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.


Could Your Fidget Spinner Catch on Fire?

The popular fidget spinners are in the news again, this time over concerns that some can catch on fire. Recently, two mothers in Michigan and Alabama “reported that their children’s Bluetooth-enabled fidget spinners burst into flames in the past few weeks.” On both occasions, the fidget spinners “were plugged into outlets, and when they caught on fire the toys melted and burned the surfaces they were sitting on.”


Giti Tire USA Recalls Replacement Passenger Car Tires

A recall has been issued for Primewell brand tires over concerns that the “sidewalls can crack and lose air, increasing the risk of a crash.” The recall was issued by Giti Tire USA, a California-based company that distributes the tires. So far the recall includes an estimated 394,000 Valera Touring II replacement passenger car tires that have been sold to a number of different Firestone stores.



Judge Rules Against School District Over Bullying Case

Bullying is one of those things that should never be tolerated. Unfortunately, it occurs all too often today, especially in our nation’s schools. Even more unfortunate is how often bullying incidents tend to get swept under the rug. However, every so often, bullying cases are given the attention they deserve, resulting in some form of justice. For the families of two young students at Greenspun Junior High, justice was served when a judge “ruled against the Clark County School District (CCSD) in a potentially precedent-setting bullying case.”


Clif Bar & Company Recalls Protein Bars Amid Allergy Concerns

Clif Bar & Company is recalling many flavors of its popular “protein bars due to possible peanut contamination.” The recall itself was issued in response to “a small number of consumer complaints alleging peanut or tree nut allergic reactions,” though the FDA claims there “have been no confirmed illnesses as a result of the product’s recall.”


Wrongful Death Lawsuit Filed After Fatal Beaumont Apartment Complex Shooting

Last month, Kera Teel was killed at Sienna Apartments after being gunned down June 6. She was seven months pregnant at the time, and though her baby “was delivered after the shooting,” it did not survive. As a result of the tragedy, Teel’s family “has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the apartment complex, citing its faulty security systems and unwillingness to repair them until after Teel’s death.”




Woman Sues Emory University Hospital After Doctors Leave Camera in Her Body After Surgery

One certainly wouldn’t expect to wake up from an operation only to discover that their doctor forgot to remove all of the surgical instruments from their body. Unfortunately, this is exactly what happened to a woman who underwent surgery at Emory University Hospital back on December 17, 2014 “for a kidney and pancreatic transplant.” According to a lawsuit, she filed against the hospital, Lacrystal Lockett’s doctors “left a camera in her body during” her organ transplant.


Warner Bros. and J.R.R. Tolkien Estate Settle $80M Lawsuit

Recently, “Warner Bros. and the estate of J.R.R. Tolkien settled an $80 million lawsuit over the digital merchandising of products from “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” after the Tolkien estate claimed the studio was in breach of contract, among other things.