Brianna Smith is a freelance writer and editor in Southwest Michigan. A graduate of Grand Valley State University, Brianna has a passion for politics, social issues, education, science, and more. When she’s not writing, she enjoys the simple life with her husband, daughter, and son.


Racial Discrimination Suit Against Charter Communications May Proceed, Judge Rules

Earlier this month, a racial discrimination lawsuit was filed against Charter Communications by an African-American entrepreneur and entertainer, Byron Allen, that just got the go-ahead from a federal court that it may proceed. The lawsuit itself alleged that Charter Communications treated Entertainment Studios poorly compared to white-owned companies. According to Judge Milan Smith Jr., the


Elm Pet Foods Recalls Dog Food Products Over Elevated Levels of Vitamin D

Another recall related to dog food was recently issued, adding to the growing list of dog food brands affected by elevated levels of vitamin D, according to the Food and Drug Administration. The specific brand affected by this latest recall is Elm Pet Foods and it’s “chicken and chickpea recipe dog foods.” Late last month, certain products from ANF Pet and Sunshine Mills were recalled under the “Evolve, Sportsman’s Pride and Triumph brands” due to elevated vitamin D levels as well.


L’Oréal Accused of Discrimination and Toxic Work Environment in Latest Suit

L’Oreal Cosmetics was recently hit with a lawsuit by a former employee over allegations of racial discrimination and a toxic work environment. The former employee, Amanda Johnson, is an African American woman who worked as a marketing vice president for the cosmetic company. However, not long after starting her job with the company, she learned that there was an alleged ugly side to the company.



Six New York Hospitals Agree to Repay Patients Illegally Charged for Rape Examinations

Last month, six hospitals in New York agreed to repay sexual assault victims who were illegally forced to pay for their own rape examinations, sometimes to the tune of $3,000 when the procedure should have been “billed to the state or their insurers.” According to Attorney General Barbara Underwood, the hospitals “wrongly billed victims for at least 200 forensic rape exams in recent years and had collections agencies go after some women who failed to pay.”


Clothing Supplier Sues LuLaRoe for $49M Over Failure to Pay Bills

Many people know of LuLaRoe for its stylish clothing items. However, few may be aware that the company recently came under fire in a new lawsuit alleging it hasn’t been paying all of its bills lately. According to the lawsuit filed in a California Superior Court, LuLaRoe’s chief clothing supplier, Providence Industries, “is suing the company for nearly $49 million in a lawsuit claiming the multi-level marketing company has failed to pay its bills for seven months.”


Pfizer Recalls Thermacare HeatWraps Over Leak Concerns

Have you ever used a heat wrap to help alleviate muscle or joint pain? If so, you may have used a wrap that was recently recalled. Earlier this month, Pfizer issued a recall of certain lots of its eight-hour Thermacare HeatWraps. The wraps are often used to alleviate “joint, muscle and menstrual pain” and were recalled after it was discovered they might leak.


Lawsuit Between UC Berkeley and Young America’s Foundation (YAF) Reaches Settlement

Earlier this month, UC Berkeley announced that it agreed to settle a lawsuit filed against the school involving allegations of discrimination “against high-profile speakers invited by conservative student groups.” The suit was filed back in April 2017 by Young America’s Foundation (YAF) and Berkeley College Republicans (BCR) and alleged that the university violated their First Amendment rights, among others. According to the settlement agreement, the university will pay “a one-time $70,000 payment to cover the plaintiff’s attorney costs, as well as a revision of the campus Major Events Policy.”


Judge Rules in Favor of Breastfeeding Mother After Wrongful Termination

A judge in Merrimack County recently ruled in favor of a mother who sued the New Hampshire Department and Health and Human Services over allegations of wrongful termination. According to the lawsuit, the mother requested breastfeeding accommodations at her job. She was eventually “fired in September 2012 due to unresolved issues concerning when and where she could breastfeed her newborn son during the workday.”