/raid1/www/Hosts/bankrupt/CAR

/raid1/www/Hosts/bankrupt/CAR_Public/160913.mbx C L A S S A C T I O N R E P O R T E R Tuesday, September 13, 2016, Vol. 18, No. 183 Headlines ABBOTT LABORATORIES: Court Dismisses "Marentette" Suit ABERCROMBIE & FITCH: Settlement in "Gilbert" Suit Has Final OK ACE CASH: "Gutierrez" Suit Seeks Unpaid Wages Under Labor Code ADVANTAGE MANAGEMENT: Faces "Inogamov" FLSA, NY Labor Law Suit ALOHA POOL: "Bittle" Suit to Recover Overtime Pay AMERICAN RENAL: Faces "Gelsleichter" Securities Lawsuit in N.Y. ANGELO GORDON: "Wilkes" Suit Moved from Super. Ct. to S.D. Cal. ATD LLC: Court Rules on Holland & Hart's Bill of Costs ATLANTIC COAST: Faces "Gallon" Student-Athletes' Suit AUTORIDAD DE ENERGIA: Summary Judgment for PREPA Affirmed BANK OF AMERICA: Claims vs Credit Suisse, et al. Dismissed BEANFIELDS PBC: "LaPlatney" Suit Alleges Mislabelling BIG 12: Faces "Washington" Suit in Southern District of Indiana BLACKBERRY LIMITED: 2nd Cir. Sends "Cox" Suit Back to Lower Court BON SECOURS: Cohen Milstein Named Sole Interim Lead Counsel BRIGHAM YOUNG: "Carr" Suit Consolidated in MDL 2492 C.H. ROBINSON: $1MM Settlement in "Mrazik" Case Has Final OK CASAL INSTITUTE: Students are Employees under FLSA, Court Says CHADBOURNE & PARKE: "Campbell" Suit Alleges Bias Against Women CHAPARRAL ENERGY: Does Not Object to Bid to Lift Bankruptcy Stay CHAPARRAL ENERGY: Discovery Has Not Commenced in "Dodson" Suit CHAPARRAL ENERGY: Has Not Responded to Motion in "Donelson" Case CHAPARRAL ENERGY: Still Defends "West" Class Suit in Oklahoma CHEN SUSHI KING: Compromise Reached in "Spallone" Suit CITIGROUP GLOBAL: NY Court Dismisses All Children's Hospital Suit CONFERENCE USA: Faces "Johnson" Student-Athletes' Suit CONSOLIDATED WORLD TRAVEL: "Hewlett" Suit Survives Bid to Dismiss CR ENGLAND: "Harper" Suit Moved from Cal. Super. Ct. to C.D. Cal. CYPRESS MEDIA: "O'Shaughnessy" Suit Cannot Proceed as Class CYPRESS MEDIA: Bid to Strike Summary Judgment Motion OK'd in Part DALLAS CENTRAL: Avail Hotels Says Property Valuation Excessive DALLAS CENTRAL: U.S. Bank Alleges Property Valuation Excessive DALLAS CENTRAL: BW Ventana Alleges Property Valuation Excessive DALLAS CENTRAL: Creeks of Preston Contests Property Valuation DALLAS CENTRAL: DFW Grating Says Property Valuation Excessive DALLAS CENTRAL: Fund Design Says Property Valuation Excessive DALLAS CENTRAL: Hard Six Alleges Property Valuation Excessive DALLAS CENTRAL: "Howard" Suit Says Property Valuation Excessive DIRECTV: Court Narrows Claims in "Flynn" Suit EDGEWELL PERSONAL: "Gorman" Suit Moved from N.D. Ill. to E.D.N.Y. ENCORE RECEIVABLE: Court Dismisses "Rosa" Suit EFREIGHTSHIP LLC: Faces "Cotton" Suit Over FLSA Violation EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN: "Bacon" Suit Moved to Minnesota Sup. Ct. FCA US LLC: "Hughes" Sues over Defective Shifters FCA US: "Walker" Suit Alleges Defective Gear Shifter in Vehicles FINANCIAL BUSINESS: Faces "Blunt" Suit in Middle Dist. of Florida FORD MOTOR: "Burcham" Suit Moved from Cty. Ct. to S.D. Ill. GARDEN CITY, KS: Court Dismisses "Market" Suit GENERAL MILLS: Sued Over Glyphosate-Contaminated Products GREEN DOT: Court Dismisses "Hopkins" Suit Over EFT Cards INCROWD INC: Faces Russell M. Holstein Suit in New Jersey JAM PRODUCTIONS: Faces "Huffman" Suit in N.D. of Illinois JESSICA HOLDING: Faces "Xu" Suit in Eastern District of New York KELLOGG SALES: "Hadley" Suit Alleges Mislabelling, False Ads KUSTOM US: Faces "Bogacki" Suit in Middle District of Florida LAKEVIEW CARS: Faces "Pucciarelli" Suit in E.D. of New York LAPTOP & DESKTOP: "Bank" Suit Moved from E.D.N.Y. to D. Nev. LEE COUNTY, FL: Court Dismisses "Young" Suit MAGGIES PARATRANSIT: "Alfonso" Suit Sent to Arbitration MDL 1566: Williams, El Paso and Xcel Not Cleared from Suit MDL 1840: Court Increases Atty's Fees in Costco Settlement MDL 2669: Court Allows Limited Discovery in Data Breach Case MEYERKORD & MEYERKORD: Court Narrows Claims in "Pavone" Suit MICHAEL WALTER: "Valdez" Suit Alleges FLSA, NY Labor Laws Breach MONEYMUTUAL LLC: Denial of Bid to Dismiss "Rilley" Suit Affirmed NABORS INDUSTRIES: Miami Employees' Retirement Trust Suit Tossed NEW YORK, NY: Faces "Panattieri" Suit in E.D. of New York NEWDAY FINANCIAL: "Conner" Suit Alleges Md. Labor Laws Violations NINTH AVENUE: Faces "Mayoral-Climico" Suit in S.D.N.Y. NPL CONSTRUCTION: "Bankowski" Suit Claims Md. Labor Law Breaches NRA GROUP: Faces "Antebi" Suit in Eastern District of New York OHIO VALLEY: Faces "Harrison" Student-Athletes' Suit OMNITY CONSULTING: "Reyes" Suit to Recover Overtime Pay PERMIAN POWER: "Key" Suit Seeks Unpaid Wages PHOENIX FINANCIAL: Faces "Digiacomo" Suit in S.D. of Indiana PRESSLER & PRESSLER: "Rosa" Suit Moved from Cty. Ct. to D.N.J. RETRIEVAL-MASTERS: Faces "Zitronenbaum" Suit in E.D.N.Y. SAFECO INSURANCE: Must Defend Against "Engle", Day Air Cleared SITEL OPERATING: "Loding" Suit Seeks Overtime Pay SJ MEDICAL: "Hamlyn" Suit to Recover Overtime Pay, Damages SOUTHEASTERN CONFERENCE: Faces "Davison" Student-Athletes' Suit SOUTHEASTERN CONFERENCE: Faces "Ford" Student-Athletes' Suit STANDARD MORTGAGE: Court Dismisses "Robinson" RICO Suit STANFORD UNIVERSITY: "Burns" Suit Consolidated in MDL 2492 SWISSPORT FUELING: Faces "Holmes" Suit Alleging Violation of FLSA TALEN ENERGY: Defending Suits Over Riverstone Merger Deal TAMINCO US: Bid to Dismiss "Lombardozzi" Suit Denied in Part THRUSTMASTER OF TEXAS: Faces "Carter" Suit Over FLSA "Violation" TOYOTA MOTOR: Faces "Black" Suit in C.D. of California TRIPLE VISION: Faces "Collazo" Suit Alleging FLSA Violation UC SYNERGETIC: "Bentz" Suit to Recover Unpaid Back Wages UNITED HEALTHCARE: "Qadir" Suit Moved from Cir. Ct. to M.D. Fla. UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI: Faces "Hill" Student-Athletes' Suit VERDE ENERGY: Bid to Stay "Richardson" Suit Denied VEROS CREDIT: Dec. 15 Hearing Set for "Cosper" Suit Dismissal Bid VIAL FOTHERINGHAM: Court Narrows Claims in Lott-Chea Suit WEBPROPS INTERNATIONAL: Faces "Hayes" Suit in E.D. California WELSPUN INDIA: "Abbott" Suit Alleges False Advertising WEST COAST TOMATO: Court Narrows Claims in "Espinoza" Suit WESTERN CONCRETE: Allbright's Bid to Dismiss in "Lozano" Granted WILHELMINA INTERNATIONAL: Motion to Dismiss "Shanklin" Underway WILHELMINA INTERNATIONAL: Court Stayed Pressley Litigation WILHELMINA INTERNATIONAL: Settlement Talks Ongoing in "Betancourt" WILLIAMS-SONOMA INC: Case Management Conference Continued ********* ABBOTT LABORATORIES: Court Dismisses "Marentette" Suit ------------------------------------------------------ In the case captioned SARA MARENTETTE, MATTHEW O'NEIL NIGHSWANDER, and ELLEN STEINLIEN, on behalf of themselves and all others similarly situated, Plaintiffs, v. ABBOTT LABORATORIES, INC., Defendant, No. 15-CV-2837 (PKC) (RLM) (E.D.N.Y.), Judge Pamela K. Chen granted the defendant's motion to dismiss the First Amended Complaint in its entirety. Sara Marentette, Matthew O'Neil Nighswander, and Ellen Steinlein, on behalf of themselves and all others similarly situated, brought a putative class action against Abbott Laboratories Inc. and Abbott Nutrition, alleging that Abbott misled consumers about the ingredients of its Similac Advance Organic Infant Formulas. Specifically, the plaintiffs alleged that the packaging for these products contains the representation "Organic" when in fact the products contain many ingredients prohibited by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in organic products. Abbott moved to dismiss the entire action on the basis that: (1) the plaintiffs' claims are preempted by the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (OFPA); (2) the plaintiffs failed to exhaust administrative remedies; (3) the court should defer to the primary jurisdiction of the USDA; and (4) all claims lack merit for claim-specific reasons. Judge Chen found that the plaintiffs' claim that the "Organic"- certified products are falsely labeled because they allegedly contain ingredients not permitted by the OFPA amounts to a challenge to the USDA certification itself, and is therefore preempted. Further, because all of the plaintiffs' state law claims depend on the alleged falsity of the products' "Organic" label, Judge Chen found that all of the plaintiffs' claims are preempted, and granted Abbott's motion to dismiss the First Amended Complaint in its entirety. A full-text copy of Judge Chen's August 23, 2016 memorandum and order is available at https://is.gd/RWVdnA from Leagle.com. Sara Marentette, Matthew O'Neil Nighswander, Ellen Steinlien, Plaintiffs, represented by D. Greg Blankinship -- gblankinship@fbfglaw.com -- Finkelstein Blankinship Frei-Pearson & Garber, LLP, Kim Richman, The Richman Law Group, Yvette Golan, The Golan Firm, pro hac vice & Todd Seth Garber -- tgarber@fbfglaw.com -- Finkelstein, Blankinship, Frei-Pearson & Garber, LLP. Abbott Laboratories, Inc., Defendant, represented by Scott Glauberman -- sglauber@winston.com -- Winston & Strawn LLP, pro hac vice & Shawn J. Gebhardt -- sgebhardt@winston.com -- Winston & Strawn LLP, pro hac vice. ABERCROMBIE & FITCH: Settlement in "Gilbert" Suit Has Final OK -------------------------------------------------------------- In the case, ERIC GILBERT, on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, Plaintiffs, v. ABERCROMBIE & FITCH, CO., et al., Defendants, Case No. 2:15-cv-2854 (S.D. Ohio), District Judge George C. Smith adopted and affirmed the August 5, 2016 Magistrate Judge's Report and Recommendation regarding the Motion for Final Settlement Approval and Application for Award of Attorneys' Fees and Costs. The Court held that the time for filing objections has passed, and no objections have been filed to the Report and Recommendation. A copy of the Court's Order dated August 24, 2016 is available at http://goo.gl/1zG7KKfrom Leagle.com. Eric Gilbert, Plaintiff, represented by Maribeth Meluch -- mmeluch@isaacwiles.com -- Isaac Wiles Burkholder & Teetor, LLC, Mark David Landes, Isaac Wiles Burkholder & Teetor, LLC, Eric Zagar -- ezagar@ktmc.com -- Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP, pro hac vice, Mark H. Troutman -- mtroutman@isaacwiles.com -- Isaac Wiles Burkholder & Teetor LLC & Robin Winchester -- rwinchester@ktmc.com -- Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP, pro hac vice. Abercrombie & Fitch Co., Defendant, represented by John Joseph Kulewicz -- jjkulewicz@vorys.com -- Vorys Sater Seymour & Pease. Arthur C Martinez, et al., Defendants, represented by John Ryan Gall -- john.gall@squirepb.com -- Squire Patton Boggs (US) LLP & Aneca E. Lasley -- aneca.lasley@squirepb.com -- Squire Sanders (US) LLP. ACE CASH: "Gutierrez" Suit Seeks Unpaid Wages Under Labor Code -------------------------------------------------------------- KARLA GUTIERREZ, as an individual and on behalf of all others similarly situated, the Plaintiff, v. ACE CASH EXPRESS, INC., a corporation, and DOES 1-50, inclusive, the Defendant, Case No. BC631787 (Cal. Super. Ct., Aug. 24, 2016), seeks full restitution of monies, as necessary and according to proof, to restore any and all monies withheld, acquired and/or converted by the Defendants in violation of the Labor Code. The Defendants allegedly failed to provide meal periods and rest breaks, failed to pay overtime and minimum wages, failed to reimburse all necessary work-related expenses, improper deductions, failed to pay all wages upon termination of employment, and failed to keep accurate records. The Defendants are also being sued for unfair business practices. ACE Cash is an Irving, Texas-based payday loan company. The Plaintiff is represented by: Kenneth H. Yoon, Esq. Stephanie E. Yasuda, Esq. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH H. YOON One Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 2200 Los Angeles, CA 90017 Telephone: (213) 612 0988 Facsimile: (213) 947 1211 ADVANTAGE MANAGEMENT: Faces "Inogamov" FLSA, NY Labor Law Suit -------------------------------------------------------------- Ziyavutdin Inogamov, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated, Plaintiff, v. Advantage Management Associates, Inc., Case 1:16-cv-04865 (E.D.N.Y., August 31, 2016), alleges violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act and the New York State Labor Law. Defendant provides home health care to individuals who live in New York City. The Plaintiff is represented by: Gennadiy Naydenskiy, Esq. NAYDENSKIY LAW GROUP, P.C. 1517 Voorhiees Ave., 2nd Fl. Brooklyn, NY 11235 Phone: (718) 808 2224 E-mail: naydenskiylaw@gmail.com ALOHA POOL: "Bittle" Suit to Recover Overtime Pay ------------------------------------------------- Norman Bittle, Plaintiff, v. Aloha Pool & Spa Service, LLC, and Timothy Sherlock, individually, Defendants, Case No. 1:16-cv-05246 (D.N.J., August 29, 2016), seeks to recover compensation, overtime compensation, liquidated damages, and costs and reasonable attorneys' fees under the Fair Labor Standards Act and the New Jersey State Wage and Hour Law. Aloha runs a pool and spa repair and maintenance company headquartered in Medford, Burlington County, New Jersey, where Bittle worked as a pool and spa maintenance technician. Plaintiff is represented by: Jodi J. Jaffe, Esq. Andrew I. Glenn, Esq. JAFFE GLENN LAW GROUP, P.A. 301 N. Harrison Street, Suite 9F, #306 Princeton, NJ 08540 Telephone: (201) 687-9977 Facsimile: (201) 595-0308 E-mail: JJaffe@JaffeGlenn.com aglenn@jaffeglenn.com AMERICAN RENAL: Faces "Gelsleichter" Securities Lawsuit in N.Y. --------------------------------------------------------------- CHRISTINE GELSLEICHTER, Individually and On Behalf of All Others Similarly Situated, Plaintiff, v. AMERICAN RENAL ASSOCIATES HOLDINGS, INC., JOSEPH A. CARLUCCI, and JONATHAN L. WILCOX, Defendants, Case 1:16-cv-06841 (S.D.N.Y., August 31, 2016), was filed on behalf of a purported class consisting of all persons other than Defendants who purchased or otherwise acquired American Renal securities: (1) pursuant and/or traceable to American Renal's false and misleading Registration Statement and Prospectus issued in connection with the Company's initial public offering on or about April 21, 2016 (the "IPO" or the "Offering"); and/or (2) on the open market between April 21, 2016 and August 18, 2016, both dates inclusive. AMERICAN RENAL ASSOCIATES HOLDINGS, INC. operates as a dialysis services provider in the United States focused exclusively on joint venture partnerships with physicians. The Plaintiff is represented by: Jeremy A. Lieberman, Esq. J. Alexander Hood II, Esq. Marc C. Gorrie, Esq. POMERANTZ LLP 600 Third Avenue, 20th Floor New York, NY 10016 Phone: (212) 661-1100 Fax: (212) 661-8665 Email: jalieberman@pomlaw.com ahood@pomlaw.com mgorrie@pomlaw.com - and - Patrick V. Dahlstrom, Esq. POMERANTZ LLP 10 South La Salle Street, Suite 3505 Chicago, IL 60603 Phone: (312) 377-1181 Fax: (312) 377-1184 Email: pdahlstrom@pomlaw.com - and - Michael Goldberg, Esq. Brian Schall, Esq. GOLDBERG LAW PC 1999 Avenue of the Stars, Suite 1100 Los Angeles, CA 90067 Phone: 1-800-977-7401 Fax: 1-800-536-0065 Email: michael@goldberglawpc.com brian@goldberglawpc.com ANGELO GORDON: "Wilkes" Suit Moved from Super. Ct. to S.D. Cal. --------------------------------------------------------------- Brendan Wilkes, on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, and on behalf of the general public, the Plaintiff, v. Angelo, Gordon & Co., L.P, a Delaware limited partnership; Benihana, Inc., a Delaware corporation; Benihana National Corp., a Delaware corporation; Benihana Carlsbad Corp., a Delaware corporation; Benihana Beverly Hills Corp., a Delaware corporation; Benihana Downey Corp., a Delaware corporation; Benihana Marina Corp., a Delaware corporation; Benihana Monterey Corporation, a Delaware corporation; Benihana of Puente Hills Corp., a Delaware corporation; Benihana Ontario Corp., a Delaware corporation; Benihana San Francisco Corp., a Delaware corporation; Benihana Santa Anita Corp., a Delaware corporation; Benihana Sunrise Corporation, a Delaware corporation; and DOES 1- 50, inclusive, the Defendants, Case No. 37-02016-00019855-CU-OE-CTL, was removed from the Superior Court of California, San Diego County, to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California (San Diego). The District Court Clerk assigned Case No. 3:16-cv-02219- JM-DHB to the proceeding. The assigned Judge is Hon. Jeffrey T. Miller. Angelo Gordon is an American alternative investment manager founded in November 1988 by John M. Angelo and Michael L. Gordon who together ran the arbitrage department of L.F. Rothschild in the 1980s. The Plaintiff is represented by: Kyle M Van Dyke, Esq. HURST & HURST 701 B Street, Suite 1700 San Diego, CA 92101 Telephone: (619) 236 0016 Facsimile: (619) 236 8569 E-mail: kvandyke@hurst-hurst.com The Defendant is represented by: Alison Jacqueline Cubre, Esq. LITTLER MENDELSON, PC 333 Bush Street, 34th Floor San Francisco, CA 94104 Telephone: (415) 677 3121 Facsimile: (415) 743 6507 E-mail: acubre@littler.com ATD LLC: Court Rules on Holland & Hart's Bill of Costs ------------------------------------------------------ In the case captioned XTO ENERGY, INC., Plaintiff, v. ATD, LLC, AIR TECH DRILLING, INC. and ZURICH AMERICAN INSURANCE COMPANY, Defendants. ZURICH AMERICAN INSURANCE COMPANY, Third-Party Plaintiff, v. BASIC ENERGY SERVICES, INC., WEATHERFORD ARTIFICIAL LIFT SYSTEMS, INC., WEATHERFORD INTERNATIONAL, INC., and, WEATHERFORD U.S., L.P., Third-Party Defendants, No. Civ 14-1021 JB/SCY (D.N.M.), Judge James O. Browning granted in part and denied, in part, the Bill of Costs filed by Holland & Hart LLP On November 10, 2014, XTO Energy filed a federal lawsuit asserting that the defendants breached their agreements with XTO Energy by refusing to defend XTO Energy against the litigation filed against it by Scott Manley and Shanna Manley, as well as by Jose and Virginia Betancur, pending in state court. On November 19, 2015, defendant Zurich Insurance issued a subpoena requesting XTO Energy's counsel, Holland & Hart, LLP, to produce its billing records and agreements relating to its representation of other clients. The court subsequently concluded that the subpoena imposed an undue burden on Holland & Hart, and awarded costs and fees to Holland & Hart. Holland & Hart requested $10,526.50 for the time spent responding to Zurich Insurance's subpoena. Holland & Hart submitted a time sheet detailing the amount due for various tasks. Zurich Insurance objected to Holland & Hart's hourly rates as "excessive and unreasonable as a matter of law." After an extensive review of local rates, Judge Browning concluded that $350.00 is a reasonable hourly rate for experienced partners doing high-end, complicated insurance work, while a reasonable rate for experienced associates is $200.00. The judge also determined that the number of hours that Holland & Hart spent writing motions was reasonable. Accordingly, Judge Browning granted in part and denied in part the motion. Judge Browning awarded XTO Energy attorney's fees for the number of hours that Holland & Hart submitted, but reduced the rates for the two Holland & Hart attorneys representing XTO Energy, to $350.00 for Mr. Ramirez and to $200.00 for Ms. Custer. A full-text copy of Judge Browning's August 22, 2016 memorandum opinion and order is available at https://is.gd/axduWA from Leagle.com. XTO Energy Inc., Plaintiff, represented by Bradford C. Berge -- bberge@hollandandhart.com -- Holland & Hart LLP, Jose A. Ramirez - - jramirez@hollandhart.com -- Holland & Hart LLP, pro hac vice & Katie K. Custer -- kkcuster@hollandhart.com -- Holland & Hart LLP, pro hac vice. ATD, LLC, Defendant, represented by Robert Gentile, Guebert Bruckner PC & Terry R. Guebert, Guebert Bruckner P.C.. Zurich American Insurance Company, represented by Amy Elizabeth Headrick -- aeheadrick@btblaw.com -- Butt Thornton & Baehr PC, James H. Johansen -- jhjohansen@btblaw.com -- Butt Thornton & Baehr, PC & Rheba Rutkowski -- rruthkowski@btblaw.com -- Butt Thornton & Baehr, P.C.. Basic Energy Services, Inc., represented by Andrew B. Curtis -- acurtis@cthglawfirm.com -- Craig, Terrill, Hale & Grantham, LLP. Weatherford Artificial Lift Systems, Inc., Weatherford International, Inc., Weatherford U.S., L.P., ThirdParty Defendants, represented by Matthew T. Byers -- matt@mccormicklawfirm.net -- McCormick Caraway Tabor & Byers LLP & Michael Lemoine -- mlemoine@joneswalker.com -- Jones Walker, pro hac vice. ATLANTIC COAST: Faces "Gallon" Student-Athletes' Suit ----------------------------------------------------- RODNEY GALLON, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated, Plaintiff, v. ATLANTIC COAST CONFERENCE and THE NATIONAL COLLEGIATE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION, Defendants, Case 1:16-cv-02334-WTL-DML (S.D. Ind., August 31, 2016), seeks to obtain redress for all persons allegedly injured by Defendants' reckless disregard for the health and safety of generations of Florida State University student-athletes. ATLANTIC COAST CONFERENCE is a collegiate athletic conference. The Plaintiff is represented by: William Winingham, Esq. WILSON KEHOE WININGHAM LLC 2859 North Meridian Street Indianapolis, IN 46208 Phone: 317.920.6400 Fax: 317.920.6405 E-mail: winingham@wkw.com - and - Jay Edelson, Esq. Benjamin H. Richman, Esq. EDELSON PC 350 North LaSalle Street, 13th Floor Chicago, IL 60654 Phone: 312.589.6370 Fax: 312.589.6378 E-mail: jedelson@edelson.com brichman@edelson.com - and - Rafey S. Balabanian, Esq. EDELSON PC 123 Townsend Street San Francisco, CA 94107 Phone: 415.212.9300 Fax: 415.373.9435 E-mail: winingham@wkw.com - and - Jeff Raizner, Esq. RAIZNER SLANIA LLP 2402 Dunlavy Street Houston, TX 77006 Phone: 713.554.9099 Fax: 713.554.9098 E-mail: winingham@wkw.com AUTORIDAD DE ENERGIA: Summary Judgment for PREPA Affirmed --------------------------------------------------------- In the case captioned DUAMEL SANTIAGO-RAMOS, individually and as representative of the Conjugal Partnership; MARINES RIVERA- FIGUEROA; CARIBBEAN ECONOMIC COUNCIL, Plaintiffs, Appellants, v. AUTORIDAD DE ENERGIA ELECTRICA DE PUERTO RICO, AEE, a/k/a Puerto Rico Power Company, Defendant, Appellee, MARIMAR PEREZ-RIERA, Defendant, No. 15-1507 (1st Cir.), the United States Court of Appeals, First Circuit affirmed the district court's grant of summary judgment for Autoridad de Energia Electrica de Puerto Rico (PREPA). Plaintiffs-appellants Duamel Santiago-Ramos, Marines Rivera- Figueroa, and Caribbean Economic Council filed a class action suit on behalf of approximately 1.5 million Puerto Rican residents who are customers of PREPA against the defendant-appellee PREPA alleging that PREPA's use of a portion of its overall revenue to subsidize municipalities' energy use violates the Takings Clause and deprives the plaintiffs-appellants of their property interest in electricity and/or the funds they paid for electricity in violation of procedural due process. The district court adopted a magistrate judge's recommendation granting PREPA's motion for summary judgment and dismissing the plaintiffs-appellants' claims with prejudice, finding that they had not identified a valid property interest, no taking had occurred, and no valid procedural due process claim existed in light of the absence of a property interest. On appeal, the First Circuit affirmed the district court's grant of summary judgment. The Hon. Juan Rafael Torruella del Valle, Sr., who penned the decision, said the appellate court found that the plaintiff-appellants do not have standing to bring the takings and due process claims because the plaintiffs-appellants did not identify a valid property interest. The Hon. Jeffrey R. Howard, concurring in the judgment, agreed that the plaintiffs have not established that they have a protected property interest. "But I would characterize this defect as going to the merits, not to standing. In addition, I would not decide whether PREPA's regulations give plaintiffs a property interest in electricity," he said. A full-text copy of the First Circuit's August 24, 2016 decision is available at https://is.gd/F5Fk90 from Leagle.com. For appellants: Eric Quetglas-Jordan, Esq. QUETGLAS LAW OFFICES #1021 Ashford Ave., 2nd Floor Condado, PR 00908 Tel: 787-722-0635 787-722-7745 Fax: 787-725-3970 E-mail: Eric@QuetglasLaw.com - and - Ricardo Izurieta, Esq. Luis Rafael Rivera, Esq. Allan Amir Rivera-Fernandez, Esq. LUIS RAFAEL RIVERA LAW OFFICES Capital Center Building I, Suite 401 239 Arterial Hostos Avenue Hato Rey, PR 00918 For appellee: Fernando J. Fornaris-Fernandez, Esq. Victoria D. Pierce-King, Esq. CANCIO, NADAL, RIVERA & DIAZ, P.S.C. 403 Munoz Rivera Avenue San Juan, PR 00918-3345 BANK OF AMERICA: Claims vs Credit Suisse, et al. Dismissed ---------------------------------------------------------- In the case captioned DORIS SUE ALLEN, et al., Plaintiffs, v. BANK OF AMERICA CORPORATION, et al., Defendants, No. 15 Civ. 4285 (LGS) (S.D.N.Y.), Judge Lorna G. Schofield dismissed the claims against the defendants, Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, Deutsche Bank AG, Morgan Stanley, Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC and Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC. The plaintiffs sued 12 banks and their affiliates under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), for losses caused by the defendants' breach of fiduciary duties and participation in prohibited transactions arising from their alleged manipulation of the foreign currency (FX) markets for over a decade. The plaintiffs purported to bring the action "on behalf of the named Plaintiffs' ERISA employee benefit Plans [("the Plans")] which cover more than 400,000 plan participants and beneficiaries, and as a class action on behalf of participants, beneficiaries, and named fiduciaries of all other similarly situated Plans." The named plaintiffs are beneficiaries, participants or trustees of defined benefit, defined contribution or death benefit plans. The defendants, Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, Deutsche Bank AG, Morgan Stanley, Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC and Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC -- Moving Defendants -- moved to dismiss the Second Amended Class Action Complaint's claims against them under Federal Rules of Civil Procedure 12(b)(1) and 12(b)(6) for lack of subject matter jurisdiction and for failure to state a claim. Judge Schofield denied the Moving Defendants' motion to dismiss based on lack of subject matter jurisdiction is denied. However, the judge found that the complaint does not adequately plead that the Moving Defendants were ERISA fiduciaries, and that it also does not state a colorable claim based on the theory that the Moving Defendants were "parties in interest." Thus, Judge Schofield granted the Moving Defendants' Rule 12(b)(6) motion in its entirety and the complaint's claims against those entities were dismissed. A full-text copy of Judge Schofield's August 23, 2016 opinion and order is available at https://is.gd/yPu8Zo from Leagle.com. Doris Sue Allen, Donna S. Lucas, Dana Kellen, Hedy L. Anselman, Timothy R. Garrett, Warren J. Pepicelli, John A. Boardman, Plaintiffs, represented by J. Ross Wallin -- rwallin@graisellsworth.com -- Grais & Ellsworth LLP, James Brian McTigue, Mctigue Law LLP, Regina Mary Markey, Mctigue Law LLP, Barry M. Landy -- bml@ciresiconlin.com -- Ciresi Conlin, LLP, pro hac vice, Jan M. Conlin -- jmc@ciresiconlin.com -- Ciresi, Conlin, LLP, Michael V. Ciresi -- mvc@ciresiconlin.com -- Ciresi Conlin LLP & Michael Aaron Sacchet -- mas@ciresiconlin.com -- Ciresi Conlin LLP. Jonathan G. Axelrod, Plaintiffs, represented by Barry M. Landy, Ciresi Conlin, LLP, pro hac vice, Jan M. Conlin, Ciresi, Conlin, LLP, Michael V. Ciresi, Ciresi Conlin LLP, Michael Aaron Sacchet, Ciresi Conlin LLP & J. Ross Wallin, Grais & Ellsworth LLP. Bank of America Corporation, Bank of America, N.A., Defendants, represented by Adam Selim Hakki -- ahakki@shearman.com -- Shearman & Sterling LLP, Jeffrey Jason Resetarits -- jeffrey.resetarits@shearman.com -- Shearman & Sterling LLP & Richard Franklin Schwed -- rschwed@shearman.com -- Shearman & Sterling LLP. Barclays PLC, Barclays Bank PLC, Barclays Capital Inc., Defendants, represented by David Harold Braff -- braffd@sullcrom.com -- Sullivan and Cromwell, LLP, Jeffrey T. Scott -- scottj@sullcrom.com -- Sullivan and Cromwell, LLP, Kathleen Suzanne McArthur -- mcarthur@sullcrom.com -- Sullivan & Cromwell, LLP, Matthew Alexander Schwartz -- schwartzmatthew@sullcrom.com -- Sullivan & Cromwell, LLP & Yvonne Susan Quinn -- quinny@sullcrom.com -- Sullivan & Cromwell, LLP. Citibank, N.A., Citigroup, Inc., Defendants, represented by Alan M. Wiseman, Covington & Burling, L.L.P., Andrew D. Lazerow, Covington & Burling, L.L.P., pro hac vice & Andrew Arthur Ruffino, Covington & Burling LLP. Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, Defendant, represented by David George Januszewski, Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP, Elai E. Katz, Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP, Herbert Scott Washer, Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP, Jason Michael Hall, Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP & Sheila Chithran Ramesh, Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP. Deutsche Bank AG, Defendant, represented by Joseph Serino, Jr., Kirkland & Ellis LLP , Eric Foster Leon, Kirkland & Ellis LLP , George Patrick Montgomery, Kirkland & Ellis LLP & Robert S. Khuzami, Kirkland & Ellis LLP. The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., Goldman, Sachs & Co., Defendants, represented by Thomas J. Moloney, Cleary Gottlieb, Elizabeth Vicens, Cleary Gottlieb, George S. Cary, Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP, Leah Brannon, Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP & Victor L. Hou, Cleary Gottlieb. HSBC Holdings plc, HSBC Bank PLC, HSBC North America Holdings, Inc., HSBC Bank USA, N.A., Defendants, represented by Edwin R. Deyoung, Locke Lord Bissell & Liddell LLP , James Matthew Goodin, Locke Lord LLP, Gregory Thomas Casamento, Locke Lord LLP , Julia C. Webb, Locke Lord LLP, pro hac vice & Roger Brian Cowie, Locke Lord LLP, pro hac vice. JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., JPMorgan Chase & Co., Defendants, represented by Peter Edward Greene, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom Llp, Boris Bershteyn, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP , Marco Enrique Schnabl, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP , Peter S. Julian, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, Russell Laurence Hirschhorn, Proskauer Rose LLP & Stephen Leonard Ratner, Proskauer Rose LLP. Morgan Stanley, Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC, Defendants, represented by Bradley Reid Wilson, Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, Jonathan M. Moses, Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, John David Tortorella, Marino Tortorella & Boyle, P.C. & Kevin H. Marino, Marino Tortorella & Boyle, P.C.. Royal Bank of Scotland Group plc, Royal Bank of Scotland PLC, RBS Securities, Inc., Defendants, represented by Joel Murray Cohen, Davis Polk & Wardwell, Arthur J. Burke, Davis Polk & Wardwell, Greg Donald Andres, Davis Polk & Wardwell & Jennifer Kan, Davis Polk & Wardwell. UBS AG, UBS Securities, LLC, UBS Investment Bank, UBS Investment Bank, Americas, Defendants, represented by Peter Sullivan, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, LLP, David Jarrett Arp, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, LLP, Joel Steven Sanders, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, LLP & Melanie L. Katsur, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP. BNP Paribas Group, BNP Paribas North America, Inc., Defendants, represented by David C. Esseks, Allen & Overy, LLP & Laura Rose Hall, Allen & Overy, LLP. Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC, Defendant, represented by Bradley Reid Wilson, Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, Jonathan M. Moses, Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, John David Tortorella, Marino Tortorella & Boyle, P.C. &Kevin H. Marino, Marino Tortorella & Boyle, P.C.. Barclays Group US Inc., Defendant, represented by Matthew Alexander Schwartz, Sullivan & Cromwell, LLP. Credit Suisse AG, Defendant, represented by David George Januszewski, Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP, Elai E. Katz, Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP,Herbert Scott Washer, Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP, Jason Michael Hall, Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP & Sheila Chithran Ramesh, Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP. BEANFIELDS PBC: "LaPlatney" Suit Alleges Mislabelling ----------------------------------------------------- Kevin LaPlatney, individually on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated and John Does (1-100) on behalf of themselves and all others similarly situated, Plaintiffs, v. Beanfields, PBC a/k/a Beanfields Snacks Corporation, Defendant, Case No. 2:16-cv- 04822 (E.D.N.Y., August 29, 2016), seeks preliminary and permanent injunctive relief, monetary damages, including treble damages, punitive damages, costs and expenses, reasonable allowance of fees for attorneys and experts fees and reimbursement of expenses and such other and further relief for violation of New York General Business Laws, state consumer protection statutes, Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, and breach of implied and express warranty, common law unjust enrichment and negligent misrepresentation. Beanfields, PBC operates as Beanfields Snacks Corporation. It manufactures, sells, and distributes Beanfields Nacho Bean and Rice Chips, Barbeque Bean and Rice Chips, Ranch Bean and Rice Chips, Pico de Gallo Bean and Rice Chips. It claims that its Products are "All Natural" despite the fact that their products contain multiple synthetic ingredients. Plaintiff is represented by: Jason P. Sultzer, Esq. THE SULTZER LAW GROUP P.C. 85 Civic Center Plaza, Suite 104 Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 Tel: (845) 483-7100 Fax: (888) 749-7747 Email: sultzerj@thesultzerlawgroup.com - and - Jeff Brown, Esq. LEEDS BROWN One Old Country Road, Suite 347 Carl Place, NY 11514 Tel: (516) 873-9550 Email: jbrown@leedsbrownlaw.com BIG 12: Faces "Washington" Suit in Southern District of Indiana --------------------------------------------------------------- A lawsuit has been filed against Big 12 Conference. The case is styled ERIC WASHINGTON, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated, the Plaintiff, v. BIG 12 CONFERENCE and NATIONAL COLLEGIATE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION, the Defendants, Case No. 1:16-cv-02358-LJM-MJD (S.D. Ind., Sep. 1, 2016). The assigned Judge is Larry J. McKinney. The Big 12 Conference is a ten-school collegiate athletic conference headquartered in Irving, Texas. The Plaintiff is represented by: William E. Winingham, Esq. WILSON KEHOE & WININGHAM 2859 North Meridian Street Indianapolis, IN 46208 Telephone: (317) 920 6400 Facsimile: (317) 920 6405 E-mail: winingham@wkw.com BLACKBERRY LIMITED: 2nd Cir. Sends "Cox" Suit Back to Lower Court ----------------------------------------------------------------- The United States Court of Appeals, Second Circuit, remanded the case styled, TODD COX, MARY DINZIK, Plaintiffs-Appellants, MARVIN PEARLSTEIN, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated, Plaintiff, v. BLACKBERRY LIMITED, FKA RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITED, THORSTEN HEINS, BRIAN BIDULKA, Defendants-Appellees, No. 15-3991 (2nd Cir.), to the District Court for the Southern District of New York to decide whether the Plaintiffs' should be granted their motion for reconsideration and leave to amend complaint. In the case, Plaintiffs sued defendants for violations of Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 10b-5, alleging that defendants made material misstatements and omitted material information related to the release of the BlackBerry Z10 smartphone. The Second Circuit affirmed the district court's dismissal of the Complaint for failing to present a strong inference of scienter. As defined, "scienter" in the context of the case means "a mental state embracing intent to deceive, manipulate or defraud." The remaining issue of the case pertains to the district court's order denying the Plaintiffs' request to amend without explanation. In view of this, the 2nd Circuit vacated the district court's order and remanded the issue for the district court to reconsider whether plaintiffs should be granted leave to amend. A copy of the Court's Order dated August 24, 2016 is available at http://goo.gl/GAvSn3from Leagle.com. David A.P. Brower -- brower@browerpiven.com -- Brower Piven, APC (Kim E. Miller, Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC, New York, NY, on the brief), New York, NY., Appearing for Appellants. Dan Marmalefsky -- dmarmalefsky@mofo.com -- Morrison & Foerster LLP, (Jordan Eth -- jeth@mofo.com -- Joel C. Haims -- jhaims@mofo.com -- James J. Besha II, on the brief), New York, NY., Appearing for Appellees. BON SECOURS: Cohen Milstein Named Sole Interim Lead Counsel ----------------------------------------------------------- In the case, ARLENE HODGES, Plaintiff, v. BON SECOURS HEALTH SYSTEM, INC., et al., Defendants. CAROLYN MILLER, Plaintiff, v. BON SECOURS HEALTH SYSTEM, INC., et al., Defendants, Civil Action Nos. RDB-16-1079, RDB-16-1150 (D. Md.), District Judge Richard D. Bennett reconciled competing motions seeking appointment of interim lead class counsel status in a consolidated "Church Plan" litigation by proclaiming Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll as sole interim lead class counsel. In the case, the Court only favored Plaintiff Hodges's motion to appoint Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll as interim lead class counsel but denied the appointment of Keller Rohrback as co-lead class counsel by justifying that a single law firm to serve as lead interim counsel in the case would be a more efficient action, saving resources and reducing scheduling burdens. Likewise, the Court denied Plaintiff Miller's move that the law firms of Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLC and Izard, Kindall & Raabe LLP be appointed as co-lead class counsel and that Janet, Jenner & Suggs, LLC be appointed as interim liaison class counsel. The Court cited that Fed.R.Civ.P. Rule 23(g)(1) instructs courts to consider these criteria in appointing class counsel: (i) the work counsel has done in identifying or investigating potential claims in the action; (ii) counsel's experience in handling class actions, other complex litigation, and the types of claims asserted in the action; (iii) counsel's knowledge of the applicable law; and (iv) the resources that counsel will commit to representing the class. In the case, the Court held that only Plaintiff Hodges' Complaint alleges causes of action, thus providing more comprehensive protection for the Plaintiff and the class. Also, Plaintiff Hodges' counsel have the most experience in litigating the complicated issue of statutory and constitutional interpretation of the case. A copy of the Court's Order dated August 24, 2016 is available at http://goo.gl/hFoPdsfrom Leagle.com. Carolyn Miller, Plaintiff, represented by Justin Anthony Browne -- jbrowne@myadvocates.com -- Janet Jenner and Suggs LLC, Robert Keith Jenner -- RJenner@myadvocates.com -- Janet Jenner and Suggs LLC, Adam Janet -- ajanet@myadvocates.com -- Janet, Jenner & Suggs, LLC, Douglas P. Needham -- dneedham@ikrlaw.com -- Izard Nobel LLP, pro hac vice, Edward W. Ciolko -- eciolko@ktmc.com -- Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP, pro hac vice, Julie Siebert Johnson -- jsjohnson@ktmc.com -- Kessler Topaz Meltzter and Check LLP, pro hac vice, Mark K. Gyandoh -- mgyandoh@ktmc.com -- Kessler Topaz Meltzer and Check LLP, pro hac vice, Mark P. Kindall -- mkindall@ikrlaw.com -- Izard Nobel LLP, pro hac vice & Robert Izard, Jr. -- rizard@ikrlaw.com --Izard Nobel LLP. Arlene Hodges, Consol Plaintiff, represented by Michelle C. Yau -- myau@cohenmilstein.com -- Cohen Milstein Sellers and Toll PLLC. Bon Secours Health System, Inc., et al., Defendants, represented by Adanwimo B. Esedebe -- aesedebe@groom.com -- Groom Law Group, Lars C. Golumbic -- lgolumbic@groom.com -- Groom Law Group Chartered, pro hac vice, Sarah M. Adams -- sadams@groom.com -- Groom Law Group Chartered, pro hac vice & Sean C. Abouchedid -- sabouchedid@groom.com -- Groom Law Group, Chartered, pro hac vice. BRIGHAM YOUNG: "Carr" Suit Consolidated in MDL 2492 --------------------------------------------------- Larry Carr, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated, the Plaintiff, v. Brigham Young University, Western Athletic Conference, and National Collegiate Athletic Association, the Defendants, Case No. 1:16-cv-01732, was transferred from the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado, to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois - (Chicago). The Northern District Court Clerk assigned Case No. 1:16-cv-08581 to the proceeding. The Carr case is being consolidated with MDL 2492 in re: National Collegiate Athletic Association Student-Athlete Concussion Injury Litigation. The MDL was created by Order of the United States Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation on December 18, 2013. The actions before the Panel seek medical monitoring for putative classes of former student athletes at NCAA-member schools who allege they suffered concussions. Plaintiffs allege that the NCAA concealed information about the risks of the long-term effects of concussion injuries. Opponents to centralization argue, inter alia, that (1) the putative classes and claims alleged in these actions do not sufficiently overlap; and (2) given the small number of actions pending, alternatives to centralization are preferable. In its December 18, 2013 Order, the MDL Panel found that the actions in this MDL involve common questions of fact, and that centralization in the Northern District of Illinois will serve the convenience of the parties and witnesses and promote the just and efficient conduct of the litigation. These actions share factual questions relating to allegations against the NCAA stemming from injuries sustained while playing sports at NCAA- member institutions, including damages resulting from the permanent long-term effects of concussions. Presiding Judges in the MDL is Hon. John Z. Lee, United States District Judge. The lead case is 1:13-cv-09116. Brigham Young University is a private research university located in Provo, Utah, United States. It is owned and operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Plaintiff is represented by: Benjamin Harris Richman, Esq. EDELSON PC 350 North LaSalle Street, Suite 1300 Chicago, IL 60654 Telephone: (312) 589 6370 Facsimile: (312) 589 6378 E-mail: brichman@edelson.com C.H. ROBINSON: $1MM Settlement in "Mrazik" Case Has Final OK ------------------------------------------------------------ In the case, STEPHANIE MRAZIK, an individual, on behalf of herself, and on behalf of all persons similarly situated, Plaintiff, v. C.H. ROBINSON COMPANY; C.H. ROBINSON WORLDWIDE, INC.; and DOES 1 through 50, inclusive, Defendants, Case No. 8:12- cv-02067-CAS-PLA (C.D. Calif.), District Judge Christina A. Snyder granted the plaintiff's motion for final approval of the class settlement including the payments to the Settlement Administrator, to the Plaintiff, and to Class Counsel. The Court finds and determines that the Gross Settlement Amount of $1,000,000 and the Settlement Shares to be paid to the Claimants as provided for by the Settlement are fair and reasonable. The Court also finds and determines that the fees and expenses of Gilardi & Co. in administrating the settlement, in the amount of $15,000, are fair and reasonable. Moreover, the Court grants final approval to and orders that the payment of the requested amounts of $10,000 for the Class Representative Service Payment, $250,000 for the Class Counsel Fees Payment, and $19,017.91 for the Class Counsel Litigation Expenses Payment be paid out of the Gross Settlement Amount in accordance with the Settlement. Without affecting the finality of the Final Approval Order in any way, the Court retains jurisdiction of all matters relating to the interpretation, administration, implementation, effectuation and enforcement of the order and the Settlement. A copy of the Court's Order dated August 22, 2016 is available at http://goo.gl/sjkTmYfrom Leagle.com. Stephanie Mrazik, Plaintiff, represented by Aparajit Bhowmik -- aj@bamlawlj.com -- Blumenthal Nordrehaug & Bhowmik, Kyle R. Nordrehaug -- kyle@bamlawca.com -- Blumenthal Nordrehaug and Bhowmik, Norman B. Blumenthal -- norm@bamlawlj.com -- Blumenthal Nordrehaug and Bhowmik, Ruchira Piya Mukherjee -- piya@bamlawlj.com -- Blumenthal Nordrehaug and Bhowmik & Victoria Bree Rivapalacio -- victoria@bamlawca.com -- Blumenthal Nordrehaug and Bhowmik. C.H. Robinson Company, et al., Defendants, represented by Christopher William Decker -- christopher.decker@ogletreedeakins.com -- Ogletree Deakins Nash Smoak and Stewart PC, Jack S. Sholkoff -- jack.sholkoff@ogletreedeakins.com -- Olgletree Deakins Nash Smoak and Stewart PC & Kathleen J. Choi -- Kathleen.Choi@ogletreedeakins.com -- Ogletree Deakins Nash Smoak and Stewart PC. CASAL INSTITUTE: Students are Employees under FLSA, Court Says -------------------------------------------------------------- In the case captioned MARNI M. GUY, Individually and on behalf of all other similarly situated, Plaintiffs, v. CASAL INSTITUTE OF NEVADA, LLC dba AVEDA INSTITUTE LAS VEGAS, ARTHUR J. PETRIE, JOHN GRONVALL, and THOMAS CIARNELLO, Defendants, Case No. 2:13-cv- 02263-RFB-GWF (D. Nev.), Judge Richard F. Boulware, II granted the plaintiffs' motion for partial summary judgment, and denied the defendant's motion for summary judgment. The case arises from the failure of Casal Institute of Nevada, LLC dba Aveda Institute of Las Vegas, to pay the plaintiffs, Aveda students and alleged employees, under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The defendant argued that, as a matter of law, the plaintiffs' FLSA claims, and therefore the plaintiffs' related Nevada law claim, must fail, citing several district court cases in and outside the Ninth Circuit to argue generally that under the economic realities test, cosmetology students cannot be employees under the FLSA. Using the economic realities test laid out in Walling v. Portland Terminal Co., 330 U.S. 148, 152 (1947), however, Judge Boulware found that the plaintiffs were employees under the FLSA as a matter of law. Judge Boulware found that two main factors weigh in favor of finding that the plaintiffs are employees under the FLSA: -- First, Judge Boulware found that Aveda treated its students as employees: students alone performed cosmetology services to paying customers with limited supervision by Aveda educators, who spent as little as five minutes with students during the course of an hourslong procedure. -- Second, employing the application of the economic reality analysis to the "subordination model" articulated in Benjamin v. B & H Educ., Inc., No. 13-CV-04993-VC, 2015 WL 6164891 at *1(N.D. Cal. Oct. 16, 2015), Judge Boulware found that Aveda subordinated the interests of its students' education to its own interest in providing services to paying customers. Moreover, the judge found that Aveda could not proffer significant or compelling evidence to establish that its business model was not predicated on unpaid student labor. A full-text copy of Judge Boulware's August 23, 2016 order is available at https://is.gd/Dqj6Kd from Leagle.com. Marni M. Guy, Brandon Johnson, Stacey Spinks, Alysha Mack, Lisa Causey, Nicole Jackson, Demi Neely, LaNeshia Threadgill-Paris, Lyla Ashby, Stephanie Hodges, Ashley Ferguson, Breanne Palmer, Gisele Rodrigues, Charles Sloane, Taragon Peressini, Free Fargo, Tonya Stoneroad, Stephanie Pugh, Amanda Pritchard, Kylie Mulachy, Eloisa Garcia, Annie Toti, Wyatt McKenzie, Ashley Nichols, Candace Kalantari, Autumn Milne, Chantal Corona, Carri Cole, Jessica Harbor, Tia Calbert, Alexis Borghi, Jocelyn Thompson, Le'Rhonda Wilson, Erica Garcia, Mary Ryan, Kara Wand, Kahaowaiolu Fujimori, Stephanie Sproed, Thomasina Diederich-Farrell, Paula Dicianno, Sarah Davis, Shannon Sterba, Rachel Petullo, Ashley Keihl, Alicia Savage, Camille Owney, Jennifer Brun, Ashley Johnson, Krista Kautsky, Stephanie Vanhorenbeeck, Christopher Manchise, Kimberly Sands, Chloe Ozawa, Sarah conde, Steve Pitchford, Leah Kehoe, Richard Ramirez, Plaintiffs, represented by Dana Sniegocki, Leon Greenberg, Christian James Gabroy, Gabroy Law Offices & Leon Marc Greenberg, Leon Greenberg Professional Corporation. Peter Alan Alderson, Kimberly Roy, Rosalya Riley, Plaintiffs, represented by Christian James Gabroy, Gabroy Law Offices. Casal Institute of Nevada, LLC, Defendant, represented by Kristol Bradley Ginapp -- kristol.ginapp@lewisbrisbois.com -- Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith, LLP. CHADBOURNE & PARKE: "Campbell" Suit Alleges Bias Against Women -------------------------------------------------------------- KERRIE CAMPBELL, On Behalf of Herself and Others Similarly Situated, Plaintiff, v. CHADBOURNE & PARKE LLP, Defendant, Case 1:16-cv-06832 (S.D.N.Y., August 31, 2016), alleges that Chadbourne discriminates against female Partners through its policies, practices, and procedures with respect to the compensation of female Partners, in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Equal Pay Act, and the District of Columbia Human Rights Act. Defendant Chadbourne is a limited liability partnership with offices worldwide, including in New York, New York and Washington, D.C. Chadbourne's New York office is the Firm's largest, with approximately 173 attorneys. The New York office represents nearly all of the Firm's major practices -- including corporate transactional work, financial restructuring and bankruptcy, litigation, real estate, and intellectual property. The Plaintiff is represented by: Jeremy Heisler, Esq. David W. Sanford, Esq. Andrew Melzer, Esq. Alexandra Harwin, Esq. Saba Bireda, Esq. Jennifer Siegel, Esq. SANFORD HEISLER, LLP 1350 Avenue of the Americas, 31st Floor New York, NY 10019 Phone: (646) 402-5656 Fax: (646) 402-5650 E-mail: jheisler@sanfordheisler.com dsanford@sanfordheisler.com amelzer@sanfordheisler.com aharwin@sanfordheisler.com sbireda@sanfordheisler.com jsiegel@sanfordheisler.com CHAPARRAL ENERGY: Does Not Object to Bid to Lift Bankruptcy Stay ---------------------------------------------------------------- Chaparral Energy, Inc. said in its Form 10-Q Report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 12, 2016, for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2016, that the Company does not object to a motion by plaintiffs in the case, Naylor Farms, Inc., individually and as class representative on behalf of all similarly situated persons v. Chaparral Energy, L.L.C., asking the bankruptcy court to lift the automatic stay for the limited purpose of allowing the District Court to rule on the pending motion for class certification. On June 7, 2011, an alleged class action was filed against us in the United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma ("Naylor Farms Case") alleging that we improperly deducted post-production costs from royalties paid to plaintiffs and other royalty interest owners as categorized in the petition from crude oil and natural gas wells located in Oklahoma. The purported class includes non-governmental royalty interest owners in oil and natural gas wells we operate in Oklahoma. The plaintiffs have alleged a number of claims, including breach of contract, fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, unjust enrichment, and other claims and seek termination of leases, recovery of compensatory damages, interest, punitive damages and attorney fees on behalf of the alleged class. The Company said, "We have responded to the Naylor Farms petition, denied the allegations and raised arguments and defenses. Plaintiffs filed a motion for class certification in October of 2015. In addition, the plaintiffs filed a motion for summary judgment asking the court to determine as a matter of law that natural gas is not marketable until it is in the condition and location to enter an interstate pipeline. Responsive briefs to both motions were filed in the fourth quarter of 2015. The court has not ruled on the motions, and no hearing has been scheduled." "On May 20, 2016, we filed a Notice of Suggestion of Bankruptcy, informing the court that we had filed voluntary petitions for relief under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. In response, on May 23, 2016, the court issued an order administratively closing the case, subject to reopening depending on the disposition of the bankruptcy proceedings. "On July 22, 2016, attorneys for the putative class filed a motion in the Bankruptcy Court asking the court to lift the automatic stay and allow the case to proceed in the United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma. We do not object to lifting the automatic stay with regard to this case for the limited purpose of allowing the District Court to rule on the pending motion for class certification. "We are not currently able to estimate a reasonably possible loss or range of loss or what impact, if any, the Naylor Farms Case will have on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows due to the preliminary status of the matters, the complexity and number of legal and factual issues presented by the matter and uncertainties with respect to, among other things, the nature of the claims and defenses, the potential size of the class, the scope and types of the properties and agreements involved, and the ultimate potential outcome of the matter. Plaintiffs in the Naylor Farms Case have indicated, if the class is certified, they seek damages in excess of $5,000 which may increase with the passage of time, a majority of which would be comprised of interest. We dispute plaintiffs' claims, dispute the case meets the requirements for class certification, and are vigorously defending the case and opposing the motion." CHAPARRAL ENERGY: Discovery Has Not Commenced in "Dodson" Suit -------------------------------------------------------------- Chaparral Energy, Inc. said in its Form 10-Q Report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 12, 2016, for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2016, that a class has not been certified and discovery has not yet commenced in the case, Amanda Dodson, individually and as class representative on behalf of all similarly situated persons v. Chaparral Energy, L.L.C. On May 10, 2013, Amanda Dodson, filed a complaint against us in the District Court of Mayes County, Oklahoma, ("Dodson Case") with allegation similar to those asserted in the Naylor Farms case related to post-production deductions, and include claims for breach of contract, fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, unjust enrichment, and other claims and seek termination of leases, recovery of compensatory damages, interest, punitive damages and attorney fees on behalf of the alleged class. The alleged class includes non-governmental royalty interest owners in oil and natural gas wells we operate in Oklahoma. We have responded to the Dodson petition, denied the allegations and raised a number of affirmative defenses. At this time, a class has not been certified and discovery has not yet commenced. The Company said, "We are not currently able to estimate a reasonable possible loss or range of loss or what impact, if any, the Dodson Case will have on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows due to the preliminary status of the matters, the complexity and number of legal and factual issues presented by the matter and uncertainties with respect to, among other things, the nature of the claims and defenses, the potential size of the class, the scope and types of the properties and agreements involved, and the ultimate potential outcome of the matter. We dispute plaintiffs' claims, dispute that the case meets the requirements for a class action and are vigorously defending the case." CHAPARRAL ENERGY: Has Not Responded to Motion in "Donelson" Case ---------------------------------------------------------------- Chaparral Energy, Inc. said in its Form 10-Q Report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 12, 2016, for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2016, that the Company has yet to respond to motion to alter opinion in the case, Martha Donelson and John Friend, on behalf of themselves and on behalf of all similarly situated persons v. Chaparral Energy, L.L.C. On August 11, 2014, an alleged class action was filed against us, as well as several other operators in Osage County, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma, alleging claims on behalf of the named plaintiffs and all similarly situated Osage County land owners and surface lessees. The plaintiffs challenged leases and drilling permits approved by the Bureau of Indian Affairs without the environmental studies required under the National Environmental Protection (NEPA). Plaintiffs assert claims seeking recovery for trespass, nuisance, negligence and unjust enrichment. Relief sought includes declaring oil and natural gas leases and drilling permits obtained in Osage County without a prior NEPA study void ab initio, removing us from all properties owned by the class members, disgorgement of profits, and compensatory and punitive damages. On March 31, 2016, the Court dismissed the case against the federal agencies named as defendants, and therefore against all defendants, as an improper challenge under NEPA and the Administrative Procedures Act. On April 29, 2016, the plaintiffs filed a motion to alter or amend the court's opinion and vacate the judgment, arguing the court does have jurisdiction to hear the claims and dismissal of the federal defendants does not require dismissal of the oil company defendants. Plaintiffs also filed a motion to file an amended complaint to cure the deficiencies which the court found in the dismissed complaint. Several defendants have filed briefs objecting to plaintiffs' motions. On May 20, 2016, the Company filed a Notice of Suggestion of Bankruptcy, informing the court that we had filed voluntary petitions for relief under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code, and has not responded to the plaintiffs' motions. The court has not yet ruled. "We are not yet able to estimate a possible loss, or range of possible loss, if any. We dispute plaintiffs' claims, dispute that the case meets the requirements for a class action and are vigorously defending the case," the Company said. CHAPARRAL ENERGY: Still Defends "West" Class Suit in Oklahoma ------------------------------------------------------------- Chaparral Energy, Inc. said in its Form 10-Q Report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 12, 2016, for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2016, that the case, Lisa West and Stormy Hopson, individually and as class representatives on behalf of all similarly situated persons v. Chaparral Energy, L.L.C., remains pending. On February 18, 2016, an alleged class action was filed against us, as well as several other operators in the District Court of Pottawatomie County, State of Oklahoma ("West Case"), alleging claims on behalf of named plaintiffs and all similarly situated persons having an insurable real property interest in Cleveland, Lincoln, McClain, Okfuskee, Oklahoma, Pontotoc, Pottawatomie and Seminole Counties, Oklahoma (the "Class Area"). The plaintiffs allege the oil and gas operations conducted by us and the other defendants have induced or triggered earthquakes in the Class Area. The plaintiffs are asking the court to require the defendants to reimburse plaintiffs and class members for earthquake insurance premiums from 2011 through a future date defined as the time at which the court determines there is no longer a risk that our activities induce or trigger earthquakes, as well as attorney fees and costs and other relief. The plaintiffs have not asked for damages related to actual property damage which may have occurred. "We have responded to the petition, denied the allegations and raised a number of affirmative defenses. At this time, a class has not been certified and discovery has not yet commenced," the Company said. On March 18, 2016, the case was removed to the United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma under the Class Action Fairness Act ("CAFA"). Plaintiffs moved to remand the matter to the Pottawatomie County court, and the court has set a hearing for August 25, 2016, at which the plaintiffs will be permitted to submit evidence that remand is appropriate due to exceptions to jurisdiction under CAFA. "We and other defendants have filed motions to dismiss the West Case for lack of subject matter jurisdiction, failure to state a claim upon which relief can be granted, and other grounds. On May 20, 2016, we filed a Notice of Suggestion of Bankruptcy, informing the court that we had filed voluntary petitions for relief under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code," the Company said. "We are not currently able to estimate a reasonable possible loss or range of loss or what impact, if any, the West Case will have on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows due to the preliminary status of the matters, the complexity and number of legal and factual issues presented, and uncertainties with respect to, among other things, the nature of the claims and defenses, the potential size of the class, the scope and types of the properties and agreements involved, and the ultimate