Wraps

Pierce County Wraps Up Groundbreaking $100-a-Day Jury Pay Pilot, Eyes Long-Term Changes

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Tacoma, WA – Pierce County Superior Court recently concluded a significant pilot program that increased jury compensation to $100 per day from the standard $10 in an effort to evaluate whether higher pay could diversify jury pools and lessen barriers to jury service. The pilot, which began on October 14 of the previous year, is set to complete its final phase by mid-May after the last trials commence the week of April 14. The pilot program, backed by over $1.5 million in funding from the Washington State Legislature and support from the Washington State Supreme … Read more

Slamdance 2025 Wraps Up in New L.A. Locale, Unveiling Fresh Indie Film Talent and Celebrating Unique Voices

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Los Angeles, California — The 2025 Slamdance Film Festival wrapped up this week, bringing an adventurous close to its first celebration in Los Angeles after relocating and transitioning to a new February schedule. This strategic change aimed to carve out its own niche, distinct from the Sundance Film Festival’s schedule, allowing for a more focused spotlight on its offerings. Maintaining its tradition of promoting innovation and low-budget independent cinema, Slamdance once again showcased a plethora of debuting filmmakers and fresh narratives. One of the highlight’s from this year’s festival was the awarding of the Narrative … Read more

High-Stakes Trial Wraps Up as Santa Barbara PI Faces Embezzlement Charges Linked to Elder Heiress’s Fortune

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SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — In a high-profile court case that has captivated the local community, closing arguments were presented Monday against Craig Case, a former private investigator and local TV personality, facing charges of embezzling almost $700,000 from a deceased 94-year-old heiress. The trial, unfolding in the Santa Barbara County Superior Court, has exposed a tangled saga of alleged financial abuse and deception. Craig Case, once known for his appearances on the self-produced TV show “The Inn Crowd,” faced allegations as severe as grand theft, financial elder abuse, and money laundering, brought forth by the … Read more

2025 Sundance Film Festival Wraps Up: ‘Atropia’ and ‘Twinless’ Steal the Show with Top Honors

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PARK CITY, Utah — The curtains fell on the 2025 Sundance Film Festival on February 2, capping off a vibrant showcase of independent films that drew crowds with its compelling narratives and cinematic artistry. The festival, known for celebrating indie filmmakers, unveiled its award winners, highlighting a selection of films that resonated profoundly with both the jury and audiences. Among the standout entries, ‘Atropia’ clinched the Grand Jury Prize for the U.S. Dramatic Competition. The film, directed by Hailey Gates, delved into a satirical portrayal of actors embroiled in military role-play. During the film’s debut, … Read more