News from August 2016
Sunshine Pride Dairy settles allegations of environmental violations with $179,074 penalty
PHILADELPHIA (Legal Newsline) — Sunshine Pride Dairy Inc. will pay $179,074 in penalties to settle alleged federal environmental violations at its former cheese processing facility in Winchester, Virginia, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced.
FTC proposal calls for Mylan to divest rights to generic drugs to complete acquisition of Meda
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Federal Trade Commission has announced an order requiring Mylan to divest the rights to two generic drugs, for muscle spasms and for epilepsy, in order to complete its acquisition of Swedish drug maker Meda. The order resolves complaints that the $7.2 billion acquisition would be anti-competitive.
FTC: Teva to divest 79 products to complete new pharmaceutical acquisition
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has announced Teva Pharmaceuticals Ltd. will sell the rights and assets to 79 pharmaceutical products to settle FTC charges related to its proposed acquisition of Allergan PLC's generic pharmaceutical business.
Georgia SC: Class action over SunTrust’s overdraft fees can continue
Two lower courts previously agreed with SunTrust that the class action lawsuit wasn’t possible because the plaintiff couldn’t opt out on behalf of others. The Atlanta bank claims its arbitration rejection clause is drafted in such a manner as to make it impossible for a class representative to act on behalf of class members.
Washington state urges U.S. court not to block federal guidelines regarding transgender people
OLYMPIA, Wash. (Legal Newsline) — Washington state Attorney General Bob Ferguson has announced he will lead a coalition of states urging a U.S. District Court not to block the federal government’s ability to protect the civil rights of transgender people.
Zipcar to settle allegations of charging consumers illegal damage fees
NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) — Zipcar Inc. has agreed to settle a case involving allegations of charging New York consumers illegal damage fees for rental vehicles, New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman has announced.
FCC to fine AT&T $106,425 for alleged federal law violations
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced plans to fine AT&T $106,425 for allegedly charging two Florida school districts some of the highest telecommunications rates in the state, which is a violation of federal law and the FCC’s “lowest corresponding price” rule.
Consumer accuses insurance provider of privacy violations
LOS ANGELES — A Los Angels man is suing an insurance provider, alleging the defendant's constant phone calls invaded his privacy.
Massachusetts attorney general urges U.S. to forgive student loans for alleged ACI victims
BOSTON (Legal Newsline) — Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey has announced a formal application to the U.S. Department of Education, urging immediate cancellation of student loans for those allegedly victimized by the American Career Institute (ACI), a former for-profit school that closed in 2013.
Cemex to invest $10 million to cut alleged emissions of air pollutants
ATLANTA (Legal Newsline) — Cemex Inc. will invest roughly $10 million to cut alleged emissions of harmful air pollutants at five cement manufacturing plants, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has announced.
Washington state attorney general asks court to hold political operative in contempt
OLYMPIA, Wash. (Legal Newsline) — Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson has asked a court judge to hold Tim Eyman and his political committees in contempt for their alleged failure to meet court-ordered deadlines in disclosing documents to the AGO. He further seeks a $2,000 penalty for every day Eyman continues to fail to meet that deadline.
State Street Bank & Trust owes at least $382.4 million
BOSTON (Legal Newsline) — U.S. Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz for the District of Massachusetts, director Andrew J. Ceresney of the Division of Enforcement for the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and U.S. Labor Secretary Thomas E. Perez have announced that State Street Bank and Trust Company will pay $382.4 million after allegations it deceived clients when giving indirect foreign currency exchange (FX) services.
Department of Labor facing lawsuits over new fiduciary regulations
FORT WORTH, Texas (Legal Newsline) — The Department of Labor (DOL) is facing several lawsuits after it was alleged that the organization had overstepped its rule-making authority when it issued new regulations in April.
Seventh Circuit took strong position in Wisconsin wrongful termination case, labor attorney says
CHICAGO (Legal Newsline) — Employers concerned over how to accommodate — or even whether to accommodate — an employee's mental disability that disrupts the workplace received guidance from a U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit decision in July, a labor and employment attorney says.
Office Depot hits Delaware with lawsuit over unclaimed property law, auditing process
The office supply retailer and a Virginia-based gift card issuer sued state officials in Delaware federal court last month. The plaintiff companies claim the state’s unclaimed property law, or escheat law, is unconstitutional.
Labor board finds T-Mobile in violation of requiring positive workplace
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The National Labor Relations Board has found that a mobile phone company has violated the National Labor Relations Act by expecting employees to maintain a positive work environment.
Ninth Circuit upholds ban on mobile ads in Los Angeles, other Calif. cities
SAN FRANCISCO (Legal Newsline) — A federal appeals court has upheld ordinances enacted by cities in California, banning mobile billboards in their cities.
Two consumers accuse food manufacturer of deceptive practices
WASHINGTON — Two consumers are suing a food manufacturer, alleging unlawful and deceptive practices.