Jury Awards $25 Million to Gamers in Landmark Case Against Mobile App Developer for Exploiting Gambling Addictions

Washington, D.C. — A federal jury in Washington awarded close to $25 million in damages on Friday, finding that High 5 Games, a developer of social casino-style mobile applications, specifically targeted individuals identified as gambling addicts. These users, often referred to in the industry as “whales,” were found to have been harmed by the company’s aggressive marketing strategies. The class-action lawsuit, representing a group of plaintiffs who used the company’s various gaming platforms, argued that High 5 Games designed its products to lure and retain high-spending players with a propensity for gambling. The lawsuit underscored … Read more

Multiple Felony Charges Among 21 Indicted in Washington County Grand Jury This Week

MARIETTA, Ohio — A significant legal proceeding unfolded in Washington County this week as 21 individuals were brought before the grand jury on a gamut of charges, sparking concerns about crime in the community. Among those indicted was 41-year-old James Wiley Miller, facing several felony charges, including safecracking and theft, that highlight the targeted crime against vulnerable populations. Miller, a resident of Parkersburg, stands accused of using a pry bar on September 17, 2022, to break into a secure container, attempting to steal silver certificates and coins from Robert L. Sidwell, pointing to a calculated … Read more

Meet the Esteemed Jury of the 2025 SXSW Film & TV Festival: Industry Leaders Ready to Judge Next Wave of Filmmakers

The SXSW Film & TV Festival, an influential platform for creative minds in the entertainment industry, is set to unveil its awards at the Paramount Theatre in Austin, Texas, on Wednesday, March 12, 2025. The ceremony, a crucial event on the film festival calendar, will be broadcasted live on Instagram, with a full list of winners to be announced shortly after on the SXSW official website. SXSW is recognized as an official qualifying festival for the Academy Awards Short Film competition, which underscores its significance in the entertainment landscape. Winners of the Best Animated, Best … Read more

Jury Awards $700 Million to Mother in Emotional Distress Lawsuit Against Daughter’s Convicted Killer

GEORGETOWN COUNTY, S.C. — A significant court ruling has concluded that Raymond Moody, convicted of the kidnapping and murder of Brittanee Drexel, is liable for massive compensatory and punitive damages to the victim’s mother, Dawn Conley. The jury reached its decision on Tuesday, determining that Conley is eligible to receive $700 million; $500 million in punitive and $200 million in actual damages. The lawsuit was based on claims of intentional infliction of emotional distress, a reflection of the profound impact Drexel’s tragic fate has had on her family. During the trial, Conley’s legal representation depicted … Read more