Charles

Former Ohio Speaker and Judge Charles F. Kurfess Passes Away at 94

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COLUMBUS, Ohio – Charles F. Kurfess, former Ohio Speaker of the House and judge, passed away at the age of 94. Born in 1930, Kurfess served as a representative in the Ohio House from 1956 to 1978, representing parts of northwestern Ohio. He held the position of Speaker from 1967 to 1972 before retiring from politics. Following his retirement, Kurfess became a judge in the Wood County Court of Common Pleas. Presidents Nixon and Ford appointed him to the Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations. Throughout his career, Kurfess embodied a dedication to public service and … Read more

Lake Charles Lawyer Voluntarily Surrenders Law License to Avoid Disbarment

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BATON ROUGE, La. – Lake Charles attorney Benji J. Istre has chosen to give up his law license rather than face disbarment, as confirmed by the Louisiana Supreme Court. The court approved Istre’s request for permanent resignation instead of disciplinary action. Istre made this decision in response to charges of serious attorney misconduct, including neglecting client matters, failure to communicate with clients, and refusal to cooperate in a disciplinary investigation. The Office of Disciplinary Counsel of the Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board was handling the investigation. As a result of the court’s decision, Istre is permanently … Read more

Fleeing Driver Ordered to Pay $75 Million after Fatally Striking Musician in St. Charles County

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ST CHARLES, Mo. — A St. Charles County jury has awarded the family of Krystofer Batsell, a man who was fatally struck by a driver fleeing from police, $75 million in damages. The tragic incident took place on November 17, 2018, when Aron Richardson, driving a 1998 Dodge Durango at speeds over 100 mph, collided with Batsell’s 2002 Ford Focus along Cedar Glen Drive. This verdict comes as the five-year anniversary of Batsell’s senseless death approaches. The jury’s deliberation lasted approximately an hour before they reached their decision, which included $50 million in actual damages … Read more

Sundance Film Festival 2024 Welcomes Star-Studded Lineup of Jurors, Including RuPaul Charles and Lena Waithe

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PARK CITY, Utah – The 2024 Sundance Film Festival, set to take place from January 18-28, is fast approaching, and preparations are well underway. One of the most important aspects of the festival is selecting the jurors who will determine the winners of the various competition categories. Over the years, Sundance has had the privilege of hosting esteemed individuals such as Quentin Tarantino, Jane Campion, and Sarah Polley. This year’s jury lineup includes notable Sundance alumni, including Lena Waithe, Debra Granik, Jennifer Kent, and Zal Batmanglij. In an announcement made by the Sundance Institute, the … Read more