News from 2016
Cordray letter about gender identity discrimination not a rule, former CFPB official says
When Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) Director Richard Cordray wrote a letter in August, giving the bureau's views about whether credit discrimination on the basis of gender identity and sexual orientation violates the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA), it prompted speculation.
Asbestos firm's political donations draw attention as trial lawyers eye Democratic Senate
BOSTON (Legal Newsline) - As trial lawyers seek a Democratic majority in the U.S. Senate, as well as a Democratic president, a major asbestos firm in Massachusetts is catching flak for doling out bonuses to its attorneys that match their contributions to various political campaigns -- mostly Democratic.
Sharp Healthcare in San Diego to pay $90,000 after allegations of disability discrimination
SAN DIEGO (Legal Newsline) – The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced this week that Sharp Healthcare, one of San Diego County’s largest private companies, will pay $90,000 after allegations of disability discrimination.
FTC joins DOJ in amicus brief in a Visa and MasterCard case involving ATM fees
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced last week that it has joined the U.S. Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division in an amicus brief filed by the Solicitor General in the cases of Visa Inc., et al. v. Osborn and Visa Inc., et al v. Stoumbos.
FTC to issue second Federal Register notice about e-cigarette industry
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced last week that it will issue a second Federal Register notice on proposed compulsory process orders to marketers of electronic cigarettes. The goal will be to obtain information about their sales and marketing expenditures.
EEOC settles with BNV Home Care Agency for $125,000 after genetic discrimination allegations
NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced this week that BNV Home Care Agency Inc., a provider of companionship and home care services for seniors throughout New York City, will pay $125,000 after allegations of genetic discrimination.
ABC Phones of North Carolina settles allegations of sexual harassment with $50,000
WILMINGTON, N.C. (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced this week that ABC Phones of North Carolina, which does business as A Wireless, will pay $50,000 after allegations of same-sex sexual harassment.
Farmers Insurance Exchange to pay $225,000 to resolve race discrimination allegations
FRESNO, Calif. (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced this week that Farmers Insurance Exchange will pay $225,000 after allegations of race discrimination and retaliation.
Maryland Judiciary warns public about new jury service email scam
The Maryland Judiciary has issued a warning about a new email scam targeting residents by falsely claiming they have missed jury service.
Class action allows everyone to sing Happy Birthday
LOS ANGELES (Legal Newsline) - Up until this past August, two California music companies were enforcing the copyright of the song “Happy Birthday” and requiring television shows and movies to pay royalties to use the song.
Yoga instructors determined to be independent contractors by New York's highest court
NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) - The New York Court of Appeals ruled Oct. 25 that some of a yoga studio's instructors are independent contractors, and not employees entitled to certain benefits.
Brief questions if plaintiffs in class action suits are being treated fairly
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) - A friend-of-the court brief recently filed with the U.S. Supreme Court in the case of Joshua Blackman v. Amber Gascho asks if it is fair for attorneys in class action settlements to receive more in fees than the class members receive in settlement.
Clinton email contractor Platte River Networks says it acted only as a broker
DENVER (Legal Newsline) — Platte River Networks, email contractor for presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and former President Bill Clinton, has never managed information any more than a car salesman fixes cars.
General Mills accused of selling 'natural' products tainted by unnatural ingredients
LOS ANGELES (Legal Newsline) — Three consumers have filed a class action lawsuit against General Mills, Inc., alleging fraudulent business practices.
Bankrateinsurance.com named in class action lawsuit over unwanted calls
SAN DIEGO (Legal Newsline) — An individual has filed a class-action lawsuit against All Web Leads, Inc., d/b/a Bankrateinsurance.com, alleging he received unwanted calls despite being placed on the Do Not Call Registry.
Colgate-Palmolive accused of false advertising in class action suit
NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) — Consumers have filed a class-action lawsuit against Colgate-Palmolive Co. and Tom's of Maine Inc., New York corporation, citing alleged negligent misrepresentation.
Subscribers allege Yahoo! did not protect personal information
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. (Legal Newsline) – Subscribers have filed a class action lawsuit against over allegations that a California Web-based service provider failed to protect its users' personal information.
Class action alleges Hershey's misrepresents amount of Kisses in Classic Bags
NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) – A consumer has filed a class action lawsuit against a candy company alleging that it falsely advertises the total content of a certain brand of its chocolates.
Consumers allege certain Honest Co. products contain non-natural ingredients
LOS ANGELES (Legal Newsline) – Consumers have filed a class action lawsuit against a California company alleging it deceptively and misleadingly marketed its products as "natural."
Mexican transgender man sues Indiana over not being able to change name
INDIANAPOLIS (Legal Newsline) – A transgender man is challenging Indiana state law that prohibits non-citizens from legally changing their name.