Spain Names Oliver Laxe’s “Sirât” as Official Oscar Contender, Join the Race with Cannes Acclaim and North American Distribution

Madrid, Spain — Director Oliver Laxe’s ambitious film “Sirât” has been chosen as Spain’s official submission for the best international feature film category at the 98th Academy Awards. The announcement was made on Wednesday by Pablo Berger, who received an animated feature nomination last year for “Robot Dreams.” The selection follows a thorough voting process by the members of Spain’s Academy of the Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, who evaluated several films over the summer before narrowing it down to three finalists: “Sirât,” Carla Simon’s “Romería,” and Eva Libertad’s “Deaf.” “Sirât,” which delivers an intense … Read more

Supreme Court Set to Tackle Key Environmental Law Issues in 2024-25 Term, Says American Bar Association

WASHINGTON – As the Supreme Court gears up for its upcoming term, environmental law is set to take center stage, especially with high-profile cases anticipated that could reshape regulatory frameworks across the United States. Legal experts and environmental advocates are primed for a session that may significantly impact how environmental policies are implemented and enforced. The significance of this term lies not only in the number of environmental cases but also in the potential implications for the nation’s regulatory landscape. The Court will hear cases that scrutinize the powers of federal agencies, specifically concerning their … Read more

Federal Jury Slaps American Express with $12.5 Million Verdict for Unfair Practices Amid Antitrust Claims Dismissal

NEW YORK — A federal jury has ordered American Express Co. to pay $12.5 million in damages after finding the company engaged in unfair practices under Illinois law, although it was cleared of various antitrust allegations that had also been brought against it. The verdict, delivered on Thursday in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, stemmed from a protracted legal battle initiated by state consumers. Those consumers challenged certain nondiscrimination clauses present in American Express’s agreements with merchants who accept its credit cards. These provisions specifically prohibit steering practices, which … Read more

Former Georgia Judge Embraces New Role as American Association for Justice President, Advocating for Access to Justice Amid Legislative Changes

Atlanta, Ga. — A retired Georgia judge is stepping into a new role as president of the American Association for Justice (AAJ), an organization dedicated to supporting trial lawyers and their clients across the nation. This leadership position comes as the association confronts significant changes in state legislation under Governor Brian Kemp, aimed at reforming personal injury lawsuit regulations. Greg Bey, who will assume the presidency in July 2026, is looking forward to his new responsibilities. “I’m excited to represent trial lawyers and their clients across the country,” he said, expressing a strong commitment to … Read more