Michigan Demonstrators Push for ‘Second Look’ Law to Reevaluate Long-Term Prison Sentences

Lansing, Michigan — A group of activists convened outside the Michigan Capitol on Tuesday to advocate for the implementation of the Second Look Sentencing Act, a legislative proposal aimed at restructuring the sentencing paradigm for long-term inmates in Michigan. The proposal, if passed, would enable inmates who have served at least 20 years to request a sentence reduction from their original sentencing judge. Eligibility for such a request hinges on whether the inmate is deemed no longer a risk to public safety. Supporters of the act argue that it could alleviate numerous challenges currently facing … Read more

Minneapolis Lawyer Wins Lawsuit Against Unum to Restore Long-Term Disability Benefits Amid Health Battle

Minneapolis, MN — A local trademark attorney, battling breast cancer, recently won a significant legal victory against Unum Life Insurance Co. of America. The court ordered the insurance giant to reinstate her long-term disability benefits, ruling that they had improperly terminated her payouts based on her cancer diagnosis and ignored other debilitating conditions she was suffering from. The decision came down from U.S. District Judge John R. Tunheim, who asserted that Unum failed to fully consider the attorney’s additional medical issues, which included cognitive impairments and frequent episodes of dizziness. The judge pointed out that … Read more

Long-Term Care Operator Petersen Health Care Plans to Sell Facilities Amid Bankruptcy Challenge

Peoria, Illinois – Long-term care operator Petersen Health Care has announced plans to sell off portions of its facilities after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The company, which currently operates almost 100 senior care facilities in the rural Midwest, is burdened with nearly $300 million in debt, including millions of dollars owed in loans that resulted in eight Petersen-run facilities in Illinois being placed in receivership. To aid in its restructuring efforts, Petersen secured a $45 million bankruptcy loan with the goal of maintaining operations to preserve the value of its facilities and generate additional … Read more

Rhode Island Woman Sues Panera Bread, Claims Charged Lemonade Caused Long-Term Heart Complications

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – A Rhode Island woman is suing Panera Bread after alleging that the chain’s Charged Lemonade caused her long-term heart issues. Lauren Skerritt, a 28-year-old occupational therapist and vegetarian, consumed two-and-a-half Charged Lemonades at a Panera Bread location in Smithfield, Rhode Island, last April. Skerritt claims she chose the caffeinated beverage because she believed it was “plant-based and clean” based on its advertising. After drinking the lemonade, Skerritt reportedly began experiencing heart palpitations and dizziness. She sought medical treatment at Rhode Island Hospital, where she was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, an irregular and … Read more