Abuse

Class Action Lawsuit Accuses Bi-Rite Grocery Chain of Wage Abuse and Violations

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SAN FRANCISCO (AP) – Bi-Rite, a local grocery chain in San Francisco, is facing a class action lawsuit filed by workers on January 3. The lawsuit accuses the store of violating rest break and wage statement regulations, as well as failing to provide proper overtime pay and meal and rest breaks. The former employee leading the lawsuit claims that Bi-Rite has engaged in a pattern of wage abuse against its hourly-paid and non-exempt employees. The plaintiffs are seeking compensation and a trial by jury. In another legal battle, the city of Berkeley has lost its … Read more

Love Is Blind Contestant Files Lawsuit Against Netflix Over Alleged Abuse and Contract Violations

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LOS ANGELES (AP) — A contestant from the reality show “Love Is Blind” has filed a lawsuit against Netflix and the show’s production company, alleging mistreatment and violation of her rights. Renee Poche, a Houston veterinarian, claims that she was subjected to punitive treatment by the show’s producers, including having her phone, passport, and driver’s license seized, and being locked in a hotel room. She also states that she was pressured to continue an emotionally abusive relationship with a fellow contestant. The lawsuit focuses on a nondisclosure agreement that Poche signed, which the production company … Read more

Judge Denies Woman’s Appeal for Ownership Rights to Dogs in ‘House of Horrors’ Animal Abuse Investigation

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CHANDLER, Ariz. – A judge has denied the appeal of a woman involved in an animal abuse investigation in Chandler, Arizona to regain ownership of the dogs at the center of the case. The woman, identified as April McLaughlin, also known as “Sydney McKinley,” was previously accused of 95 counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty. In October, a judge terminated her rights to the dogs, a decision that she later appealed. However, her appeal has now been dismissed. The case, often referred to as the ‘House of Horrors,’ gained attention in September 2023 when authorities removed … Read more

Colorado Task Force Calls for Reforming Definition of Criminal Child Abuse and Neglect to Protect Vulnerable Children

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DENVER, Colorado – A task force in Colorado is calling for changes in the state’s definition of criminal child abuse and neglect as part of its efforts to reform mandatory reporting laws. In a recent 12-page report, the task force members argued that the current definition is too broad and fails to distinguish between circumstances such as poverty or homelessness and actual instances of neglect and abuse. The task force, established in 2022 following an investigation into the death of 7-year-old Olivia Gant, plans to spend 11 hours in January and February of this year … Read more