Emerging

Philadelphia Courts Recognize Hair Relaxer and Talcum Powder Lawsuits as Emerging Mass Tort Cases

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Philadelphia, Pennsylvania — A Philadelphia court has officially categorized lawsuits concerning certain hair relaxers and talcum powder as new mass tort cases, signaling a significant development for plaintiffs alleging serious health risks associated with these products. The designation comes as a response to mounting claims linking these items to various medical issues, including cancer. Plaintiffs are asserting that the manufacturers failed to adequately warn consumers about the potential dangers of long-term usage. Legal experts suggest this decision may pave the way for a more organized litigation process, allowing for a streamlined approach to managing similar … Read more

Cannes Spotlight: “The Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingo” Shines as Top Film in Un Certain Regard, Celebrating Queer Narratives and Emerging Talent

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CANNES, France — Diego Céspedes’ film, “The Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingo,” has been awarded the top honor in the Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival, as announced by the jury on Friday. The film tells the story of an 11-year-old girl navigating life in a queer family set against the backdrop of a small Chilean mining town during the early 1980s. The narrative unfolds amid rising anxiety over a perplexing disease alleged to spread through looks exchanged between men. In addition to Céspedes’ triumph, the Jury Prize was awarded to Simón … Read more

Tribeca Festival 2025 Unveils Star-Studded Jury: Hollywood Icons Unite to Champion Emerging Talent

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New York — The Tribeca Festival has announced its jury for the upcoming 2025 edition, which will assess top creative works in film, gaming, and audio storytelling. The festival will run from June 4 to June 15 in New York City, featuring 15 competition categories across various mediums. This year’s jury boasts an impressive mix of talent, featuring actors, directors, and producers renowned in their fields. Among them are Jennifer Beals, Matthew Broderick, Art Linson, and Mira Sorvino. This group is set to spotlight emerging talent and also includes the inaugural Nora Ephron Award to … Read more

"Navigating the Mass Tort Landscape: Key Strategies for Attorneys to Thrive in Emerging Cases"

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At the MTMP Spring 2025 conference, legal professionals gathered to explore pivotal strategies for assessing new opportunities in mass tort litigation. A key session, titled “Know When to Stay or Walk Away: Strategies to Evaluate a New and Emerging Mass Tort,” focused on essential decision-making processes for attorneys contemplating involvement in this complex area of law. Sara Papantonio, an attorney with Levin Papantonio Rafferty, led the discussion by outlining the three levels of participation in mass torts: passive, referral, and active. Each level presents unique risks and responsibilities. Papantonio described passive involvement as engaging in … Read more