News from July 2018
Effects of mesothelioma discussed at Celanese asbestos trial in South Carolina court
SPARTANBURG, S.C. (Legal Newsline) – Day two of the asbestos exposure trial of Jerry Crawford v. Celanese Corp. was filled with testimony by witnesses and the plaintiff himself.
South Carolina trial over source of Celanese worker's asbestos exposure begins
SPARTANBURG, S.C. (Legal Newsline) – An asbestos exposure trial in South Carolina has 12 jurors considering the cancer-causing consequences of piping insulation.
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY: EPA Settlements Resolve Alleged Violations of Toxic Chemical Reporting Requirements by Four New England Companies
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced settlements with four New England companies that resolve alleged violations of the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act (EPCRA), which requires companies and organizations to report their use and release of toxic chemicals.
U.S. FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION: FTC Testifies before House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee about Agency’s Work to Protect Consumers, Promote Competition, and Maximize Resources
In testimony before the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Digital Commerce and Consumer Protection, the Federal Trade Commission described its work to protect consumers and promote competition, and stressed the agency’s commitment to maximizing its resources, enhancing its effectiveness, and anticipating and responding to changes in the marketplace.
U.S. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION: Estée Lauder Companies to Pay $1.1 Million to Settle EEOC Class Sex Discrimination Lawsuit
Estée Lauder, one of the world's leading manufacturers and marketers of skin care, makeup, fragrance and hair care products, will pay $1,100,000 and provide other relief to resolve a lawsuit charging sex discrimination against male employees, which was filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the federal agency announced.
ALABAMA ATTORNEY GENERAL: Attorney General Steve Marshall announces court of Criminal Appeals upholds Etowah County Murder Conviction
Attorney General Steve Marshall announced the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals has upheld the convictions of William Dangelo McKinney for murder and for domestic violence by strangulation.
Losing streak emerges as NYC, hired guns lose climate change case against Big Oil
Federal judges continue to reject the efforts of private lawyers who hold a financial stake in lawsuits brought by government officials against the oil industry over the alleged effects of climate change.
In spite of recent dismissals, City of Baltimore launches climate change suit against big oil
BALTIMORE (Legal Newsline) - A day after a federal judge dismissed New York City's lawsuit against major oil companies over the alleged effects of climate change, Baltimore City Solicitor Andre M. Davis took aim at 26 companies that transport and market fuels in its waters with similar allegations.
In spite of recent dismissals, City of Baltimore latest to file climate change suit
BALTIMORE (Legal Newsline) - A day after a federal judge dismissed New York City's lawsuit against major oil companies over the alleged effects of climate change, Baltimore City Solicitor Andre M. Davis took aim at 26 companies that transport and market fuels in its waters with similar allegations.
Eagle Systems challenging New Jersey's $2 million assessment over owner-operators
TRENTON, N.J. (Legal Newsline) – A trucking company alleges the New Jersey Department of Labor imposed tax assements on it that have no basis in law or fact.
Trade association alleges New York's Opioid Stewardship Act is unconstitutional
NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) – A Virginia trade association that represents pharmaceutical wholesale distributors is challenging the New York Opioid Stewardship Act as unconstitutional.
Indiana Disability Rights seeks access to monitor NeuroPsychiatric Hospitals location
INDIANAPOLIS (Legal Newsline) – An Indiana independent state agency alleges the operator of three psychiatric hospitals has unlawfully denied it access to an Indianapolis hospital.
Performance claims on UCAN's products are false, consumer claims
CHICAGO (Legal Newsline) – A Connecticut company's drink mix and snack bars do not enhance performance as advertised, a consumer alleges.
Consultant alleges he was unlawfully expelled from partnership in Organo Gold
LAS VEGAS (Legal Newsline) – A Nevada business consultant alleges he was unlawfully expelled from a partnership in a coffee company.
Man claims Honda CR-V vehicles can only safely seat four, not five
LOS ANGELES (Legal Newsline) – An Illinois man alleges that a Honda mid-range utility vehicle does not safely seat five people as advertised.
Florida AG sues operators of travel agency that allegedly scammed clients
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Legal Newsline) — The State of Florida has filed a court action against a group travel sales company and its owners for allegedly failing to provide promised travel packages to college, high school, church choir and band groups who were scheduled to perform in foreign countries.
20 Attorney Generals send plea to Senate to fight abusive lending practices
DENVER (Legal Newsline) — Led by Colorado's Cynthia Coffman, a bipartisan multi-state coalition of Attorneys Generals recently sent a letter to the U.S. Senate urging its members to reject legislation that would hamper efforts to fight abusive lending practices.
California AG applauds state supreme court's ruling on gun microstamping
Following the California Supreme Court’s rejection of gun industry advocates’ complaints about “microstamping,” a weapons-identification system regulation, Attorney General Xavier Becerra praised the results, calling the state a leader that would “not go backwards.”
California Attorney General alleges Navient mishandled student loans
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Legal Newsline) — California Attorney General Xavier Becerra recently sued federal student loan servicer Navient Corporation and two subsidiaries, alleging misconduct in loan administration and collection affecting up to 1.5 million Californians.
Arkansas AG's office adds division to fight public corruption
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (Legal Newsline) — Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge recently established a new sector within the AG office’s Special Investigations Department called the Public Integrity Division, assigning two extra investigators to focus on public corruption.