potential outcome of the matter. We dispute plaintiffs' claims, dispute that the case meets the requirements for a class action, dispute the remedies requested are available under Oklahoma law, and are vigorously defending the case." CHEN SUSHI KING: Compromise Reached in "Spallone" Suit ------------------------------------------------------ In the case, Robert Spallone, on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, Plaintiff, v. Chen Sushi King, LLC d/b/a SOHO 544, and John Doe 1-10, individually, Defendants, No. 4:16-cv- 01684-RBH (D. S.C.), District Judge R. Bryan Harwell granted the parties' stipulated compromise in an action alleging Defendant's violation of the South Carolina Payment of Wages Act. The parties jointly moved the Court for an Order, pursuant to FRCP 16(a)(1), to stipulate to certain issues in an effort to streamline this action. Parties have negotiated a compromise in which each is giving up certain rights, but each believes it is best for them in proceeding with this action. Accordingly, the Court granted the parties' agreement as follows: (1) Plaintiffs will dismiss, with prejudice, their Third Cause of Action alleging violation of the South Carolina Payment of Wages Act; (2) In exchange for this dismissal, Defendants consent that Plaintiffs have, under their current first cause of action alleging violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), as an additional, available remedy to them, the ability to recover all tips he or she contributed to the one Tip Pool operated by Defendants, which tips were redistributed by Defendants to employees who did not customarily and regularly receive tips. (3) For the damages recovered for the tips contributed to the Tip Pool, the same standards for the length of the statute of limitations under the FLSA will apply for this additional remedy. Pursuant to the stipulation, neither the motion nor any of its content will be admissible to the jury. A copy of the Court's Order dated August 24, 2016 is available at http://goo.gl/EaSl9kfrom Leagle.com. Robert Spallone, Plaintiff, represented by: Bruce E. Miller, Esq. Bruce E Miller Law Office 147 Wappoo Creek Dr #603 Charleston, SC 29412 Tel: 843-579-7373 Chen Sushi King LLC, Defendant, represented by: Benjamin A. Baroody, Esq. Bellamy Rutenburg Copeland Epps Gravely and Bowers 1000 29th Ave N Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 Tel: 843-448-2400 CITIGROUP GLOBAL: NY Court Dismisses All Children's Hospital Suit ----------------------------------------------------------------- In the case captioned ALL CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL, INC., Plaintiff, v. CITIGROUP GLOBAL MARKETS, INC., Defendant, Docket No. 162155/2014, Mot. Seq. Nos. 001, 002 (N.Y.), the Supreme Court of New York County granted the defendant's motion to dismiss on the ground that the claims are time-barred. ACH is a non-profit corporation that owns and operates the All Children's Hospital facility located in St. Petersberg, Florida. On September 18, 2007, ACH issued two series of bonds, totaling $92,200,000, as a means to provide additional funds to complete improvements for medical services. ACH contended that at Citigroup's recommendation the bonds it issued were in the form of auction-rate securities (ARS). ACH claimed that Citigroup served as its advisor, underwriter, broker-dealer, and investment banker in connection with the September 2007 ARS bond issuance. The crux of ACH's complaint is that Citigroup failed to disclose that it was artificially propping up the ARS market through its support bids and that its artificial support bids were necessary to create the needed correlation between the rate on ARS and the rate of a corresponding interest rate swap based on the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR). In early 2008, Citigroup stopped artificially supporting the ARS market. As a result, the interest rates of ACH's ARS suffered and ACH ultimately refinanced the A- series ARS. ACH commenced an action asserting four causes of action: breach of fiduciary duty, fraud, breach of contract and breach of duty of good faith and fair dealing, and negligent and fraudulent misrepresentation. Citigroup moved to dismiss the complaint arguing, inter alia, that ACH's claims are barred by the applicable statute of limitations. Citigroup contended that under CPLR 202, New York's borrowing statute, Florida's shorter limitations periods apply to ACH's claims. ACH argued that the parties choice of law provision contained in the broker-dealer agreement applies to issues involving the appropriate statutes of limitations. The Supreme Court found that, contrary to ACH's argument, regardless of the fact that New York is the contractually selected forum, under the factual circumstances of the case, CPLR 202 applies, and, therefore, Florida's shorter limitations period applies as well. The Court pointed out that ACH is a Florida non-profit corporation located in Florida, and it sustained alleged economic damages in Florida. Therefore, the Court concluded that ACH's claims accrued in Florida, and CPLR 202 requires application of Florida's shorter limitations period to ACH's claims. A full-text copy of the Supreme Court's August 24, 2016 decision and order is available at https://is.gd/XD376I from Leagle.com. CONFERENCE USA: Faces "Johnson" Student-Athletes' Suit ------------------------------------------------------ WILLIE JOHNSON, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated, Plaintiff, v. CONFERENCE USA, BIG EAST CONFERENCE, and THE NATIONAL COLLEGIATE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION, Defendants, Case 1:16-cv-02341-TWP-DKL (S.D. Ind., August 31, 2016), seeks to obtain redress for all persons allegedly injured by Defendants' reckless disregard for the health and safety of generations of University of Louisville student-athletes. Defendant Conference USA is a collegiate athletic conference. The Plaintiff is represented by: William Winingham, Esq. WILSON KEHOE WININGHAM LLC 2859 North Meridian Street Indianapolis, IN 46208 Phone: 317.920.6400 Fax: 317.920.6405 E-mail: winingham@wkw.com - and - Jay Edelson, Esq. Benjamin H. Richman, Esq. EDELSON PC 350 North LaSalle Street, 13th Floor Chicago, IL 60654 Phone: 312.589.6370 Fax: 312.589.6378 E-mail: brichman@edelson.com jedelson@edelson.com - and - Rafey S. Balabanian, Esq. EDELSON PC 123 Townsend Street San Francisco, CA 94107 Phone: 415.212.9300 Fax: 415.373.9435 E-mail: rbalabanian@edelson.com - and - Jeff Raizner, Esq. RAIZNER SLANIA LLP 2402 Dunlavy Street Houston, TX 77006 Phone: 713.554.9099 Fax: 713.554.9098 E-mail: jraizner@raiznerlaw.com CONSOLIDATED WORLD TRAVEL: "Hewlett" Suit Survives Bid to Dismiss ----------------------------------------------------------------- Judge William B. Shubb denied the defendant's motion to dismiss the case captioned KINAYA HEWLETT, on behalf of herself and all others similarly situated, Plaintiff, v. CONSOLIDATED WORLD TRAVEL, INC. d/b/a HOLIDAY CRUISE LINE, Defendant, Civ. No. 2:16- 713 WBS AC (E.D. Cal.). Kinaya Hewlett brought the putative class action against Consolidated World Travel, Inc. d/b/a Holiday Cruise Line, alleging violations of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). Hewlett alleged that, in March 2016, Consolidated called her "cellular telephone nearly daily using an automatic telephone dialing system [ATDS] and artificial or prerecorded voice" in an attempt "to sell [plaintiff] a 'free cruise.'" Hewlett alleged that she did not give her prior express consent to receive these autodialed calls from Consolidated. She stated that Consolidated called her from multiple telephone numbers and continued to call her despite her repeated "requests to Defendant and/or its agents for the calls to stop." Hewlett also sought to represent a putative class of other unconsenting recipients of Consolidated's autodialed calls. In its motion to dismiss, Consolidated argued that the court does not have subject matter jurisdiction over the case because Hewlett lacks standing under Article III. Consolidated also contended that Hewlett failed to state a claim for relief because she has not alleged "any facts plausibly stating that [defendant] had any involvement in the telephone calls." Judge Shubb, however, found Hewlett's allegations are sufficient to confer Article III standing, and that accordingly, the court has subject matter jurisdiction over the action. Judge Shubb also found that Hewlett has stated a plausible claim that Consolidated used an ATDS to call Hewlett's cellular phone without her prior express consent in violation of 47 U.S.C. section 227(b)(1)(A)(iii). Accordingly, Judge Shubb denied Consolidated's motion to dismiss. A full-text copy of Judge Shubb's August 23, 2016 memorandum and order is available at https://is.gd/2v4LPg from Leagle.com. Kinaya Hewlett, Plaintiff, represented by Lawrence Timothy Fisher -- ltfisher@bursor.com -- Bursor and Fisher, PA & Annick Marie Persinger -- apersinger@bursor.com -- Bursor & Fisher, P.A.. Consolidated World Travel, Inc., Defendant, represented by Christine Marie Reilly -- creilly@manatt.com -- Manatt Phelps & Phillips LLP, Jeffrey Aaron Backman -- jeffrey.backman@gmlaw.com - - Greenspoon Marder, P.A., pro hac vice, Richard Wayne Epstein -- richard.epstein@gmlaw.com -- Greenspoon Marder, P.A., pro hac vice & Roy Taub -- roy.taub@gmlaw.com -- Greenspoon Marder, P.A., pro hac vice. CR ENGLAND: "Harper" Suit Moved from Cal. Super. Ct. to C.D. Cal. ----------------------------------------------------------------- Milton Harper, Ronnie Stevenson, and Jonathan Mitchell, individuals, on behalf of themselves, and on behalf of all persons similarly situated, the Plaintiffs. v. C.R. England, Inc., a Corporation and Does 1-50, Inclusive, the Defendant, Case No. CIVDS1601256, was removed from the California Superior Court-San Bernardino, to the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California (Eastern Division - Riverside). The Central District Court Clerk assigned Case No. 5:16-cv-01836-ODW-DTB to the proceeding. The assigned Judge is Hon. Otis D. Wright, II. C.R. England is an American family-owned trucking company founded in 1920. The company provides temperature-controlled transportation services throughout North America and Mexico. The Plaintiff is represented by: Norman B Blumenthal, Esq. Aparajit Bhowmik, Esq. Kyle R Nordrehaug, Esq. BLUMENTHAL NORDREHAUG AND BHOWMIK 2255 Calle Clara La Jolla, CA 92037 Telephone: (858) 551 1223 Facsimile: (858) 551 1232 E-mail: norm@bamlawlj.com aj@bamlawlj.com Kyle@bamlawlj.com The Defendant is represented by: Drew R Hansen, Esq. Walter Pena, Esq. THEODORA ORINGHER PC 535 Anton Boulevard Ninth Floor Costa Mesa, CA 92626-7109 Telephone: (714) 549 6200 Fax: (714) 549 6201 E-mail: dhansen@tocounsel.com wpena@tocounsel.com CYPRESS MEDIA: "O'Shaughnessy" Suit Cannot Proceed as Class ----------------------------------------------------------- In the case, ELIZABETH O'SHAUGHNESSY, MICHAEL O'SHAUGHNESSY, and RANDALL L. HENSLEY, Plaintiffs, v. CYPRESS MEDIA, L.L.C., Defendant, No. 4:13-cv-0947-DGK (W.D. Mo.), Chief District Judge Greg Kays denied the Plaintiff's renewed motion for class certification for failing to meet the commonality requirement under Fed.R.Civ.P. Rule 23(a). Plaintiffs alleges that Defendant Cypress Media, L.L.C., unlawfully "double-billed" them for newspaper subscriptions. Elizabeth O'Shaughnessy, Plaintiff, represented by Jeffrey M. Hensley -- jeffrey.hensley@beckett-hensley.com -- Beckett & Hensley, L.C. & Theodore C. Beckett, III, Beckett & Hensley, L.C.. Cypress Media, LLC, Defendant, represented by Darin Shreves -- dshreves@lathropgage.com -- Lathrop & Gage LLP, David Clay Britton, III -- cbritton@lathropgage.com -- Lathrop & Gage LLP, James Moloney, V. -- jmoloney@lathropgage.com -- Lathrop & Gage LLP, John Bradley Leitch -- bleitch@lathropgage.com -- Lathrop & Gage LLP, Robin E. Stewart, Lathrop & Gage LLP & Richard N. Bien -- rbien@lathropgage.com -- Lathrop & Gage LLP. CYPRESS MEDIA: Bid to Strike Summary Judgment Motion OK'd in Part ----------------------------------------------------------------- In the case captioned ELIZABETH O'SHAUGHNESSY, MICHAEL O'SHAUGHNESSY, and RANDALL L. HENSLEY, Plaintiffs, v. CYPRESS MEDIA, L.L.C., Defendant, No. 4:13-cv-0947-DGK (W.D. Mo.), Judge Greg Kays granted in part the plaintiffs' motion to strike the defendant's motion for summary judgment. The lawsuit arose from the plaintiffs' allegations that the defendant Cypress Media, L.L.C., unlawfully "double-billed" them for newspaper subscriptions. The plaintiffs brought the case as a class action, and the court subsequently denied the plaintiffs' motion for class certification. On November 30, 2015, Cypress moved for summary judgment, citing newly disclosed documents in its Statement of Uncontroverted Material Facts accompanying its motion to dismiss. The plaintiffs moved to strike the Cypress' motion, arguing that Cypress violated Federal Rules of Civil Procedure 26 and 37 by failing to disclosing 75 documents until three weeks after the close of discovery, and that this late disclosure prejudiced them by causing the court to deny class certification. The plaintiffs asked the court to strike Cypress's summary judgment motion and impose unspecified additional sanctions. The plaintiffs also filed a renewed motion for class certification based on the new documents. Cypress responded that the November 2015 production was primarily a supplemental production, the disclosure did not violate any discovery rule or order, and that the plaintiffs were not prejudiced. Judge Kays granted the plaintiffs' motion in part. The judge found that some of the documents were untimely disclosed in violation of Rule 26, but only the late disclosure of the subscription invoice/renewal form templates prejudiced the plaintiffs, and this prejudice was relatively mild. The judge held that nothing in these late-disclosed documents alters the court's class certification ruling or otherwise justifies granting the plaintiffs the drastic relief they seek. Judge Kays nevertheless held that the late disclosure of the subscription invoice/renewal form templates violated Rule 37, and so the court ordered Cypress to pay the reasonable expenses, including attorney's fees, caused by the violation. A full-text copy of Judge Kays's August 24, 2016 order is available at https://is.gd/aVw6fl from Leagle.com. Elizabeth O'Shaughnessy, Michael O'Shaughnessy, Randall L. Hensley, Plaintiffs, represented by Jeffrey M. Hensley, Beckett & Hensley, L.C. & Theodore C. Beckett, III, Beckett & Hensley, L.C.. Cypress Media, LLC, Defendant, represented by Darin Shreves -- dshreves@lathropgage.com -- Lathrop & Gage LLP, David Clay Britton, III -- cbritton@lathropgage.com -- Lathrop & Gage LLP, James Moloney, V. -- jmoloney@lathropgage.com -- Lathrop & Gage LLP, John Bradley Leitch -- bleitch@lathropgage.com -- Lathrop & Gage LLP, Robin E. Stewart -- robin.stewart@kutakrock.com -- Lathrop & Gage LLP & Richard N. Bien -- rbien@lathropgage.com -- Lathrop & Gage LLP. DALLAS CENTRAL: Avail Hotels Says Property Valuation Excessive -------------------------------------------------------------- AVAIL HOTELS, LLC, Plaintiff, v. DALLAS CENTRAL APPRAISAL DISTRICT, Defendant, Case No., DC-16-10703 (Judicial District Court of Dallas County, Texas, August 29, 2016), protests as excessive the appraised value placed on a hotel property located at 10111 N. Central Expressway, Dallas, Texas 75231. The Appraisal District is a political subdivision of the State of Texas. The Plaintiff is represented by: Joshua E. Estes, Esq. Niral R. Gandhi, Esq. ESTES & GANDHI, PC 1700 Pacific Avenue, Suite 4610 Dallas, TX 75201 Phone: (214) 272-8030 Fax: (214) 390-3303 DALLAS CENTRAL: U.S. Bank Alleges Property Valuation Excessive -------------------------------------------------------------- U.S. BANK, N.A., AS SUCCESSOR-IN-INTEREST TO STATE STREET BANK & TRUST COMPANY OF CONNECTICUT, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS OWNER TRUSTEE OF ZSF/DALLAS TOWER TRUST, Plaintiff, v. DALLAS CENTRAL APPRAISAL DISTRICT, Defendant, Case No., DC-16-10669 (Judicial District Court of Dallas County, Texas, August 29, 2016), protests as excessive the appraised value placed on a property known as Energy Plaza and is located at 1601 Bryan Street, Dallas, Texas. The Appraisal District is a political subdivision of the State of Texas. The Plaintiff is represented by: Cynthia M. Ohlenforst, Esq. Andrew B. Russell, Esq. Sam Megally, Esq. K&L GATES LLP 1717 Main Street, Suite 2800 Dallas, TX 75201 Phone: 214.939.5500 Fax: 214.939.5849 E-mail: Cindy.Ohlenforst@klgates.com Andrew.Russell@klgates.com Sam.Megally@klgates.com DALLAS CENTRAL: BW Ventana Alleges Property Valuation Excessive --------------------------------------------------------------- BW VENTANA, LLC, Plaintiff, v. DALLAS CENTRAL APPRAISAL DISTRICT, Defendant, Case No., DC-16-10625 (Judicial District Court of Dallas County, Texas, August 29, 2016), protests as excessive the appraised value placed on a property located at 5555 Spring Valley Rd., Dallas, Texas. The Appraisal District is a political subdivision of the State of Texas. The Plaintiff is represented by: Michael A. Lane, Esq. Michael A. Long, Esq. Heather H. Long, Esq. LANG LAW OFFICE, P.C. P.O. Box 261330 Piano, TX 75026 Phone: (972) 731-6758 Fax: (469) 854-3336 E-mail: mike@langlawtx.com DALLAS CENTRAL: Creeks of Preston Contests Property Valuation ------------------------------------------------------------- Creeks of Preston Hollow, L.P. (Creeks of Preston Hollow), Plaintiff, v. DALLAS CENTRAL APPRAISAL DISTRICT, Defendant, Case No., DC-16-10682 (Judicial District Court of Dallas County, Texas, August 29, 2016), protests as excessive the appraised value placed on certain residential lots known as the Creeks of Preston Hollow located at 10602 Bridge Hollow Court and 10635 Bridge Hollow Court. The Appraisal District is a political subdivision of the State of Texas. The Plaintiff is represented by: Daniel P. Donovan, Esq. James D. Hannagan, Esq. Mazelle S. Krasoff, Esq. GEARY, PORTER & DONOVAN, P.C. One Bent Tree Tower 16475 Dallas Pkwy., Suite 400 Addison, TX 75001-6837 Phone: (972)931-9901 Fax: (972) 931-9208 E-mail: ddonoan@gpd.com jhannagan@gpd.com mkrasoff@gpd.com DALLAS CENTRAL: DFW Grating Says Property Valuation Excessive ------------------------------------------------------------- DFW GRATING REAL ESTATE, LLC (3835 SINGLETON BOULEVARD), Plaintiff, v. DALLAS CENTRAL APPRAISAL DISTRICT, Defendant, Case No., DC-16-10663 (Judicial District Court of Dallas County, Texas, August 29, 2016), protests as excessive the appraised value placed on certain real property and improvements located at 3835 Singleton Boulevard in Dallas County, Texas. The Appraisal District is a political subdivision of the State of Texas. The Plaintiff is represented by: Daniel P. Donovan, Esq. Kathleen F. Donovan, Esq. GEARY, PORTER & DONOVAN, P.C. One Bent Tree Tower 16475 Dallas Pkwy., Suite 400 Addison, TX 75001-6837 Phone: (972) 931-9901 Fax: (972) 931-9208 E-mail: ddonovan@gpd.com kdonovan@gpd.com DALLAS CENTRAL: Fund Design Says Property Valuation Excessive ------------------------------------------------------------- FUND DESIGN DISTRICT, LLC (CAMDEN DESIGN DISTRICT), Plaintiff, v. DALLAS CENTRAL APPRAISAL DISTRICT, Defendant, Case No., DC-16- 10640 (Judicial District Court of Dallas County, Texas, August 29, 2016), protests as excessive the appraised value placed on of certain real property and improvements known as the Camden Design District located in Dallas County, Texas. The Appraisal District is a political subdivision of the State of Texas. The Plaintiff is represented by: Daniel P. Donovan, Esq. Jennifer C. Tobin, Esq. Kathleen F. Donovan, Esq. GEARY, PORTER & DONOVAN, P.C. One Bent Tree Tower 16475 Dallas Pkwy., Suite 400 Addison, TX 75001-6837 Phone: (972) 931-9901 Fax: (972) 931-9208 E-mail: ddonovan@gpd.com kdonovan@gpd.com jtobin@gpd.com DALLAS CENTRAL: Hard Six Alleges Property Valuation Excessive ------------------------------------------------------------- HARD SIX HOLDINGS BELTWOOD, LLC, Plaintiff, v. DALLAS CENTRAL APPRAISAL DISTRICT, Defendant, Case No., DC-16-10639 (Judicial District Court of Dallas County, Texas, August 29, 2016), protests as excessive the appraised value placed on property located at 14401 W Beltwood Pkwy, Dallas County, Texas. The Appraisal District is a political subdivision of the State of Texas. The Plaintiff is represented by: Jason C. Marshall, Esq. THE MARSHALL FIRM PC 302 N. Market St., Ste. 510 Dallas, TX 75202 Phone: (214) 742-4800 Fax: (214) 452-9064 E-mail: Admin@Marshall-firm.com JMarshall@Marshall-firm.com DALLAS CENTRAL: "Howard" Suit Says Property Valuation Excessive --------------------------------------------------------------- JOHN ROLFII HOWARD, Plaintiff, v. DALLAS CENTRAL APPRAISAL DISTRICT, Defendant, Case No., DC-16-10674 (Judicial District Court of Dallas County, Texas, August 29, 2016), protests as excessive the appraised value placed on residential property located at 6131 Woodland Drive, Dallas, Texas 75225. The Appraisal District is a political subdivision of the State of Texas. The Plaintiff is represented by: Joshua E. Estes, Esq. Niral R. Gandhi, Esq. ESTES & GANDHI, P.C. 1700 Pacific Avenue, Suite 4610 Dallas, TX 75201 Phone: (214) 272-8030 Fax: (214) 390-3303 E-mail: jestes@estesgandhi.com NGandhi@estesgandhi.com DIRECTV: Court Narrows Claims in "Flynn" Suit --------------------------------------------- In the case captioned JEAN M. FLYNN et al., Plaintiffs, v. DIRECTV, LLC and MAS TEC, INC., Defendants, No. 3:15-cv-1053 (JAM) (D. Conn.), Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer granted the defendants' motion to dismiss as to the class claim alleging trespass (Count Two), but denied the motion as to both the individual and class claims under the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practice Act (CUTPA) (Counts Three and Four). The plaintiffs are owners of a residential rental property with tenants who have purchased television services from DIRECTV, LLC. The plaintiffs claimed that DIRECTV and its contractor, Mas Tec Inc., installed satellite dishes on the exterior of the plaintiffs' property without their consent and in accordance with a business practice that was designed to circumvent their right to withhold consent. The plaintiffs sought to represent a class of similarly situated property owners, alleging state law claims of common law trespass and violation of the CUTPA. The defendants moved to dismiss the plaintiffs' CUTPA claim on the ground that the plaintiffs have not pleaded a requisite business relationship with the defendants. The defendants have further moved to strike the plaintiffs' class action allegations on the ground that the plaintiffs cannot meet the so-called "commonality" and "ascertainability" requirements to maintain a class action under Rule 23 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. Judge Meyer denied the motion to dismiss the CUTPA claim on the ground that the plaintiffs have adequately alleged facts that suffice to meet any business relationship requirement that may be required to sustain a CUTPA claim. Judge Meyer, however, granted the motion to strike insofar as the plaintiffs seek class-action status to litigate their claim of common law trespass, because it is clear that individual issues of consent will predominate over the adjudication of any trespass claims. Judge Meyer also stated that he will deny the motion to strike insofar as the plaintiffs seek class-action status to litigate their CUTPA claim, because it is premature to conclude that plaintiffs cannot satisfy the commonality and ascertainability requirements for their CUTPA claim. A full-text copy of Judge Meyer's August 23, 2016 ruling is available at https://is.gd/98Bsmo from Leagle.com. Jean M. Flynn, James E. Stead, Plaintiffs, represented by Bruce E. Newman, Brown, Paindiris & Scott, LLP, Shelly A. Leonard, Blau Leonard Law Group, LLC, pro hac vice & Steven Bennett Blau, Blau Leonard Law Group, LLC, pro hac vice. Directv, LLC, Defendant, represented by Hans J. Germann -- hgermann@mayerbrown.com -- Mayer Brown LLP, pro hac vice, John E. Muench -- jmuench@mayerbrown.com -- Mayer Brown LLP, pro hac vice, Kyle J. Steinmetz -- ksteinmetz@mayerbrown.com -- Mayer Brown LLP, pro hac vice, Matthew Dallas Gordon -- mattgordon@mdgordonlaw.com -- Matthew Dallas Gordon LLC & Nicholas Norton Ouellette -- nouellette@mdgordonlaw.com -- Matthew Dallas Gordon LLC. MasTec, Inc., Defendant, represented by Scott S. Orenstein -- sorenstein@goldbergsegalla.com -- Goldberg Segalla LLP. EDGEWELL PERSONAL: "Gorman" Suit Moved from N.D. Ill. to E.D.N.Y. ----------------------------------------------------------------- Colleen Gorman, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated, the Plaintiff, v. Edgewell Personal Care Company and Edgewell Personal Care, LLC, the Defendant, Case No. 1:16-cv- 06597, was transferred from the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York (Brooklyn). The Eastern District Court Clerk assigned Case No. 1:16-cv-04905-PKC-SMG to the proceeding. The assigned Judge is Pamela K. Chen. Edgewell Personal Care is an American consumer products company based in St Louis, Missouri. The Plaintiff is represented by: Carl Vincent Malmstrom, Esq. Janine Lee Pollack, Esq. Theodore Beloyeannis Bell, Esq. WOLF HALDENSTEIN ADLER FREEMAN & HERZ One South Deaborn St., Suite 2122 Chicago, IL 60603 Telephone: (312) 984 0000 E-mail: malmstrom@whafh.com pollack@whafh.com tbell@whafh.com The Defendant is represented by: Daniel S. Schecter, Esq. Kathleen P. Lally, Esq. Michael J. Reiss, Esq. LATHAM & WATKINS LLP 355 South Grand Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90071 Telephone: (213) 485 1234 Facsimile: (213) 891 8763 E-mail: daniel.schecter@lw.com kathleen.lally@lw.com michael.reiss@lw.com ENCORE RECEIVABLE: Court Dismisses "Rosa" Suit ---------------------------------------------- Judge Michael A. Shipp granted Encore Receivable Management, Inc.'s motion to dismiss the case captioned LUIS ROSA, on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, Plaintiff, v. ENCORE RECEIVABLE MANAGEMENT, INC., et al., Defendants, Civil Action No. 15-2311 (MAS) (TJB) (D.N.J.). Luis Rosa filed a putative class action against Encore alleging that it violated the FDCPA. Specifically, Rosa alleged that Encore sent correspondence "to at least 50 natural persons in the State of New Jersey" that deceived consumers into believing that they could dispute their debt by either calling or writing to Encore when in fact "a consumer can only make a legally effective dispute by writing to the Defendant." Judge Shipp found that both the form and substance of the instruction to call in the correspondence do not emphasize calling the debt collector or suggest that Rosa should forgo the procedure provided in the validation notice for disputing the debt. The judge held that the instruction to call to notify the debt collector that the debt has been paid does not overshadow the validation notice. Judge Shipp thus concluded that the correspondence does not leave the least sophisticated consumer uncertain as to his rights under the FDCPA and therefore does not violate section 1692g. Rosa also alleged that the correspondence violates section 1692e(10). Judge Shipp, however, found that Rosa failed to point to any basis for his claim under section 1692e(10) that is distinct from his claim under section 1692g. A full-text copy of Judge Shipp's August 23, 2016 memorandum opinion is available at https://is.gd/ecKmNW from Leagle.com. LUIS ROSA, Plaintiff, represented by ARI HILLEL MARCUS -- ar@marcuszelman.com -- MARCUS ZELMAN LLC & YITZCHAK ZELMAN -- yzelman@marcuszelman.com -- Marcus Zelman, LLC. ENCORE RECEIVABLE MANAGEMENT, INC., Defendant, represented by PETER CIPPARULO, III -- peter.cipparulo@cipplaw.co -- LAW OFFICES OF PETER CIPPARULO, III, ESQ.. EFREIGHTSHIP LLC: Faces "Cotton" Suit Over FLSA Violation --------------------------------------------------------- SCOTT COTTON & CHRIS SHELTON On behalf of themselves and all others similarly situated, Plaintiff, v. EFREIGHTSHIP, LLC Registered Agent: Tim Nolen, 13114 W. 127th Terrace, Overland Park, KS 66213 and Brian Michel Address: 5629 Beverly Ave. Mission, KS 66202, Defendants, Case 2:16-cv-02606 (D. Kan., August 31, 2016), seeks to recover alleged unpaid wages, including straight time and overtime compensation and related penalties and damages under the Fair Labor Standards Act. EFreightship is a freight brokering company located in Overland Park, Kansas. The Plaintiffs are represented by: Kathryn S. Rickley, Esq. Matthew E. Osman, Esq. OSMAN & SMAY LLP 8500 W. 110th St., Suite 330 Overland Park, KS 66210 Phone: (913) 667-9243 Fax: (866) 470-9243 E-mail: mosman@workerwagerights.com EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN: "Bacon" Suit Moved to Minnesota Sup. Ct. -------------------------------------------------------------- Board of Pensions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and Portico Benefit Services, the Petitioners, v. David Bacon Timothy Hepner, Ruth Dold, and Sharon Hvam, the Respondents, Case No. 27-CV-15-3425, was removed from the Hennepin County District Court to the Supreme Court of Minnesota. The Supreme Court Clerk assigned Case No. A15-1999 to the proceeding. