County

Federal Judge Allows Lawsuit Against Escambia County School District’s Book Ban to Continue, Protecting Free Speech Rights

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Pensacola, Florida – A federal judge has denied a motion to dismiss a lawsuit that claims the Escambia County school district violated free speech rights by removing and restricting books in school libraries. The lawsuit, filed by PEN America, Penguin Random House, five authors, and seven parents, seeks the return of all challenged and banned library books to the shelves. During a hearing at the federal courthouse in Pensacola, U.S. District Judge T. Kent Wetherell II listened to arguments from both sides regarding the dismissal of the case. Wetherell ultimately decided to move the case … Read more

Hamilton County Mother Sentenced to Prison in Child Abuse Case: Victim Speaks Out

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CINCINNATI, Ohio – A Hamilton County mother has been sentenced to 3 to 4.5 years in prison for child endangerment, following a trial that lasted nearly two years. The sentencing was delivered on Wednesday by Hamilton County Common Pleas Court Judge Alison Hathaway. Amy Rodriguez-Dangel, 46, was found guilty of four counts of child endangerment. During the hearing, the victim expressed the impact that Rodriguez-Dangel had on their life, stating, “Amy took away my freedom, she took away my rights, and she betrayed my trust.” The case began in 2022, when Rodriguez-Dangel and her husband … Read more

Sullivan County Grand Jury Recommends Sweeping Changes to Child Protective Services Following Tragic Death of 16-Month-Old

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MONTICELLO, N.Y. – The tragic death of 16-month-old Akasha Luvert from a fentanyl overdose has not only shocked the small Sullivan County community of Liberty but has also ignited a dispute between former Acting District Attorney Brian Conaty and former County Attorney Michael McGuire. The disagreement centers around whether county officials could have done more to prevent the child’s death. Luvert’s parents, 26-year-old Lisa Keitt and 41-year-old Jimmy Luvert, were charged with manslaughter and endangering the welfare of a child following her death. The family was under the supervision of the county’s Child Protective Services … Read more

Ardra L. Bey Primed for the State Court of Fulton County: An Atlanta Judge’s Pursuit of Justice Continues

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Atlanta, Georgia – After dedicating eight years of service to the Atlanta Municipal Court, Judge Ardra L. Bey is now setting her sights on a higher position. A native of Atlanta, Bey has recently announced her intention to run for election to the State Court of Fulton County. This move comes as multiple seats on the bench are up for grabs in the upcoming May 2024 nonpartisan primary election. With a strong commitment to public service, Bey believes her experience and dedication make her well-suited for the State Court of Fulton County. Having served as … Read more