Reporter

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

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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

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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

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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

California Reporter Challenges Sideshow Spectator Law, Claims First Amendment Violations

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SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY, Calif. — The escalation of illegal automotive gatherings in California, known locally as sideshows, has led to stringent new measures involving not only participants but also onlookers. An increase in fines and expanded prosecutorial powers are now standard, with law enforcement aiming to deter such activities that often disrupt local communities. Amid these heightened legal responses, the introduction of certain ordinances has sparked contention regarding the rights guaranteed by the First Amendment, leading to a notable case recently filed in federal court. Sideshows, typically characterized by stunt driving and large crowds, have … Read more