Awards

Judge John D. Bates Receives 2025 Devitt Award

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U.S. District Judge John D. Bates has been honored as the recipient of the 2025 Edward J. Devitt Distinguished Service to Justice Award. This prestigious accolade was presented during a ceremony on October 16, presided over by Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr., at the U.S. Supreme Court. The event was marked by the presence of five Associate Justices, underscoring the significance of this recognition within the judicial community. The Significance of the Devitt Award Established 41 years ago, the Devitt Award is bestowed upon an Article III judge who has demonstrated a distinguished career … Read more

Jury Awards $205 Million to Family of Girl Who Tragically Fell from Amusement Park Ride

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Glenwood Springs, Colorado — The family of a six-year-old girl who tragically died after falling from an amusement park ride in 2021 was awarded $205 million by a jury earlier this month. This decision comes as part of a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of Wongel Estifanos four years ago. Wongel fell to her death on September 5, 2021, while visiting Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park with her relatives. According to the lawsuit, her uncle had accompanied Wongel, along with two of his children and another family member, on the Haunted Mine Drop ride. … Read more

Polk County’s Costly Fallout: Jury Awards $4 Million to Wrongfully Terminated HR Director Amid Political Turmoil

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DES MOINES, Iowa — A jury in Dallas County has awarded former Polk County Human Resources Director Jim Niehaus more than $4 million in a wrongful termination lawsuit. The ruling opens the door for taxpayers to potentially shoulder part of this substantial financial burden. The jury found that several Polk County officials were liable for libel when they terminated Niehaus’s employment in 2020. The circumstances surrounding Niehaus’s firing are emblematic of a larger pattern of internal disputes among the Polk County Board of Supervisors. Supervisor Matt McCoy commented on the ongoing turmoil, acknowledging the challenges … Read more

Monaco’s La Belle Classe Explorer Awards Spotlight Innovation in Sustainable Yachting

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MONACO — The Yacht Club de Monaco, under the High Patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert II, is set to host the fifth edition of the La Belle Classe Explorer Awards, emphasizing a commitment to yachting with purpose. These awards, designed to promote innovative uses of yachts, highlight projects that utilize navigation as a tool for exploration and scientific inquiry. Rather than solely serving recreational purposes, today’s yachts have the potential to foster a deeper understanding of our oceans while sharing impactful experiences with society at large. The Explorer Awards encourage yacht owners and captains to … Read more