US Federal

Labor Recovers Back Wages and Penalties from Denver Restaurant

The U.S. Department of Labor recovered $61,568 in back wages for 11 Denver restaurant workers after an investigation found Tommy's Oriental Food Inc. unlawfully kept employee tips. The employer also paid a $990 civil penalty for Fair Labor Standards Act violations.

Labor Department Orders Texas Companies to Pay $200K+ for Asbestos Whistleblower Retaliation

The U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA has ordered two Texas construction companies to pay over $200,000 in back wages and damages to two workers fired for raising asbestos concerns. The companies must also reinstate the employees.

DOJ OIG: FBI Assistant Section Chief Misconduct Findings

The DOJ Office of the Inspector General has released an investigative summary detailing findings of misconduct against an FBI Assistant Section Chief. The report, number 26-022, addresses the exhibition of a firearm and a lack of candor by the individual. This report is part of the DOJ's ongoing oversight of its components.

Paul Schultz Petition for Writ of Mandamus Denied

The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals denied Paul Schultz's petition for a writ of mandamus. The court found that mandamus relief was not appropriate as a substitute for appeal and that Schultz had not demonstrated a clear right to the relief sought. The petition and a motion for a stay were denied.

Paul Schultz's Petition for Writ of Mandamus Denied

The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals denied Paul Schultz's petition for a writ of mandamus. The court found that mandamus relief is not appropriate as a substitute for appeal and that Schultz did not demonstrate a clear right to the relief sought. The petition and a related stay motion were denied.

FTC Finalizes Order Against Adamas for No-Hire Agreements

The FTC has finalized a consent order against Adamas Amenity Services LLC, requiring the company to cease enforcing no-hire agreements. These agreements restricted building owners from hiring Adamas's employees without penalty, impacting wage and job growth for workers in New Jersey and New York City.

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.

James Devins v. John Armstrong - Petition for Rehearing Denied

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals denied a petition for panel rehearing in the case of James Devins v. John Armstrong. The court withdrew its prior opinion and substituted a new one, affirming the dismissal of Devins's claims but reversing the dismissal with prejudice as an abuse of discretion. The case concerns the denial of a student visa for a foreign national.

Quiroz v. Hernandez and City of Dayton - Fifth Circuit Court Opinion

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals denied a petition for rehearing in the case of Quiroz v. Hernandez and City of Dayton. The court withdrew its prior opinion and substituted a new one, denying the plaintiffs' request to replead their claims for a fourth time after the district court dismissed them with prejudice due to pleading deficiencies.

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.