News from June 2018
Democrat AGs add fourth to latest brief supporting climate change lawsuits
New York State's new attorney general, who recently took over when her predecessor resigned following an abuse scandal, has joined three Democratic colleagues in support for New York City’s climate change lawsuit.
Niskanen Center supports NYC's climate change lawsuit ahead of dismissal hearing; Center is representing Boulder in similar suit
NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) – A free market think tank has filed an amicus, or friend of the court, brief in support of the city of New York in a suit against five oil companies alleged to be responsible for damage to the metropolis from climate change.
Delaware Superior Court denies prejudgment interest in 13-year-old asbestos coverage dispute
WILMINGTON, Del. (Legal Newsline) – A Delaware Superior Court judge denied a motion that set judgment amounts in a lawsuit against Century Indemnity Co. and other defendants.
$19M verdict against BNSF stands; Mo. SC rejects argument juror concealed that she had filed wrongful death suit
JEFFERSON CITY. Mo. (Legal Newsline) – The Supreme Court of Missouri affirmed a jury verdict in a case against BNSF Railway Co. over the alleged wrongful death of a Missouri man.
Justice Department: Major investment firm agrees to pay $64.2 million in Libyan bribery scheme
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) —The U.S. Department of Justice announced June 4 that Legg Mason Inc., an investment management firm with headquarters in Maryland, will pay $64.2 million after allegedly participating in a bribery scheme in Libya in violation of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). Legg Mason also agreed to enter into a non-prosecution agreement.
Appeals court grants Nevada motion to dismiss in Texas' nuclear waste suit
CARSON CITY, Nev. (Legal Newsline) — Nevada Attorney General Adam Paul Laxalt announced June 1 that his motion to dismiss in the Yucca Mountain nuclear waste lawsuit filed by Texas has been granted by the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.
New York leads coalition urging consumer board to keep public database of consumer complaints
NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) — New York Attorney General Barbara D. Underwood announced June 5 that she is leading a coalition of 14 attorneys general in drafting a letter to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), urging it to keep its public database of consumer complaints.
D.C. attorney general secures settlement with KFC operator over alleged unpaid wages
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — District of Columbia Attorney General Karl A. Racine announced May 30 that Mitra QSR KNE LLC, a company that owns and operates two KFC fast-food franchises in the district, will pay $10,129.44 in back wages and restitution to 18 employees after allegations of failing to properly employ them.
Washington state accuses Facebook, Google of political advertising law violations
OLYMPIA, Wash. (Legal Newsline) — Washington state Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced June 4 that his office has filed lawsuits against Facebook an Google for their alleged failure to maintain legally required information for Washington state political advertising placed on their online platforms since 2013.
Nebraska attorney general opposes casino along Iowa-Nebraska border
LINCOLN, Neb. (Legal Newsline) — Nebraska Attorney General Doug Peterson announced May 30 that he will challenge the federal government’s November 2017 approval of a casino proposed in Iowa by the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska. Joining Peterson in the challenge are the state of Iowa and the city of Council Bluffs.
Massachusetts attorney general announces Employers Against Sex Trafficking initiative
BOSTON (Legal Newsline) — Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey announced May 29 that she convened with Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh and state institutional leaders to create zero-tolerance policies for sex buying in Massachusetts workplaces. The initiative is called Employers Against Sex Trafficking (EAST).
“
Idaho: Clock repairman shut down business without returning items to customers
BOISE, Idaho (Legal Newsline) — Idaho Attorney General Lawrence Wasden announced June 1 that Steven J. Hernandez, a clock repairman in Boise, will settle allegations he allegedly closed his business while still in possession of consumer property.
Maryland attorney general responds to EPA decision to deny Clean Air Act petition
BALTIMORE (Legal Newsline) — Maryland Attorney General Brian E. Frosh announced public comments June 1 in response to the proposal by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to deny Maryland’s petition under Section 126 of the Clean Air Act.
Iowa attorney general secures $129,855 for consumers allegedly victimized by contractor
DES MOINES, Iowa (Legal Newsline) — Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller announced June 1 that Joshua Joseph Auten, owner of Over the Top Construction, will pay $129,855 and comply with several requirements after allegations of making misrepresentations to consumers in violation of the state’s Consumer Fraud Act.
Iowa attorney general condemns federal actions that could harm nursing home patients
DES MOINES, Iowa (Legal Newsline) — Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller announced May 31 he has joined a coalition of 16 attorneys general in condemning federal actions that they say will delay enforcement protections for beneficiaries of Medicare and Medicaid who receive care in skilled nursing facilities.
Ark. pension system hires white collar crime lawyer as argument over $75M in class action attorneys fees rumbles on
An Arkansas pension fund has retained a law firm with expertise in criminal and corporate investigations as arguments over $75 million in class action attorney fees continue in federal court.
California AG bans state-funded travel to Oklahoma after alleged discriminatory law passed in Oklahoma
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Legal Newsline) – California Attorney General Xavier Becerra announced June 1 that his state will ban state-funded and state-sponsored travel to Oklahoma because of Oklahoma’s law that allegedly discriminates on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. California’s ban will go into effect Friday, June 22.
California, Oregon attorneys general oppose Trump 'Two-for-One' executive order
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Legal Newsline) – California Attorney General Xavier Becerra and Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum announced June 5 that that they oppose a Trump executive order mandating that in order to create a new regulation, most federal agencies must repeal at least two existing regulations.
DOJ: Société General to pay close to $1 billion after massive bribery scandal involving Libya
The U.S. Department of Justice announced June 4 that Societe Generale S.A., a global financial services institution, will pay more than $860 million after allegations of attempting to bribe Libyan government officials over a multi-year period.
Alabama fuel station owner alleges Circle K Stores facility sold fuel below cost
MOBILE, Ala. (Legal Newsline) – An Alabama fuel station owner alleges the operator of another fuel station used illegal practices to injure competitors.