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is a mainline Protestant denomination headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. The Petitioners are represented by: Deborah S. Davidson, Esq. Allyson N. Ho, Esq. Charles C. Jackson, Esq. MORGAN, LEWIS & BOCKIUS 77 West Wacker Dr. Chicago, IL 60601-5094 Telephone:(312) 324 1159 Facsimile:(312) 324 1001 E-mail: deborah.davidson@morganlewis.com allyson.ho@morganlewis.com charles.jackson@morganlewis.com The Respondents are represented by: Charles N Nauen, Esq. LOCKRIDGE GRINDAL NAUEN P.L.L.P. 100 Washington Avenue South, Suite 2200 Minneapolis, MN 55401 Telephone: (612) 596 4006 FCA US LLC: "Hughes" Sues over Defective Shifters ------------------------------------------------- Marc Hughes, on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, Plaintiff, v. FCA US LLC, a Delaware Limited Liability Company, Defendant, Case No. 2:16-cv-13120, (E.D. Mich., August 24, 2016), seeks injunctive relief in the form of a recall or fee replacement program, replacement cars of comparable value to all owners until the vehicles' defective shifters are repaired; that the Defendant buy back the affected vehicles back at original purchase or lease cost with no deduction for use; equitable relief, costs, restitution, damages, including punitive damages, penalties and disgorgement; pre and post judgment interest on any amounts awarded; attorneys' fees and such other or further relief resulting from unjust enrichment, breach of express/implied warranty in violation of the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act and the Pennsylvania Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law. Defendant's 2012-2014 Dodge Chargers, 2012-2014 Chrysler 300 vehicles, 2014-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles and 2014 Maserati Quattroporte and Ghibli vehicles have gear selectors that always moves back to a central location after being engaged. FCA is a motor vehicle manufacturer and licensed distributor of new, previously untitled Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram brand motor vehicles. Hughes owns a 2014 Chrysler 300. Plaintiff is represented by: Daniel E. Gustafson, Esq. Jason S. Kilene, Esq. David A. Goodwin, Esq. Raina C. Borrelli, Esq. GUSTAFSON GLUEK PLLC Canadian Pacific Plaza 120 S. Sixth St., Suite 2600 Minneapolis, MN 55402 Tel: (612) 333-8844 Fax: (612) 339-6622 Email: dgustafson@gustafsongluek.com jkilene@gustafsongluek.com dgoodwin@gustafsongluek.com rborrelli@gustafsongluek.com - and - Simon Bahne Paris, Esq. Patrick Howard, Esq. SALTZ, MONGELUZZI, BARRETT & BENDESKY, P.C. One Liberty Place, 52nd Floor 1650 Market Street Philadelphia, PA 19103 Tel: (215) 575-3986 Email: sparis@smbb.com phoward@smbb.com FCA US: "Walker" Suit Alleges Defective Gear Shifter in Vehicles ---------------------------------------------------------------- Nina Walker, on behalf of herself and all others similarly situated, Plaintiff, v. FCA US LLC, a Delaware Limited Liability Company, Defendant, 2:16-cv-13119-GER-MKM (E.D. Mich., August 29, 2016), alleges that the Defendant failed to implement an effective gear shifter in its 2012-2014 Dodge Chargers, 2012-2014 Chrysler 300 vehicles, 2014-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles, and 2014 Maserati Quattroporte and Ghibli vehicles. FCA (commonly referred to as Chrysler) is a motor vehicle manufacturer and licensed distributor of new, previously untitled Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram brand motor vehicles. The Plaintiff is represented by: Daniel E. Gustafson, Esq. Jason S. Kilene, Esq. David A. Goodwin, Esq. Raina C. Borrelli, Esq. GUSTAFSON GLUEK PLLC Canadian Pacific Plaza 120 S. Sixth St., Suite 2600 Minneapolis, MN 55402 Phone: (612) 333-8844 E-mail: dgustafson@gustafsongluek.com jkilene@gustafsongluek.com dgoodwin@gustafsongluek.com rborrelli@gustafsongluek.com - and - Simon Bahne Paris, Esq. Patrick Howard, Esq. SALTZ, MONGELUZZI, BARRETT & BENDESKY, P.C. One Liberty Place, 52nd Floor 1650 Market Street Philadelphia, PA 19103 Phone: (215) 575-3986 E-mail: sparis@smbb.com phoward@smbb.com FINANCIAL BUSINESS: Faces "Blunt" Suit in Middle Dist. of Florida ----------------------------------------------------------------- A lawsuit has been filed against Financial Business and Consumer Solutions, Inc. The case is entitled Priscilla Blunt, on behalf of herself and all others similarly situated, the Plaintiff, v. Financial Business and Consumer Solutions, Inc., doing business as: FBCS, Inc., the Defendant, Case No. 8:16-cv-02430-JSM-MAP (M.D. Fla., Aug. 24, 2016). The assigned Judge is Hon. James S. Moody, Jr. Financial Business is an adjustment and collection service company located in Hatboro, Pennsylvania. The Plaintiff is represented by: Alex A. Stern, Esq. LITTLE GUY LAW FIRM 1300 Washington Ave. No. 191625 Miami Beach, FL 33119 Telephone: (305) 900 5489 Facsimile: (305) 900 5489 E-mail: astern@getourdepositback.com FORD MOTOR: "Burcham" Suit Moved from Cty. Ct. to S.D. Ill. ----------------------------------------------------------- Jeffrey P Burcham, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated, the Plaintiff, v. Ford Motor Credit Company, LLC, the Defendant, Case No. 16-L-362, was removed from the St. Clair County Court to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois (East St. Louis). The District Court Clerk assigned Case No. 3:16-cv-00943-JPG-SCW to the proceeding. The assigned Judge is Hon. J. Phil Gilbert. Ford Motor Credit, d/b/a Ford Credit, is the financial services arm of Ford Motor Company, and is headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan. The Plaintiff is represented by: Shari L. Murphy, Esq. LAW OFFICE OF SHARI L. MURPHY P.O. Box 136 Woodriver, IL 62095-0136 Telephone: (618) 797 8888 Facsimile: (618) 576 6239 E-mail: murphylegalecf@gmail.com The Defendant is represented by: Patrick D. Cloud, Esq. HEYL, ROYSTER ET AL. - EDWARDSVILLE 105 West Vandalia St., Ste. 100 P.O. Box 467 Edwardsville, IL 62025 Telephone: (618) 656 4646 E-mail: pcloud@heylroyster.com GARDEN CITY, KS: Court Dismisses "Market" Suit ---------------------------------------------- Judge J. Thomas Marten granted the defendant's motion to dismiss the case captioned JADA J. MARKET, Individually and on behalf of a class of others similarly situated, Plaintiff, v. CITY OF GARDEN CITY, KANSAS, Defendant, Case No. 6:16-cv-01053-JTM-GEB (D. Kan.). Jada Market brought the action under 42 U.S.C. section 1983, claiming Garden City deprived her of the constitutional right to due process of law. She alleged the City did so through an ordinance that imposed a mandatory minimum sentence for driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) that was higher than the minimum sentence provided for by Kansas statute. Market contended this was unlawful because the City did not first adopt a charter ordinance giving it the right to vary from state law. She sought damages and other relief on behalf of herself and a class of others impacted by the same or similar ordinances in Garden City. In dismissing the case, Judge Marten concluded that the court has no jurisdiction over Market's claim for declaratory relief because she was inviting the court to review and reject the municipal court judgments against her. Further, Judge Marten found that Market did not allege that the sentence of which she complains has been reversed on appeal or otherwise declared invalid. The judge thus held that Market's claim for damages under section 1983 must be dismissed for failure to state a claim upon which relief can be granted. A full-text copy of Judge Marten's August 23, 2016 memorandum and order is available at https://is.gd/lHXIbc from Leagle.com. Jada J. Market, Plaintiff, represented by Randall K. Rathbun, Depew Gillen Rathbun & McInteer, LC. City of Garden City, Kansas, Defendant, represented by J. Steven Pigg -- spigg@fisherpatterson.com -- Fisher, Patterson, Sayler & Smith, LLP. GENERAL MILLS: Sued Over Glyphosate-Contaminated Products --------------------------------------------------------- MARY WOLOSYZN, on behalf of herself and all others similarly situated, the Plaintiff, v. GENERAL MILLS, INC., the Defendant, Case No. 0:16-cv-02869 (D. Minn., Aug. 24, 2016), seeks relief including refunds to purchasers for falsely advertised products and a court-ordered corrective advertising campaign to inform the public of the true nature of General Mills' glyphosate- contaminated Products. The Defendant allegedly advertises and promotes its Nature Valley Products as "Made with 100% Natural Whole Grain Oats". These claims are false, misleading, and deceptive. The Products at issue do not comprise "100% natural whole grain oats," but instead contain the chemical glyphosate, a potent biocide, probable human carcinogen, and human endocrine disruptor, with detrimental health effects that are still becoming known. Specifically, the Products at issue1 include, but are not limited to: a. Crunchy granola bars (Oats 'n Honey, Peanut Butter, Maple Brown Sugar, Vanilla Almond Nut & Seed, Coconut, Pecan, and other varieties); b. Trail Mix chewy granola bars (Fruit & Nut, Dark Chocolate & nut, and other varieties); c. Sweet & Salty Nut granola bars (Peanut, Almond, and other varieties); d. Breakfast Biscuits (Honey, Blueberry, Lemon Poppy Seed, and other varieties); Biscuits (with Almond Butter, with Peanut Butter, and other varieties); f. Oatmeal Squares (Blueberry, Peanut Butter, Cinnamon Brown Sugar, Banana Bread & Dark Chocolate, and other varieties); g. Oatmeal Bars (Peanut Butter, Cinnamon Brown Sugar, and other varieties); and h. Oatmeal Bistro Cups (Brown Sugar Pecan, Apple Cinnamon Almond, and other varieties) (collectively, "Nature Valley" or the "Products") General Mills is an American multinational manufacturer and marketer of branded consumer foods sold through retail stores. The Plaintiff is represented by: Brian C. Gudmundson, Esq. Wm. Dane DeKrey, Esq. ZIMMERMAN REED, LLP 1100 IDS Center, 80 S 8th St. Minneapolis, MN 55402 Telephone: (612) 341 0400 E-mail: brian.gudmundson@zimmreed.com dane.dekrey@zimmreed.com - and - Kim E. Richman, Esq. THE RICHMAN LAW GROUP 81 Prospect Street Brooklyn, NY 11201 Telephone: (212) 687 8291 Facsimile: (212) 687 8292 E-mail: krichman@richmanlawgroup.com - and - Beth E. Terrell, Esq. Adrienne McEntee, Esq. TERRELL MARSHALL LAWGROUP PLLC 936 North 34th Street, Suite 300 Seattle, Washington 98103 Telephone: (206) 816 6603 Facsimile: (206) 319 5450 E-mail: bterrell@terrellmarshall.com amcentee@terrellmarshall.com - and - Lori G. Feldman, Esq. Courtney E. Maccarone, Esq. LEVI & KORSINSKY LLP 30 Broad Street, 24th Floor New York, NY 10004 Telephone: (212) 363 7500 Facsimile: (212) 363 7171 E-mail: lfeldman@zlk.com cmaccarone@zlk.com - and - Edward A. Wallace, Esq. Amy E. Keller, Esq. Adam Prom, Esq. WEXLER WALLACE LLP 55 West Monroe Street, Suite 3300 Chicago, IL 60603 Telephone: (312) 346 2222 Facsimile: (312) 346 0022 E-mail: eaw@wexlerwallace.com aek@wexlerwallace.com GREEN DOT: Court Dismisses "Hopkins" Suit Over EFT Cards -------------------------------------------------------- In the case captioned MARGARET HOPKINS, individually and on behalf of a class of similarly situated individuals, Plaintiff, v. GREEN DOT CORPORATION, GREEN DOT BANK d/b/a BONNEVILLE BANK or GO BANK, WAL-MART STORES, INC., WALGREEN CO., DOLLAR TREE STORES, INC., FAMILY DOLLAR, INC., and CVS PHARMACY, INC., Defendants, No. 5:16- CV-365-DAE (W.D. Tex.), Judge David Alan Ezra issued these orders: -- granting the motion to dismiss filed by the defendants, Green Dot Corporation, Green Dot Bank, d/b/a Bonneville Bank or Go Bank, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., Walgreen Co., Dollar Tree Stores, Inc., Family Dollar, Inc., and CVS Pharmacy, Inc.; -- denying the motion for leave to amend complaint filed by the plaintiff, Margaret Hopkins; and -- denying as moot Hopkins' motion for summary judgment. The lawsuit arose out of electronic funds transfer (EFT) cards, one being the Green Dot MoneyPak card, sold by Green Dot Bank, an FDIC member bank and wholly-owned subsidiary of Green Dot Corporation. Hopkins, who is 83-years old, claimed that she fell victim to a fraudulent scheme when, in March 2014, she sent money using MoneyPak cards to an unknown caller pretending to be her grandson. Hopkins reported the loss to Green Dot, but was unable to recover her money. On March 4, 2016, Hopkins brought suit against the defendants, alleging causes of action under the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices-Consumer Protection Act (DTPA), and under a theory of negligent misrepresentation. She sought damages to recover her economic losses, compensatory damages for the fear and distress she has suffered as a result of the fraud, punitive damages under the DTPA, and attorney's fees. Hopkins further sought to institute these claims in a class action on behalf of all those individuals who have fallen victim to similar scams after purchasing Green Dot EFT cards. On behalf of the putative class, Hopkins sought to recover a maximum damages award of $60,000,000. The defendants argued that the retail defendants other than Wal-Mart must be dismissed because Hopkins did not purchase a MoneyPak card at any of these retailers, and lacks standing to bring suit against them. Judge Ezra found that Hopkins set forth no legally sound method by which she may establish standing against the retail defendants other than Wal-Mart. The judge explained that the failure to allege the "irreducible constitutional minimum of standing," requires the court to dismiss Walgreens, Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, and CVS from suit and thus, they were dismissed without prejudice. The defendants also argued that Hopkins has failed to establish that she is a "consumer" under the DTPA, and that the defendants' actions were not the "producing cause" of her damages. Judge Ezra found that Hopkins has sufficiently pled that the defendants committed a variety of false, misleading, and deceptive acts under section 17.46(b) of the DTPA. However, the judge also found that Hopkins failed to plead that she is a consumer, and further failed to plead that any of the defendants' false or misleading acts was a "producing cause" of her damages. Accordingly, Judge Ezra dismissed Hopkins' DTPA claims without prejudice. The defendants further argued that Hopkins failed to state a claim for negligent misrepresentation because she has failed to allege actual and justifiable reliance upon any representation made by Green Dot, and has further failed to allege causation. Judge Ezra held that Hopkins has failed to plead that the defendants made any direct, affirmative assertions, or that her losses occurred as a result of direct reliance upon any such assertion. Accordingly, the judge concluded that Hopkins has failed to state a claim for negligent misrepresentation, and this claim was dismissed without prejudice. Judge Ezra also dismissed the plaintiff's motion to amend, finding that the proposed amended complaint suffers from many of the same deficiencies in the original complaint. Finally, Judge Ezra denied as moot Hopkins' motion for summary judgment on the issue of the defendants' sixth affirmative defense regarding the DTPA claim, because the DTPA claim has been dismissed. A full-text copy of Judge Ezra's August 24, 2016 order is available at https://is.gd/WwQgdq from Leagle.com. Margaret Hopkins, Plaintiff, represented by Justin Paul Green. Green Dot Corporation, Green Dot Bank, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., Walgreen Co., Dollar Tree Stores, Inc., Family Dollar, Inc., CVS Pharmacy, Inc., Defendants, represented by Jeffrey Mark Tillotson -- jtillotson@tillotsonlaw.com -- Tillotson Law & Jonathan R. Patton -- jpatton@tillotsonlaw.com -- Tillotson Law. INCROWD INC: Faces Russell M. Holstein Suit in New Jersey --------------------------------------------------------- A lawsuit has been filed against Incrowd, Inc. The case is captioned RUSSELL M. HOLSTEIN, PH.D. LLC, a New Jersey limited liability company, individually and as the representative of a class of similarly-situated persons, the Plaintiff, v. INCROWD, INC. and JOHN DOES 1-5, the Defendant, Case No. 3:16-cv-05161-BRM- TJB (D.N.J., Aug. 24, 2016). The assigned Judge is Hon. Brian R. Martinotti. InCrowd provides high-quality, real-time physician insights to companies worldwide. The Plaintiff is represented by: Matthew Nicholas Fiorovanti, Esq. GIORDANO HALLERAN & CIESLA PC 125 Half Mile, Suite 300 Red Bank, NJ 07701 Telephone: (732) 741 3900 E-mail: mfiorovanti@ghclaw.com JAM PRODUCTIONS: Faces "Huffman" Suit in N.D. of Illinois --------------------------------------------------------- A lawsuit has been filed against Jam Productions, Ltd. The case is captioned Justin Huffman, Gregor Kramer, Archie Yumping, and Christopher Shaw, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated, the Plaintiffs, v. Jam Productions, Ltd., Event Productions, Inc., Standing Room Only Inc., and Victoria Operating Company, LLC, the Defendant, Case No. 1:16-cv-08616 (N.D. Ill., Sep. 1, 2016). Jam Productions is the largest independent producer of live entertainment in the United States. The Plaintiffs appear pro se. JESSICA HOLDING: Faces "Xu" Suit in Eastern District of New York ---------------------------------------------------------------- A lawsuit has been filed against Jessica Holding, Inc. The case is titled Joy Wei Xu, on behalf of themselves and others similarly situated, and Feng Xu, also known as Joey Xu, the Plaintiff, v. Jessica Holding, Inc., doing business as: COTS Travel, doing business as Kingly Tour; China Overseas Travel Service (U.S.A.), Inc., doing business as COTS Travel; Anita Yim King Lai; Bianca Ng; Jessica Wong, also known as Jessica Astrup; and Ronghai Gao, also known as Billy Gao, the Defendant, Case No. No 1:16-cv-04720 (E.D.N.Y., Aug. 24, 2016). Jessica Holding is doing business in the travel services industry. The Plaintiffs appear pro se. KELLOGG SALES: "Hadley" Suit Alleges Mislabelling, False Ads ------------------------------------------------------------ Stephen Hadley, on behalf of himself, all others similarly situated, and the general public, Plaintiff, v. Kellogg Sales Company, Defendant, Case No. 5:16-cv-04955 (N.D. Cal., August 29, 2016), seeks enjoinment from mislabelling and false advertising, a corrective advertising campaign, restitution to restore funds acquired unlawfully, pre- and post-judgment interest, costs, expenses and reasonable attorneys' fees and such other and further relief for violation of the California False Advertising Law, California Consumers Legal Remedies Act and California Unfair Competition Law. Plaintiff alleges that Kellogg markets high-sugar cereals and bars with health and wellness claims despite the dangers of the excessive sugar consumption. Defendants are represented by: Jack Fitzgerald, Esq. Trevor M. Flynn, Esq. Melanie Persinger, Esq. THE LAW OFFICE OF JACK FITZGERALD, PC 3636 Fourth Avenue, Suite 202 Hillcrest Professional Building San Diego, CA 92103 Phone: (619) 692-3840 Fax: (619) 362-9555 Email: jack@jackfitzgeraldlaw.com trevor@jackfitzgeraldlaw.com melanie@jackfitzgeraldlaw.com KUSTOM US: Faces "Bogacki" Suit in Middle District of Florida ------------------------------------------------------------- A lawsuit has been filed against Kustom US, Inc. The case is captioned Tamera Bogacki, on behalf of herself and on behalf of all others similarly situated, the Plaintiff, v. Kustom US, Inc., the Defendant, Case No. 8:16-cv-02443-JDW-JSS (M.D. Fla., Aug. 24, 2016). The assigned Judge is Hon. James D. Whittemore. Kustom US was founded in 1968. The Company's line of business includes manufacturing sheet metalwork products. The Plaintiff is represented by: Donna V. Smith, Esq. WENZEL FENTON CABASSA, PA 1110 N Florida Ave Ste 300 Tampa, FL 33602-3343 Telephone: (813) 224 0431 Facsimile: (813) 229 8712 E-mail: dsmith@wfclaw.com LAKEVIEW CARS: Faces "Pucciarelli" Suit in E.D. of New York ----------------------------------------------------------- A lawsuit has been filed against Lakeview Cars Inc. The case is entitled James Pucciarelli, Individually and on Behalf of All Others Similarly Situated, the Plaintiff, v. Lakeview Cars Inc. d/b/a Clove Lake Cars, Jointly and Severally; Afrim Tahirovic Jointly and Severally; and Goni Tahirovic, Jointly and Severally, the Defendant, Case No. 1:16-cv-04751 (E.D.N.Y., Aug. 24, 2016). Lakeview Cars is doing business as Clove Lake Cars. The Plaintiff appears pro se. LAPTOP & DESKTOP: "Bank" Suit Moved from E.D.N.Y. to D. Nev. ------------------------------------------------------------ Martin Bank, Individually and on Behalf of All Others Similarly Situated, the Plaintiff, v. Laptop & Desktop Repair LLC, the Defendant, Case No. 2:15-cv-00049, was transferred from the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, to the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada (Reno). The Nevada District Court Clerk assigned Case No. 3:16-cv-00516-RCJ-VPC to the proceeding. The assigned Judge is Hon. Robert C. Jones. Laptop & Desktop Repair (commonly known as CashforLaptops) is a pioneer in the electronics refurbishing business. The Plaintiff is represented by: Todd C. Bank, Esq. LAW OFFICE OF TODD C. BANK 119-40 Union Turnpike, Fourth Flr. Kew Gardens, NY 11415 Telephone: (718) 520 7125 The Defendant is represented by: Scott A. Brody, Esq. BRODY O'CONNOR & O'CONNOR 111 John Street, Suite 900 New York, NY 10038 Telephone: (212) 233 2505 Facsimile: (212) 233 2506 LEE COUNTY, FL: Court Dismisses "Young" Suit -------------------------------------------- Judge John E. Steele dismissed without prejudice a putative class action complaint filed by 13 inmates and former inmates of the Lee County Jail in Fort Myers, Florida. The case is MICHAEL GEORGE YOUNG, JR., STEVEN TOMPKINS, RODNEY DICKERSON, KENNETH J. DUBEAU, JAURON C. BRYAN, JOSE PEREZ, ANTONIO THOMAS, GARY MARTIN DIPIETRO, CHRISTOPHER FURLAN, BRIAN PATTERSON, DAVIAN GREEN, MELTZ VAL CELESTIN, NELSON XAVIER BORGES, and ROBERT FUSNER, Plaintiffs, v. MIKE SCOTT, Sheriff, FNU ELLENGOOD, Chief, THOMAS EBERHARDT, Colonel, JAMES BARACCO, Major, FNU HALL, Major, KEVIN KOLLER, Captain, MIA RODGERS, Captain, DUANE SIMON, Lieutenant, FNU ANDERSON, Lieutenant, LARRY G. VAUGHN, President, JOHN D. GREER, Vice President, D. KIPP, Asst. Food Services Director, RAMONDA SUTTON, Kitchen Staff, Jail, MIKE HENNESSEY, Kitchen Staff, Core Building, FNU KIRCH, MS., Registered Dietician, JOHN MANNING, County Commissioner, CECIL PENDERGRASS, County Commissioner, LARRY KIKER, County Commissioner, BRIAN HAMMAN, County Commissioner, FRANK MANN, County Commissioner, ROGER DESJARLAIS, County Commissioner, RICHARD WESCH, County Commissioner, ANDREW SMALL, Former Health Services Administrator, RONDA MASON, Current Health Services Administrator, LOURDES CARRERO, Dr., SHIRLETTE THOMAS, P.A., FNU DA ROSS, Former Sgt. in charge of the C.E.R.T Team, FNU HUTCHINSON, Currently in charge of the C.E.R.T Team, FNU CALHOUN, Officer, FNU MILLER, Officer, FNU BOURGESS, Officer, FNU BELLIUS, Officer, and FNU LOPEZ, Officer, Defendants, Case No. 2:16-cv-581-FtM-99CM (M.D. Fla.). Each plaintiff is an inmate or former inmate at the Lee County Jail in Fort Myers, Florida. The 48-page amended complaint generally argued that inmates at the Lee County Jail are subjected to cruel and unusual punishment and other constitutional violations. The plaintiffs sought injunctive relief; three million dollars in compensatory damages; one million dollars in punitive damages; ten thousand dollars in nominal damages for each plaintiff; and declaratory relief. Plaintiff Michael George Young, Jr. was the proposed representative of the class action. Young filed a motion to proceed in forma pauperis. Judge Steele found that the amended complaint represents a confusing mixture of allegations, relevant facts, irrelevant facts, disjointed narrative, and conclusory accusations. The plaintiffs did not name a single defendant in the body of the complaint, much less associate him or her with any specific claim. "It is the type of pleading that renders it impossible for a defendant to answer and must be dismissed under Rule 8 for that reason," the judge said. Judge Steele also found that the plaintiffs failed to establish any of the conditions under Rule 23(a) or (b) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. The dismissal is without prejudice to each named plaintiff filing his own complaint along with a motion to proceed in forma pauperis. A full-text copy of Judge Steele's August 23, 2016 order is available at https://is.gd/7zBsYU from Leagle.com. MAGGIES PARATRANSIT: "Alfonso" Suit Sent to Arbitration ------------------------------------------------------- In the case captioned ALAN ALFONSO, on behalf of himself And all others similarly situated, Plaintiff, v. MAGGIES PARATRANSIT CORP., Defendant, No. 16-CV-0363 (PKC)(LB) (E.D.N.Y.), Judge Pamela K. Chen granted the defendant's motion to compel arbitration and stayed the case pending arbitration. Between February 2015 and April 2016, Alan Alfonso was employed as a driver for Maggies Paratransit Corporation, a business engaged in the transportation of disabled individuals. Alfonso brought a putative collective and class action under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and the New York Labor Law (NYLL) against Maggies for failure to pay for all hours worked and overtime to Alfonso and all similarly situated employees. Maggies contended that Alfonso's claims are subject to mandatory arbitration pursuant to an underlying collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between Maggies and Alfonso's union representative, and moved to compel arbitration on that basis. In opposing Maggies' motion, Alfonso argued that the arbitration provision in question constitutes an impermissible waiver of his federally protected rights, and is thus unenforceable. Judge Chen held that the mere existence of a provision in a collective bargaining agreement that confers unfettered discretion on the union in deciding which claims to arbitrate -- without any showing that the union, in fact, exercised that discretion to block arbitration of an employee's claims and left him without recourse -- is enough for the court to find a substantive waiver. Judge Chen found that the appropriate course of action is to grant Maggies' motion to compel arbitration, while permitting Alfonso to seek further relief from the court should he later find himself precluded from arbitrating his claims. Judge Chen also rejected Alfonso's second argument with respect to the CBA's Articles 13.1 and 13.6 effectively shortening the FLSA statute of limitations. The judge found this challenge is premature because Alfonso has not demonstrated that he has been precluded from submitting a grievance on the basis of the Article 13.6 time-bar. Thus, Judge Chen concluded that there is no basis at this time to find that the statute of limitations for Alfonso's FLSA claims has been improperly shortened. Judge Chen also rejected Alfonso's argument that the CBA is unconscionable because he had to accept it in order to remain employed by Maggies, or because it requires the parties to split the cost of arbitration and arbitration is prohibitively expensive for the plaintiff. The judge explained that Alfonso misread the plain language of the arbitration agreement, which states -- unambiguously -- that the cost of arbitration shall be shared by "[t]he Employer and the Union," and not the employer and employee. Judge Chen additionally found a stay appropriate in light of the possibility that Alfonso may require further redress from the court. A full-text copy of Judge Chen's August 23, 2016 order is available at https://is.gd/eg2Umz from Leagle.com. Alan Alfonso, Plaintiff, represented by Orin R. Kurtz -- okurtz@gardylaw.com -- Gardy & Notis, LLP. Maggies Paratransit Corp., Defendant, represented by Jeffrey D. Pollack -- pollack@mintzandgold.com -- Mintz & Gold, LLP & Adam Daniel Friedland -- friedland@mintzandgold.com -- Mintz & Gold LLP. MDL 1566: Williams, El Paso and Xcel Not Cleared from Suit ---------------------------------------------------------- In the case, In re WESTERN STATES WHOLESALE NATURAL GAS ANTITRUST LITIGATION, REORGANIZED FLI, INC., Plaintiff, v. WILLIAMS COMPANIES, INC. et al., Defendants, No. 2:03-cv-01431-RCJ-PAL, MDL No. 1566, No. 2:05-cv-01331-RCJ-PAL (D. Nev.), District Judge Robert C. Jones issued an order denying Motion for Entry of Judgment for release of three moving Defendants which were not listed in the First or Second Settlement Agreements. Those three Defendants are Williams Merchant Services, Company, Inc.; El Paso Corporation; and Xcel Energy Inc. The Court ordered that the Defendants may submit a new motion and proposed judgment consistent with the Order or may ask the Court to reconsider if it can show that the three named Defendants are in fact settled with Plaintiffs or are listed in the First or Second Settlement Agreements by different names. The case pertains to various consolidated cases arising out from the energy crisis of 2000-2002. Plaintiffs (retail buyers of natural gas) allege that Defendants (natural gas traders) manipulated the price of natural gas by reporting false information to price indices published by trade publications and engaging in wash sales. In 2003, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation ("JPML") transferred seven class action cases from various districts in California to this District under 28 U.S.C. Sec. 1407 as Multidistrict Litigation ("MDL") Case No. 1566, assigning Judge Pro to preside. Since then, the JPML has transferred in several more actions from various districts throughout the United States. Between 2003 and 2015, Judge Pro ruled on many motions to remand, to dismiss, and for summary judgment. He also approved several class settlements. Several parties settled on their own. One or more of the cases have been to the Court of Appeals twice and to the Supreme Court once. In 2007, the Court of Appeals reversed several dismissals under the filed rate doctrine and remanded for further proceedings. In 2013, the Court of Appeals reversed several summary judgment orders, ruling that the Natural Gas Act did not preempt state law anti-trust claims and that certain Wisconsin- and Missouri-based Defendants should not have been dismissed for lack of personal jurisdiction. The Supreme Court granted certiorari as to preemption under the Natural Gas Act and affirmed. The case was soon thereafter reassigned to the Nevada District Court when Judge Pro retired. The Court granted three motions to dismiss for lack of personal jurisdiction, but the Court later reconsidered. A copy of the Court's Order dated August 24, 2016 is available at http://goo.gl/yBLxURfrom Leagle.com. In re Western States Wholesale Natural Gas Antitrust Litigation, represented by Jay Kevin Wieser, Jackson Walker L.L.P., Anna K. Milunas -- amilunas@mckoolsmithhennigan.com -- McKool Smith Hennigan PC, Bradley C. Weber -- BWeber@lockelord.com -- Locke Lord LLP, Brent Cohen -- bcohen@lrrc.com -- Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie LLP, Brett D. Bissett -- bbissett@mckoolsmithhennigan.com -- McKool Smith Hennigan, P.C., Craig A. Fitzgerald -- cfitzgerald@gablelaw.com -- Gable Gotwals, Diane R. Hazel -- dhazel@lrrc.com -- Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie LLP, Gary D. McCallister -- gdm@mccallisterlawgroup.com -- Gary D. McCallister & Associates, LLC, Gregory M. Bentz -- gbentz@polsinelli.com -- Polsinelli Shughart, Jennifer Gille Bacon -- jbacon@polsinelli.com -- Polsinelli PC, Joseph A. Fischer, III, Jackson Walker L.L.P., Joshua D. Lichtman, Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP, Mark R. Robeck - - mrobeck@kelleydrye.com -- Kelley Drye & Warren LLP, Melinda Anne Bialzik, Kohner, Mann & Kailas, S.C., Melvin Goldstein, Goldstein & Associates, PC, Michael John Miguel -- mmiguel@mckoolsmithhennigan.com -- McKool Smith Hennigan PC, pro hac vice, Nitin Reddy -- nreddy@sidley.com -- Sidley Austin LLP, Orrin L. Harrison, III -- oharrison@getrial.com -- Gruber Hurst Johansen Hail Shank, Roxanna A. Manuel -- rm@kupfersteinmanuel.com -- Kupferstein Manuel LLP, Russell S. Jones, Jr. -- rjones@polsinelli.com -- Polsinelli P.C., Ryan Matthew Billings, Kohner, Mann & Kailas & Tristan L. Duncan -- tlduncan@shb.com -- Shook Hardy & Bacon. Aquila, Inc., et al., Defendants, represented by Charles A. Moore, Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP, Khai LeQuang, Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe, LLP, pro