News from January 2017
CFPB unveils Consumer Credit Trends to provide consumers with historical lending trends
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) announced Dec. 15 the unveiling of Consumer Credit Trends, a digital tool that will help consumers monitor developments in lending and forecast potential risks.
Alabama attorney general, colleagues back Sessions for U.S. attorney general
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange joined 24 other state attorneys general Dec. 16 in supporting Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala) as U.S. attorney general. The attorneys general urged the Senate Judiciary Committee’s leadership to confirm the nomination.
CFPB alleges Military Credit Services in Virginia violated federal laws
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) announced a lawsuit Dec. 20 against Military Credit Services LLC (MCS) for allegedly making loans with improper disclosures.
Goodwill chapter, facing EEOC lawsuit, says it acted properly after harassment allegations
OAKLAND, Calif. (Legal Newsline) – Goodwill Industries is the defendant in a lawsuit filed Dec. 13 by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) alleging a pattern of sexual harassment and disability discrimination at its facilities in the East Bay Area of Northern California. The suit also claims managers who tried to help victims faced retaliation.
Nevada Supreme Court clarifies confusions on minimum wage law
CARSON CITY, Nev. (Legal Newsline) – The Nevada Supreme Court has released two separate rulings to clarify the widely controversial issues linked to the Minimum Wage Amendment made to the Nevada Constitution.
EPA, Connecticut town agree to storm water system upgrade
BOSTON (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced Dec. 19 that the city of West Haven, Connecticut, has agreed to make changes to its storm water system, ensuring the protection of local waterways.
Galectin defeats shareholder lawsuit over truthful, complimentary articles
ATLANTA (Legal Newsline) – The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit has ruled that a company does not have to disclose that it hired outside firms to publish promotional material regarding a company and its stock evaluations. The ruling confirmed that the third party has the duty to disclose the payments
Michigan town ordered to repay $30 million for water services
HIGHLAND PARK, Mich. (Legal Newsline) – City officials at Highland Park, Michigan, were shocked when they received a bill from the Great Lakes Water Authority, which was formed to take over the Detroit Water and Sewer Department.
Environmental groups accuse government agency of violating federal law
NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) — Environmental groups are suing a government agency, alleging violation of federal law.
EPA to conduct emergency response cleanup at closed Indianapolis facility
CHICAGO (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced Dec. 15 it had started an emergency response action to clean up the vacant Williamson Polishing & Plating building in the Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood of Indianapolis.
Hershey's previews arguments against class action over amount of Kisses in bags
NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) – The Hershey Co. plans to seek dismissal of a class action lawsuit filed against it complaining about the number of Kisses in its packaging.
Maryland Court of Special Appeals celebrates half-century milestone
The Maryland Court of Special Appeals is set to mark its 50th anniversary with a ceremony in the House Chamber of the Maryland State House on January 6, 2017.
Adobe settles 2013 data breach case with 15 states
SAN JOSE, Calif. (Legal Newsline) – Adobe Systems Inc. has settled its data breach case with several states following a lengthy legal battle that started in 2013.
11th Circuit grants stay in FTC case against LabMD over data breach allegations
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) – The legal battle between the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
and LabMD is heating up following the latter’s opening salvo in its petition for review, pointing
out how the agency allegedly "destroyed" a small medical company in its data
breach investigation against it.
Shareholder alleges ExxonMobil misstated finances, affected stock price
DALLAS (Legal Newsline) – A shareholder for ExxonMobil is suing the company, alleging its board members communicated misleading financial information about the company.
Arkansas attorney general targets multiple automotive retailers for alleged deception
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (Legal Newsline) — Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge announced a consumer protection lawsuit Dec. 17 against multiple automotive retailers and their owners and officers for allegations of violating the state’s Deceptive Trade Practices Act.
Mosquito Shield, Massachusetts franchisees to change advertising practices
BOSTON (Legal Newsline) — Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey announced Dec. 19 that Mosquito Shield LLC has agreed to change its advertising practices and pay penalties after allegations of misrepresenting the potentially harmful effect of its products.
CFPB report on college-bank deals: Many schools more focused on bottom line, not students
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) announced Dec. 14 a report detailing that costly fees and risky features often are attached to college-sponsored accounts.
California secures additional $66 million from Volkswagen after landmark environmental case
LOS ANGELES (Legal Newsline) — California Attorney General Kamala D. Harris and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) announced Dec. 20 an additional $66 million settlement with Volkswagen.
Massachusetts fines Olympia General Construction $27,000 for alleged wage issues
BOSTON (Legal Newsline) — Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey announced Dec. 19 that Olympia General Construction Corp. and its president, Marcelo Cardoso Queiroz, have been cited $27,611 for allegedly failing to pay overtime wages to employees.