The T-S today reports that a Humboldt County jury has penalized Skilled Health Care to the tune of over $600 million for health code violations. The for-profit company runs a chain of nursing homes with five local outlets.

Wondering what the fuss was about? Read Journal freelancer Carol Harrison's disturbing account of Skilled Health Care's corporate abuse of both its employees and, especially, its patients, from our June 4, 2009 issue. Seriously chlling stuff.