US Federal

FTC Warns Apple CEO Over Alleged Bias in Apple News Content

The FTC has issued a warning letter to Apple CEO Tim Cook regarding alleged bias in Apple News content. The letter states that if Apple misrepresents its news service or violates its terms of service, it could be in violation of the FTC Act.

USITC Institutes Section 337 Investigation of Power Converters

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has instituted an investigation (337-TA-1484) into certain power converters, circuit board assemblies, and computing systems. The investigation is based on a complaint alleging infringement of patent claims related to imported products.

WHD Updates Child Labor Penalty Assessment Procedures

The Wage and Hour Division (WHD) has updated its Field Assistance Bulletin regarding child labor civil money penalty assessments. This update introduces new assessment procedures for non-serious injury and non-injury violations, aiming to ensure consistent and full utilization of the agency's penalty authority.

DOL WHD Guidance on FLSA Independent Contractor Enforcement

The Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division (WHD) issued Field Assistance Bulletin No. 2025-1, providing new guidance to its staff on enforcing the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) regarding independent contractor misclassification. Effective May 1, 2025, WHD will no longer apply the 2024 Rule's analysis and will revert to the standards outlined in Fact Sheet #13 (July 2008) and Opinion Letter FLSA 2019-6.

H-2A Rule Enforcement Suspended Pending Review and Injunctions

The U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division is suspending enforcement of the 2024 Final Rule concerning temporary agricultural employment protections. This action follows multiple federal court injunctions and is effective immediately.

WHD Limits Supervised Payments, No Liquidated Damages

The U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division (WHD) issued Field Assistance Bulletin No. 2025-3, effective June 27, 2025, rescinding FAB 2021-2. The WHD will no longer supervise the payment of liquidated damages in administrative settlements under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), limiting supervised payments to unpaid minimum wages or overtime compensation.

WHD Suspends 2013 Home Care Enforcement Guidance

The U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division (WHD) has issued Field Assistance Bulletin No. 2025-4, suspending enforcement of its 2013 final rule concerning the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) application to domestic service employees. This guidance is effective immediately and will remain in place until a new final rule is issued.

HHS OIG: West Virginia Failed to Collect $6.1M in Medicaid Drug Rebates

The HHS Office of Inspector General found that West Virginia failed to collect an estimated $6.1 million in federal rebates for physician-administered drugs dispensed to Medicaid managed-care enrollees. The audit identified failures in internal controls that prevented the state from invoicing manufacturers for these rebates.

ACF Contract for Unaccompanied Alien Children Services Noncompliant

The HHS OIG found that the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) awarded a $529 million sole source contract for unaccompanied alien children services in a noncompliant manner. The contract was double the cost estimate and lacked required pre-award documentation.

SEC v. Gessin, Equifunds, Ice Fleet - Securities Fraud Enforcement

The SEC announced final judgments by default against Equifunds, Inc., John David Gessin, and Ice Fleet LLC for a fraudulent scheme that raised over $1.6 million from retail investors. The judgments include disgorgement, prejudgment interest, and a civil penalty against Gessin.