News You Can Use: Bags of Meat and Cheese
Mistaken Identity
Alexander Morris, 53, filed a lawsuit against Ascension Macomb-Oakland Hospital in Warren, Michigan, on June 10 over an incident that took place last year, NBC News reported. Morris, the lead singer of the Motown group the Four Tops, went to the hospital with “clear symptoms of cardiac distress” in April 2023. While there, Morris told nurses and security staff that he was concerned about stalkers and fans -- but they didn’t believe that he was with the Four Tops and ordered a psychological examination, which delayed his treatment. He was physically restrained, he said, for at least 1 1/2 hours -- “a terrifying experience to be in the middle of a medical emergency,” Morris said. The suit, which seeks $75,000 in damages, alleges negligence, racial discrimination, battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Morris’ ordeal finally ended when he showed a nurse a video of him performing at the Grammys. He was offered a $25 gift card to a Meijer grocery store as an apology, which he refused. “I never imagined I would become a victim of ‘being sick while Black,’” Morris said. The hospital had no comment on the suit.
What Could Go Wrong?
Calling Agent 99! Samsung is channeling the 1960s TV series “Get Smart” with its newest tech release: the Shortcut Sneaker, with which one can make phone calls. Gizmodo reported that the phone is operated with discrete foot movements, recognized by motion sensors in the soles. Sadly, you’re not likely to get your dogs into them anytime soon: The company is making just six pairs, available only to Samsung members in the Netherlands who enter to win by July 9.
The Passing Parade
As part of the annual Italian Market Festival in Philadelphia, one contest involves competitors climbing a greased pole to claim bags of meat and cheese tied at the top, United Press International reported. This year, however, the dangling delectables were left hanging, and nearly a month later, they’re still there. Festival organizers are trying to arrange for a crane to gather the leftovers, which visitors claim aren’t stinky -- yet. With the oncoming heat dome across the United States, that might change.