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Celebrating a Century of Cinema: Mediterrane Film Festival 2025 Set to Illuminate Valletta with Star-Studded Jury and Dynamic Programming

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Valletta, Malta – The Mediterrane Film Festival is gearing up for its 2025 edition, set to take place from June 21 to June 29. This year’s festival, the third iteration, promises a star-studded jury that includes renowned filmmaker Catherine Hardwicke, Oscar-winning production designer Rick Carter, and standout talents such as costume designer Charlese Antoinette and set decorator Elli Griff. The jury will play a pivotal role in selecting the recipients of the coveted Golden Bee Awards, which will be announced during a gala event on June 29. Under the leadership of festival director Ray Calleja … Read more

Kirkland & Ellis Strengthens Litigation Powerhouse, Attracts 23 Top Lawyers from King & Spalding

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Kirkland, Washington — In a significant shift within the legal landscape, Kirkland & Ellis has recruited over 20 litigators, including 12 partners, from King & Spalding, aiming to enhance its capabilities in mass tort and product liability defense. This transition marks a substantial addition to Kirkland’s litigation practice as the firm gears up for significant growth. Among the prominent partners joining Kirkland are Kristen Fournier, Kim Bueno, Morty Dubin, and John Ewald, who began their transition to the firm last week. According to insiders familiar with the situation, the total number of lawyers making the … Read more

Pennsylvania Moves Toward Reading Revolution: New Bills Push for Science-Backed Curricula Amid Literacy Crisis

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PHILADELPHIA — Pennsylvania lawmakers are advancing a pair of bipartisan bills aimed at transforming reading instruction across the state’s public schools by emphasizing research-backed instructional methods. The proposed legislation seeks to ensure that all students learn reading skills fundamental to their academic success, including phonics, decoding, vocabulary, and comprehension. These initiatives respond to alarming statistics; recent national assessments revealed that only about one-third of Pennsylvania fourth graders achieved proficiency in reading. The legislation builds on a prior law establishing training programs for educators focused on the science of reading, with the goal of aligning classroom … Read more

San Antonio Jury Rules Excessive Force Used Against Delivery Driver by Police Officers

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San Antonio, Texas – A jury has concluded that officers from the San Antonio Police Department used excessive force against a delivery driver during an incident captured on video. This decision comes at a time when scrutiny regarding police conduct is at a high point, prompting discussions about necessary reforms in law enforcement practices. The events unfolded last year when the delivery driver was approached by police while delivering food in a residential neighborhood. Video evidence presented during the trial showed officers using physical force, which the jury ultimately deemed unreasonable given the circumstances of … Read more