hac vice, Martin M. Loring -- martin.loring@huschblackwell.com -- Blackwell, Sanders, Peper, Martin, William Molinski Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe, LLP, Bradley C. Weber, Locke Lord LLP & Orrin L. Harrison, III -- oharrison@getrial.com -- Gruber Hurst Johansen Hail Shank. CMS Energy Resources Management Company, Defendant, represented by Mark E. Haddad -- mhaddad@sidley.com -- Sidley Austin LLP, Michelle B. Goodman -- mgoodman@sidley.com -- Sidley Austin LLP, Nitin Reddy -- nreddy@sidley.com -- Sidley Austin LLP, pro hac vice, Steven A. Ellis Goodwin Procter LLP, Bradley C. Weber -- BWeber@lockelord.com -- Locke Lord LLP, Joel B. Kleinman, Blank Rome LLP, Orrin L. Harrison, III, Gruber Hurst Johansen Hail Shank & Stacy L. Williams, Locke Lord LLP. e prime Energy Marketing, Inc., et al., Defendants, represented by Jay Kevin Wieser, Jackson Walker L.L.P., Anna K. Milunas -- amilunas@mckoolsmithhennigan.com -- McKool Smith Hennigan PC, Bradley C. Weber -- BWeber@lockelord.com -- Locke Lord LLP, Brent Cohen -- bcohen@lrrc.com -- Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie LLP, Brett D. Bissett -- bbissett@mckoolsmithhennigan.com -- McKool Smith Hennigan, P.C., Craig A. Fitzgerald, Gable Gotwals, Diane R. Hazel, Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie LLP, Gary D. McCallister Gary D. McCallister & Associates, LLC, Gregory M. Bentz -- gbentz@polsinelli.com -- Polsinelli Shughart, Jennifer Gille Bacon -- jbacon@polsinelli.com -- Polsinelli PC, Joseph A. Fischer, III, Jackson Walker L.L.P., Joshua D. Lichtman, Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP, Mark R. Robeck -- mrobeck@kelleydrye.com -- Kelley Drye & Warren LLP, Melinda Anne Bialzik, Kohner, Mann & Kailas, S.C., Melvin Goldstein, Goldstein & Associates, PC, Michael John Miguel, McKool Smith Hennigan PC, pro hac vice, Nitin Reddy -- nreddy@sidley.com -- Sidley Austin LLP, Orrin L. Harrison, III -- oharrison@getrial.com -- Gruber Hurst Johansen Hail Shank, Roxanna A. Manuel -- rm@kupfersteinmanuel.com -- Kupferstein Manuel LLP, Russell S. Jones, Jr. -- rjones@polsinelli.com -- Polsinelli P.C., Ryan Matthew Billings, Kohner, Mann & Kailas & Tristan L. Duncan -- tlduncan@shb.com -- Shook Hardy & Bacon. MDL 1840: Court Increases Atty's Fees in Costco Settlement ---------------------------------------------------------- In the case captioned IN RE: MOTOR FUEL TEMPERATURE SALES PRACTICES LITIGATION. (This Document Relates to All Cases), MDL No. 1840, Case No. 07-MD-1840-KHV (D. Kan.), Judge Kathryn H. Vratil sustained the plaintiffs' partial objection to the Magistrate Judge Teresa J. James' February 17, 2016 report and recommendation regarding the plaintiffs' request for attorneys' fees under 29 class action settlements. All other objections were overruled. Under the laws of 26 states (Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Virginia), the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam, the plaintiffs alleged various claims based on the defendants' practice of selling motor fuel for a specified price per gallon without disclosing or adjusting for temperature, and without disclosing the effect of temperature on motor fuel. On February 17, 2016, Magistrate Judge Teresa J. James issued a report and recommendations regarding the plaintiffs' request for attorneys' fees under 29 class action settlements. The Magistrate Judge found that under all of the settlements, counsel are entitled to recover attorneys' fees and costs. As to Costco, Judge James found that $3,800,000 constitutes a reasonable amount for attorneys' fees, expenses and class representative incentive payments. As to the remaining settlements, Judge James found that the amounts to which the parties agreed are reasonable. Specifically, under the non-Costco automatic temperature compensation (ATC) settlements, Judge James recommended total attorneys' fees of $7,758,000. Under the Refiner Settlements, Judge James recommended total attorneys' fees of $7,189,800 The plaintiffs objected that, for the Costco settlement, the recommended fee is unreasonably low and urged the court to increase it to $4,000,000. The court agreed with the plaintiffs that $4,000,000 is a reasonable fee. A full-text copy of Judge Vratil's August 24, 2016 memorandum and order is available at https://is.gd/nL7RwL from Leagle.com. In Re Motor Fuel Temperature Sales Practices Litigation, Plaintiff, represented by George A. Zelcs -- gzelcs@koreintillery.com -- Korein Tillery, LLC, Joseph A. Kronawitter -- jkronawitter@hab-law.com -- Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC & Thomas V. Bender -- tbender@wbsvlaw.com -- Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC. Zachary Wilson, Plaintiff, represented by Garrett M. Hodes -- ghodes@wbsvlaw.com -- Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC, George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC, J. Brett Milbourn -- bmilbourn@wbsvlaw.com -- Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC, Kip D. Richards -- krichards@wbsvlaw.com -- Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC, Nina Hunter Fields, Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman, LLC, Richard M. Acosta -- racosta@hab-law.com -- Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC, Robert A. Horn -- rhorn@hab-law.com -- Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC, Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC & Ureka E. Idstrom -- uri@idstrom.com. American Fiber & Cabling, LLC, Plaintiff, represented by George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC. Mathew Cook, Plaintiff, represented by George A. Barton, Law Offices of George A. Barton, PC, George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC, Nina Hunter Fields, Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman, LLC, Phyllis A. Norman, The Norman Law Firm & Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC. Brent Donaldson, Plaintiff, represented by George A. Barton, Law Offices of George A. Barton, PC, George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC, Phyllis A. Norman, The Norman Law Firm & Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC. Samantha Baylard, Plaintiff, represented by George A. Barton, Law Offices of George A. Barton, PC, George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC, Phyllis A. Norman, The Norman Law Firm & Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC. Ditzfeld Transfer, Inc., Plaintiff, represented by George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC, Kari A. Schulte, Cook, Vetter, Doerhoff & Landwehr PC, Robert W. Russell, Kempton and Russell, Spencer W. Eisenmenger, Kempton and Russell, Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC & Timothy W. Van Ronzelen, Cook, Vetter, Doerhoff & Landwehr PC, pro hac vice. Victor VanDyne, Plaintiff, represented by George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC, Kari A. Schulte, Cook, Vetter, Doerhoff & Landwehr PC, Matthew A. Clement, Cook, Vetter, Doerhoff & Landwehr PC, Robert W. Russell, Kempton and Russell, Spencer W. Eisenmenger, Kempton and Russell, Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC & Timothy W. Van Ronzelen, Cook, Vetter, Doerhoff & Landwehr PC, pro hac vice. Carl Davis, Plaintiff, represented by George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC,Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC, Kari A. Schulte, Cook, Vetter, Doerhoff & Landwehr PC, Matthew A. Clement, Cook, Vetter, Doerhoff & Landwehr PC, Robert W. Russell, Kempton and Russell, Spencer W. Eisenmenger, Kempton and Russell, Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC & Timothy W. Van Ronzelen, Cook, Vetter, Doerhoff & Landwehr PC, pro hac vice. Robert Rollings, on behalf of himself and all other persons, corporations and other entities who purchased gasoline from the defendants throughout the United States and who paid Missouri and or federal fuel tax, Plaintiff, represented by George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC, Kari A. Schulte, Cook, Vetter, Doerhoff & Landwehr PC, Matthew A. Clement, Cook, Vetter, Doerhoff & Landwehr PC,Robert W. Russell, Kempton and Russell, Spencer W. Eisenmenger, Kempton and Russell, Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC & Timothy W. Van Ronzelen, Cook, Vetter, Doerhoff & Landwehr PC, pro hac vice. Craig Massey, Plaintiff, represented by Eric A. Davis, Niemeyer, Alexander & Phillips, P.C., George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC, John C. Niemeyer, Niemeyer, Alexander & Phillips, P.C., pro hac vice, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC, Linda G. Alexander, Niemeyer, Alexander & Phillips, P.C. & Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC. Bobby Roberson, on behalf of themselves and all others similarly situated, Plaintiff, represented by Eric A. Davis, Niemeyer, Alexander & Phillips, P.C.,George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC, John C. Niemeyer, Niemeyer, Alexander & Phillips, P.C., pro hac vice, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC, Linda G. Alexander, Niemeyer, Alexander & Phillips, P.C. & Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC. Mark Rushing, Plaintiff, represented by Christie R. Deaton, Korein Tillery, LLC, Daniel J. Shih, Susman Godfrey, LLP, David C. Frederick, Kellogg, Huber, Hansen, Todd, Evans & Figel, PLLC, George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC, Gregory A. Lofstead, Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman, LLC,Guy D. Calladine, Carlson, Calladine & Peterson, LLP, J. David Butler, Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman, LLC, James C. Bradley, Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman, LLC, pro hac vice, John A. Libra, Korein Tillery, LLC, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC, Lindsey N. Godfrey, Susman Godfrey, LLP, Marc M. Seltzer, Susman Godfrey, LLP, Matthew D. Hamrick, Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman, LLC, Michael J. Brickman, Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman, LLC, pro hac vice, Nina Hunter Fields, Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman, LLC, pro hac vice, Robert King, Robert M. Peterson, Carlson, Calladine & Peterson, LLP, Stephen D. Susman, Susman Godfrey, LLP, Stephen M. Tillery, Korein Tillery, LLC, pro hac vice & Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC. John Telles, Plaintiff, represented by Christie R. Deaton, Korein Tillery, LLC,Daniel J. Shih, Susman Godfrey, LLP, David C. Frederick, Kellogg, Huber, Hansen, Todd, Evans & Figel, PLLC, George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC,Gregory A. Lofstead, Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman, LLC, Guy D. Calladine, Carlson, Calladine & Peterson, LLP, J. David Butler, Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman, LLC, James C. Bradley, Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman, LLC, pro hac vice, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC, Lindsey N. Godfrey, Susman Godfrey, LLP, Marc M. Seltzer, Susman Godfrey, LLP, Matthew D. Hamrick, Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman, LLC, Matthew P. O'Malley, Tompkins, McGuire, Wachenfeld & Barry, LLP, Michael J. Brickman, Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman, LLC, pro hac vice, Nina Hunter Fields, Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman, LLC, pro hac vice,Robert King, Robert M. Peterson, Carlson, Calladine & Peterson, LLP,Stephen D. Susman, Susman Godfrey, LLP, Stephen M. Tillery, Korein Tillery, LLC, pro hac vice & Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC. Kenneth Becker, Plaintiff, represented by Christie R. Deaton, Korein Tillery, LLC, Daniel J. Shih, Susman Godfrey, LLP, David C. Frederick, Kellogg, Huber, Hansen, Todd, Evans & Figel, PLLC, George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC, Gregory A. Lofstead, Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman, LLC,Guy D. Calladine, Carlson, Calladine & Peterson, LLP, J. David Butler, Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman, LLC, James C. Bradley, Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman, LLC, pro hac vice, John A. Libra, Korein Tillery, LLC, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC, Lindsey N. Godfrey, Susman Godfrey, LLP, Marc M. Seltzer, Susman Godfrey, LLP, Matthew D. Hamrick, Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman, LLC, Matthew P. O'Malley, Tompkins, McGuire, Wachenfeld & Barry, LLP, Michael J. Brickman, Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman, LLC, pro hac vice, Nina Hunter Fields, Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman, LLC, pro hac vice, Robert M. Peterson, Carlson, Calladine & Peterson, LLP, Stephen D. Susman, Susman Godfrey, LLP,Stephen M. Tillery, Korein Tillery, LLC, pro hac vice & Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC. Charles Parrish, Plaintiff, represented by Christie R. Deaton, Korein Tillery, LLC, Daniel J. Shih, Susman Godfrey, LLP, David C. Frederick, Kellogg, Huber, Hansen, Todd, Evans & Figel, PLLC, George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC, Gregory A. Lofstead, Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman, LLC,Guy D. Calladine, Carlson, Calladine & Peterson, LLP, John A. Libra, Korein Tillery, LLC, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC, Matthew D. Hamrick, Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman, LLC, Michael J. Brickman, Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman, LLC, pro hac vice,Robert King, Robert M. Peterson, Carlson, Calladine & Peterson, LLP,Stephen M. Tillery, Korein Tillery, LLC, pro hac vice & Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC. Lesley Duke, 53 Shady Lane Hertford, NC 27944, Plaintiff, represented byChristie R. Deaton, Korein Tillery, LLC, George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC,Guy D. Calladine, Carlson, Calladine & Peterson, LLP, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC, Matthew D. Hamrick, Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman, LLC, Robert King & Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC. Roy Edson, Plaintiff, represented by Christie R. Deaton, Korein Tillery, LLC,Daniel J. Shih, Susman Godfrey, LLP, David C. Frederick, Kellogg, Huber, Hansen, Todd, Evans & Figel, PLLC, George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC,Gregory A. Lofstead, Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman, LLC, Guy D. Calladine, Carlson, Calladine & Peterson, LLP, John A. Libra, Korein Tillery, LLC, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC, Matthew D. Hamrick, Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman, LLC, Michael J. Brickman, Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman, LLC, pro hac vice,Robert King, Robert M. Peterson, Carlson, Calladine & Peterson, LLP,Stephen M. Tillery, Korein Tillery, LLC, pro hac vice & Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC. John Taylor, Plaintiff, represented by Christie R. Deaton, Korein Tillery, LLC, Daniel J. Shih, Susman Godfrey, LLP, David C. Frederick, Kellogg, Huber, Hansen, Todd, Evans & Figel, PLLC, George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC, Gregory A. Lofstead, Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman, LLC,Guy D. Calladine, Carlson, Calladine & Peterson, LLP, James C. Bradley, Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman, LLC, pro hac vice, John A. Libra, Korein Tillery, LLC, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC, Matthew D. Hamrick, Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman, LLC, Michael J. Brickman, Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman, LLC, pro hac vice, Nina Hunter Fields, Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman, LLC, pro hac vice, Robert King, Robert M. Peterson, Carlson, Calladine & Peterson, LLP, Stephen M. Tillery, Korein Tillery, LLC, pro hac vice, Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC &Thomas P. Rosenfeld, Korein Tillery, LLC. Richard Galauski, Plaintiff, represented by Christie R. Deaton, Korein Tillery, LLC, Daniel J. Shih, Susman Godfrey, LLP, David C. Frederick, Kellogg, Huber, Hansen, Todd, Evans & Figel, PLLC, George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC, Gregory A. Lofstead, Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman, LLC, Guy D. Calladine, Carlson, Calladine & Peterson, LLP, J. David Butler, Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman, LLC, James C. Bradley, Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman, LLC, pro hac vice,John A. Libra, Korein Tillery, LLC, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC, Lindsey N. Godfrey, Susman Godfrey, LLP, Marc M. Seltzer, Susman Godfrey, LLP, Matthew D. Hamrick, Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman, LLC, Matthew P. O'Malley, Tompkins, McGuire, Wachenfeld & Barry, LLP, Michael J. Brickman, Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman, LLC, pro hac vice, Nina Hunter Fields, Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman, LLC, pro hac vice, Robert King, Robert M. Peterson, Carlson, Calladine & Peterson, LLP, Stephen D. Susman, Susman Godfrey, LLP, Stephen M. Tillery, Korein Tillery, LLC, pro hac vice & Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC. William Boyd, individually and on behalf of others similarly situated, Plaintiff, represented by Christie R. Deaton, Korein Tillery, LLC, Daniel J. Shih, Susman Godfrey, LLP, George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC, Guy D. Calladine, Carlson, Calladine & Peterson, LLP, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC, Lindsey N. Godfrey, Susman Godfrey, LLP, Marc M. Seltzer, Susman Godfrey, LLP, Robert M. Peterson, Carlson, Calladine & Peterson, LLP, Stephen D. Susman, Susman Godfrey, LLP & Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC. Donald Allen, Plaintiff, represented by Christie R. Deaton, Korein Tillery, LLC, George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC, Lindsey N. Godfrey, Susman Godfrey, LLP, Marc M. Seltzer, Susman Godfrey, LLP, Matthew P. O'Malley, Tompkins, McGuire, Wachenfeld & Barry, LLP, Stephen D. Susman, Susman Godfrey, LLP &Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC. Dennis Sapp, Plaintiff, represented by Christie R. Deaton, Korein Tillery, LLC, George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC, Lindsey N. Godfrey, Susman Godfrey, LLP, Marc M. Seltzer, Susman Godfrey, LLP, Matthew P. O'Malley, Tompkins, McGuire, Wachenfeld & Barry, LLP, Stephen D. Susman, Susman Godfrey, LLP &Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC. Lisa McBride, Plaintiff, represented by Andrew N. Goldfarb, Zuckerman Spaeder LLP, George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC, Jennifer Ross, Zuckerman Spaeder LLP, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC, Lori J. Keen, Glassman, Edwards, Wade & Wyatt, PC & Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC. Tamara Miller, Plaintiff, represented by Carl Wyatt, Glassman, Edwards, Wade & Wyatt, PC. Tamara Miller, on behalf of self and all others similarly situated, Plaintiff, represented by George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC, N. Richard Glassman, Glassman, Edwards, Wade & Wyatt, PC, Robert A. Cox, Glassman, Edwards, Wade & Wyatt, PC,Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC & Tim Edwards, Glassman, Edwards, Wade & Wyatt, PC. Heartland Landscape Group LLC, Plaintiff, represented by George A. Barton, Law Offices of George A. Barton, PC, George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC,Joe Carson, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC, Linda G. Alexander, Niemeyer, Alexander & Phillips, P.C., Phyllis A. Norman, The Norman Law Firm & Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC. Team Trucking, Plaintiff, represented by George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC, Jere L. Beasley, Beasley Allen Crow Methvin Portis & Miles, PC, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC, Joseph P. Miller, Beasley Allen Crow Methvin Portis & Miles PC, Rhon Jones, Beasley Allen Crow Methvin Portis & Miles, PC & Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC. Dennis K. Mann, Plaintiff, represented by George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC, Jere L. Beasley, Beasley Allen Crow Methvin Portis & Miles, PC, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC, Joseph P. Miller, Beasley Allen Crow Methvin Portis & Miles PC, Rhon Jones, Beasley Allen Crow Methvin Portis & Miles, PC & Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC. Christopher Payne, Plaintiff, represented by Charles J. Muchmore, Burch & Cracchiolo PA, George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC, John D. Curtis, II, Burch & Cracchiolo PA, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC, Laura J. Meyer, Burch & Cracchiolo PA & Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC. James Anliker, Plaintiff, represented by Charles J. Muchmore, Burch & Cracchiolo PA, George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC, John D. Curtis, II, Burch & Cracchiolo PA, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC, Laura J. Meyer, Burch & Cracchiolo PA & Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC. Jim's Truckings, Inc., Plaintiff, represented by Charles J. Muchmore, Burch & Cracchiolo PA, George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC, John D. Curtis, II, Burch & Cracchiolo PA, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC,Laura J. Meyer, Burch & Cracchiolo PA & Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC. Phyllis Lerner, Plaintiff, represented by Bryan C. Payne, Engstrom, Lipscomb & Lack, Christopher T. Aumais, Girardi Keese, Dana M. Vessey, Dapeer Rosenblit and Litvak, pro hac vice, Elizabeth L. Crooke, Engstrom, Lipscomb & Lack, George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC, Graham B. LippSmith, Girardi Keese, Howard B. Miller, Girardi Keese, pro hac vice,Joseph C. Gjonola, Girardi Keese, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC, Larry A. Sackey, Larry A. Sackey Law Offices, Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC, Thomas V. Girardi, Girardi Keese,Thu V. Nguyen, Engstrom, Lipscomb & Lack, Walter J. Lack, Engstrom, Lipscomb & Lack & William Litvak, Dapeer Rosenblit and Litvak. Robert Hicks, Plaintiff, represented by Dana M. Vessey, Dapeer Rosenblit and Litvak, pro hac vice, George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC, Larry A. Sackey, Larry A. Sackey Law Offices, Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC &William Litvak, Dapeer Rosenblit and Litvak. Ronald Bartley, Plaintiff, represented by Dana M. Vessey, Dapeer Rosenblit and Litvak, pro hac vice, George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC, Larry A. Sackey, Larry A. Sackey Law Offices, Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC &William Litvak, Dapeer Rosenblit and Litvak. Herb Glaser, Plaintiff, represented by Dana M. Vessey, Dapeer Rosenblit and Litvak, pro hac vice, George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC, Larry A. Sackey, Larry A. Sackey Law Offices, Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC &William Litvak, Dapeer Rosenblit and Litvak. Rollie Berry, Plaintiff, represented by Dana M. Vessey, Dapeer Rosenblit and Litvak, pro hac vice, George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC, Larry A. Sackey, Larry A. Sackey Law Offices, Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC &William Litvak, Dapeer Rosenblit and Litvak. Steven Rubin, Plaintiff, represented by Dana M. Vessey, Dapeer Rosenblit and Litvak, pro hac vice, George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC, Larry A. Sackey, Larry A. Sackey Law Offices, Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC &William Litvak, Dapeer Rosenblit and Litvak. Alex Zalkin, Plaintiff, represented by Dana M. Vessey, Dapeer Rosenblit and Litvak, pro hac vice, George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC, Larry A. Sackey, Larry A. Sackey Law Offices, Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC &William Litvak, Dapeer Rosenblit and Litvak. Max Candiotty, Plaintiff, represented by Dana M. Vessey, Dapeer Rosenblit and Litvak, pro hac vice, George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC, Larry A. Sackey, Larry A. Sackey Law Offices, Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC &William Litvak, Dapeer Rosenblit and Litvak. Craig Posen, Plaintiff, represented by George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC,Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC & Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC. Frank Owen, Plaintiff, represented by Christie R. Deaton, Korein Tillery, LLC, George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC, Lindsey N. Godfrey, Susman Godfrey, LLP, Marc M. Seltzer, Susman Godfrey, LLP, Stephen D. Susman, Susman Godfrey, LLP &Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC. James Jarvais, Plaintiff, represented by Christie R. Deaton, Korein Tillery, LLC, George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC, Lindsey N. Godfrey, Susman Godfrey, LLP, Marc M. Seltzer, Susman Godfrey, LLP, Stephen D. Susman, Susman Godfrey, LLP &Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC. Mara Redstone, Plaintiff, represented by Craig P. Niedenthal, Cory Watson Crowder & DeGaris, David Deary, Deary Montgomery Defeo & Canada LLP,Douglas A. Dellaccio, Jr., Cory Watson Crowder & DeGaris, Ernest Cory, Cory Watson Crowder & DeGaris, G. Rick DiGiorgio, Cory Watson Crowder & DeGaris, George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC, Howard M. Miles, Whatley Drake & Kallas LLC, Jeven Sloan, Whatley Drake & Kallas LLC, Joe R. Whatley, Jr., Whatley Drake & Kallas LLC, Joseph Guglielmo, pro hac vice,Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC, Othni J. Lathram,Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC & William C. Wright, William C. Wright PA. Patrick Exterminating, Inc., Plaintiff, represented by Craig P. Niedenthal, Cory Watson Crowder & DeGaris, David Deary, Deary Montgomery Defeo & Canada LLP, Douglas A. Dellaccio, Jr., Cory Watson Crowder & DeGaris,Ernest Cory, Cory Watson Crowder & DeGaris, G. Rick DiGiorgio, Cory Watson Crowder & DeGaris, George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC, Howard M. Miles, Whatley Drake & Kallas LLC, Joe R. Whatley, Jr., Whatley Drake & Kallas LLC, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC, Othni J. Lathram, Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC &William C. Wright, William C. Wright PA. Robert Cozza, Plaintiff, represented by George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC,Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC, Robert W. Russell, Kempton and Russell, Theodore J. Leopold, Leopold Kuvin, PA & Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC. Dennis Flaherty, Plaintiff, represented by George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC, Theodore J. Leopold, Leopold Kuvin, PA & Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC. Raphael Sagalyn, Plaintiff, represented by Andrew N. Goldfarb, Zuckerman Spaeder LLP, Carlos T. Angulo, Zuckerman Spaeder LLP, George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC, Graeme W. Bush, Zuckerman Spaeder LLP, Jennifer Ross, Zuckerman Spaeder LLP, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC, Shawn P. Naunton, Zuckerman Spaeder LLP & Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC. J.C. Wash, Plaintiff, represented by George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC,John E. Tomlinson, Beasley Allen Crow Methvin Portis & Miles, PC, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC, Joseph P. Miller, Beasley Allen Crow Methvin Portis & Miles PC, Ted G. Meadows, Beasley Allen Crow Methvin Portis & Miles, PC & Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC. Jean W. Neese, Plaintiff, represented by David F. Kirby, Kirby & Holt, George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC, Nina Hunter Fields, Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman, LLC,Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC, William Bystrynski, Kirby & Holt & William W. Plyler, McMillan & Smith, pro hac vice. Cecil R. Wilkins, Plaintiff, represented by David F. Kirby, Kirby & Holt,George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC, Nina Hunter Fields, Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman, LLC, Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC, William Bystrynski, Kirby & Holt & William W. Plyler, McMillan & Smith, pro hac vice. Wayne Byram, Plaintiff, represented by Douglas A. Dellaccio, Jr., Cory Watson Crowder & DeGaris, Ernest Cory, Cory Watson Crowder & DeGaris,G. Rick DiGiorgio, Cory Watson Crowder & DeGaris, George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC, Howard M. Miles, Whatley Drake & Kallas LLC, Joe R. Whatley, Jr., Whatley Drake & Kallas LLC, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC, Othni J. Lathram, Shane C. Youtz & Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC. Gary Kohut, Plaintiff, represented by George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC, J. Randall Jones, Kemp, Jones & Coulthard, LLP, John H. Cotton, Cotton & Associates, pro hac vice, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC, P. Kyle Smith, Harrison, Kemp Jones & Coulthard & Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC. Scott Campbell, Plaintiff, represented by George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC, J. Randall Jones, Kemp, Jones & Coulthard, LLP, John H. Cotton, Cotton & Associates, pro hac vice, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC, P. Kyle Smith, Harrison, Kemp Jones & Coulthard & Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC. Debra Berg, Plaintiff, represented by George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC, J. Randall Jones, Kemp, Jones & Coulthard, LLP, John H. Cotton, Cotton & Associates, pro hac vice, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC, P. Kyle Smith, Harrison, Kemp Jones & Coulthard & Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC. Tia Gomez, Plaintiff, represented by George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC, J. Randall Jones, Kemp, Jones & Coulthard, LLP, John H. Cotton, Cotton & Associates, pro hac vice, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC, P. Kyle Smith, Harrison, Kemp Jones & Coulthard & Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC. Shonna S. Butler, Plaintiff, represented by Andrew S. Kierstead, Andrew S. Kierstead Law Offices, George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC, John S. Stone, John S. Stone, LLC, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC,Lawrence A. Locke, Kierstead & Locke, Martin Woodward, Stanley Law Group, pro hac vice, Michael D. Donovan, Donovan