News from March 2018
Justice Department alleges Texas company fired Army Reservist due to military status
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Department of Justice announced March 1 that WiFi Alliance, a non-profit organization in Austin, Texas, has been charged with violating the employment rights of Lt. Col. Charles O’Donnell, an Army Reservist, under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA).
Justice Department alleges Houston discriminated against 2 female firefighters
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Department of Justice announced Feb. 28 that it has filed a lawsuit against the city of Houston over allegations the city’s fire department (HFD) discriminated against two female firefighters.
FTC approves Sears' petition to reopen 2009 settlement order
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced Feb. 28 that it has approved a petition by Sears Holding Management requesting that the FTC reopen and modify an earlier order settling allegations that Sears had failed to disclose how much personal information was obtained from consumers who downloaded the company’s software app.
FTC issues report recommending mobile device manufacturers improve security updates
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced Feb. 28 the issuance of a report that recommends mobile device manufacturers consider taking steps to improve security updates for users.
FTC releases 2017 summary of reported consumer complaints
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced March 1 that it has released its annual summary of complaints reported by consumers.
FTC closes case involving Essilor's acquisition of Luxottica
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced March 1 that it ihas ssued a statement after it voted to close its case related to Luxottica Group’s proposed merger with Essilor.
SEC accuses 3 companies of defrauding small businesses
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced Feb. 28 that Steven J. Muehler has been charged with a litany of offenses, including defrauding small businesses.
SEC settles with Ameriprise over allegations company disadvantaged customers
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced Feb. 28 that Ameriprise Financial Services Inc. will pay $230,000 in penalties and consent to a cease-and-desist order and censure after allegations of disadvantaging certain requirement account customers.
Maryland Judiciary announces emergency meeting on Rule 16-910
The public is invited to an emergency meeting on Tuesday, March 6, at 2 p.m. The meeting will take place in the Court of Appeals' conference room on the 4th Floor of the Robert C. Murphy Courts of Appeal Building in Annapolis.
Citizens United loses challenge of N.Y. law requiring disclosure of donors
NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) – The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit has upheld a ruling by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York that dismissed claims filed by Citizens United that challenged a New York law that requires nonprofit organizations to reveal the names of donors.
S.D. Supreme Court affirms almost $2.3 million award in Menards injury case
PIERRE, S.D. (Legal Newsline) – A more than $2.2 million award handed down in 2016 by a Davison County jury for a now-deceased man injured at a Menards store in Mitchell, South Dakota, was recently affirmed by the South Dakota Supreme Court.
Judge delays release of critical report on $75 million State Street class action fee
BOSTON (Legal Newsline) - A federal judge in Boston has delayed for another month the release of a special master’s report on allegations that class action lawyers submitted inflated bills to obtain $75 million in fees for negotiating a $300 million settlement of a securities class action against State Street Bank and Trust.
Exxon-funded analysis criticizes study that claimed company misled public about climate change
FORT WORTH, Texas (Legal Newsline) - Harvard professors who say their analysis proves ExxonMobil misled the public about climate change were obviously biased, a colleague says, and the company says that data shouldn't be used to help a “corrupt enterprise” of private lawyers and California officials suing the energy sector.
State AGs, DOJ oppose controversial Wine 'Til Sold Out settlement
CAMDEN, N.J. (Legal Newsline) – A controversial class action settlement with a discount wine distributor has received attention from state attorneys general and the U.S. Department of Justice.
Consumer claims General Mills, others failed to disclose artificial flavoring in snack products
SAN DIEGO (Legal Newsline) – A California consumer alleges certain snack products fail to disclose artificial flavors in violation of state and federal law.
Environmental claims represented on Cameron's Coffee and Distribution pods overstated, consumer claims
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (Legal Newsline) – A consumer alleges that the environmental benefits of a brand of coffee pods are overstated.
The Money Store Inc. named in suit over charging of fees
LOS ANGELES (Legal Newsline) – Three consumers allege financial institutions in the business of mortgage loans have unlawfully charged fees.
Grisi brand soaps are falsely marketed as natural, consumers claim
LOS ANGELES (Legal Newsline) – Consumers allege that a line of soaps are marketed with a false, deceptive and misleading advertising campaign.
Consumer seeks injunction against Rite Aid over labels on nutrition supplements
PORTLAND, Ore. (Legal Newsline) – An Oregon resident alleges Rite Aid brand nutritional supplements have inaccurate labels.
ApplicantPro alleged to have invaded man's privacy with text messages
MIAMI (Legal Newsline) – A Palm Beach County, Florida individual alleges that his privacy was invaded by telemarketing texts from a Utah company.