Texas Schools Embrace Major Overhaul for 2025-26: Cell Phone Bans, Religious Displays, and Historic Teacher Pay Raises

Longview, Texas — As the 2025-26 school year commences, educators in Longview and across Texas are adjusting to significant changes that include teacher pay raises, cell phone restrictions, and new legislation regarding prayer and religious displays in schools. A recent state law prohibits students from using cell phones during school hours, prompting districts in Longview, Pine Tree, and Spring Hill to enforce policies that require students to store their devices in backpacks from the beginning of the school day. Representative Caroline Fairly, who authored House Bill 1481, aimed to create a distraction-free environment for students. … Read more

Maryland Teacher Wins Landmark Defamation Case, Awarded $518,000 Over Controversial ‘Racist’ Comments

Bethesda, Maryland — A jury has awarded over $500,000 to a local high school teacher accused of making racially insensitive remarks about a seating arrangement. The case focused on allegations against Daniel Engler, a teacher at Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, who was claimed to have told two Black students he would struggle to distinguish between them if they were not in their assigned seats. Engler firmly denied making any racial comments and contended that the students misrepresented his words. The controversy escalated when Principal Shelton Mooney issued a community letter characterizing the incident as a … Read more

Jury Deadlock Forces Mistrial in Controversial Case Against Former Teacher Accused of Sexual Assault

TWIN FALLS, Idaho — A jury could not reach a verdict in the case of Jacob Mishler, a former teacher from Filer accused of rape, leading to a mistrial declaration by the judge. The trial, which garnered significant attention, featured emotional testimonies from both the accused and the alleged victim. Mishler, who took the stand on the second day of the proceedings, firmly denied the charges against him. He answered a series of questions aimed at disputing allegations of inappropriate conduct. “Did you ever try to kiss her? No. Did you ever try to grope … Read more

Justice Served: Retired Teacher Faces Long Prison Sentence After Fatal DUI Crash, Jury Hits Spouse with $29 Million Verdict

VERO BEACH, Fla. — A jury’s decision in a wrongful death civil case brought by the widow of a car crash victim unveiled the stark realities surrounding the tragic event that took place in May 2022. Frances Ingraham sought damages from driver Elizabeth Jewkes-Danielsen, but the outcome largely fell on the behavior of her husband, Paul Danielsen, a resident of Orchid with a considerable financial background. Ultimately, the jury ruled against Jewkes-Danielsen, delivering a $29 million verdict, but the repercussions may extend beyond the financial realm. Jewkes-Danielsen, 63, a retired special needs teacher, faces serious … Read more