Monthly Archives: May 2017

Monsanto’s Weed-Killer Does Not Just Kill Weeds

You are what you eat

Missouri-based agrochemical company, Monsanto, has for years marketed their Roundup weed-killer as both safe and non-toxic. Farmers have relied on the product to kill the harmful weeds that damage crops. Due to the genetically modified nature of the crops that farmers plant, the crops are immune to the potentially damaging ingredients of Roundup. While the crops have remained unaffected, the farmers or residents who live in farm communities have experienced deadly side effects. Read more

Young Entrepreneur Plays with Fyre

Peril in paradise

The ever-growing festival craze sparked the initiative of entrepreneur Billy McFarland to establish a new festival outside of the country, in the Bahamas. Other successful festivals remain grounded in the US, such as Coachella in Indio, CA, Firefly in Dover, DE, and Bonnaroo in Manchester, TN. While those US festivals exhibit popular attendance with minimal, yet organized, accommodations, McFarland’s festival has resulted in a bundle of lawsuits. Read more

Cracking Down on Parking Violations

Slam dunk

The country-inspired restaurant and gift shop, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, famous for its Southern dishes, is now best known for its recently settled class-action lawsuit. The lawsuit was filed in 2014 by a US Women’s Wheelchair Basketball National Team player, and focuses on the negligent placement of Cracker Barrel’s designated handicapped parking spaces. Sarah Heinzl frequented the Robinson Township, PA location, but was obligated to bring a family member or friend for assistance. Due to the slope of the handicapped parking spaces, Heinzl required someone to hold her wheelchair to prevent it from rolling away. The lawsuit conveyed the message that, instead of restricting the mobility of those who are handicapped, businesses should help alleviate the burden. Read more

Cheerleading Leads the Team to a Victory

Something to cheer about

The employees who are expected to show the most enthusiasm and team spirit are the same individuals who maintain their positions at the bottom of the Oakland Raiders pay scale. Former Cheerleaders for the team initiated a class action lawsuit against the NFL for unfair payment of wages. Although a legal settlement was reached in early 2014, the Raiders Cheerleaders have only recently reaped the benefits. Read more

Superman Building Owners Win the Battle Against Previous Tenants

Corporate corruption?

The 26-story structure in the heart of Providence, Rhode Island, referred to as the Superman Building, has deteriorated over the years. High Rock Westminster Street LLC purchased the building in 2008, and accuses its previous tenant, Bank of America, for breaching the lease contract. In 2013, due to the poor maintenance work of the previous tenant, the building’s owner filed a lawsuit. The main cause for concern was the clear decay of limestone on the sides of the building. High Rock holds the Bank of America responsible. Read more