Searles, LLC, Roger L. Mandel, Lackey Hershman, LLP & Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC. Jonathan Charles Conlin, Plaintiff, represented by G. Rick DiGiorgio, Cory Watson Crowder & DeGaris, George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC, Howard M. Miles, Whatley Drake & Kallas LLC, Jeven Sloan, Whatley Drake & Kallas LLC, Joe R. Whatley, Jr., Whatley Drake & Kallas LLC, Joseph Guglielmo, pro hac vice, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC, Joseph P. Miller, Beasley Allen Crow Methvin Portis & Miles PC, Lee L. Coleman, Hughes & Coleman & Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC. Ben Dozier, Plaintiff, represented by G. Rick DiGiorgio, Cory Watson Crowder & DeGaris, George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC, Howard M. Miles, Whatley Drake & Kallas LLC, Joe R. Whatley, Jr., Whatley Drake & Kallas LLC, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC & Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC. Mark Scrivner, Plaintiff, represented by G. Rick DiGiorgio, Cory Watson Crowder & DeGaris, George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC, Howard M. Miles, Whatley Drake & Kallas LLC, Joe R. Whatley, Jr., Whatley Drake & Kallas LLC, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC & Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC. Priscilla Craft, Plaintiff, represented by George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC,Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC, L. DeWayne Layfield, Attorney at Law & Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC. James Graham, Plaintiff, represented by Andrew N. Goldfarb, Zuckerman Spaeder LLP, Carlos T. Angulo, Zuckerman Spaeder LLP, Elizabeth G. Taylor, Zuckerman Spaeder LLP, George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC,Graeme W. Bush, Zuckerman Spaeder LLP, Jennifer Ross, Zuckerman Spaeder LLP, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC, Shawn P. Naunton, Zuckerman Spaeder LLP & Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC. 3 Girls Enterprises, Inc., Plaintiff, represented by George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC, Jere L. Beasley, Beasley Allen Crow Methvin Portis & Miles, PC,Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC, Joseph P. Miller, Beasley Allen Crow Methvin Portis & Miles PC, Rhon Jones, Beasley Allen Crow Methvin Portis & Miles, PC & Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC. Ronna Posen, Plaintiff, represented by Dana M. Vessey, Dapeer Rosenblit and Litvak, pro hac vice, George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC, Larry A. Sackey, Larry A. Sackey Law Offices, Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC &William Litvak, Dapeer Rosenblit and Litvak. Barbara Cumbo, Plaintiff, represented by Dana M. Vessey, Dapeer Rosenblit and Litvak, pro hac vice, George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC, Larry A. Sackey, Larry A. Sackey Law Offices, Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC &William Litvak, Dapeer Rosenblit and Litvak. Kennedy G. Kraatz, Plaintiff, represented by George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC, Julie L. Rhoades, Matthew & Associates, L. DeWayne Layfield, Attorney at Law & Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC. Robert G. Locklier, Jim Wolfe, Plaintiffs, represented by David P. Matthews, Matthew & Associates, George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC, Julie L. Rhoades, Matthew & Associates &Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC. Melissa D. Murray, Michael A. Warner, Clinton J. Davis, Lisa Ann Lee, Plaintiffs, represented by David P. Matthews, Matthew & Associates, George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC, Julie L. Rhoades, Matthew & Associates, L. DeWayne Layfield, Attorney at Law & Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC. Steven R. Rutherford, Plaintiff, represented by George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC, Joseph P. Miller, Beasley Allen Crow Methvin Portis & Miles PC, Robert K. Finnell, The Finnell Firm, Robert W. Russell, Kempton and Russell & Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC. Ellison and Sons Trucking Co. LLC, Brent Crawford, Dixcee Millsap, Carl Rittenhouse, Plaintiffs, represented by George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC, John W. Crongeyer, Law Offices of Bryan A. Vroon, LLC, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC, Robert K. Finnell, The Finnell Firm & Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC. W. E. Hicks, Samuel Ely, Plaintiffs, represented by George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC,John W. Crongeyer, Law Offices of Bryan A. Vroon, LLC, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC, Robert K. Finnell, The Finnell Firm & Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC. Victor Ruybalid, Plaintiff, represented by George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC, Marian S. Rosen, Marian S. Rosen & Associates, Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC & Timothy A. Rowe, Rowe & Hamilton. Elizabeth Murphy, Plaintiff, represented by George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC, Theodore J. Leopold, Leopold Kuvin, PA & Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC. Hadley Bower, Plaintiff, represented by Eric A. Davis, Niemeyer, Alexander & Phillips, P.C., George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC, Jona R. Hefner, Hefner & Associates, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC, Julie L. Rhoades, Matthew & Associates, Linda G. Alexander, Niemeyer, Alexander & Phillips, P.C. & Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC. Larry O. Bower, Plaintiff, represented by Eric A. Davis, Niemeyer, Alexander & Phillips, P.C., George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC, Jona R. Hefner, Hefner & Associates, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC, Julie L. Rhoades, Matthew & Associates, Linda G. Alexander, Niemeyer, Alexander & Phillips, P.C. & Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC. Kristy Deann Mott, Plaintiff, represented by Eric A. Davis, Niemeyer, Alexander & Phillips, P.C., George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC, Jona R. Hefner, Hefner & Associates, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC, Julie L. Rhoades, Matthew & Associates, Linda G. Alexander, Niemeyer, Alexander & Phillips, P.C. & Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC. TEMCO, Inc., Plaintiff, represented by Eric A. Davis, Niemeyer, Alexander & Phillips, P.C., George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC, Jona R. Hefner, Hefner & Associates, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC, Julie L. Rhoades, Matthew & Associates, Linda G. Alexander, Niemeyer, Alexander & Phillips, P.C. & Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC. Charles Cockrell, Jr., Plaintiff, represented by George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC, Megan England Demastus, Berke, Berke & Berke, Robert K. Finnell, The Finnell Firm, Ronald J. Berke, Berke, Berke & Berke & Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC. William Rutherford, Plaintiff, represented by George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC, Joseph P. Miller, Beasley Allen Crow Methvin Portis & Miles PC, Megan England Demastus, Berke, Berke & Berke, Robert K. Finnell, The Finnell Firm,Ronald J. Berke, Berke, Berke & Berke & Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC. Mark Wyatt, Plaintiff, represented by Donald F. Hildre, Dougherty and Hildre, Elizabeth L. Crooke, Engstrom, Lipscomb & Lack, George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC, Jeffrey M. Padilla, O'Mara & Padilla, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC, Michael D. Padilla, O'Mara & Padilla, Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC &Thomas D. Haklar, Law Offices of Thomas D. Haklar. Kim Wagner, Plaintiff, represented by Donald F. Hildre, Dougherty and Hildre, Elizabeth L. Crooke, Engstrom, Lipscomb & Lack, George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC, Jeffrey M. Padilla, O'Mara & Padilla, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC, Michael D. Padilla, O'Mara & Padilla, Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC &Thomas D. Haklar, Law Offices of Thomas D. Haklar. Dawn Lalor, Plaintiff, represented by Avery L. Griffin, Hamlin, Griffin & Kohnke, LLC, Deborah S. Henton, Hamlin, Griffin & Kohnke, LLC, Edward F. Kohnke, IV, Hamlin, Griffin & Kohnke, LLC, George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC, L. DeWayne Layfield, Attorney at Law, Stacy R. Palowsky, Hamlin, Griffin & Kohnke, LLC, Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC &William J. Hamlin, Hamlin, Griffin & Kohnke, LLC. Gerald Panto, Jr., Plaintiff, represented by George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC, Martin S. Kardon, Kanter, Bernstein and Kardon, PC, Stewart Bernstein, Kanter, Bernstein and Kardon, PC, pro hac vice & Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC. S. Garrett Cook, Jr., Plaintiff, represented by George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC, Joseph P. Miller, Beasley Allen Crow Methvin Portis & Miles PC & Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC. Don Hall, Plaintiff, represented by George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC,Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC & Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC. Charles D. Jones, Plaintiff, represented by Eric A. Davis, Niemeyer, Alexander & Phillips, P.C., George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC, J. Bruce McMath, McMath Woods PA, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC, Linda G. Alexander, Niemeyer, Alexander & Phillips, P.C., Samuel E. Ledbetter, McMath Woods, PA & Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC. Michael Gauthreaux, Plaintiff, represented by Eric A. Davis, Niemeyer, Alexander & Phillips, P.C., George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC, J. Bruce McMath, McMath Woods PA, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC, Linda G. Alexander, Niemeyer, Alexander & Phillips, P.C., Samuel E. Ledbetter, McMath Woods, PA & Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC. Joann Korleski, Plaintiff, represented by Boyce Allen Clardy, Jr., Dick James Law Firm, George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC, Julie L. Rhoades, Matthew & Associates, Nina Hunter Fields, Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman, LLC & Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC. Jeff Jenkins, Plaintiff, represented by George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC, J. Randall Jones, Kemp, Jones & Coulthard, LLP, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC & Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC. Sam Hotchkiss, Plaintiff, represented by George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC, J. Randall Jones, Kemp, Jones & Coulthard, LLP, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC & Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC. Sara Terry, Plaintiff, represented by George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC, J. Randall Jones, Kemp, Jones & Coulthard, LLP, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC & Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC. Jacob Steed, Plaintiff, represented by George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC, J. Randall Jones, Kemp, Jones & Coulthard, LLP, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC & Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC. Marvin Bryan, Plaintiff, represented by Alex M. Moskowitz, A. J. Weiss & Associates, pro hac vice, George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC & Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC. Luanna Tschinderle, Plaintiff, represented by George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC, Roger L. Mandel, Lackey Hershman, LLP & Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC. Jeri T. Tschinderle, Plaintiff, represented by George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC, Roger L. Mandel, Lackey Hershman, LLP & Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC. Kelly Dutton, Plaintiff, represented by George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC,Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC, Roger L. Mandel, Lackey Hershman, LLP & Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC. Viking Marine Enterprise, Inc., Plaintiff, represented by George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC &Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, P.C.. Snake City Enterprises, LTD., Plaintiff, represented by George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC &Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC. BCME, Inc., Plaintiff, represented by George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC,Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC & Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC. Quint Kat Trucking, Inc., Plaintiff, represented by George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC & Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC. Universal Transporation & Logistics, LLC, Plaintiff, represented by George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC & Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC. K & J Trucking, Inc., Plaintiff, represented by George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC & Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC. Rushing Enterprises, Inc., Plaintiff, represented by George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC & Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC. Roy-Car, M.T.S., INC., Plaintiff, represented by George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC, Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC & Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC. Allen Ray Klein, Plaintiff, represented by Joseph A. Kronawitter, Horn, Aylward & Bandy LLC & Thomas V. Bender, Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, PC. BP Corporation North America, Inc., Defendant, represented by Douglas M. Todd, Phillips McFall McCaffrey McVay & Murrah, PC, Jarrod J. White, Cabaniss Johnston Gardner Dumas & O'Neal, Lisa J. Zastrow, Kummer Kaempger Bonner Rensahw & Ferrario, Michael F. Saunders, Spencer Fane LLP, Nancy G. Milburn, Arnold & Porter, LLP, Ronald C. Redcay, Arnold & Porter, LLP, Sandra Grisham Robinson, Cabaniss Johnston Gardner Dumas & O'Neal, Sean Morris, Arnold & Porter, LLP & Thomas G. Wolfe, Phillips McFall McCaffrey McVay & Murrah, PC. Casey's General Stores, Inc., Defendant, represented by James D. Griffin, Scharnhorst Ast Kennard Griffin PC & Martin M. Loring. Chevron USA, Inc., Defendant, represented by Brendan A. McShane, Latham & Watkins LLP, Cynthia H. Cwik, Jones Day, Darius Ogloza, Ogloza Fortney LLP, David G. Hosenpud, Lane Powell PC, Ernest J. Getto, Latham & Watkins LLP, Garrett S. Long, Latham & Watkins LLP, Heather L.T. Potts, Latham & Watkins LLP, Kirsten Ferguson, Latham & Watkins LLP, Lisa T. Silvestri, Gable & Gotwals, pro hac vice, Mary Rose Alexander, Latham & Watkins LLP, Robert C. Hackett, Mohr Hackett Penderson Blakely & Randolph PC,Stephen Stublarec, Latham & Watkins LLP, Terry D. Ragsdale, Gable & Gotwals & Thomas J. Heiden, Latham & Watkins LLP, pro hac vice. Circle K Stores, Inc., Defendant, represented by A. Bradley Bodamer, Amy Crouch, Daniel B. Hodes, German May PC, Donald H. Tucker, Jr., Smith Anderson Blount Dorsett Mitchell & Jernigan, James P. Muehlberger,Kathryn M. Zynda, Corbyn Law Firm, Kevin R. Corlew, Rebecca J. Schwartz,Robert S. Bassman, Bassman Mitchell & Alfano, Chtd., Stephen R. McAllister, Thompson Ramsdell Qualseth & Warner, PA & Tristan L. Duncan. Citgo Petroleum Corporation, Defendant, represented by Ameri Giannotti, Eimer Stahl LLP, David E. Everson, Jr., Stinson Leonard Street LLP, Michael J. Byrne, Moore & Van Allen, Nathan P. Eimer, Eimer Stahl LLP, Regan A. Sweeney, Wallace King Domike and Reiskin, PLLC, Richard M. Hutson, II, Hutson Law Office PA, Robert C. Hackett, Mohr Hackett Penderson Blakely & Randolph PC, Terrence A. Callan, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman, LLP & Vanessa G. Jacobsen, Eimer Stahl LLP. ConocoPhillips Company, Defendant, represented by Daniel S. Mason, Zelle Hofmann Voelbel & Mason LLP, Eric W. Buetzow, Zelle Hofmann Voelbel & Mason LLP, Jose M. Umbert, Zelle Hofmann Voelbel & Mason LLP, Joseph W. Bell, Zelle Hofmann Voelbel & Mason LLP, Lisa T. Silvestri, Gable & Gotwals, pro hac vice, M. Benjamin Singletary, Gable & Gotwals , Michael B. Campbell, Campbell Trial Law, Michael S. Christian, Zelle Hofmann Voelbel & Mason LLP, Philip J. Dabney, Holland & Hart LLPs Vegas, Terry D. Ragsdale, Gable & Gotwals & William F. Ford, Jr., Lathrop & Gage, LLP. Exxon Mobil Corporation, Defendant, represented by Anwar M. Johnson, Fox Galvin, LLC, Benjamin Silva, Jr., Silva & Saucedo PC, Candace A. Blydenburgh, McGuireWoods, LLP, Chad J. Pomeroy, Durham Jones & Pinegar, Charles E. Griffin, Butler Snow O'Mara Stevens & Cannada,Christopher T. Saucedo, Silva & Saucedo PC, Dana W. Tucker, Fox Galvin, LLC, David L. Arrington, Durham Jones & Pinegar, David J. Lender, Weil, Gotshal & Manges, LLP, David R. Singh, Weil, Gotshal & Manges, LLP,James D. Bowers, Fields & Brown, LLC, James J. Jackson, James W. Quinn, Weil, Gotshal & Manges, LLP, Kenneth M. Jones, Atkins & Evans, Kermit L. Kendrick, Burr & Forman LLP, Kevin F. Meade, Weil, Gotshal & Manges, LLP, pro hac vice, Michael W. Sillyman, Kutak Rock LLP, Nelson L. Atkins, Atkins & Evans, Patrick J. Conlon, Exxon Mobil Corporation, Ricky J. McKinney, Burr & Forman LLP, Robert H. Alexander, Jr., Law Office of Robert H. Alexander, Jr. PC, Robert C. Hackett, Mohr Hackett Penderson Blakely & Randolph PC, Steven J. Fram, Archer & Greiner, PC, Taylor Fields, Fields & Brown, LLC & William J. Long, Burr & Forman LLP. Flying J Inc., Defendant, represented by A. Bradley Bodamer, Amy Crouch,Daniel B. Hodes, German May PC, Helaine S. Goodner, Fowler White Burnett, James P. Muehlberger, Jonathan A. Dibble, Ray, Quinney & Nebeker-SLC, Kevin R. Corlew, Robert C. Hackett, Mohr Hackett Penderson Blakely & Randolph PC, Stephen R. McAllister, Thompson Ramsdell Qualseth & Warner, PA & Tristan L. Duncan. MFA Oil Company, Defendant, represented by William F. Ford, Jr., Lathrop & Gage, LLP. Petro Stopping Centers, LP, Defendant, represented by Daniel J. Bennett, Ropes & Gray LLC, Daniel B. Hodes, German May PC, Jane E. Willis, Ropes & Gray LLC, Jeffrey B. Storer, Ropes & Gray LLC, Laurence R. Tucker, Armstrong Teasdale LLP, Mark D. Vaughn, Ropes & Gray LLC, Samira A. Omerovic, Ropes & Gray LLP & Tyson H. Ketchum, Armstrong Teasdale LLP. Pilot Travel Centers, LLC, Defendant, represented by A. Bradley Bodamer,Amy Crouch, Daniel B. Hodes, German May PC, James P. Muehlberger,Kathryn M. Zynda, Corbyn Law Firm, Kevin R. Corlew, Rebecca J. Schwartz,Robert S. Bassman, Bassman Mitchell & Alfano, Chtd., Robert C. Hackett, Mohr Hackett Penderson Blakely & Randolph PC, Stephen R. McAllister, Thompson Ramsdell Qualseth & Warner, PA & Tristan L. Duncan. 7-Eleven, Inc., Defendant, represented by A. Bradley Bodamer, Amy Crouch,Daniel B. Hodes, German May PC, David B. Donchin, Durbin, Larimore & Bialick, Donald H. Tucker, Jr., Smith Anderson Blount Dorsett Mitchell & Jernigan, James K. Larimore, Durbin, Larimore & Bialick, Kevin R. Corlew,Rebecca J. Schwartz, Stephen R. McAllister, Thompson Ramsdell Qualseth & Warner, PA & Tristan L. Duncan. Shell Oil Company, Defendant, represented by Abby L. Risner, Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale, PC, David M. Harris, David J. Simmons, Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale, PC & Gregory C. Mollett. Sinclair Oil Corporation, Defendant, represented by Robert C. Hackett, Mohr Hackett Penderson Blakely & Randolph PC & William F. Ford, Jr., Lathrop & Gage, LLP. Valero Marketing and Supply Company, Defendant, represented by Chad A. Stegeman, Carroll, Burdick & McDonough LLP, pro hac vice, James F. Bennett, Dowd Bennett LLP, James P. Tuite, Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, LLP, Patrick J. Whalen, Spencer Fane LLP, Robert C. Hackett, Mohr Hackett Penderson Blakely & Randolph PC & Selena L. Evans, Dowd Bennett LLP. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., Defendant, represented by Brian L. Duffy, Greenberg Traurig LLP, Ericka D. McCaskill, Berkowitz Oliver LLPMO, Kurt D. Williams, Berkowitz Oliver LLPMO, Naomi G. Beer, Greenberg Traurig LLP,Sanford M. Saunders, Jr., Greenberg Traurig LLP, Sharon A. Stallbaumer, Berkowitz Oliver LLPMO & William J. Taylor, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius, LLP. The Kroger Co., also known as Kroger Co., Defendant, represented by Ashley T. Kisner, Strasburger & Price, LLP & Earsa R. Jackson, Strasburger & Price, LLP. Kum & Go, LC, Defendant, represented by A. Bradley Bodamer, Amy Crouch,Daniel B. Hodes, German May PC, James P. Muehlberger, Kathryn M. Zynda, Corbyn Law Firm, Kevin R. Corlew, Rebecca J. Schwartz, Robert S. Bassman, Bassman Mitchell & Alfano, Chtd., Stephen R. McAllister, Thompson Ramsdell Qualseth & Warner, PA & Tristan L. Duncan. Quiktrip Corp., Defendant, represented by A. Bradley Bodamer, Amy Crouch,Daniel B. Hodes, German May PC, James P. Muehlberger, Kathryn M. Zynda, Corbyn Law Firm, Kevin R. Corlew, Rebecca J. Schwartz, Robert S. Bassman, Bassman Mitchell & Alfano, Chtd., Stephen R. McAllister, Thompson Ramsdell Qualseth & Warner, PA & Tristan L. Duncan. Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores Inc, Defendant, represented by Daniel B. Hodes, German May PC, Gary W. Davis, Crowe & Dunlevy, John J. Griffin, Jr., Crowe & Dunlevy & L. Mark Walker, Crowe & Dunlevy. TA Operating Corporation, Defendant, represented by Jane E. Willis, Ropes & Gray LLC, Laurence R. Tucker, Armstrong Teasdale LLP & Tyson H. Ketchum, Armstrong Teasdale LLP. Murphy Oil USA, Inc., Defendant, represented by A. Bradley Bodamer, Amy Crouch, Daniel B. Hodes, German May PC, Donald H. Tucker, Jr., Smith Anderson Blount Dorsett Mitchell & Jernigan, James P. Muehlberger,Kathryn M. Zynda, Corbyn Law Firm, Kevin R. Corlew, Rebecca J. Schwartz,Robert S. Bassman, Bassman Mitchell & Alfano, Chtd., Stephen Alexander Hester, Williams & Anderson PLLC, Stephen R. McAllister, Thompson Ramsdell Qualseth & Warner, PA & Tristan L. Duncan. Equilon Enterprises LLC, Defendant, represented by Abby L. Risner, Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale, PC, David M. Harris, David J. Simmons, Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale, PC & Gregory C. Mollett. EZ Mart Stores Inc, Defendant, represented by Byron Freeland, Mitchell Williams Law, pro hac vice, Daniel B. Hodes, German May PC, Gary W. Davis, Crowe & Dunlevy & Sherry P. Bartley, Mitchell Williams Law. Sunoco Corporation, Defendant, represented by Barbara R. Binis, Reed Smith, LLP, pro hac vice. Star Fuel Marts Inc, Defendant, represented by A. Bradley Bodamer, Amy Crouch, Kathryn M. Zynda, Corbyn Law Firm, Kevin R. Corlew, Rebecca J. Schwartz & Tristan L. Duncan. Shell Oil Products Company LLC, Defendant, represented by Abby L. Risner, Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale, PC, David M. Harris, David J. Simmons, Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale, PC & Gregory C. Mollett. Tesoro Refining and Marketing Company, Defendant, represented by Craig J. de Recat, Manatt Phelps & Phillips, LLP, Daniel B. Hodes, German May PC, David G. Hosenpud, Lane Powell PC & Robert Roy Begland, Manatt Phelps & Phillips, LLP. TravelCenters of America, LLC, also known as TravelCenters of America, Defendant, represented by Daniel J. Bennett, Ropes & Gray LLC, Daniel B. Hodes, German May PC, Jane E. Willis, Ropes & Gray LLC, Jeffrey B. Storer, Ropes & Gray LLC, Laurence R. Tucker, Armstrong Teasdale LLP, Mark D. Vaughn, Ropes & Gray LLC, Samira A. Omerovic, Ropes & Gray LLP & Tyson H. Ketchum, Armstrong Teasdale LLP. BP West Coast Products, LLC, Defendant, represented by Erika Norman, Arnold & Porter, LLP, Michael F. Saunders, Spencer Fane LLP, Nancy G. Milburn, Arnold & Porter, LLP, Ronald C. Redcay, Arnold & Porter, LLP &Sean Morris, Arnold & Porter, LLP. Amerada Hess Corporation, Defendant, represented by Brian J. Molloy, Wilentz Goldman & Spitzer, PA. Getty Petroleum Marketing, Inc., Defendant, represented by Barry M. Kazan, Thompson Hine LLP. Motiva Enterprises LLC, Defendant, represented by Abby L. Risner, Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale, PC, David M. Harris, David J. Simmons, Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale, PC & Gregory C. Mollett. Sunoco Inc, Defendant, represented by Barbara R. Binis, Reed Smith, LLP, pro hac vice, Daniel B. Hodes, German May PC, Heather A. Ritch, Reed Smith, LLP, pro hac vice & Kristine L. Sendek Smith, Beveridge and Diamond, PC. BP Products North Americas Inc, Defendant, represented by Erika Norman, Arnold & Porter, LLP, Michael F. Saunders, Spencer Fane LLP, Nancy G. Milburn, Arnold & Porter, LLP, Ronald C. Redcay, Arnold & Porter, LLP &Sean Morris, Arnold & Porter, LLP. Amoco Oil Company, doing business as BP Products North America Inc., Defendant, represented by Andrew D. Dill, Woodward, Hobson & Fulton, LLP & Sean Morris, Arnold & Porter, LLP. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., doing business as Sams Club, Defendant, represented by Brian L. Duffy, Greenberg Traurig LLP, Naomi G. Beer, Greenberg Traurig LLP, Rob F. Robertson, Gable & Gotwals- OKC, Sanford M. Saunders, Jr., Greenberg Traurig LLP, Sidney G. Dunagan, Gable & Gotwals- OKC & William J. Taylor, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius, LLP. Thorntons, Inc., Defendant, represented by Daniel B. Hodes, German May PC & Donald J. Kelly, Wyatt, Tarrant & Combs, LLP. Mac's Convenience Stores, LLC., Defendant, represented by A. Bradley Bodamer, Amy Crouch, Daniel B. Hodes, German May PC, James P. Muehlberger, Kevin R. Corlew, Rebecca J. Schwartz, Robert S. Bassman, Bassman Mitchell & Alfano, Chtd. & Tristan L. Duncan. Speedway Petroleum Corporation, Defendant, represented by A. Bradley Bodamer, Amy Crouch, Kevin R. Corlew, Rebecca J. Schwartz, Robert S. Bassman, Bassman Mitchell & Alfano, Chtd., Stephen R. McAllister, Thompson Ramsdell Qualseth & Warner, PA & Tristan L. Duncan. Texaco Inc, Defendant, represented by Darius Ogloza, Ogloza Fortney LLP &David M. Harris. BP North America Petroleum, Inc., Defendant, represented by Michael F. Saunders, Spencer Fane LLP, Nancy G. Milburn, Arnold & Porter, LLP,Ronald C. Redcay, Arnold & Porter, LLP & Sean Morris, Arnold & Porter, LLP. Sam's Club, Defendant, represented by Brian L. Duffy, Greenberg Traurig LLP, Kurt D. Williams, Berkowitz Oliver Williams Shaw & Eisenbrandt, LLPMO & Naomi G. Beer, Greenberg Traurig LLP. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., Defendant, represented by Brian L. Duffy, Greenberg Traurig LLP, Naomi G. Beer, Greenberg Traurig LLP, Sanford M. Saunders, Jr., Greenberg Traurig LLP & William J. Taylor, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius, LLP. Race Trac Petroleum, Inc., Defendant, represented by A. Bradley Bodamer,Amy Crouch, Daniel B. Hodes, German May PC, James P. Muehlberger,Kevin R. Corlew, Rebecca J. Schwartz, Robert S. Bassman, Bassman Mitchell & Alfano, Chtd., Stephen R. McAllister, Thompson Ramsdell Qualseth & Warner, PA & Tristan L. Duncan. Marathon Petroleum Company, LLC, Defendant, represented by A. Bradley Bodamer, Amy Crouch, Daniel B. Hodes, German May PC, James P. Muehlberger, Kevin R. Corlew, Rebecca J. Schwartz, Robert S. Bassman, Bassman Mitchell & Alfano, Chtd., Stephen R. McAllister, Thompson Ramsdell Qualseth & Warner, PA & Tristan L. Duncan. The, Pantry Inc, Defendant, represented by A. Bradley Bodamer, Amy Crouch, Daniel B. Hodes, German May PC, Donald H. Tucker, Jr., Smith Anderson Blount Dorsett Mitchell & Jernigan, James P. Muehlberger, Joel E. Friedlander, Bouchard, Margules & Friedlander, PA, John M. Seaman, Bouchard, Margules & Friedlander, PA, Kevin R. Corlew, Rebecca J. Schwartz, Richard H. Monk, III, Bradley, Arant, Boult, Cummings, LLP,Robert S. Bassman, Bassman Mitchell & Alfano, Chtd., Stephen R. McAllister, Thompson Ramsdell Qualseth & Warner, PA & Tristan L. Duncan. G and M Oil Company, Inc., Defendant, represented by Elizabeth A. Culley, Jeffer, Mangels, Butler & Mitchell, LLP & Kenneth A. Ehrlich, Elkins Kalt Weintraub Reuben Gartside LLP, pro hac vice. G and M Oil Company, LLC., Defendant, represented by Elizabeth A. Culley, Jeffer, Mangels, Butler & Mitchell, LLP, Kenneth A. Ehrlich, Elkins Kalt Weintraub Reuben Gartside LLP, pro hac vice, Paul A. Kroeger, Jeffer, Mangels, Butler & Mitchell, LLP, pro hac vice & Timothy D. Martin, Jeffer, Mangels, Butler & Mitchell, LLP. United El Segundo, Inc., Defendant, represented by Mark B. Gilmartin, Mark B. Gilmartin Law Offices. World Oil Corporation, Defendant, represented by Michael G. Romey, Latham & Watkins LLP & Monica Klosterman, Latham & Watkins LLP. USA Petroleum Corporation, Defendant, represented by Craig J. de Recat, Manatt Phelps & Phillips, LLP & Robert Roy Begland, Manatt Phelps & Phillips, LLP. Speedway SuperAmerica, LLC, Defendant, represented by A. Bradley Bodamer, Amy Crouch, Daniel B. Hodes, German May PC, James P. Muehlberger, Kevin R. Corlew, Rebecca J. Schwartz, Robert S. Bassman, Bassman Mitchell & Alfano, Chtd., Stephen R. McAllister, Thompson Ramsdell Qualseth & Warner, PA & Tristan L. Duncan. M.M. Fowler, Inc., Defendant, represented by Daniel B. Hodes, German May PC, James C. Adams, II, Brooks Pierce McLendon Humphrey & Leonard, LLP & Richard M. Hutson, II, Hutson Law Office PA. Sheetz, Inc., Defendant, represented by A. Bradley Bodamer, Amy Crouch,Daniel B. Hodes, German May PC, James P. Muehlberger, Kevin R. Corlew,Rebecca J. Schwartz, Robert S. Bassman, Bassman Mitchell & Alfano, Chtd.,Stephen R. McAllister, Thompson Ramsdell Qualseth & Warner, PA &Tristan L. Duncan. Wawa, Inc., Defendant, represented by A. Bradley Bodamer, Amy Crouch,Daniel B. Hodes, German May PC, James P. Muehlberger, Kevin R. Corlew,Rebecca J. Schwartz, Robert S. Bassman, Bassman Mitchell & Alfano, Chtd.,Stephen R. McAllister, Thompson Ramsdell Qualseth & Warner, PA &Tristan L. Duncan. Sams East, Defendant, represented by Brian L. Duffy, Greenberg Traurig LLP, Kurt D. Williams, Berkowitz Oliver LLPMO & Naomi G. Beer, Greenberg Traurig LLP. Valero Energy Group, Defendant, represented by C. William Frick, Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, LLP, James F. Bennett, Dowd Bennett LLP,John D. Comerford, Dowd Bennett LLP, pro hac vice, Megan S. Heinsz, Dowd Bennett LLP, Patrick J. Whalen, Spencer Fane LLP & Selena L. Evans, Dowd Bennett LLP. PTCAA Texas, LP, Defendant, represented by A. Bradley Bodamer, Amy Crouch, Daniel B. Hodes, German May PC, James P. Muehlberger, Kevin R. Corlew, Rebecca J. Schwartz, Stephen R. McAllister, Thompson Ramsdell Qualseth & Warner, PA & Tristan L. Duncan. Mobil Oil Guam Inc., Defendant, represented by David J. Lender, Weil, Gotshal & Manges, LLP, David R. Singh, Weil, Gotshal & Manges, LLP,James W. Quinn, Weil, Gotshal & Manges, LLP, Kevin F. Meade, Weil, Gotshal & Manges, LLP, pro hac vice, Patrick J. Conlon, Exxon Mobil Corporation & Taylor Fields, Fields & Brown, LLC. Shell Guam Inc., Defendant, represented by Abby L. Risner, Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale, PC, David M. Harris, David J. Simmons, Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale, PC & Gregory C. Mollett. EZ Mart Stores Inc, Defendant, represented by Daniel B. Hodes, German May PC, John J. Griffin, Jr., Crowe & Dunlevy & Sherry P. Bartley, Mitchell Williams Law. Flash Market Inc, Defendant, represented by Daniel B. Hodes, German May PC & Sherry P. Bartley, Mitchell Williams Law. Hess Oil Company, Defendant, represented by Thomas B. Staley, Robinson Staley Marshall & Duke. J & P Flash Inc., Defendant, represented by Brian F. Walthart, Rieves, Rubens & Mayton, pro hac vice, Daniel B. Hodes, German May PC & Sherry P. Bartley, Mitchell Williams Law. Magness Oil Company, B-B Oil Company, Inc., Diamond State Oil LLC, Port Cities Oil LLC, Coulson Oil Company, Inc., Defendants, represented by Byron Freeland, Mitchell Williams Law, pro hac vice, Daniel B. Hodes, German May PC & Sherry P. Bartley, Mitchell Williams Law. Murphy Oil Corporation, Defendant, represented by A. Bradley Bodamer,Amy Crouch, Kevin R. Corlew, Rebecca J. Schwartz & Tristan L. Duncan. Maverik Country Stores, Inc., Defendant, represented by Brian R. Markley, Stinson Leonard Street LLP & Cameron M. Hancock, Kirton & McConkie. Dansk Investment Group, Inc., Defendant, represented by Robert Roy Begland, Manatt Phelps & Phillips, LLP. Brown-Thompson General Partnership, d/b/a 7-Eleven Stores, Defendant, represented by David B. Donchin, Durbin, Larimore & Bialick, James K. Larimore, Durbin, Larimore & Bialick & Mark E. Bialick, Durbin, Larimore & Bialick. Esso Virgin Islands, Inc., Defendant, represented by David J. Lender, Weil, Gotshal & Manges, LLP, David R. Singh, Weil, Gotshal & Manges, LLP &Kevin F. Meade, Weil, Gotshal & Manges, LLP. Domino Oil Co., Inc., Defendant, represented by Vincent A. Fuller, Jr., Law Offices of Vincent A. Fuller, Jr.. Chevron Caribbean, Inc., Defendant, represented by Heather L.T. Potts, Latham & Watkins LLP. Sam's West, Inc., Defendant, represented by Brian L. Duffy, Greenberg Traurig LLP & Naomi G. Beer, Greenberg Traurig LLP. TravelCenters of America Holding Company LLC, Defendant, represented bySamira A. Omerovic, Ropes & Gray LLP. Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), Miscellaneous, represented by Christie R. Deaton, Korein Tillery, LLC, George A. Zelcs, Korein Tillery, LLC, John A. Libra, Korein Tillery, LLC, Robert King &Stephen M. Tillery, Korein Tillery, LLC, pro hac vice. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation, Interested Party, represented byJeffrey N. Luthi, Clerk of the MDL Panel. Michael Gauthreaux, Interested Party, represented by Samuel E. Ledbetter, McMath Woods, PA. Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association of Kansas, Inc., Interested Party, represented by Joseph M. Weiler, Alderson, Alderson, Weiler, Conklin, Burghart & Crow, LLC & Robert S. Bassman, Bassman Mitchell & Alfano, Chtd.. NATSO, Inc., Interested Party, represented by Alphonse M. Alfano, Bassman Mitchell & Alfano, Chtd., Kendall Millard, Barnes & Thornburg LLP & Robert S. Bassman, Bassman Mitchell & Alfano, Chtd.. NACS - The Association for Convenience & Petroleum Retailing, Society of Independent Gasoline Marketers of America, Interested Parties, represented by John F. O'Connor, Jr., Steptoe & Johnson LLP. CIOMA, California Independent Oil Marketer's Assocation, Petroleum Marketers Association of America, Inc., Interested Party, represented by Robert S. Bassman, Bassman Mitchell & Alfano, Chtd. &Rusty Rinehart, Rinehart Law Office. Attorney General of Texas, Interested Party, represented by Bruce V. Griffiths, Office of the Attorney General, pro hac vice. Daryl Chilmidios, Objector, represented by Lawrence W. Schonbrun, Law Offices of Lawrence W. Schonbrun, pro hac vice & Richard C. Wallace, Evans & Mullinix, PA. Bonnie Anderson, David Kenner, Mike McKerley, Carroll Putnam, Karen Waldvogel, Charles Zuravin, James Phillips, Michael Sandoval, Objectors, represented by Kenneth E. Nelson, Nelson Law Firm, P.C.. Amy Alkon, Nicolas S. Martin, Theodore H. Frank, Melissa Holyoak, Adam Schulman, Objectors, represented by Anna St. John, Competitive Enterprise Institute. Jeffrey Weinstein, Objector, represented by Jeffrey L. Weinstein, Weinstein Law. MDL 2669: Court Allows Limited Discovery in Data Breach Case ------------------------------------------------------------ In the case, IN RE ASHLEY MADISON CUSTOMER DATA SECURITY BREACH LITIGATION, MDL No. 2669 (E.D. Mo.), District Judge John A. Ross ordered the Defendants to complete discovery responses as directed by the Plaintiffs for purposes of addressing the issue likely to be raised in the Defendants' contemplated motion to stay and compel arbitration. The Court says the Plaintiffs are entitled to full and complete discovery on the question of arbitrability as it relates to the 18 named Plaintiffs during the time period they were accessing the Ashley Madison web site. The Court, however, finds that the Plaintiffs seeking to discover all of the the variations of the website's Terms and Conditions as they evolved over time goes beyond the bounds of the limited discovery contemplated for purposes of the Defendants' intended motions. Thus, the Court only granted the Plaintiffs' Motion to Compel Discovery in part. A copy of the Court's Order dated August 24, 2016 is available at http://goo.gl/rOaAtbfrom Leagle.com. John Doe, Plaintiff, represented by Ari Cherniak -- ari.cherniak@gmail.com -- HammondLaw PC, Julian Ari Hammond -- jhammond@hammondlawpc.com -- HammondLaw PC & Polina Pecherskaya , HammondLaw PC. Christopher Russell, Plaintiff, represented by Gary E. Mason -- gmason@wbmllp.com -- WHITFIELD AND BRYSON, John J. Driscoll , DRISCOLL FIRM, P.C. & Michael J. Flannery -- mflannery@cuneolaw.com -- CUNEO AND GILBERT, LLP. Gustavo Alfaro, Plaintiff, represented by Christopher B. Hood -- chood@hgdlawfirm.com -- HENINGER AND GARRISON, LLC, John J. Driscoll , DRISCOLL FIRM, P.C. & Steven W. Ritcheson -- swritcheson@hgdlawfirm.com -- HENINGER AND GARRISON, LLC. Gustavo Alfaro, Plaintiff, represented by Taylor C. Bartlett -- taylor@hgdlawfirm.com -- HENINGER AND GARRISON, LLC, William Lewis Garrison, Jr. -- wlgarrison@hgdlawfirm.com -- HENINGER AND GARRISON, LLC & James F. McDonough, III -- JMcdonough@hgdlawfirm.com -- Henginger Garrison Davis, LLC. Matthew Lisuzzo, Plaintiff, represented by John J. Driscoll , DRISCOLL FIRM, P.C., Jordan Mitchell Rudnick , Zimmerman Law Offices, Scott Theodore Ferrill , Attorney at Law, Thomas A. Zimmerman, Jr. -- tom@attorneyzim.com -- Zimmerman Law Offices, P.C. & Sharon A. Harris , ZIMMERMAN LAW OFFICES, P.C.. Paul Jack, et al., Plaintiffs, represented by John J. Driscoll , DRISCOLL FIRM, P.C.. Thadeaus G Scharf, III, Plaintiff, represented by Charles D. Davidson, Davidson Law Firm, Ltd., Christopher D. Jennings , JOHNSON VINES PLLC, David Louis Gershner , Davidson Law Firm, Ltd. & Stephanie A. Linam -- stephaniel@dlf-ar.com -- Davidson Law Firm, Ltd.. Avid Life Media, Inc., et al., Defendants, represented by Daniel J. Kramer -- dkramer@paulweiss.com -- PAUL AND WEISS, E. B. Chiles, IV -- cchiles@qgtlaw.com -- Quattlebaum, Grooms & Tull PLLC, James C. Barton, Jr. -- jim.barton@butlersnow.com -- BUTLER SNOW LLP, Lorin L. Reisner -- lreisner@paulweiss.com -- PAUL AND WEISS, Robert A. Atkins -- ratkins@paulweiss.com -- PAUL AND WEISS, Helen Claire Looney -- helen.looney@bryancave.com -- BRYAN CAVE LLP, Richard P. Cassetta -- richard.cassetta@bryancave.com -- BRYAN CAVE LLP & Yahonnes S. Cleary -- ycleary@paulweiss.com -- PAUL AND WEISS. Barnes & Thornburg LLP, Defendant, represented by Dale C. Doerhoff -- ddoerhoff@cvdl.net -- COOK AND VETTER, P.C., Heidi D. Vollet -- hvollet@cvdl.net -- COOK AND VETTER, P.C. & Timothy W. Van Ronzelen -- tvanronzelen@cvdl.net -- Cook Vetter Doerhoff & Landwehr PC. Noel Biderman, Defendant, represented by Christopher M. Green -- cgreen@bsfllp.com -- BOIES AND SCHILLER LLP, Ian M. Dumain -- idumain@bsfllp.com -- BOIES AND SCHILLER LLP & William S. Ohlemeyer -- wohlemeyer@bsfllp.com -- BOIES AND SCHILLER LLP. Amicus Doe 1, et al., Movants, represented by Karl S. Kronenberger -- karl@KRInternetLaw.com -- KRONENBERGER ROSENFELD, LLP. MEYERKORD & MEYERKORD: Court Narrows Claims in "Pavone" Suit ------------------------------------------------------------ In the case captioned ANTONIO PAVONE, on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, Plaintiff, v. MEYERKORD & MEYERKORD, LLC, LEXISNEXIS RISK SOLUTIONS, INC., and IYETEK, LLC, Defendants, Case No. 15 C 1539 (N.D. Ill.), Judge Amy J. St. Eve granted in part, without prejudice, and denied in part, the motion to dismiss filed by LexisNexis Risk Solutions, Inc. (LNRS) and iyeTek, LLC. On February 26, 2016, Antonio Pavone filed a three-count Third Amended Class Action Complaint against Meyerkord & Meyerkord, LLC, LexisNexis Risk Solutions, Inc. (LNRS), and iyeTek, LLC for violating the Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) and the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). LNRS and iyeTek moved to dismiss under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 12(b)(6). In Count II, Pavone alleged that LNRS and iyeTek violated the DPPA because they resold his information -- without his express consent -- to the law firm Meyerkord for advertising purposes. Judge St. Eve found that Pavone has alleged a plausible claim for relief under the federal pleading standards. Nevertheless, the LNRS and iyeTek argued that the vehicular accident information at issue is expressly exempted from the DPPA's definition of "personal information," and therefore, their conduct in reselling this information was permissible. Judge St. Eve disagreed, finding that LNRS and iyeTek have failed to establish a good reason for the court to depart from the plain meaning in the DPPA that excludes information about an accident from the definition of "personal information," but not the personal information included in accident reports like a driver's address. In Count III of the Third Amended Class Action Complaint, Pavone alleged LNRS violated section 1681g(a)(1) of the FCRA because after he sent LNRS written requests for a copy of his complete file, LNRS failed to send him his complete file, including all information it assembles, such as his motor vehicle records and the name of the entities to whom it sells consumer information. In its motion to dismiss, LNRS argued that Pavone's section 1681g(a)(1) claim fails as a matter of law because the FCRA applies only to "consumer reports" prepared by a "consumer reporting agency." Judge St. Eve found that Pavone did not allege that the information underlying his accident report was used or expected to be used for a specified purpose under the FCRA. Accordingly, the judge concluded that Pavone has failed to state a plausible claim for relief under the federal pleading standards. Judge St. Eve therefore granted LNRS's motion to dismiss Count III without prejudice and granted Pavone leave to amend his FCRA claim keeping in mind counsel's Rule 11 obligations. A full-text copy of Judge St. Eve's August 23, 2016 memorandum opinion and order is available at https://is.gd/HztcsE from Leagle.com. Antonio Pavone, Plaintiff, represented by Roger Zamparo, Jr., Zamparo Law Group, P.C., James A. Francis -- jfrancis@consumerlawfirm.com -- Francis & Mailman, P.C., pro hac vice, John Soumilas -- jsoumilas@consumerlawfirm.com -- Francis & Mailman PC, pro hac vice & Jordan M. Sartell, Zamparo Law Group, P.c.. Meyerkord & Meyerkord, LLC, Defendant, represented by Ben Barnow, Barnow and Associates, P.C., Erich Paul Schork, Barnow and Assoc., PC & Jeffrey Daniel Blake, Barnow And Associates, P.C.. LexisNexis Risk Solutions, Inc., iyeTek, LLC, Defendants, represented by Mark C. Mao -- mark.mao@troutmansanders.com -- Troutman Sanders LLP, pro hac vice, Ronald I. Raether, Jr. -- ronald.raether@troutmansanders.com -- Troutman Sanders LLP, pro hac vice & Tyler Steven Mertes -- tyler.mertes@troutmansanders.com -- Troutman Sanders LLP. MICHAEL WALTER: "Valdez" Suit Alleges FLSA, NY Labor Laws Breach ---------------------------------------------------------------- WILFREDO ORTEGA VALDEZ, Plaintiff, vs. MICHAEL WALTER CONSTRUCTION CO., INC., and MICHAEL C. WALTER, individually, Defendants, Case 1:16-cv-06793 (S.D.N.Y., August 29, 2016), was filed pursuant to the Fair Labor Standards Act, the New York Labor Law, and the supporting New York State Department of Labor regulations. Defendants operate a construction company. The Plaintiff is represented by: Jodi J. Jaffe, Esq. JAFFE GLENN LAW GROUP, P.A. 301 N. Harrison Street, Suite 9F, #306 Princeton, NJ 08540 Phone: (201) 687-9977 Fax: (201) 595-0308 E-mail: JJaffe@JaffeGlenn.com MONEYMUTUAL LLC: Denial of Bid to Dismiss "Rilley" Suit Affirmed ---------------------------------------------------------------- In the case captioned Scott Rilley, et al., Respondents, v. MoneyMutual, LLC, Appellant, No. A14-1307 (Minn.), the Supreme Court of Minnesota affirmed the lower court's finding that specific personal jurisdiction existed over MoneyMutual, LLC. The respondents filed a class-action complaint alleging that MoneyMutual matched respondents with payday lenders that were unlicensed in Minnesota. The complaint also alleged that the terms of the payday loans respondents received were illegal under Minnesota's payday-lending statutes. The respondents also claimed that MoneyMutual's website and advertising contained misrepresentations that violated Minnesota's consumer protection statutes. Finally, the complaint alleged that MoneyMutual unjustly enriched itself; that MoneyMutual participated in a civil conspiracy; and that MoneyMutual aided and abetted unlicensed lenders in making illegal loans to Minnesota residents. MoneyMutual moved to dismiss the complaint for lack of personal jurisdiction. The respondents argued that MoneyMutual has three categories of contacts with Minnesota: (1) emails sent to Minnesota residents, (2) television advertisements that appeared in Minnesota, and (3) Google AdWords advertisements that targeted the Minnesota market. The district court denied MoneyMutual's motion to dismiss. MoneyMutual appealed, claiming that the district court erred when it concluded that it could exercise specific personal jurisdiction over MoneyMutual based on MoneyMutual's email correspondence with Minnesota residents and advertising in Minnesota. The court of appeals affirmed the decision of the district court. Acting upon MoneyMutual's petition for review, the Supreme Court of Minnesota held that while MoneyMutual's television advertisements are not relevant contacts for the purpose of minimum contacts analysis, MoneyMutual's emails to respondents and its use of Google AdWords advertising specific to Minnesota, support the conclusion that sufficient minimum contacts exist for the exercise of personal jurisdiction over MoneyMutual. Additionally, the Supreme Court also held that subjecting MoneyMutual to suit in a Minnesota forum is reasonable and consistent with traditional notions of fair play and substantial justice. As a result, the Supreme Court concluded that the district court did not err when it denied MoneyMutual's motion to dismiss for lack of personal jurisdiction. A full-text copy of the Supreme Court's August 24, 2016 opinion is available at https://is.gd/BCXLyz from Leagle.com. E. Michelle Drake -- emdrake@bm.net -- John G. Albanese -- jalbanese@bm.net -- Berger & Montague, P.C., Minneapolis, Minnesota; Mark Heaney -- mark@heaneylaw.com -- Heaney Law Firm, LLC, Minnetonka, Minnesota and Daniel C. Bryden, Bryden Law Firm, LLC, Minneapolis, Minnesota, for respondents. Thomas H. Boyd -- tboyd@winthrop.com -- Joseph M Windler -- jwindler@winthrop.com -- Chistina Rieck Loukas -- cloukas@winthrop.com -- Winthrop & Weinstine, P.A., Minneapolis, Minnesota and Donald J. Putterman, Michelle L. Landry, Putterman Logan, LLP, San Francisco, California for appellant. Lori Swanson, Attorney General, Eric J. Maloney, Assistant Attorney General, Saint Paul, Minnesota, for amicus curiae State of Minnesota, by its Attorney General. Jenneane Jensen, Kris Palmer, Jensen & Palmer, LLC, Minneapolis, Minnesota and Andrew J. Pincus -- apincus@mayerbrown.com -- Archis A. Parasharami -- aparasharami@mayerbrown.com -- Mayer Brown LLP, Washington, D.C., for amici curiae the Chamber of Commerce of the United States of America and the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce. NABORS INDUSTRIES: Miami Employees' Retirement Trust Suit Tossed ---------------------------------------------------------------- The Court of Chancery of Delaware has entered an order dismissing the case, CITY OF MIAMI GENERAL EMPLOYEES' AND SANITATION EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT TRUST, on behalf of itself and on behalf of all others similarly situated, Plaintiff, v. JERRY M. COMSTOCK, JR., as Independent Executor of the Estate of Joshua E. Comstock, RANDALL C. MCMULLEN, DARREN M. FRIEDMAN, ADRIANNA MA, MICHAEL ROEMER, C. JAMES STEWART, III, H.H. "TRIPP" WOMMACK, III, THEODORE "TED" MOORE, NABORS INDUSTRIES LTD., NABORS RED LION LIMITED, and MORGAN STANLEY & CO. LLC, Defendants, C.A. No. 9980-CB (Del. Ch.). The case involves a stockholder challenge to the merger of C&J Energy Services, Inc. and a subsidiary of Nabors Industries Ltd. that held its completion and production services business. On November 25, 2014, the court issued a preliminary injunction enjoining the transaction from closing until after C&J solicited alternative proposals to purchase C&J during a 30-day period. On December 19, the Supreme Court reversed that order. In March 2015, after receiving the approval of approximately 97.6% of the shares of C&J stock that voted, the transaction closed. Seven months after the closing, the plaintiff amended its complaint to assert claims seeking damages for breaches of fiduciary duty against the members of the C&J board and certain of its officers challenging their conduct in deciding to enter the Nabors transaction in the first place and in carrying out the court-ordered solicitation process, and challenging for the first time various disclosures in the proxy that was disseminated to C&J's stockholders before they voted to approve the transaction. The plaintiff also sued Nabors and the financial advisor to the special committee that ran the solicitation process, Morgan Stanley & Co., for aiding and abetting the alleged breaches of fiduciary duty. The defendants moved to dismiss the amended complaint for failure to state a claim for relief. C&J also moved to recover approximately $542,000 in damages against the bond that the plaintiff posted to secure entry of the preliminary injunction order. The Court of Chancery of Delaware granted both motions. As to the first motion, the court concluded that the plaintiff's claims for post-closing damages against C&J's directors and officers are subject to the business judgment presumption under the Delaware Supreme Court's decision in Corwin v. KKR Financial Holdings LLC because of the legal effect of the stockholder vote, and that judicial review of the plaintiff's fiduciary duty claims (and related aiding and abetting claims) thus ends there. The court explained that this conclusion follows from two subsidiary determinations: that the plaintiff has failed to plead facts sufficient to demonstrate that the C&J stockholder vote was not fully informed, and that the plaintiff has not alleged facts showing that the challenged transaction, which was approved by a majority of disinterested and independent directors, should be subject to entire fairness review. With respect to the second motion, the court concluded that C&J is entitled to a rebuttable presumption that it may recover its damages against the injunction bond, which consist primarily of the costs of legal and financial advisors that provided assistance during the court-ordered solicitation process, and that the plaintiff has failed to demonstrate circumstances warranting a deviation from this presumption. Thus, the court held that C&J is entitled to its requested damages. A full-text copy of the Court's August 24, 2016 memorandum opinion is available at https://is.gd/V7v9GP from Leagle.com. Stuart M. Grant -- sgrant@gelaw.com -- Mary S. Thomas -- mthomas@gelaw.com -- and Jonathan M. Kass -- jkass@gelaw.com -- GRANT & EISENHOFER P.A., Wilmington, Delaware; Mark Lebovitch -- markl@blbglaw.com -- Jeroen van Kwawegen -- jeroen@blbglaw.com -- and Christopher J. Orrico -- christopher.orrico@blbglaw.com -- BERNSTEIN LITOWITZ BERGER & GROSSMANN LLP, New York, New York; Attorneys for Plaintiff City of Miami General Employees' and Sanitation Employees' Retirement Trust. Stephen C. Norman -- snorman@potteranderson.com -- Michael A. Pittenger -- mpittenger@potteranderson.com -- and Jaclyn C. Levy - - jlevy@potteranderson.com -- POTTER ANDERSON & CORROON LLP, Wilmington, Delaware; Michael C. Holmes -- mholmes@velaw.com -- Manuel G. Berrelez -- mberrelez@velaw.com -- Elizabeth C. Brandon -- btuck@velaw.com -- Craig E. Zieminski -- czieminski@velaw.com - - Olivia D. Howe -- Meriwether T. Evans -- mevans@velaw.com -- and Meredith S. Jeanes -- mjeanes@velaw.com -- VINSON & ELKINS LLP, Dallas, Texas; Attorneys for Defendants Jerry M. Comstock, Jr. Randall C. McMullen, Darren M. Friedman, Adrianna Ma, Michael Roemer, C. James Stewart, III, H.H. "Tripp" Wommack, III, and Theodore "Ted" Moore; William M. Lafferty -- wlafferty@mnat.com -- and Lindsay M. Kwoka -- lkwoka@mnat.com -- MORRIS, NICHOLS, ARSHT & TUNNELL LLP, Wilmington, Delaware; Alan J. Stone -- astone@milbank.com -- and Hailey DeKraker, MILBANK, TWEED, HADLEY & MCLOY, LLP, New York, New York; Attorneys for Defendants Nabors Industries, Ltd. and Nabors Red Lion Limited; Ashley R. Altschuler -- ashley.altschuler@dlapiper.com -- and John L. Reed -- john.reed@dlapiper.com -- DLA PIPER LLP (US), Wilmington, Delaware; John J. Clarke, Jr. -- john.clarke@dlapiper.com -- DLA PIPER LLP (US), New York, New York; Attorneys for Defendant Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC. NEW YORK, NY: Faces "Panattieri" Suit in E.D. of New York --------------------------------------------------------- A lawsuit has been filed against City of New York. The case is styled Douglas Panattieri and Krystina Panattieri, individually and Ex Rel a certain dog named Caesar on their own behalf and on behalf of all other persons and Ex Rel all other dogs similarly situated, the Plaintiff, v. City of New York; New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene; Mary Travis Bassett, Commissioner of the Department, in her official capacity; Norma S. Torres, Director of Veterinary Public Health Services of the Department, in her official capacity; New York City Animal Care and Control, Inc.; and Risa Weinstock, Executive Director of the NYC AC&C, in her official capacity, the Defendants, Case No. 1:16- cv-04733-KAM-ST (E.D.N.Y., Aug. 24, 2016). The assigned Judge is Hon. Kiyo A. Matsumoto. New York City comprises 5 boroughs sitting where the Hudson River meets the Atlantic Ocean. At its core is Manhattan, a densely populated borough that's among the world's major commercial, financial and cultural centers. The Plaintiffs are represented by: Richard Bruce Rosenthal, Esq. ROSENTHAL AND ASSOCIATES, P.C. 120-82 Queens Blvd. Kew Gardens, NY 11415 Telephone: (718) 261 0200 Facsimile: (718) 793 2791 E-mail: rbrosenthalesq@optonline.net NEWDAY FINANCIAL: "Conner" Suit Alleges Md. Labor Laws Violations ----------------------------------------------------------------- CHARLES CONNER, 3317 Mueller Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21224, Resident of Baltimore City And ERIC GEISENDAFFER, 8574 Castlemill Circle, Nottingham, Maryland 21236 , Resident of Baltimore County And SHAWN SYDNOR, 944 South East Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland 21224, Resident of Baltimore City And PAUL LISTMAN-WARD, 2792 Cedar Drive, Riva, Maryland 21440, Resident of Anne Arundel County, And MAXIMILIAN OSTHELLER, 1221 Patapsco Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21230, Resident of Baltimore City And GREGORY BYERLY, 5228 Wyndholme Circle, Baltimore, Maryland 21229, Resident of Baltimore City, And CHRISTOPHER BOPST, 18 East Fort Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland 21230, Resident of Baltimore City, Plaintiffs, v. NEWDAY FINANCIAL, LLC, 8160 Maple Lawn Boulevard, Suite 300, Fulton, Maryland 20759, Serve: Daniel E. Sykes, Resident Agent, Rosen Hoover, P.A., One Charles Center, 100 North Charles Street, Suite 1010, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, Defendant, Case 1:16-cv- 03040-RDB (D. Md., August 31, 2016), was filed pursuant to the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act, Maryland Wage and Hour Law, Maryland Code Annotated, Labor and Employment Article, the Maryland Wage Payment and Collection Law, Maryland Code Annotated, Labor and Employment Article. Defendant is a private organization that is in the business of purchasing home loans, credit card debt and other types of loans. The Plaintiff is represented by: Joseph Spicer, Esq. THE LAW OFFICES OF PETER T. NICHOLL 36 South Charles Street, Suite 1700 Baltimore, MD 21201 Phone: (410) 244-7005 Fax: (410) 244-8454 E-mail: jspicer@nicholllaw.com NINTH AVENUE: Faces "Mayoral-Climico" Suit in S.D.N.Y. ------------------------------------------------------ A lawsuit has been filed against Ninth Avenue Wings, Inc. The case is titled Sandro Mayoral-Climico, on behalf of himself and others similarly situated, the Plaintiff, v. Ninth Avenue Wings, Inc.; doing business as Atomic Wings; Park Wings, Inc., doing business as Atomic Wings; KNS Wing Time, Inc., doing business as Atomic Wings; Adam Lippin; Young Q Park; and Kenny H Kim, the Defendant, Case No. 1:16-cv-06677 (S.D.N.Y., Aug. 24, 2016). The Defendant operates a restaurant in New York City. The Plaintiff appears pro se. NPL CONSTRUCTION: "Bankowski" Suit Claims Md. Labor Law Breaches ---------------------------------------------------------------- SANDRA BANKOWSKI, 2404 230th Street Pasadena, Maryland 21122, Resident of Anne Arundel County, Plaintiff, v. NPL CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, 2355 West Utopia Road, Phoenix, Arizona 85027, Serve: National Registered Agents, Incorporated of Maryland, R.A., 351 West Camden Street Baltimore, Maryland 21201, Defendant, Case 1:16-cv-03038-JFM (D. Md., August 31, 2016), was filed under the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act, Maryland Wage and Hour Law, Maryland Code Annotated, Labor and Employment Article, Maryland Wage Payment and Collection Law, Maryland Code Annotated, Labor and Employment Article. Defendant NPL Construction Company is an organization that owns and operates construction and natural gas piping services across the United States, including offices in Maryland. The Plaintiff is represented by: Joseph Spicer, Esq. THE LAW OFFICES OF PETER T. NICHOLL 36 South Charles Street, Suite 1700 Baltimore, MD 21201 Phone: (410) 244-7005 Fax: (410) 244-8454 NRA GROUP: Faces "Antebi" Suit in Eastern District of New York -------------------------------------------------------------- A lawsuit has been filed against NRA Group, LLC. The case is captioned Marlene Antebi, on behalf of herself and all others similarly situated, the Plaintiff, v. NRA Group, LLC, also known as National Recovery Agency, Inc., the Defendant, Case No. 1:16- cv-04904 (E.D.N.Y., Sep. 1, 2016). NRA is an accounts receivable management company that provides debt collection services, skip tracing and credit bureau reporting. The Plaintiff appears pro se. OHIO VALLEY: Faces "Harrison" Student-Athletes' Suit ---------------------------------------------------- JAMES HARRISON, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated, Plaintiff, v. OHIO VALLEY CONFERENCE and THE NATIONAL COLLEGIATE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION, Defendants, Case 1:16- cv-02337-TWP-MJD (S.D. Ind., August 31, 2016), seeks to obtain redress for all persons allegedly injured by Defendants' reckless disregard for the health and safety of generations of Murray State University student-athletes. OHIO VALLEY CONFERENCE is a collegiate athletic conference. The Plaintiff is represented by: William Winingham, Esq. WILSON KEHOE WININGHAM LLC 2859 North Meridian Street Indianapolis, IN 46208 Phone: 317.920.6400 Fax: 317.920.6405 E-mail: winingham@wkw.com - and - Jay Edelson, Esq. Benjamin H. Richman, Esq. EDELSON PC 350 North LaSalle Street, 13th Floor Chicago, IL 60654 Phone: 312.589.6370 Fax: 312.589.6378 E-mail: jedelson@edelson.com brichman@edelson.com - and - Rafey S. Balabanian, Esq. EDELSON PC 123 Townsend Street San Francisco, CA 94107 Phone: 415.212.9300 Fax: 415.373.9435 E-mail: winingham@wkw.com - and - Jeff Raizner, Esq. RAIZNER SLANIA LLP 2402 Dunlavy Street Houston, TX 77006 Phone: 713.554.9099 Fax: 713.554.9098 E-mail: winingham@wkw.com OMNITY CONSULTING: "Reyes" Suit to Recover Overtime Pay ------------------------------------------------------- Fernando Balbuena Reyes, Misael Pereda and Jorge Luis Balbuena Reyes individually and on behalf of others similarly situated, Plaintiffs, v. Omnity Consulting LLC, Nenad Pasic, Jelena Pasic and Dardra C. Coaxum, Defendants, Case No. 1:16-cv-06783, (S.D.N.Y., August 29, 2016), seeks unpaid minimum and overtime wages, applicable liquidated damages, interest, attorneys' fees and costs pursuant to the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 and the New York Labor Law. Defendants own, operate, or control a fast food restaurant located at 100 West 124th Street, New York, New York 10027 under the name Harlem Shake where Plaintiffs were primarily employed as delivery workers but also performed various restaurant duties. Plaintiff is represented by: Michael A. Faillace, Esq. MICHAEL FAILLACE &ASSOCIATES, P.C. 60 East 42nd Street, Suite 2540 New York, NY 10165 Telephone: (212) 317-1200 Facsimile: (212) 317-1620 PERMIAN POWER: "Key" Suit Seeks Unpaid Wages -------------------------------------------- William E. Key Jr., and all others similarly situated, Plaintiff, v. Permian Power Tong, Inc. and Curtis Lemons, individually, Defendants, Case No. 7:16-cv-318, (W.D. Tex., August 29, 2016), seeks unpaid back wages due to Plaintiff, liquidated damages equal in amount to the unpaid compensation, costs of this action, attorneys' fees, pre-judgment