Director

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

Director Na Hong-jin Opens Up About Juggling High Expectations as Jury Chair at Busan International Film Festival

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BUSAN, South Korea — Na Hong-jin, renowned for directing acclaimed films like “The Chaser” and “The Wailing,” expressed his mix of excitement and apprehension as he took on the role of jury chair for the inaugural competition section at the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF). Speaking at a press conference on September 18, Na revealed the weight of expectations resting on his shoulders. “I was so burdened that I really didn’t want to do it,” Na remarked, eliciting laughter from attendees as he reflected on how the pressure even caused him to panic during the … Read more

Venice Film Festival Honors Tunisian Director Kaouther Ben Hania’s Heart-Wrenching Docudrama The Voice of Hind Rajab

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RAMALLAH, West Bank – Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania’s impactful docudrama, “The Voice of Hind Rajab,” captured the Silver Lion Grand Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival on Saturday, marking a significant recognition at one of the world’s leading film festivals. The film centers on the tragic events of January 29, 2024, when five-year-old Hind Rajab became the only survivor of an attack by Israeli forces in Gaza while attempting to escape with her family. Throughout the harrowing experience, Hind made a desperate plea for assistance via a phone call to Red Crescent volunteers. … Read more

Federal Judge Blocks Trump Administration’s Bid to Remove Voice of America Director, Upholding Key Broadcasting Regulations

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Washington, D.C. — A federal court has ruled that the Trump administration cannot remove Michael Abramowitz from his position as director of Voice of America, delivering a setback to the administration’s attempts to modify the government-funded international news outlet. In a ruling issued on Thursday, U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth affirmed that Abramowitz’s dismissal would require approval from the International Broadcasting Advisory Board. The judge emphasized that the legal stipulations are explicit: Abramowitz can only be removed if a majority of the board votes in favor of such action. Lamberth stated, “There is no longer … Read more