Reporter

L.A. Judge Bans Reporter from Courtroom During Confidential Jury Selection in UCLA Health Case

by

Los Angeles, Calif.—An unusual incident unfolded in a Los Angeles courtroom on Wednesday when Judge Tony L. Richardson ordered a reporter from the Daily Journal to leave during jury selection for a civil harassment and discrimination case involving UCLA Health. The directive came from Judge Richardson’s clerk, Karlet Ghazarian, who informed the reporter that the proceedings were confidential. However, the judge did not provide any formal announcement regarding the confidentiality of the hearing. When inquired the following day about the reasons for the closed jury qualification, Ghazarian reiterated that the confidentiality was in accordance with … Read more

Jury Awards $18 Million to Ghanaian Reporter in Defamation Case Against Lawmaker with U.S. Connections

by

Newark, NJ – In a significant legal victory, Anas Aremeyaw Anas, a renowned Ghanaian investigative journalist, has been awarded $18 million in defamation damages by an Essex County jury. The verdict came after Anas was accused by a Ghanaian lawmaker of engaging in criminal activities, tied to his investigative work on soccer corruption. Anas, aged 47 and known for his impactful journalism worldwide, faced accusations from Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, a lawmaker who also has property interests in West Orange, New Jersey. Agyapong’s damaging statements, some of which were issued from his New Jersey property, led … Read more

New York Strengthens Red Flag Law, Expanding Reporter Eligibility to Enhance Public Safety

by

Albany, NY — In a move to prevent gun violence, New York has enhanced its Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO), also known colloquially as the "Red Flag Law." The recently signed legislation mandates that courts immediately inform the state registry about any protective orders or warrants issued under this law. Governor Kathy Hochul, committed to tightening gun control measures, has expanded the provisions of the existing law with the new legislation aimed at deterring individuals considered a threat from possessing firearms. This update builds upon laws first signed in 2022 under Hochul’s administration shortly after … Read more

Jury Upholds Press Freedom, Rules in Favor of Reporter Jeff in Landmark Case

by

Honolulu, Hawaii – In a key court decision, a Hawaii jury has ruled in favor of a journalist long at loggerheads with a local agribusiness company over defamation claims, marking a significant victory for press freedom. Jeffrey Grundhauser, a seasoned news reporter, had been embroiled in a relentless legal battle after being sued by Hawaiian Sunshine Nursery, a prominent agricultural firm. The lawsuit stemmed from a series of articles penned by Grundhauser, which scrutinized the nursery’s business practices. The jury, after deliberating on the evidence presented, found that Grundhauser’s reporting did not amount to defamation, … Read more