Independent

D.C. Superior Court Judge Clears Path for Ranked-Choice Voting and Independent Participation in Primaries Despite Lawsuit

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WASHINGTON (AP) — A recent ruling by a D.C. Superior Court judge has given a significant boost to the campaign advocating for ranked-choice voting and open primaries in Washington, D.C. The judge dismissed a lawsuit that sought to block the ballot initiative, clearing the way for its progress. Initiative 83, as it has become known, aims to extend the right to participate in party primaries to independent voters and introduce ranked-choice voting to the city. Under the initiative, the more than 73,000 unaffiliated voters in D.C. would be able to take part in primary elections … Read more

Landmark Ruling Empowers Hawaii Doctors to Make Independent Medical Decisions, Puts Patients First

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HONOLULU, Hawaii – A recent court ruling against Hawaii’s largest health insurer, Hawaii Medical Services Association (HMSA), has the potential to grant more autonomy to doctors in the state when it comes to making medical decisions. The ruling, delivered by a judge in Big Island, deemed HMSA’s contracts with its doctors as “unconscionable” and unenforceable. While HMSA is currently appealing the decision, this rare legal victory is being celebrated by doctors and families who have often faced denials of necessary care from the insurer. One such family is that of Scott Norton, a Big Island … Read more

Freelance Workers Sue US Department of Labor Over Biden Administration’s Independent Contractor Rule, Citing Unconstitutionality

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Atlanta, Georgia – A group of freelance writers and editors has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Labor, challenging the legality of the Biden administration’s new rule that makes it harder for companies to classify workers as independent contractors. The four freelancers filed the lawsuit in a federal court in Georgia, arguing that the recently unveiled rule, which they consider to be vague, violates the U.S. Constitution. This lawsuit is the first to challenge the rule, which is set to take effect on March 11. The plaintiffs claim that the new rule is … Read more

Singapore’s ‘Wonderland’ Emerges Victorious at Palm Springs Film Festival, Showcasing the Power of Independent Cinema

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PALM SPRINGS, California – Singapore’s independent film, ‘Wonderland,’ has received the prestigious Local Jury Award at the Palm Springs International Film Festival. This recognition not only brings attention to the film itself but also highlights the potential of Singaporean cinema on the global stage. Directed by Chai Yee Wei and produced by Mocha Chai Laboratories, ‘Wonderland’ tells a captivating story set in the 1980s. The film revolves around Loke, played by Mark Lee, a single father who fabricates a lie to his daughter Eileen, portrayed by Xenia Tan. This lie influences Eileen’s decision to move … Read more