Internationally, there was controversy surrounding the movie The Interview (2014) because of its depictions of Kim Jong-un. There was a hack into the Sony company, who produced the movie, that left threatening messages and blackmailed the company over the movie. North Korea denies any direct involvement in the hack itself, but does not condemn the action. Information such as pay discrepancies, social security numbers, credit cards, passport details, and many private emails between high-power individuals.
Nationally, riots erupted in Ferguson, Missouri after the fatal shooting of the unarmed teen Michael Brown. The protests against the police brutality quickly became violent, leading to looting and officers using forces such as tear gas and rubber bullets. Over 2 dozen people were arrested for involvement in the looting and violent protesting. Federal and local authorities were involved in investigations, but what was stressed most by the people were receiving transparent information and facts about the tragedy.
Locally, the borough of Somerville was being sued by three black Somerville Department of Public Works employees for being subjected to racial hostility in the workplace, even after efforts to reduce or eliminate the animosity. These employees stressed that they brought the racist remarks to the attention of high-ranking officials, but nothing changed until the men threatened a lawsuit. In the end, long-term board members and managers were fired, as well as new harassment training for employees.
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