News from June 2016
Landowners can challenge 'Waters of the United States' rulings in federal court
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) – The U.S. Supreme Court on May 31 constrained the ability of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Army Corps of Engineers to invoke the Clean Water Act (CWA) and designate bodies of water on private and public lands as "Waters of the United States."
Attorney: Class actions over 'natural' food driven by plaintiffs lawyers
LOS ANGELES (Legal Newsline) – A Los Angeles-based attorney who focuses on mass tort litigation and consumer class actions in connection with food, supplements and other consumer packaged goods said a lawsuit filed in May against Utz Quality Foods Inc. is one of numerous actions of its kind that are “unjustified.”
Paper says for-profit education not paying off for students
BOSTON (Legal Newsline) — Allegations in a lawsuit filed by the Massachusetts Attorney General against ITT Educational Services Inc. claiming that the school misled students about their job prospects and the quality of its Computer Network Systems program point to a problem with higher education — students often pay more and earn less, according to a recent paper by two economists.
Washington State attorney general asks court to enforce subpoena against Tim Eyman
SEATTLE (Legal Newsline) – Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced that his office has filed a petition urging the state court to enforce subpoenas issued against Tim Eyman, his political committees, his for-profit company, and a for-profit signature gathering company.
Indiana attorney general joins 20 other states in suing the State of Delaware
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) – Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller announced that his state will join 20 other states in suing the State of Delaware for allegations of failing to turn over millions of dollars in unclaimed property funds the other states believe belong to them.
FTC settles with telemarketer accused of deceiving consumers
DETROIT (Legal Newsline) – The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced a settlement agreement with Adli Dasuqi and his companies, American Handicapped Inc. and American Handicapped and Disadvantaged Workers Inc., after allegations of federal violations.
Michigan AG announces judgment against Liquidation LLB for allegedly illegal auto loans
LANSING, Mich. (Legal Newsline) – Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette announced a default judgment and final order for permanent injunction from Judge William Collette in the Ingham County Circuit Court against Liquidation LLC and its manager, Mark Edward Weiner, after allegations of providing illegal title loans.
Massachusetts attorney general seeks to help alleged ACI student victims
BOSTON (Legal Newsline) – Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey announced that her office will take action to help victims of American Career Institute (ACI), which allegedly lied to students, fabricated its records and employed unqualified teachers.
Majestic C Team LLC agrees to settlement with EPA
LENEXA, Kan. (Legal Newsline) – Majestic C Team LLC, which owns and operates the Majestic Pointe residential construction site in Omaha, Nebraska, has agreed to pay $10,750 and perform a Supplemental Environmental Project (SEP) for $42,500 after allegations of violating the Clean Water Act, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced.
ETE, Williams to divest interest in interstate natural gas pipeline
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) —In order to complete its acquisition of the Williams Companies Inc., Energy Transfer Equity L.P (“ETE”) must divest Williams' interest in an interstate natural gas pipeline, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has announced.
Regis Corporation to pay $90,000 after allegations of retaliation discrimination
WILMINGTON, N.C. (Legal Newsline) — Minnesota-based Regis Corporation, which does business as Smart Style Family Hair Salon, will pay $90,000 after allegations of retaliation discrimination, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has announced.
EEOC targets Greenville Ready Mix Concrete for allegedly refusing religious accommodation
WINTERVILLE, N.C. (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has announced it has charged Greenville Ready Mix Concrete Inc. with allegations of violating federal law by refusing to provide a religious accommodation for and then firing an employee who is a Seventh-day Adventist.
EEOC announces court ruling against Grisham Farm Products for alleged federal law violations
ST. LOUIS (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has announced a court ruling against Grisham Farm Products Inc. for allegations of violating two federal laws when it required job applicants to fill out a health history form before being considered for a job.
EEOC announces $40,000 settlement with Bloom at Belfair in alleged race discrimination case
ATLANTA (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has announced Bloom at Belfair, a nursing home in Bluffton, South Carolina, will pay $40,000 after allegations of race discrimination.
Investor accuses pharmaceutical company of financial impropriety
NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) – A New York investor is suing a pharmaceutical company, alleging it violated Securities and Exchange Commission rules, damaging the value of the stock he purchased.
California consumer alleges online training business made unauthorized credit card charges
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Legal Newsline) – A California man is suing an online vendor of computer training courses, alleging it automatically renewed his subscription to the service without his authorization.
Consumers accuse SolarCity of telemarketing harassment
BOSTON (Legal Newsline) – Two New England consumers are suing the nation’s largest installer of residential solar energy systems, alleging the defendant made numerous, unsolicited telemarketing calls to consumers.
Starbucks says N.Y. woman's lawsuit is 'frivolous'
NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) – A New York woman filed a class action lawsuit last month against Starbucks, a Seattle-based corporation, for allegedly misrepresenting the size of its espresso beverages, a suit that Starbucks says is no different than the recent copycat suits filed against the company.
Group fighting false advertising wants example made of Carter's
ATLANTA (Legal Newsline) - According to a group that fights deception in advertising, a recent lawsuit against a clothing retailer for use of deceptive pricing on its website is an effort to prevent dishonest companies from getting an advantage.
Domino's says N.Y. AG's lawsuit 'demeans' role of small business owners
NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) — Domino’s Pizza asserts it has been working with the New York Attorney General’s Office for more than three years to ensure franchisee compliance and is disappointed that AG Eric Schneiderman recently decided to file a lawsuit.