United States conducted a sweeping series of missile strikes on Syria late Thursday night. Between 50 and 60 Tomahawk cruise missiles were fired from the decks of warships in the eastern Mediterranean. Unlike previous actions inside Syria, which targeted ISIS and anti-Western groups of rebels, the strikes last night were aimed directly at an


Judge Rules Landlord Refusing Lesbian Couple Violated Federal Housing Law

A U.S. district judge ruled Wednesday that a Colorado landlord’s dismissal of a lesbian couple violated federal housing law. The ruling concluded a case that began last year when the couple, one of whom is transgender, was reportedly denied housing on grounds of their sexuality. Colorado landlord Deepika Avanti had told the two women, Rachel


Scott Gottlieb’s Confirmation Hearing Begins with Tough Questions on Flavored Tobacco

FDA commissioner nominee Scott Gottlieb’s confirmation hearing began on Wednesday. Senators asked the practicing physician and former Bush administration health official about his stance on an array of topics. Senator Patty Murray, a Democrat from Washington, grilled Gottlieb on whether he’d be willing to regulate the availability of flavored tobacco products as well as e-cigarettes.


Republicans Urge Trump to “Fire” the Head of the CFPB

Prominent House Republicans have called on Donald Trump to “fire” the head of the CFPB. Rep. Jeb Hensarling, who heads the House Financial Services Committee, lashed out against the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau chief Richard Cordray on Wednesday. Hensarling demanded that Cordray be “immediately” terminated from his position, laying down a list of abuses for


Senate to Move Forward on Neil Gorsuch’s Supreme Court Nomination

On Tuesday, the Senate voted to formally move forward with debate on Neil Gorsuch’s Supreme Court nomination. Senators voted 55-44 to proceed with Gorsuch’s nomination, with Republican Senators finding backing from three of their liberal colleagues. An ongoing filibuster stalled the process, prompting criticism from the political right as well as commander-in-chief Donald Trump. Critics


Senate Democrats Raise More Concerns Over FDA Pick Scott Gottlieb

Compared to some of Donald Trump’s other cabinet and department picks, Scott Gottlieb didn’t come with much baggage. Nominated as the head of the Food and Drug Administration, Gottlieb is a practicing physician who ran an office within the FDA during the Bush presidency. He a stalwart conservative with a background in health and over


EPA’s Budget Expected to be Cut by a Third

Less than four months into the Trump presidency, a blueprint arrived to the department heads of the Environmental Protection Agency. Close to fulfilling a longstanding campaign promise, the President released a memo detailing how the EPA’s budget would be cut by a third. By April 25th, administrators are supposed to explain how they’ll cope with