News from 2017
DOJ closes case examining possible Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun-Times merger
The U.S. Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division released a statement on July 12 after closing its case examining the potential acquisition of the Chicago Sun-Times by tronc Inc., the owner of the Chicago Tribune.
EPA settles with two Southern California plastic product manufacturers
LOS ANGELES (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced July 13 that two Southern California plastic product manufacturers will settle allegations of violating the federal Clean Water Act. According to the EPA, both companies already have returned to compliance with the law.
SEC's market abuse unit accuses scientist of insider trading
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Securities and Exchange Commission announced July 12 that it has charged Fei Yan, a research scientist, with insider trading.
FTC settles with four paint companies that allegedly used deceptive ads
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Federal Trade Commission announced July 11 that four paint companies have agreed to settle allegations of deceptively promoting their products as emission free or containing zero volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
FTC obtains court orders against two Md. office supply operations that allegedly tricked consumers
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Federal Trade Commission announced July 11 that it has obtained court orders against two Maryland-based office supply operations that allegedly tricked small businesses, nonprofit organizations and other consumers into buying overpriced supplies they never actually ordered.
EEOC targets candle business that allegedly fired employee who complained of sexual harassment
NEW ORLEANS (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Equal Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced a lawsuit July 7 against Amy’s Country Candles LLC, a manufacturer and purveyor of scented candles with headquarters in Harvey, Louisana, for allegations of firing an employee who complained about sexual harassment.
FTC approves monitor in Endo Pharmaceuticals pay-for-delay case
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Federal Trade Commission announced July 11 that it has approved Quantic Regulatory Services LLC as a monitor in the agency’s case against Endo Pharmaceutics Inc. for alleged antitrust violations.
EEOC accuses North Carolina call support center of discriminating against disabled employee
NEW ORLEANS (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Equal Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced a lawsuit July 12 against Advanced Home Care, a nonprofit corporation in North Carolina that operates a call support center in High Point, for allegations of discriminating against a disabled employee.
EEOC secures $31,000 settlement with Nebraska bank after pay discrimination allegations
NEW ORLEANS (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Equal Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced that Heritage Bank, a company based in Wood River, Nebraska, will pay $30,598 to a woman to whom it allegedly paid less than a man.
SEC charges 13 individuals in alleged cold-calling scam
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Securities and Exchange Commission announced July 12 that it has charged 13 individuals involved in two alleged cold calling scams that bilked more than a hundred victims out of more than $10 million.
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Washington AG continues to take on campaign finance in newest lawsuit
Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced on July 11 that his office filed a complaint in Thurston County Superior Court against the Service Employees International Union Leadership Council 14, also known as SEIU Washington State Council, for allegations of campaign finance violations.
Connecticut AG files lawsuit against family practitioner for alleged Medicaid scam
Connecticut Attorney General George Jepsen and state Department of Social Services (DSS) Commissioner Roderick L. Bremby announced on July 13 that his office filed a False Claims Act lawsuit against Dr. Ramil Mansourov and his company, Ramil Mansourov LLC.
California AG takes action against Canadian cigarette for alleged violation of state health laws
California Attorney General Xavier Becerra announced on July 13 that he filed a lawsuit against Grand River Enterprises Six Nations (GRE), a Canadian cigarette manufacturer, for allegedly failing to comply with California laws regarding tobacco sales and illegally selling the product in the state.
Massachusetts AG announces injunction against debt collection law firm that allegedly harassed consumers
Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey announced on July 13 that Robert R. White and his law firm Levy & White have been barred by a Middlesex Superior Court from threatening consumers with arrest or imprisonment for not paying small debts.
DOJ settles Boston Harbor electrical cable case, allowing government to move forward with renovation project
The U.S. Department of Justice announced on July 12 that NSTAR Electric Company, which does business as Eversource Energy (NSTAR), NSTAR subsidiary Harbor Electric Energy Company (HEEC) and the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) will settle allegations related to a permit for an electrical cable beneath Boston Harbor.
Ky. Supreme Court tosses wrongful death lawsuit, says it was filed too late
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Legal Newsline) – The Kentucky Supreme Court has sided with an appeals court ruling that reversed a trial court judgment in a wrongful death lawsuit over the 2005 shooting death of Christina Wittich.
Calif. court rules that crack in gas station's fuel tank is not a structural collapse
LOS ANGELES (Legal Newsline) – On July 3, a California appeals court upheld a lower court’s ruling that a gas station cannot claim a crack in an underground fuel tank on insurance as a structural collapse.
Tennessee Supreme Court sides with widow in wrongful death case, remands case to trial court
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Legal Newsline) – The Tennessee Supreme Court has ruled that a medical authorization sent pre-lawsuit doesn’t have to be Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act-compliant to be valid.
Drug companies lose challenge to alliance between private lawyers and state officials
CONCORD, N.H. (Legal Newsline) – Private lawyers who could possibly make millions of dollars in attorneys fees can continue with their representation of the state of New Hampshire in an investigation into and a possible lawsuit against the pharmaceutical industry.
Can FINRA exploit loophole the Supreme Court closed for SEC?
Targets of disgorgement actions by FINRA may face an expensive battle holding it to a five-year statute of limitations.