Onondaga County deputy wins $1 lawsuit

The Post Standard reports an Onondaga County sheriff was the victim of a racially hostile environment at work for seven years, ending in 2004. The federal jury ruled Odell Willis was subjected to racial harrassment at his work in the Justice Center jail but suffered no damages from the harassment. Under federal court rules nominal damages have to be rewarded if the jury says the victim has been wronged. The jury rewarded Willis $1. 

Willis was one of seven plaintiff's who sued the county in 1997 for being subjected to daily racial harassment at the jail. He claims they were repeatedly exposed to racial slurs and racial graffiti in the jail. 

Willis said he was surprised about the $1 verdict, and plan to file a motion addressing the issue. "It cost me more than $1 to park" WIllis said during his 3-day trial. "I don't understand - what's the message?"

The racial harassment at work has died down, Willis claims, but he is still working in a hostile environment because of the lawsuit. 

U.S. is on track to pull out troops

The top American military commander in Iraq praised the Iraqi military's performance during their nationwide election on Sunday. As Iraq tallies the votes from the election to choose a new Parliament, the United States would proceed with plans to withdraw troops, reads The New York Times. 

The commander, Gen. Ray Odierno, says he thinks we're on track. Sunday's elections were said to be a critical test of Iraq's stability and the last milestone before America leaves the country. Official results of the election will be available in a few days. 

Sandra Bullock's big win

Sandra Bullock was willing to admit her surprise last night as she clutched the Oscar for Best Actress. Beating out Meryl Streep and Dame Helen Mirron the actress jokingly asks, "Did i really earn this?" 

CNN reports the answer is yes. In her role in The Blind Side, Bullock gives the performance of her career. Many people rumored Bullock was worthy of this Oscar for weeks leading up to the big night. What makes it even more special, is the evening before the Oscars Bullock graciously accepted 2 Razzies. A Razzie is an award saluting the worst of Hollywood. Bullock won 2  for her role in All About Steve.