Jen Byers

Jan 14, 2025 | prismreports.org | Jen Byers

Independent journalist Alissa Azar was arrested and charged with trespassing in May 2024 while recording video at a student-led Palestine protest at Oregon’s Portland State University. Azar said she was singled out in the crowd by a Portland Police Bureau (PPB) officer familiar with her work and later harassed in jail by officers who said they “missed having run-ins with [her].” She said some even took selfies with her in handcuffs on their cellphones.

Nov 20, 2024 | truthout.org | Jen Byers |Desiree Kane

Nex Benedict was a Tulsa-area teen of Choctaw descent. His friends described him as an “adventurous little thing” who had a flair for creating art with a sense of ease. They called him “Roachie,” and he was loved. After Nex’s death in February 2024, his portrait splayed across international news, vigils and social media posts. The picture shows Nex with deep brown eyes, short, loose brown curls grown out a little bit and a gentle smile. Nex has a crisp white shirt and black vest on.

Nov 15, 2024 | penncapital-star.com | Jen Byers

Adriana still remembers the day last spring when she got paid less than minimum wage. She was at a big suburban house outside Philadelphia that was at least three stories tall, and it had taken her and a crew more than six hours, without breaks, to clean it. At the next house, the supervisor told Adriana, who’d asked for a break, to wait in the van. She’d been fired. Adriana said she got $40 cash for the eight hours she spent in the van and cleaning that day.

Nov 13, 2024 | inquirer.com | Jen Byers

This article was produced by Capital & Main. It is published here with permission. Adriana still remembers the day last spring when she got paid less than minimum wage. She was at a big suburban house outside Philadelphia that was at least three stories tall, and it had taken her and a crew more than six hours, without breaks, to clean it. At the next house, the supervisor told Adriana, who’d asked for a break, to wait in the van. She’d been fired.

Oct 12, 2024 | desertsun.com | Jen Byers

In Culver City last year, the high school put on a performance of the hit musical “Mamma Mia.” The student actors had full costumes, makeup and microphones. The hand-painted set was lit beautifully, and audiences cozied into the state-of-the-art Robert Frost auditorium, a complex that can fit 1,100 people. Every child deserves this kind of access to the arts, creativity and a quality education. But, 15 miles away, Lynwood Unified School District no longer has a theater.