Tag Archives: health

An Airtight Argument?

For the sake of public health and to prevent the potential negative long-term effects, a class action lawsuit has been filed to end the practice of solitary confinement in certain cases in Pennsylvania. According to the federal lawsuit, which was filed in March, solitary confinement compromises the mental health of those incarcerated. On behalf of six incarcerated individuals, legal counsel from the Abolitionist Law Center, the Pennsylvania Institutional Law Project, and the law firm Dechert LLP filed the lawsuit against the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections. The general argument focuses on humanity and the end to cruel punishment.

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An Effort to “Like”

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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Setting the Sweet Bar

Metal content sours consumers

Considered one of the largest chocolate companies in the world, Hershey is known for its quality, variety, and most recently, lead content. By acquiring Lily’s brand chocolate, in 2021, the chocolate manufacturing giant expanded its empire. Now, specific dark chocolate products from both Hershey and Lily’s are under scrutiny, as high concentrations of metals have been detected. The results of scientific testing indicate that Hershey’s Special Dark bar and Lily’s 70% bar were elevated in lead; and Lily’s 85% bar was high in lead and cadmium. A class action is seeking $5 million in damages, including $500 per transaction. Continue reading →

A New College Requirement

Vaccine mandate

The college experience is one of the more pivotal moments in a young adult’s life. Among the various components needed to apply, including resumes, grades, and letters of recommendation, a new requirement has shocked the higher education world. This recently introduced college mandate, however, does not only affect first-time, incoming students. Most existing and new students who plan to return to one of the University of Connecticut (UConn) campuses this fall must be fully vaccinated. In response to this newly implemented rule, a group of students and parents are threatening legal action. Continue reading →

Paws and Consider What Your Dogs Are Eating

Watch out for your dogs

Champion Pet Food manufactures two brands of dry dog food, Orijen and Acana, which are both named in a recent class action lawsuit. The parent company is under scrutiny for negligently failing to list and mention in the dog food packaging and advertising, the presence of heavy toxins. The dangerous chemicals and metals include arsenic, lead, bisphenol (BPA), mercury, and cadmium. BPA is not a chemical commonly associated with pet foods. Not only are these toxins harmful to dogs, but the company deliberately failed to disclose these ingredients to the dog owners who regularly purchase the dry dog food. Continue reading →