Serving Up Surcharges

Not on the menu

At a restaurant in Georgia, tolerance for children is not part of the menu.  The parents of even well-behaved children may be forced to pay an undefined surcharge, categorized as a fee “for adults unable to parent.”  This business practice has raised questions about how far restaurants or other service-driven businesses may go to tack on outrageous or unjustified costs, and whether this policy violates the rights of consumers.  Some view this policy as subjective and a way to trick patrons into paying for more than what they ordered.    

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An Effort to “Like”

Too much social media?

For years, social media has been scrutinized and criticized as one of the driving forces behind youth bullying, self-esteem issues, and poor mental health.  Now, a federal lawsuit and subsequent state lawsuits have targeted Meta, the corporate owner of Facebook and Instagram, for employing dangerous tactics and features for drawing teenagers and children into its social media apps.  The lawsuits suggest that the specific methods of encouraging continued use have contributed to a deterioration of mental health in its users. 

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Ironclad Lawsuit?

Clothing signals dispute

A private label for Dick’s Sporting Goods is wrapped up in a legal dispute with a company that specializes in sports apparel, team uniforms, and jerseys.  Launched within the past decade, Wooter advertises a unique infinity symbol that appears to resemble two semi-open links in a chain.  About a year following Wooter’s development, the brand Calia was introduced with Carrie Underwood as the face of the women’s activewear line.  Although Underwood left the brand two years ago, Calia continues to drive impressive sales for Dick’s Sporting Goods.

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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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