$58 Million Verdict: Former Officer Wins Battle Against Alleged Misconduct by Michigan State Police

DETROIT — A former officer with the Detroit Police Department received a staggering award of over $58 million on Tuesday from a federal jury, following a civil trial that centered around violations of his constitutional rights by a Michigan State Police lieutenant during a flawed criminal investigation. The case traces back to 2019, when allegations surfaced regarding the sexual assault of a minor. These accusations were intensified by an assistant attorney general who later faced his own legal troubles, including charges of misconduct and subsequent disbarment. The jury verdict brought a sense of closure for … 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

Flamenco Honors Shine: Samuel de Encarni Wins ‘Mariano Conde’ Guitar Award at Cante de las Minas Festival

La Unión, Spain – The prestigious Cante de las Minas festival, a cornerstone of flamenco music, celebrated its 64th edition with a series of honors recognizing outstanding talent in the genre. A highlight of the evening was the Jury Special Prize, awarded to guitarist Paco Cortés for his exceptional accompaniment. This €1,000 award underscores the crucial role of skilled musicians in enhancing flamenco performances. An additional recognition this year was the introduction of the “Mariano Conde” guitar award, named after the iconic flamenco luthier. This accolade was presented to Samuel del Río Carmona, known as … Read more

Controversy in the Spotlight: Ashutosh Gowariker Defends ‘The Kerala Story’ Wins Amid Criticism and Alternative Favorites

MUMBAI, India — Ashutosh Gowariker, a prominent filmmaker and chairperson of the National Film Awards jury, has staunchly defended the decision to award The Kerala Story two prestigious honors: Best Director for Sudipto Sen and Best Cinematography for Prashantanu Mahapatra. Gowariker, known for acclaimed films such as Swades and Lagaan, addressed the decision and the film’s merits in an interview. The jury’s choice of The Kerala Story has sparked debate, especially considering the film’s controversial subject matter, which revolves around the contentious narrative of ‘love jihad.’ This term, often used by right-wing groups, suggests a … Read more