Author Archives: Kati Latina

A Sour Mistake

Toxic consumption

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) indicates that 400 milligrams of caffeine per day is considered a safe dose for healthy adults.  Depending on the type of roast and brand of coffee, this amount of caffeine equates to four or five cups of coffee.  Despite this guideline, people with varying health conditions may exhibit sensitivities to caffeine that require them to limit their intake.  The case of 21-year-old college student, Sarah Katz, exemplifies this circumstance.  In September 2022, Katz’s caffeine intake was linked to her suffering of two instances of cardiac arrest.  

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Group Plants Doubt

Protecting the environment

While the looming construction of a battery plant may threaten the existence of three species of wildlife in a Big Rapids, MI neighborhood, an organization has promised to take the necessary legal steps to endanger the progression of the project.  The Mecosta Environmental and Security Alliance (MESA) is offering the owners of the proposed electric vehicle battery plant, Gotion Inc., less than 60 days to respond to the group’s notice of intent to sue.  MESA predicts that Gotion may either sell the property or work directly with wildlife agencies to ensure the safety of the at-risk species.

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Keep DOJ at Bay

Restricted e-commerce transactions

One of the most well-known online auction and shopping sites, eBay has facilitated consumer-to-consumer and business-to-consumer transactions since its inception in 1995.  Separate from other e-commerce websites, eBay is driven by its sellers and relies on third parties to post their items to the platform and fulfill purchase orders at the conclusion of determined bidding periods.  Although it is presented as a convenient avenue to sell and purchase products, the marketplace may also afford certain freedoms that allow illegal items to unnoticeably slip through the cracks.  Due to this apparent leniency, the US Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed a lawsuit.

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Out of Tune

Singer addresses accusations

Filed in response to her alleged misconduct against touring staff, Lizzo, whose real name is Melissa Jefferson, has been included as a defendant in a recent lawsuit.  Within the claim filed in September, a former employee alleges that Lizzo tolerated a hostile work environment; and following her attempts to find a resolution, the plaintiff was let go from her position in March 2023.  Asha Daniels, who was hired as a wardrobe designer, worked on the singer’s tour at the beginning of this year and is seeking deferred compensation, unpaid wages, and loss of income.

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Cheese Co. Singled Out

What’s your favorite cheese?

Emphasized as a key Food That Built America, American cheese has remained a staple in households across the nation since James Kraft introduced it at the turn of the 20th century.  This episode of the History Channel’s popular food origin show concludes with food expert, Adam Richman reminiscently peeling apart the wrapper to a Kraft American cheese single, folding it, and taking a bite on camera.  Two and a half years after this episode aired, Kraft has issued a recall for this exact product.

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