Awards

Jefferson County Jury Awards $5.6 Million After Hospital Care Mishap Leads to Leg Amputation

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Watertown, N.Y. — A jury in Jefferson County has awarded $5.6 million to a man from Alexandria Bay after finding that his hospital care was mishandled, ultimately leading to the amputation of his leg. The case centers on events that took place on June 6, 2018, when Roger Altman was admitted to Samaritan Medical Center displaying critically low blood pressure and symptoms indicative of a serious medical condition. According to the legal representation for Altman, the medical team’s delay in providing necessary intervention contributed to the decision to perform an above-the-knee amputation. Complications arose post-surgery, … Read more

“San Diego Jury Awards $3 Million to Whistleblower as Former Orange County DA Faces Harassment Claims”

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SAN DIEGO — A jury has ruled that a former high-ranking prosecutor from Orange County was compelled to retire due to harassment by District Attorney Todd Spitzer and his assistant, Shawn Nelson, who now serves as a Superior Court judge. The decision follows a whistleblower lawsuit filed by Tracy Miller, who claimed her 25 years of service were marred by retaliation related to her efforts to protect younger colleagues from harassment. The jury awarded Miller $3 million in economic damages and $25,000 in punitive damages against Spitzer, but did not find Nelson acted with malice. … Read more

Orange County Jury Awards $3 Million to Prosecutor Allegedly Punished for Supporting Sexual Harassment Victims

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Orange County, California — A jury awarded $3 million in damages to a former prosecutor who claimed she was forced out of her role after backing colleagues who reported sexual harassment. The verdict followed a two-week trial held in San Diego, concluding a lawsuit initiated by Tracy Miller, who served as a prosecutor and supervisor in the Orange County District Attorney’s Office for 25 years. Miller’s lawsuit, filed in February 2022 against the county, District Attorney Todd Spitzer, and former Chief Assistant District Attorney Shawn Nelson, alleged retaliation and wrongful termination. She stated that her … Read more

Empowering Local Governance: Odisha’s Suakati Gram Panchayat Shines at National e-Governance Awards 2025

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Keonjhar, Odisha — In an effort to promote digital innovation at the grassroots level, India’s Ministry of Panchayati Raj and the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances have unveiled a new category under the National Awards for e-Governance (NAeG) 2025. This initiative aims to recognize outstanding digital efforts by Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) throughout the country. The Suakati Gram Panchayat from Keonjhar district has earned the Jury Award in this new category, which is aimed at celebrating the vital contributions of Gram Panchayats in enhancing service delivery. The award, titled “Grassroots Level Initiatives for … Read more