Daily Archives: May 23, 2012 - 3 results

A Texas couple was awarded $13.8 million by a jury for defamation after anonymous posters to the Internet site Topix.com accused them of being sexual deviants, rapists, and drug dealers. Mark and Rhonda Lesher said they had to move out of town and sell Rhonda’s salon and day spa because of the nasty online comments. The jury awarded the couple $13.78 million in damages for mental anguish, loss of reputation, and Mrs. Lesher’s loss of business. Mr. Lesher, who is …

A bill legalizing medical marijuana passed in the Connecticut Senate, ensuring Connecticut will become the 17th state, along with the District of Columbia, to approve such a measure. Governor Dannel P. Malloy has pledged to sign the bill into law. The Senate approved the bill 21 to 13 following a debate that extended into the early morning hours. The push for medical marijuana legalization gained momentum after Connecticut decriminalized possession of small amounts of marijuana last year. “Eighteen months ago, …

Florida A&M University’s marching band has been suspended for at least another year as the university grapples with allegations that the band’s violent culture contributed to the hazing death of one student and injuries of others. The band has not practiced since November, when 26-year-old drum major Robert Champion died of internal bleeding after a hazing ritual that left him covered in bruises. His death came three weeks after a freshman clarinetist was battered by notebooks, a spatula and rulers. …