Rights

Tree Thief’s Claim of Ancient Forest Rights Denied, Guilty Verdicts Upheld by Judge

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ROLFE, Iowa – A district court judge has denied a repeated effort by a man accused of stealing trees from the state to negate his guilty verdicts. Jason Levant Ferguson, 41, of Rolfe, was convicted in November of felony theft and 50 timber violations. His attorney, Kevin Fors of Harcourt, argued that the jury made an error in the conviction, insisting that Ferguson had the right to cut firewood and timber from public land for survival purposes. Fors has invoked England’s Charter of the Forest, a document from 800 years ago that established the rights … Read more

James Hall Jr.: A Powerful Advocate for Civil Rights and Youth Development Passes Away at 69

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MILWAUKEE, WI – Civil rights attorney James Hall Jr., known for his tireless advocacy and dedication to youth development, has passed away at the age of 69 after battling cancer. Throughout his career, Hall made significant contributions to the improvement of marginalized communities in Milwaukee, both through his legal work and his voluntary efforts on various city boards and committees. His impact was widely recognized and respected, with former NAACP Milwaukee Branch President Fred Royal describing him as a quiet yet powerful force. In recognition of his commitment to helping impoverished people, Hall was honored … Read more

Wrongful Death Lawsuit Accuses Lycoming County Prison of Negligence and Civil Rights Violations After Inmate Dies from COVID-19 and Diabetes Complications

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Williamsport, Pennsylvania – The family of a man who died in Lycoming County Prison has filed a federal lawsuit accusing jail staff of neglecting his worsening symptoms until it was too late. Chaz Donya Turner, 33, died on January 15, 2022, due to complications from COVID-19 and diabetes, according to an autopsy conducted by Lycoming County Coroner Charles Kiessling. Turner, who had a history of diabetes and hyperglycemia, had sought medical attention at UPMC Williamsport for abdominal issues just a few days before his arrest. Turner was taken into custody on January 4, 2022, on … Read more

Judge Denies Woman’s Appeal for Ownership Rights to Dogs in ‘House of Horrors’ Animal Abuse Investigation

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CHANDLER, Ariz. – A judge has denied the appeal of a woman involved in an animal abuse investigation in Chandler, Arizona to regain ownership of the dogs at the center of the case. The woman, identified as April McLaughlin, also known as “Sydney McKinley,” was previously accused of 95 counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty. In October, a judge terminated her rights to the dogs, a decision that she later appealed. However, her appeal has now been dismissed. The case, often referred to as the ‘House of Horrors,’ gained attention in September 2023 when authorities removed … Read more