Out of Tune

A vintage microphone stands on a dimly lit stage, with colorful bokeh lights in the background, creating a dreamy atmosphere. The setting suggests a live music performance or a festive event.
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.

Cheese Co. Singled Out

A wooden platter displaying assorted sliced cheeses, including cheddar and pepper jack, garnished with fresh herbs, purple flowers, and red grapes. Some sliced bread is visible at the edge.
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.

Whopping New Claim

A juicy cheeseburger on a wooden surface, topped with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and ketchup, between a sesame seed bun. Peppercorns and sesame seeds are scattered nearby.
Not as advertised

Commercials, billboards, and flyers serve as some of the means for fast food marketers to reach their target audience of consumers that are on the go, in a rush, or are looking for easy meal alternatives.  The trick to grabbing their attention is just that: to trick.  While soda products appear crisp and fizzy with the help of antacids, the buoyancy of breakfast cereal in a bowl would lose its visual luster without the aid of glue.  It goes without saying that consumers may enjoy these products without antacids or glue, however, a new lawsuit may counter that argument.

Strength of Ohana

A serene lake reflects the sky at dawn. Mist hovers over the water, with silhouettes of trees on the distant shore. The calm atmosphere and soft, muted colors create a peaceful scene.
Smoke on the water

What was once a quaint, historic town on the Western coast of Maui, Lahaina is now flattened to ash.  In the aftermath of the crushing wildfires in Maui that displaced residents living in Lahaina and left over 115 people dead and hundreds still missing, Maui County has filed legal action against Hawaiian Electric.  The utility company’s alleged negligence is pinned as the cause of the blaze.  Maui is suing for civil damages, to recover lost tax revenue and the destruction of infrastructure and roads.  The lawsuit is described as a cost recovery action that will benefit taxpayers. 

Building Opposition

A low-angle view of a multistory brick building with numerous windows, set against a clear blue sky. The building's corner and detailed cornice are prominent, illuminated by sunlight from the right.
Protestors aim for the top

For over a year, a portion of Center City Philadelphia residents who fear an interruption to neighboring Chinatown have battled against the $1.3 billion proposed construction of a new 76ers arena.  While the residential criticism has remained consistent, a new revitalization effort has sparked additional scrutiny.  In the beginning of August, 76 Devcorp disclosed the plan to construct next to the arena a high-rise building, which would offer multiple functions and a section for housing.  Of the 395 units projected, about 20% of them would be marketed as affordable to the community.