News from 2017
South Carolina Commission for the Blind sues government over cafeteria contracts
COLUMBIA, S.C. (Legal Newsline) — A South Carolina state agency is suing the United States and a Cabinet secretary, alleging violation of federal law
No rest for MyPillow as it fights 'lawyer-driven' lawsuits around country
CHANHASSEN, Minn. (Legal Newsline) - Targeted by class action lawyers in several states, MyPillow is defending itself against claims that its special offers violate the consumer protection laws of several states.
Plaintiffs ready to appeal adverse decision in FLSA lawsuit against Chipotle
NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) – Plaintiffs lawyers are preparing their appeal of a New York federal judge's decision to decertify a collective action against Chipotle.
FTC seeks to update rules as part of regulatory reform initiative
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced June 22 that it will take steps to ensure its regulations keep pace with technological advances in the marketplace as part of a regulatory reform initiative brought forth by acting chairman Maureen K. Ohlhausen.
Two foreign companies to pay $1.9 million after allegations of violating ship pollution law
BEAUMONT, Texas (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Department of Justice announced June 20 that two companies based in Egypt and Singapore will pay $1.9 million after allegations of violating the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships (APPS).
New York resolves allegations of failing to abide by National Voter Registration Act
NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Department of Justice announced June 20 that the state of New York has agreed to resolve allegations of failing to voter registration opportunities required by Section 5 of the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (NVRA).
SEC adds charges in case involving a leading Wall Street securities firm
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced June 22 that it is adding additional charges in a case involving improper handling of American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) by a Wall Street firm’s securities lending desk.
Federal judge backs Justice Department in case against EnergySolutions
WILMINGTON, Del. (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Department of Justice announced June 21 that a federal judge ruled in favor of the department in its civil antitrust lawsuit to block radioactive waste disposal provider EnergySolutions’ $367 million acquisition of rival Waste Control Specialists.
FTC finalizes order settling anticompetitive allegations in ChemChina-Syngenta merger
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced June 16 that, following a public comment period, the agency has approved a final order settling charges that the China National Chemical Corporation’s (ChemChina) proposed merger with Swiss global agricultural company Syngenta AG would harm competition in the U.S. markets for the herbicide paraquat, the insecticide abamectin and the fungicide chlorothalonil.
Bed Bath & Beyond sued over materials in pillows
MIAMI (Legal Newsline) — A Florida consumer has filed a class action lawsuit against Bed Bath & Beyond, alleging negligent misrepresentation.
Navy Federal Credit Union facing class action over overdraft services
SAN DIEGO (Legal Newsline) — Two California consumers have filed a class action lawsuit against financial institution, alleging breach of contract.
FTC, District of Columbia seek to block FanDuel-Draft Kings merger
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — District of Columbia Attorney General Karl A. Racine announced June 19 that his office has joined the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the state of California in opposing DraftKings Inc.’s merger with FanDuel Limited.
Oklahoma, other states take action against California insurance commissioner
OKLAHOMA CITY (Legal Newsline) — Oklahoma Attorney General Mike Hunter announced June 20 that he and 11 other state attorneys general have authored a letter to California Insurance Commissioner David Jones seeking a cease and desist from requiring insurance companies to publicly disclose fossil fuel investments and urging companies to “pledge” to divest from the coal industry.
New Jersey settles with home improvement financing company over alleged consumer protection violations
NEWARK, N.J. (Legal Newsline) — New Jersey Attorney General Christopher S. Porrino and the Division of Consumer Affairs announced June 22 that GreenSky Servicing LLC, a company that provides fast financing for home improvement projects, will pay $100,000 in penalties and $60,000 in consumer restitution after allegations of violating New Jersey’s consumer protection laws.
Michigan terminates state contract for Line 5 pipeline analysis with Det Norske Veritas
LANSING, Mich. (Legal Newsline) — Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette announced June 21 that the state has terminated its contract with Det Norske Veritas Inc., a company that was preparing a risk analysis report on the Line 5 pipeline below the Straits of Mackinac, after allegations of violating conflict of interest rules.
D.C. joins 35-state coalition opposing cable industry group petition to stop Internet laws enforcement
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — District of Columbia Attorney General Karl A. Racine announced June 20 that he has joined a bipartisan coalition of 35 state attorneys general opposing a petition by cable and telecom industry groups to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
Kirby McInerney files suit against Conn. company
NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) — A New York law firm sued a Connecticut medical company, alleging breach of contract.
Texas settles with travel service business for $75,000
AUSTIN, Texas (Legal Newsline) — Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced June 22 that Joseph Brandon Shirley and Randy Lee Gardner, operators of travel service businesses in the state, will pay $74,995 in consumer restitution, civil penalties and attorney fees after allegations of violating the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act and other state statutes.
Ohio attorney general's advisory group on student loan debt collection releases findings
COLUMBUS, Ohio (Legal Newsline) — Ohio Attorney Mike DeWine announced June 22 that his advisory group on student loan debt collection issued a report on its findings.
District of Columbia, 14 state attorneys general intervene in Clean Air Council v. Pruitt case
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — District of Columbia Attorney General Karl A. Racine announced June 22 that he has joined a coalition of 14 state attorneys general and the city of Chicago in intervening in Clean Air Council v. Pruitt.