Mark Iandolo News
FTC targets alleged student loan debt relief scam
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced May 25 that it has taken action against a scheme that allegedly duped millions of dollars from consumers by falsely promising student loan debt relief and credit repair.
California urges Trump administration to close so-called 'bomb train' loophole
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Legal Newsline) — California Attorney General Xavier Becerra announced May 25 that he has urged the Trump administration to close a loophole that allows highly flammable, highly explosive crude oil to be shipped by freight rail via so-called “bomb trains” through communities in California.
Oklahoma attorney general urges consumers to avoid LayZ Board hoverboards
OKLAHOMA CITY (Legal Newsline) — Oklahoma Attorney General Mike Hunter announced May 23 that he has urged Oklahomans to stop purchasing or using LayZ Board Hoverboards.
Justice Department settles with onion farm that allegedly discriminated against U.S. citizens
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Department of Justice announced May 23 that Carrillo Farm Labor LLC (Carillo Farm), an onion farm in Deming, New Mexico, has agreed to settle allegations that it discriminated against U.S. citizens and instead hired mostly foreign visa workers.
EPA administrator signs proposal to postpone compliance date for ELG Rule
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced May 25 that Administrator Scott Pruitt has signed a proposed rule aimed at postponing the date that companies would need to come under compliance with the effluent limitations guidelines and standards for steam electric power plants (ELG Rule).
District of Columbia settles with financial group that allegedly duped cash-strapped consumers
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — District of Columbia Attorney General Karl A. Racine announced May 23 that his Office of Consumer Protection has settled with Burlington Financial Group LLC (Burlington) and its owner and manager, Sang Yi, for allegations of falsely promising to reduce consumer debt.
Texas urges EPA administrator to reconsider Obama-era regulations
AUSTIN, Texas (Legal Newsline) — Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced May 19 that his office sent a letter to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) asking the agency to suspend, review and reconsider Obama-era EPA regulations that Texas challenged in 12 lawsuits.
Ohio joins coalition urging Senate to fix quirk in law related to health care fraud recoveries
COLUMBUS, Ohio (Legal Newsline) — Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine announced May 17 that he has been joined by 51 other attorneys general in urging the the Senate Finance Committee to look into an alleged quirk in federal law that prevents states from receiving equitable shares of health care fraud recoveries.
EEOC accuses Maryland logistics company of religious discrimination
BALTIMORE (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced a lawsuit May 16 against XPO Mile Inc., a logistics company, for allegations of refusing to hire a Jewish job candidate who could not work on Rosh Hashanah due to his religious beliefs.
New York settles with two Buffalo property owners after lead-based paint hazard allegations
BUFFALO, N.Y. (Legal Newsline) — New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman announced May 18 that two Buffalo-area property owners have agreed to settle allegations of lead-based paint hazards at apartment complexes in Buffalo.
Mississippi settles with drug testing company for $2 million after alleged bribery scheme
JACKSON, Miss. (Legal Newsline) — Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood announced May 18 that Branan Medical Corp. will pay $2 million after allegations of a bribery scandal.
Montana backs federal appeals court postponement of EPA oil, natural gas rule decision
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — Montana Attorney General Tim Fox announced May 19 that he supports a federal appeals court after its decision effectively postpones any decision regarding the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s overreaching oil and natural gas rule.
New York settles with nonprofit housing organization after allegations of discrimination
NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) — New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman announced a settlement agreement May 17 with the German American Settlement League (GASL) after allegations the nonprofit organization committed housing discrimination on the basis of race and national origin.
Massachusetts settles with three construction companies that allegedly violated wage laws
BOSTON (Legal Newsline) — Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey announced May 15 that three construction companies in the state will pay more than $600,000 for allegations of failing to pay the proper prevailing wage rate to employees for work performed on public projects.
Texas wastewater treatment facility to improve pollution controls
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Department of Justice, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality announced May 17 that Vopak Terminal Deer Park Inc. and Vopak Logistics Services USA Inc., have agreed to settle allegations of violating federal and state clean air laws.
U.S. OKs $34,000 settlement with Missouri health care providers
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Department of Justice announced May 18 that two southwest Missouri health care providers will pay $34,000 after allegations of violating the False Claims Act through the creation of improper financial relationships with referring physicians.
New York settles with Buffalo landlord who allegedly allowed unruly parties
BUFFALO, N.Y. (Legal Newsline) — New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman announced a consent decree May 18 with Jeremy Dunn, a landlord who controls a number of properties on Winspear Avenue and Northrup Place in University Heights, a residential neighborhood in Buffalo.
Federal court grants FTC lien on Florida home in alleged precious metals scam
MIAMI (Legal Newsline) — The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced May 18 that a federal court has granted its request for a lien on the Florida home of Sam J. Goldman, the alleged operator of a precious metals scam conning senior citizens.
Montana federal jury returns $37,000 verdict against landlord who allegedly charged illegal fee
BUTTE, Mont. (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Department of Justice announced May 17 that a federal jury in Butte, Montana, has returned a $37,343 verdict against a Bozeman, Montana, landlord for charging a $1,000 fee to a tenant with physical and psychiatric disabilities for having a service animal.
EEOC settles with summer camp for $70,000 after allegations of pregnancy discrimination
HOUSTON (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced May 17 that Carolina Creek Christian Camp Inc., a business that offers summer camping and retreats in Huntsville, Texas, will pay $70,000 after allegations of pregnancy and disability discrimination.