News from June 2017
Vacation rental company HomeAway.com alleges Chicago ordinance gives Airbnb advantage
CHICAGO (Legal Newsline) – HomeAway.com Inc., an online vacation rentals company, has filed suit against the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection over an ordinance it claims gives preference to competitor Airbnb and violates the First and 14th amendments.
Fourth Circuit dismisses $12M credit report case against Experian
RICHMOND, Va. (Legal Newsline) – The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit has overturned a nearly $12 million award in a class action lawsuit against Experian Information Solutions.
Skin care product the subject of class action lawsuit
MIAMI (Legal Newsline) — A Florida woman has filed a class action lawsuit against a beauty care products business, alleging negligent misrepresentation.
EEOC settles for $1.9 million in race discrimination case against Rosebud restaurant chain
CHICAGO (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced May 30 that Rosebud Restaurants Inc. will pay $1.9 million after allegations of class race discrimination.
EEOC secures $475,000 settlement with Wisconsin plastics manufacturer after alleged discrimination
GREEN BAY, Wis. (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced May 26 that Wisconsin Plastics Inc. of Green Bay, Wis., a company that manufactures metal and plastic products, has agreed to a $475,000 penalty after allegations of national origin discrimination.
Sherwin-Williams to divest two Valspar plants, continue with $11.3 billion acquisition
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced May 26 that Sherwin-Williams Company will settle anti-competitive allegations related to its proposed $11.3 billion acquisition of Valspar Corporation by selling Valspar’s North America Industrial Wood Coatings Business to Axalta Coating Systems Ltd.
FTC to mail nearly 40,000 refund checks for alleged coffee bean weight loss scam
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced May 30 that it is mailing 38,553 refund checks totaling roughly $1.9 million to consumers who purchased Pure Health or Genesis Today green coffee bean extract supplement from different retailers, including Walmart.
FTC settles with brothers who allegedly deceptively sold trampolines
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced May 31 that it has settled with Son “Sonny” Le and Bao “Bobby” Le, two brothers who allegedly deceived consumers in the marketing and sale of trampolines.
American Guild of Organists settles with FTC, to revise policies
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced May 26 that, following a public comment period, it has approved a final order and consent agreement with the American Guild of Organists that had been first announced in March.
Kansas announces debt collection ban for a deceptive practices
TOPEKA, Kan. (Legal Newsline) — Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt announced May 26 that Jacobs Marsh LLC and owner Joseph Arena of Williamsville, New York, have been banned from the debt collection and debt enforcement business in the state.
FTC accuses Louisiana Real Estate Appraisers Board of limiting competition; LREAB says lawsuit is 'plain wrong'
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced May 31 it has filed a complaint against the Louisiana Real Estate Appraisers Board, citing allegations the group unreasonably restrains price competition for appraisal services in its state.
Ohio targets 5 opioid manufacturers, alleging fraudulent marketing
COLUMBUS, Ohio (Legal Newsline) — Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine announced a lawsuit May 31 against five prescription opioid manufacturers for allegations of fraudulent marketing about the risks of opioids.
Justice Department settles with health care company, secures nearly $31.7 million
TAMPA, Fla. (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Department of Justice announced May 30 that Freedom Health Inc. and related corporate entities will pay $31,695,593 after allegations of violating the False Claims Act in connection with their Medicare Advantage plans.
Ohio attorney general targets contractor
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (Legal Newsline) — Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine announced May 22 that his office has taken action to protect consumers, filing a complaint against George N. Krinos, who does business as Doors, Kitchens, and More Construction Co., for allegedly failing to deliver promised home improvement services to consumers.
Washington state settles with 2 restaurants that allegedly mislabeled fish in sushi products
OLYMPIA, Wash. (Legal Newsline) — Washington state Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced May 25 that his office has settled with two state restaurants. The restaurants will cease the alleged mislabeling of fish in their sushi products.
Attorney general certifies petition seeking to change Ohio's congressional redistricting
COLUMBUS, Ohio (Legal Newsline) — Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine announced May 22 that he has certified the petition that seeks to amend the Ohio Constitution and change the congressional redistricting process in the state.
Labor Department joins Pension Benefit Guaranty to recover $1.5 million for 2 participants
CHICAGO (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced May 25 that the partnership between its Employee Benefits Security Administration and the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation has recovered close to $1.5 million for participants in two terminated Chicago-based pension plans.
New York Times alleges Defense Department violated law
NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) — The New York Times and a reporter are suing the Defense Department, alleging violation of federal law.
Oregon counties sue over expansion of Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — A group of 17 counties in western Oregon is suing the United States, alleging violation of state law.
Commercial spaceflight industry faces uncertain legal, regulatory environment
MIDLAND, Texas (Legal Newsline) - The idea of buying a ticket to space seems like something that would play out in a summer blockbuster movie.