Wins

Utah Legislature Wins ‘Black Hole’ Award for Lack of Transparency in Public Records

by

Salt Lake City, Utah – The Utah Legislature has garnered significant criticism for its approach to public records, leading to the state receiving a damning appraisal as a “Black Hole” by a recognized freedom of information advocacy group. This designation highlights profound issues regarding the accessibility of public records in Utah, reflecting a broader concern about transparency in governmental operations. This criticism stems primarily from recent legislative actions perceived as tightening the reins on public records accessibility. Particularly contentious is the enactment of HB 2022, which opponents argue introduces prohibitive fees and cumbersome processes that … Read more

Oregon Man Wins $208,000 in Discrimination Case Against Farm Preferring Foreign Workers

by

Madras, Oregon – A local resident was awarded almost $208,000 this February after a federal jury concluded that an organic vegetable farm illegally favored foreign workers over him because of his nationality. Virgilio Carvajal, 61, a U.S. citizen since 2013, sought employment with Cal Farms in 2019 and 2020 but was repeatedly overlooked in favor of workers from abroad. Cal Farms, like many U.S. agricultural operations, utilized the H-2A visa program which permits the hiring of foreign labor when suitable local workers are supposedly unavailable. This federal program mandates that farms make genuine efforts to … Read more

Family Wins $30.5 Million in Lawsuit Against Kern County Over Fatal 2020 Deputy Shooting Incident

by

Bakersfield, Calif. – A California jury has awarded $30.5 million to the family of a man fatally shot by a Kern County sheriff’s deputy in 2020. The decision came after a month-long civil trial scrutinizing the circumstances that led to the shooting, which has raised significant public interest and debate over law enforcement practices. The incident, which occurred on December 12, 2020, involved David Moses, 33, who was shot and killed during an early morning encounter in a residential neighborhood. According to reports, deputies were responding to a call involving a suspicious person in the … Read more

“Mix Tape” Wins Hearts at SXSW, Secures Audience Award for TV Spotlight

by

Austin, Texas – The SXSW Film and TV Festival recently concluded with accolades for an array of international productions, among which the Australian-Irish co-production “Mix Tape” stood out by clinching the Audience Award in the TV Spotlight category. The series, which had its world premiere at the festival, explores the themes of nostalgia and reconnection through music. “Mix Tape”, based on Jane Sanderson’s romantic novel, features Teresa Palmer and Jim Sturgess in leading roles as a couple who find their way back to each other from different corners of the globe, connected by a significant … Read more