Abusive

Voices of Survival: Former Girlfriend Reveals Abusive History Before Nez Perce Reservation Tragedy

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LEWISTON, Idaho — The news of Bessie Blackeagle’s murder sent shockwaves through Jolene Cliffe, a former girlfriend of the accused, Travis Ellenwood. Cliffe’s emotions spiraled into turmoil upon learning about Blackeagle’s death, which followed a harrowing pattern of violence that Cliffe herself had previously experienced at the hands of Ellenwood. On October 31, 2020, Blackeagle was beaten, strangled, and ultimately killed by Ellenwood, who had been her live-in partner. After pleading guilty to second-degree murder in 2021, Ellenwood received a nearly 20-year sentence in federal prison. Cliffe’s own history with Ellenwood involves allegations of severe … Read more

Honolulu Chef Faces $3.15 Million Judgment for Abusive Workplace Culture After Sous Chef’s Harrowing Experience

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HONOLULU — A jury in Oahu has awarded more than $3 million to a former sous chef who alleged he suffered violent abuse by the executive chef at a Honolulu restaurant. The case was brought by Andrew DeBellis, who worked at Margotto Hawaii from October to December 2023 and claimed the restaurant’s owner enabled the abusive behavior. The jury’s verdict, handed down on June 24, included $1.05 million in compensatory damages and an additional $2.1 million in punitive damages. DeBellis accused chef Yohei Yagishita of repeatedly assaulting him physically, causing injuries that included a torn … Read more

Is Litigation Stifling Innovation? The Growing Impact of Abusive Lawsuits on Medical and Energy Sectors

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SAN FRANCISCO — Lawsuits leveled against major corporations are creating unintended consequences across various industries, potentially threatening innovation and cost-efficiency for consumers. Legal actions, especially those targeting big energy and medical technology firms, have been criticized for hampering progress on crucial societal challenges like climate change and public health. Experts argue that while the intent behind many of these lawsuits may be to seek justice, the reality often results in stifling the very innovation needed to solve large-scale problems. For instance, California Attorney General Rob Bonta recently launched a lawsuit with intentions to hold oil … Read more