Mark Iandolo News
Marketers of 'insect repellent' candles, perfume sprays settle deception allegations
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced May 3 that Mikey & Momo Inc. and its principals, Michael Fensterstock and Melissa Matarese Fensterstock, will settle allegations of using deceptive advertising to sell purportedly mosquito-repelling perfume sprays and scented candles.
FTC, FDA warn 13 e-cigarettes companies about packaging that resembles kid-friendly items
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced May 1 that, in conjunction with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it has issued a warning letter to 13 companies in the e-cigarette business.
FTC settlers with timeshare sales scammers for $3.4 million
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced May 4 that the operators of Pro Timeshare Resales LLC will surrender $3.4 million worth of assets and be permanently banned from timeshare resale services and telemarketing after a settlement.
FTC settles with mobile phone manufacturer after consumer data privacy concerns
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced April 30 that BLU Products Inc., a mobile phone manufacturer, and co-owner and President Samuel Ohev-Zion, will settle allegations the company allowed a third-party service provider in China to collect detailed personal information about consumers.
FTC: Sound amplifier marketer settles deceptive marketing allegations
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced May 2 that a group of entities based in Florida and their owner will settle allegations of deceptive marketing for their MSA 30X sound amplifier product.
EEOC accuses airport services company of pregnancy discrimination
DETROIT (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced a lawsuit March 27 against Simplicity Ground Services PC, a Detroit company that provides airline-ramp and cargo-handling products and services, for alleged pregnancy discrimination.
MarkWest to pay $610,000 for alleged Clean Air Act violations
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection announced April 24 that MarkWest Liberty Midstream Resources LLC and Ohio Gathering Company LLC (MarkWest) will pay $610,000 and perform three supplemental environmental projects (SEPs) after allegations of violating the Clean Air Act and the Pennsylvania Air Pollution Control Act.
U. of Denver owes $2.66 million after alleged pay discrimination
DENVER (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced May 17 that the University of Denver will pay $2.66 million after allegations of pay discrimination based on sex.
EEOC accuses manufacturer of disability discrimination
ATLANTA (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced a lawsuit May 17 against Cooper Machine Company Inc., a seller and manufacturer of equipment for the sawmill industry, for allegedly firing an employee because of her disability.
Arizona attorney general secures VW settlement for state consumers
PHOENIX (Legal Newsline) — Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich recently announced that Volkswagen will pay $40 million after allegations of false advertising related to its so-called “clean diesel” cars.
New Jersey attorney general to create group to target data privacy, cybersecurity
TRENTON, N.J. (Legal Newsline) — New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal announced May 7 that his office plans to open a new branch that will be called the Data Privacy & Cybersecurity (DPC) Section and will handle civil enforcement of data privacy laws.
EEOC alleges company denied religious accommodation to Muslim employees
BOSTON (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced a lawsuit May 7 against Aviation Port Services LLC, a company that provides support services to airlines, for allegations of denying requests for religious accommodations.
California attorney general moves to dismiss federal lawsuit against state
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Legal Newsline) — California Attorney General Xavier Becerra announced May 4 that his office is filing both a motion to dismiss and an opposition to a preliminary injunction in the case United States v. California, a lawsuit brought by the federal government to invalidate three state laws regarding safety, health, and welfare for Californians.
Arizona alleges company sold expensive health care products to elderly, refused refund requests
PHOENIX (Legal Newsline) — Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich recently announced he is suing DIY Neurocare of America LLC, a company based in Arizona, and CEO Lyle Day, for allegedly refusing requests from elderly consumers for refunds after they bought LED light systems meant to treat symptoms of peripheral neuropathy and other ailments.
Hawaii company agrees to close large-capacity cesspool
HONOLULU (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced May 8 that N.F. Kawakami Store Ltd. (NFK), the property owner of the Koloa Big Save Supermarket in Hawaii, will settle allegations of failing to close a large-capacity cesspool on the premises.
EEOC: Albertsons disallowed Hispanic employees from speaking Spanish in workplace
SAN DIEGO (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced a lawsuit May 3 against Albertsons Inc., a national retail grocery chain, for allegations of subjecting a classic of Hispanic employees to harassment and a hostile work environment.
EEOC: Atlanta thrift store refused to let employee wear oxygen backpack
ATLANTA (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced a lawsuit May 3 against Two Peaches Group LLC, which does business as Value Village and operates five for-profit thrift stores in the Atlanta area, for allegations of disability discrimination and refusing reasonable accommodation requests.
New Jersey attorney general urges Congress to opposed Securities Fraud Act bill
TRENTON, N.J. (Legal Newsline) — New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal and Bureau of Securities Chief Christopher W. Gerold announced May 7 that they will urge Congress to oppose a bill could allegedly weaken states’ rights when it comes to protecting investors from securities fraud.
New Jersey secures $100,000 for consumers whose children were allegedly victimized by electronics company
NEWARK, N.J. (Legal Newsline) — New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal and the Division of Consumer Affairs announced May 8 that Meitu Inc., a software and consumer electronic company based in China, will pay $100,000 after allegations of violating the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act (CFA).
Florida attorney general accuses farm-to-table restaurant of false marketing
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Legal Newsline) — Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi announced May 4 that her office is taking action against Icebox Café L.C. and Icebox Café at MIA LLC for allegedly misleading consumers regarding the local nature and sustainability of their products.