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Historic Jury Ruling: Terminally Ill Man Awarded $117 Million After Asbestos Exposure at World Trade Center

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New York — In a landmark decision, a jury has awarded $117 million to a terminally ill man and his wife after the man was exposed to asbestos while working on the World Trade Center construction during the 1970s. This ruling marks a significant moment in the ongoing fight for justice among those impacted by asbestos-related illnesses. William Durbec, the man at the center of the case, was diagnosed with a terminal illness linked to his asbestos exposure. The jury determined that Durbec is entitled to $78 million, compensating him for both past and future … Read more

Leading Climate Attorney Joins Harvard Board, Paving the Way for Sustainable Innovation

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BOSTON — A leading attorney specializing in climate change litigation has been elected to the board of Harvard University, enhancing the institution’s commitment to addressing environmental challenges. The election of this prominent figure is expected to bolster discussions surrounding climate policy and sustainability at one of the world’s most prestigious universities. The selected lawyer has extensive experience representing states, cities, and non-governmental organizations in complex legal matters related to climate change. This appointment reflects a growing recognition among educational institutions of the critical role they play in combating environmental issues. Harvard’s board consists of influential … Read more

Texas Appellate Court Orders New Trial for Judge Hensley, Challenging Reprimand Over Same-Sex Wedding Refusal

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AUSTIN, Texas — A Texas appellate court has granted a new trial to Judge Dianne Hensley, who faced scrutiny for her refusal to officiate same-sex weddings. The Third Court of Appeals has ruled that Hensley can advance her legal challenge against the State Commission on Judicial Conduct (SCJC). This ruling follows a prior decision by the Texas Supreme Court, which sent the case back to a lower court in June 2024. The Supreme Court directed the lower court to examine Hensley’s argument that the SCJC’s public reprimand infringed upon her deeply held religious convictions. Hensley’s … Read more

Court Tosses Ex-Janitor’s Claim to Flamin’ Hot Cheetos Fame in Legal Showdown

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LOS ANGELES — A lawsuit filed by a former janitor who claimed to have invented Flamin’ Hot Cheetos was dismissed by a judge, bringing to a close a high-profile legal battle that captured the attention of snack enthusiasts and the business community alike. Richard Montañez, who previously served as an executive at Frito-Lay, asserted in his 2021 autobiography that he developed the popular spicy snack while working at a California plant in the late 1970s. Montañez’s claim posited that he created the seasoned snack as a way to cater to the tastes of Hispanic consumers. … Read more