and post-judgment interest and such other and further relief under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Defendants have been involved in oilfield casing services to clients throughout the United States where Plaintiff was employed as a pipe-layer. Key alleges he was misclassified as a contractor on a piece-rate basis. Plaintiff is represented by: J. Derek Braziel, Esq. J. Forester, Esq. LEE &BRAZIEL, L.L.P. 1801 N. Lamar Street, Suite 325 Dallas, TX 75202 Telephone: (214) 749-1400 Email: jdbraziel@l-b-law.com forester@l-b-law.com - and - Jack Siegel, Esq. SIEGEL LAW GROUP PLLC 10440 N. Central Expy., Suite 1040 Dallas, TX 75231 Tel: (214) 706-0834 Fax: (469) 339-0204 PHOENIX FINANCIAL: Faces "Digiacomo" Suit in S.D. of Indiana ------------------------------------------------------------ A lawsuit has been filed against Phoenix Financial Services LLC. The case is titled Jill Digiacomo, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated, the Plaintiff, v. PHOENIX FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC and PENDRICK CAPITAL PARTNERS II, LLC, the Defendant, Case No. 1:16-cv-02356-LJM-DML (S.D. Ind., Sep. 1, 2016). The assigned Judge is Hon. Larry J. McKinney. Phoenix Financial is a collection agency which provides service and recovery results for its clients. The Plaintiff is represented by: David M. Barshay, Esq. Craig B. Sanders, Esq. BARSHAY SANDERS PLLC 100 Garden City Plaza, Suite 500 Garden City, NY 11530 Telephone: (516) 203 7600 Facsimile: (516) 706 5055 E-mail: dbarshay@barshaysanders.com csanders@sanderslawpllc.com The Defendants appear pro se. PRESSLER & PRESSLER: "Rosa" Suit Moved from Cty. Ct. to D.N.J. -------------------------------------------------------------- CLARA G ROSA, individually, and on behalf of all others similarly situated, the Plaintiff, v. PRESSLER & PRESSLER, LLP, the Defendant, Case No. MRS L 001416 16, was removed from the Superior Court of Morris County, New Jersey, to the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey (Newark). The District Court Clerk assigned Case No. 2:16-cv-05150 to the proceeding. Pressler and Pressler is a law firm located in East Hanover New Jersey. The Plaintiff appears pro se. RETRIEVAL-MASTERS: Faces "Zitronenbaum" Suit in E.D.N.Y. -------------------------------------------------------- A lawsuit has been filed against Retrieval-Masters Creditors Bureau Inc. The case is captioned Shmuel Zitronenbaum, on behalf of himself and all other similarly situated consumers, the Plaintiff, v. Retrieval-Masters Creditors Bureau Inc., doing business as American Medical Collection Agency, the Defendant, Case No. 1:16-cv-04898 (E.D.N.Y., Sep. 1, 2016). Retrieval-Masters is a recovery agency for consumer collections. The Plaintiff appears pro se. SAFECO INSURANCE: Must Defend Against "Engle", Day Air Cleared -------------------------------------------------------------- In the case styled, RAYMOND ENGLE, Plaintiff, v. UHAUL, et al., Defendants, Case No. 3:16-cv-27 (S.D. Ohio), Magistrate Judge Michael J. Newman issued a report and recommendation: -- granting Defendant Day Air Insurance LLCs' motion to dismiss claims for lack of subject matter jurisdiction; -- denying, as moot, the motions to dismiss filed by other defendants Safeco Insurance Casualty Company of Illinois and Eskenazi Health; -- denying, as moot, plaintiff's motion for default judgment; -- denying, as moot, plaintiff's remaining motions, specifically, his motion to strike Safeco's motion to dismiss, his motion to appoint counsel, and his motion to amend his complaint to assert class action claims; -- dismissing plaintiff's complaint; -- denying plaintiff in forma pauperis status on appeal; and -- terminating the case on the court's docket. Judge Newman said an appeal of any Order adopting Judge Newman's Report and Recommendation would not be taken in good faith and therefore denied the Plaintiff leave to appeal. The case arises from an automobile accident that occurred on or about January 15, 2015 in Indiana when an UHaul vehicle -- driven by an unidentified person -- crossed the center line and hit the Plaintiff in the driver's side front fender. The Plaintiff alleges serious injury arising from the automobile accident and likewise, alleges an improper treatment at the Eskenazi Health Center and the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Dayton, Ohio, asserting a federal claim on the matter. The Court concluded that there is no diversity of citizenship amongst the parties and declares no jurisdiction of the case. Furthermore, the Court identified that the Plaintiff failed to allege a claim under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ("FDCPA"), which could be a basis for federal question jurisdiction. The Court noted that pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 72(b), any party may serve and file specific, written objections to the proposed findings and recommendations within 14 days after being served with the Report and Recommendation. In the case, the period is extended to seven days because the Report and Recommendation is being served by one of the methods of service listed in Fed. R. Civ. P. 5(b)(2)(C), (D), (E), or (F), and may be extended further by the Court on timely motion for an extension. A copy of the Court's Order dated August 23, 2016 is available at http://goo.gl/qUG8k9from Leagle.com. Raymond Engle, Plaintiff, Pro Se. Eskenazi Health, Defendant, represented by Gregory W. Guevara -- gguevara@boselaw.com -- Bose McKinney & Evans LLP. Day Air Insurance, LLC., Defendant, represented by Sean T. Needham -- sean.needham@janiklaw.com and Steven G. Janik -- steven.janik@janiklaw.com -- Janik LLP. Safeco Insurance Company of Illinois, et al., Defendants, represented by Katherine Marie Klingelhafer & William M. Harter, Frost Brown Todd LLC. SITEL OPERATING: "Loding" Suit Seeks Overtime Pay ------------------------------------------------- Brandi Loding and Tonsania Collins, individually and on behalf of others similarly situated, Plaintiffs, v. Sitel Operating Corporation, a Delaware corporation, Defendant, Case No. 2:16-cv- 02047 (D. Nev., August 29, 2016), seeks overtime pay, damages and liquidated damages available by law, reasonable attorneys' fees and costs incurred, pre- and post-judgment interest and such other and further relief in violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act. Sitel is a provider of customer care outsourcing services with its headquarters and principal place of business located in Nashville, Tennessee. Loding and Collins worked as home-based agents. Plaintiff is represented by: Don Springmeyer, Esq. Bradley S. Schrager, Esq. Justin C. Jones, Esq. WOLF, RIFKIN, SHAPIRO, SCHULMAN & RABKIN, LLP 3556 E. Russell Road, Second Floor Las Vegas, NV 89120 Tel: (702) 341-5200 Fax: (702) 341-5300 Email: dspringmeyer@wrslawyers.com bschrager@wrslawyers.com jjones@wrslawyers.com - and - Kevin J. Stoops, Esq. Jesse L. Young, Esq. Neil B. Pioch, Esq. SOMMERS SCHWARTZ, P.C. One Towne Square, Suite 1700 Southfield, MI 48076 Tel: (248) 355-0300 Email: kstoops@sommerspc.com jyoung@sommerspc.com npioch@sommerspc.com SJ MEDICAL: "Hamlyn" Suit to Recover Overtime Pay, Damages ---------------------------------------------------------- Christina Hamlyn, Individually, and On Behalf of All Others Similarly Situated, Plaintiff, v. SJ Medical Center, LLC, Defendant, Case No. 4:16-cv-02623 (S.D. Tex., August 29, 2016), seeks unpaid wages, liquidated damages, reasonable attorney's fees, costs and expenses and such other and further relief under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Defendant operates St. Joseph Medical Center and St. Joseph Medical Center in the Heights, providing healthcare services in Houston, Texas where Plaintiff has been employed by Defendant as a nurse. Hamlyn claims to be denied overtime pay and worked through legitimate rest breaks. Defendant is represented by: Galvin B. Kennedy, Esq. Beatriz Sosa-Morris, Esq. KENNEDY HODGES, L.L.P. 4409 Montrose Blvd., Ste. 200 Houston, TX 77006 Telephone: (713) 523-0001 Facsimile: (713) 523-1116 Email: gkennedy@kennedyhodges.com bsosamorris@kennedyhodges.com SOUTHEASTERN CONFERENCE: Faces "Davison" Student-Athletes' Suit --------------------------------------------------------------- HENRY DAVISON, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated, Plaintiff, v. SOUTHEASTERN CONFERENCE and THE NATIONAL COLLEGIATE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION, Defendants, Case 1:16- cv-02333-WTL-DML (S.D. Ind., August 31, 2016), seeks to obtain redress for all persons allegedly injured by Defendants' reckless disregard for the health and safety of generations of Mississippi State University student-athletes. Defendant Southeastern Conference is a collegiate athletic conference. The Plaintiff is represented by: William Winingham, Esq. WILSON KEHOE WININGHAM LLC 2859 North Meridian Street Indianapolis, IN 46208 Phone: 317.920.6400 Fax: 317.920.6405 E-mail: winingham@wkw.com - and - Jay Edelson, Esq. Benjamin H. Richman, Esq. EDELSON PC 350 North LaSalle Street, 13th Floor Chicago, IL 60654 Phone: 312.589.6370 Fax: 312.589.6378 E-mail: jedelson@edelson.com brichman@edelson.com - and - Rafey S. Balabanian, Esq. EDELSON PC 123 Townsend Street San Francisco, CA 94107 Phone: 415.212.9300 Fax: 415.373.9435 E-mail: winingham@wkw.com - and - Jeff Raizner, Esq. RAIZNER SLANIA LLP 2402 Dunlavy Street Houston, TX 77006 Phone: 713.554.9099 Fax: 713.554.9098 E-mail: winingham@wkw.com SOUTHEASTERN CONFERENCE: Faces "Ford" Student-Athletes' Suit ------------------------------------------------------------ DEMOREO FORD, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated, Plaintiff, v. SOUTHEASTERN CONFERENCE and THE NATIONAL COLLEGIATE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION, Defendants, Case 1:16- cv-02336-JMS-DML (S.D. Ind., August 31, 2016), seeks to obtain redress for all persons allegedly injured by Defendants' reckless disregard for the health and safety of generations of University of Kentucky student-athletes. Defendant Southeastern Conference is a collegiate athletic conference. The Plaintiff is represented by: William Winingham, Esq. WILSON KEHOE WININGHAM LLC 2859 North Meridian Street Indianapolis, IN 46208 Phone: 317.920.6400 Fax: 317.920.6405 E-mail: winingham@wkw.com - and - Jay Edelson, Esq. Benjamin H. Richman, Esq. EDELSON PC 350 North LaSalle Street, 13th Floor Chicago, IL 60654 Phone: 312.589.6370 Fax: 312.589.6378 E-mail: jedelson@edelson.com brichman@edelson.com - and - Rafey S. Balabanian, Esq. EDELSON PC 123 Townsend Street San Francisco, CA 94107 Phone: 415.212.9300 Fax: 415.373.9435 E-mail: winingham@wkw.com - and - Jeff Raizner, Esq. RAIZNER SLANIA LLP 2402 Dunlavy Street Houston, TX 77006 Phone: 713.554.9099 Fax: 713.554.9098 E-mail: winingham@wkw.com STANDARD MORTGAGE: Court Dismisses "Robinson" RICO Suit ------------------------------------------------------- In the case captioned JORDELLA ROBINSON, INDIVIDUALLY AND AS A REPRESENTATIVE OF A CLASS OF SIMILARLY SITUATED BORROWERS v. STANDARD MORTGAGE CORPORATION and STANDARD MORTGAGE INSURANCE AGENCY, INC., SECTION "R" (2), Civil Action No. 15-4123 (E.D. La.), Judge Sarah S. Vance granted the defendants' motion to dismiss Jordella Robinson's state law claims. In her putative class action complaint, Robinson alleged that the defendants colluded to manipulate the force-placed insurance market by artificially inflating the amounts that borrowers pay for coverage. Robinson's complaint alleged violations of the Racketeer Influenced Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), conspiracy to violate RICO, breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, and unjust enrichment. On June 7, 2016, the court dismissed Robinson's RICO claim and RICO conspiracy claim for failure to state a claim upon which relief can be granted. All that remained are Robinson's state law claims for breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, and unjust enrichment. The defendants moved to dismiss Robinson's state law claims, and requested in the alternative that, if any of Robinson's state law claims survive the Fed. R. Civ. Proc. 12(b)(6) motion, the court should dismiss the state law claims due to lack of jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. section 1367(c). Judge Vance declined to exercise supplemental jurisdiction over Robinson's state law claims and granted the defendants' motion to dismiss for lack of jurisdiction. The judge found that Robinson's federal claims have been dismissed, satisfying section 1367(c)(3). The judge also stated that, in terms of novelty and complexity of state law, the parties have not cited any Louisiana case or statute governing the claims asserted on the specific facts at issue here, and the parties vigorously disputed the merits of Robinson's claims. Further, Judge Vance noted that the court has not invested substantial judicial resources in the supplemental claims, the trial date is not imminent, and any work the parties have already done can be utilized in state court. Finally, the judge pointed out that it cannot be said that requiring the parties, all Louisiana citizens, to litigate in Louisiana state court would be unfair or inconvenient. The Court also said that because the court no longer has jurisdiction over the case, all remaining pending motions were denied as moot. A full-text copy of Judge Vance's August 24, 2016 order is available at https://is.gd/DEL7DD from Leagle.com. Jordella Robinson, Plaintiff, represented by Susanne W. Jernigan, Jernigan Law Firm, Raymond Nicholas Barto -- raymond@sfclasslaw.com -- Squitieri & Fearon, LLP, pro hac vice, Ronald Lawrence Wilson, Law Office of Ron Wilson, Stephen John Fearon, Jr. -- stephen@sfclasslaw.com -- Squitieri & Fearon, LLP, pro hac vice & Thomas G. O'Brien -- thomas@sfclasslaw.com -- Squitieri & Fearon, LLP, pro hac vice. Standard Mortgage Insurance Agency, Inc., Standard Mortgage Corporation, Defendants, represented by John Anthony Dunlap -- dunlap@carverdarden.com -- Carver, Darden, Koretzky, Tessier, Finn, Blossman & Areaux, Frank A. Tessier -- tessier@carverdarden.com -- Carver, Darden, Koretzky, Tessier, Finn, Blossman & Areaux, Haley E. Nix -- nix@carverdarden.com -- Carver, Darden, Koretzky, Tessier, Finn, Blossman & Areaux & Russell L. Foster -- foster@carverdarden.com -- Carver, Darden, Koretzky, Tessier, Finn, Blossman & Areaux. STANFORD UNIVERSITY: "Burns" Suit Consolidated in MDL 2492 ---------------------------------------------------------- David Burns, Individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated, the Plaintiff, v. Stanford University, Pac-12 Conference, and National Collegiate Athletic Association, the Defendants, Case No. 4:16-cv-03805, was transferred from the U.S. District Court for the Northern California, to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois - (Chicago). The Northern District Court Clerk assigned Case No. 1:16-cv-08579 to the proceeding. The Burns case is being consolidated with MDL 2492 in re: National Collegiate Athletic Association Student-Athlete Concussion Injury Litigation. The MDL was created by Order of the United States Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation on December 18, 2013. The actions before the Panel seek medical monitoring for putative classes of former student athletes at NCAA-member schools who allege they suffered concussions. Plaintiffs allege that the NCAA concealed information about the risks of the long-term effects of concussion injuries. Opponents to centralization argue, inter alia, that (1) the putative classes and claims alleged in these actions do not sufficiently overlap; and (2) given the small number of actions pending, alternatives to centralization are preferable. In its December 18, 2013 Order, the MDL Panel found that the actions in this MDL involve common questions of fact, and that centralization in the Northern District of Illinois will serve the convenience of the parties and witnesses and promote the just and efficient conduct of the litigation. These actions share factual questions relating to allegations against the NCAA stemming from injuries sustained while playing sports at NCAA- member institutions, including damages resulting from the permanent long-term effects of concussions. Presiding Judges in the MDL is Hon. John Z. Lee, United States District Judge. The lead case is 1:13-cv-09116. Stanford University is one of the world's leading research and teaching institutions. It is located in Stanford, California. The Plaintiff is represented by: Stewart Ryan Pollock, Esq. EDELSON PC 123 Townsend Street, Suite 100 San Francisco, CA 94107 Telephone: (415) 234 5345 E-mail: spollock@edelson.com SWISSPORT FUELING: Faces "Holmes" Suit Alleging Violation of FLSA ----------------------------------------------------------------- Ethan A. Holmes, for himself and on behalf of those similarly situated, Plaintiff, v. SWISSPORT FUELING, INC., a Delaware Corporation, Swissport SA Fuel Services, LLC, a Delaware Limited LIability Company, Defendants, Case 2:16-cv-00669-SPC-MRM (M.D. Fla., August 31, 2016), was filed pursuant to the Fair Labor Standards Act. The Defendants have operated and continue to operate aircraft fueling service business at major airports throughout the United States. The Plaintiff is represented by: Michael G. Fink, Esq. MIKE FINK LAW FIRM, P.A. 2029 Bayside Parkway Fort Myers, FL 33901 Phone: (239) 939-1906 Fax: (239) 939-1915 E-mail: Eservice@MikeFinkLaw.net MFink@MikeFinkLaw.net TALEN ENERGY: Defending Suits Over Riverstone Merger Deal --------------------------------------------------------- Talen Energy Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), on June 2, 2016, entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the "Merger Agreement") with RPH Parent LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ("RPH"), SPH Parent LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ("SPH"), CRJ Parent LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ("CRJ") (RPH, SPH and CRJ collectively referred to as "Parent") and RJS Merger Sub Inc., a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Parent ("Merger Sub"), pursuant to which Merger Sub will merge with and into the Company (the "Merger"), with the Company continuing as the surviving corporation on the terms and conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement. Talen Energy Corporation said in its Form 8-K Report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 12, 2016, on August 8, 2016, a purported stockholder of the Company commenced a putative class action lawsuit in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware captioned Manuel Abt, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated, Case No. 12638VCL. The complaint names as defendants the Company, the Directors of the Company, Riverstone Holdings LLC and its affiliates, Raven Power Holdings LLC, Sapphire Power Holdings LLC, C/R Energy Jade, LLC, Parent and Merger Sub (collectively, "Riverstone"). The complaint alleges, among other things, that the Directors breached fiduciary duties owed to the Company's public stockholders in approving the Merger. The complaint also alleges that Riverstone is a de facto controlling stockholder of the Company and breached fiduciary duties owed to the Company and minority stockholders in the Merger transaction. Also on August 8, 2016, two purported stockholders of the Company commenced a separate putative class action lawsuit in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware captioned Wendell R. Hunt and Kenneth J. Melchiorre, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated, Case No. 12634VCL.The complaint names as defendants the Company, the Directors of the Company, Riverstone Holdings LLC, Parent and Merger Sub. The complaint alleges, among other things, that the Directors breached fiduciary duties owed to the Company's public stockholders in approving the Merger. The complaint also alleges that Riverstone, Parent and Merger Sub have aided and abetted the Directors of the Company in the alleged breaches of their fiduciary duties. Both complaints seek to enjoin the Merger and also seek damages, costs and attorney's fees. The Company believes the allegations in each complaint are without merit, and it intends to defend vigorously against all of the allegations. However, at this time it is not possible to predict the outcome of these matters or their effects on the Company or the Merger. TAMINCO US: Bid to Dismiss "Lombardozzi" Suit Denied in Part ------------------------------------------------------------ Judge M. Casey Rodgers denied in part and deferred, in part, the defendant's motion to dismiss the case captioned DANNY LOMBARDOZZI, MICHAEL DABNEY, and PATRICIA DABNEY, on behalf of themselves and all others similarly situated, Plaintiff, v. TAMINCO US INC., Defendant, Case No. 3:15cv533/MCR/EMT (N.D. Fla.). Taminco US Inc. is a Delaware corporation that owns and operates a chemical manufacturing facility in Pace, Florida. The plaintiffs are three residential property owners in Pace, who have filed the putative class action on behalf of themselves and other similarly situated Pace residents. The residents, all of whom live within two miles of the Taminco's facility, alleged that noxious and offensive odors emanating from the facility "physically invade" their "homes, land, and property," thereby diminishing their full use and enjoyment of the properties and decreasing the properties' value. The plaintiffs brought four claims against the Taminco: (1) public nuisance; (2) private nuisance; (3) negligence; and (4) gross negligence. They sought certification of the lawsuit as a class action, damages for the lost use and enjoyment of their properties and for the diminution in property values, punitive damages, and declaratory and injunctive relief. Taminco moved the court under Fed. R. Civ. P. 12(b)(6) to dismiss the plaintiffs' claims, or in the alternative, to abstain from hearing the case based on the doctrine of primary jurisdiction. Specifically, Taminco argued that the court should dismiss or stay the plaintiffs' claims because this case involves "technical matters related to air quality and air emissions" that are not within the conventional knowledge of judges or jurors and require the specialized expertise of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) to resolve. Taminco also argued that because the FDEP has been actively engaged in efforts to control emissions from the Pace facility in the past, the court should abstain from hearing this matter. Taminco insisted that the primary jurisdiction doctrine "is particularly applicable here" because "the plaintiffs are apparently seeking injunctive relief." Lastly, Taminco argued that the plaintiffs' public nuisance claim is "barred as a matter of law" because Taminco's "Title V permit issued by [the FDEP]" insulates it from public nuisance liability. Judge Rodgers denied Taminco's motion to dismiss as to the claims for private nuisance, negligence, and gross negligence for the following reasons: -- First, the issues involved in adjudicating the plaintiffs' damages claims are not particularly within the FDEP's discretion. The plaintiffs' claims are uniquely within the court's purview and, as such, abstention would be improper. -- Second, Taminco has not persuaded the court that the FDEP's expertise and specialized knowledge is essential in adjudicating the common law tort claims. The questions that predominate the plaintiffs' damages claims are within the conventional experience of judges and juries, and do not require the expertise and specialized knowledge of the FDEP to resolve. -- Third, consistency and uniformity in the environmental regulatory scheme will not be promoted by application of the primary jurisdiction doctrine because the plaintiffs' claims do not implicate FDEP regulations or policy. Judge Rodgers, however, found that the plaintiffs' public nuisance claim for injunctive relief may require dismissal or abatement pursuant to the primary jurisdiction doctrine because, depending on the nature of the claim and the type of injunctive relief sought, the claim may impermissibly intrude on Florida's comprehensive regulatory scheme for environmental pollution. The judge gave the plaintiffs 14 days to either dismiss their public nuisance claim or file an Amended Complaint which more particularly states the nature of the injuries suffered by the general public and the injunctive relie sought. A full-text copy of Judge Rodgers's August 24, 2016 order is available at https://is.gd/JHrVc5 from Leagle.com. MICHAEL DABNEY, PATRICIA DABNEY, Plaintiffs, represented by BRANDON THOMAS BROWN -- bbrown@ldclassaction.com -- LIDDLE & DUBIN PC, pro hac vice, LAURA L. SHEETS, LIDDLE & DUBIN PC, pro hac vice, NICHOLAS ALEXANDER COULSON, LIDDLE & DUBIN PC,STEVEN D. LIDDLE, LIDDLE & DUBIN PC, pro hac vice & CHRISTOPHER JOHN BAILEY -- cbailey@kslaw.com -- CHRISTOPHER BAILEY. TAMINCO US INC, Defendant, represented by DOUGLAS M. SMITH -- dougs@hgslaw.com -- HOPPING GREEN & SAMS PA, JOSEPH ALEXANDER BROWN -- josephb@hgslaw.com -- HOPPING GREEN & SAMS PA, MARK L. BLOCK -- mblock@wargofrench.com -- WARGO FRENCH LLP, pro hac vice, MICHAEL SCOTT FRENCH -- mfrench@wargofrench.com -- WARGO FRENCH LLP, RALPH A. DEMEO -- ralphd@hgslaw.com -- HOPPING GREEN & SAMS PA & ROBERT C. VOLPE -- robertv@hgslaw.com -- HOPPING GREEN & SAMS. THRUSTMASTER OF TEXAS: Faces "Carter" Suit Over FLSA "Violation" ---------------------------------------------------------------- DONALD CARTER, GLEN BAILEY and JOSE MARIO PEREZ, Individually and On Behalf of All Others Similarly Situated, Plaintiffs, v. THRUSTMASTER OF TEXAS, INC., Defendant, Case 4:16-cv-02658 (S.D. Tex., August 31, 2016), seeks to recover back pay, unpaid overtime wages, lost wages, liquidated damages, interest, costs, and attorney's fees under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Defendant Thrustmaster of Texas, Inc. is a Houston, Texas headquartered manufacturing company. The Plaintiffs are represented by: Terrence B. Robinson, Esq. Laura A. Hernandez, Esq. TB ROBINSON LAW GROUP, PLLC 1616 S. Voss Rd., Suite 870 Houston, TX 77057 Phone: (713) 568-1723 Fax: (713) 965-4288 Email: LHernandez@TBRobinsonlaw.com TRobinson@TBRobinsonlaw.com TOYOTA MOTOR: Faces "Black" Suit in C.D. of California ------------------------------------------------------ A lawsuit has been filed against Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., Inc., The case is captioned Carole B. Black, on behalf of herself and all others similarly situated, the Plaintiff, v. TOYOTA MOTOR SALES U.S.A., INC., a California corporation, Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing of North America, Inc., and Sullivan Luxury Cars, LLC d/b/a Lexus Santa Monica, the Defendant, Case No. 2:16-cv-06343 (C.D. Cal., Aug. 24, 2016). Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. manufactures and sells vehicles. It offers cars, trucks, sports utility vehicles, crossovers, hybrids and vehicles, hybrid cars, hybrid sports utility vehicles, concept vehicles, and accessories. The Plaintiff is represented by: Shannon A Lang, Esq. SHANNON A LANG, PLLC 440 Lousiana Street, Suite 900 Houston, TX 77002 Telephone: (832) 479 9400 Facsimile: (832) 479 9421 E-mail: shannon@shannonlanglaw.com TRIPLE VISION: Faces "Collazo" Suit Alleging FLSA Violation ----------------------------------------------------------- SELINA COLLAZO, on her behalf and on behalf of others similarly situated, Plaintiff, vs. TRIPLE VISION, INC., a Florida corporation, d/b/a Playmates, and RICHARD K. STANTON, Defendants, Case 1:16-cv-23737-JEM (S.D. Fla., August 31, 2016), seeks to recover unpaid minimum wages, unpaid overtime compensation, liquidated damages, attorney fees, and costs under the provisions of Section 16(b) of the Fair Labor Standards Act. Defendant, Triple Vision, Inc., is an adult entertainment club (commonly called a "strip club") which does business as "Playmates." The Plaintiff is represented by: Paul F. Penichet, Esq. PENICHET LAW 9655 So. Dixie Hwy., Suite 310 Miami, FL 33156 Phone: (305) 373-8809 E-mail: paul@penichetlaw.com UC SYNERGETIC: "Bentz" Suit to Recover Unpaid Back Wages -------------------------------------------------------- Kevin Bentz, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated Plaintiff, v. UC Synergetic, LLC, Defendant, Case No. 2:16-cv-02700 (W.D. Tenn., August 29, 2016), seeks unpaid back wages due, liquidated damages equal in amount to the unpaid compensation, attorneys' fees and costs, pre-judgment and post- judgment interest and such other and further relief pursuant to the Fair Labor Standards Act. UC Synergetic, LLC -- www.ucsynergetic.com -- is an engineering, consulting, and technical services firm serving electric and communications utilities across the nation where Plaintiff was employed by Defendant as a designer and fielder out of Defendant's Memphis, Tennessee branch. Plaintiff is represented by: J. Derek Braziel, Esq. J. Forester, Esq. LEE &BRAZIEL, L.L.P. 1801 N. Lamar Street, Suite 325 Dallas, TX 75202 Telephone: (214) 749-1400 Email: jdbraziel@l-b-law.com forester@l-b-law.com - and - Jill J.Weinberg, Esq. WEINBERG LAW FIRM, PLLC 6425 Willow Creek Drive Plano, TX 75093 Telephone: (972) 403-3330 Email: jillwlfirm@gmail.com UNITED HEALTHCARE: "Qadir" Suit Moved from Cir. Ct. to M.D. Fla. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Amilia Qadir, on behalf of herself and all others similarly situated, the Plaintiff, v. United Healthcare of Florida, Inc., doing business as United Health Group, the Defendant, Case No. 16- CA-06824-O, was removed from the Orange County Circuit Court, to the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida (Orlando). The Middle District Court Clerk assigned Case No. 6:16- cv-01554-PGB-TBS to the proceeding. The assigned Judge is Hon. Paul G. Byron. The Defendant provides health insurance. The Plaintiff is represented by: Brandon J. Hill, Esq. WENZEL FENTON CABASSA, PA 1110 N Florida Ave Ste 300 Tampa, FL 33602-3343 Telephone: (813) 224 0431 Facsimile: (813) 229 8712 E-mail: bhill@wfclaw.com The Defendant is represented by: Amanda Simpson, Esq. Jackson Lewis, PC 390 N Orange Ave., Suite 1285 Orlando, FL 32801 Telephone: (407) 425 7010 Facsimile: (407) 425 2747 E-mail: amanda.simpson@jacksonlewis.com - and - Stephanie Leigh Adler-Paindiris, Esq. JACKSON LEWIS, PC 390 N Orange Ave., Suite 1285 Orlando, FL 32801 Telephone: (407) 246 8440 Facsimile: (407) 246 8441 E-mail: adlers@jacksonlewis.com UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI: Faces "Hill" Student-Athletes' Suit -------------------------------------------------------- RYAN HILL, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated, Plaintiff, v. UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI, ATLANTIC COAST CONFERENCE, and THE NATIONAL COLLEGIATE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION, Defendants, Case 1:16-cv-02339-TWP-TAB (S.D. Ind., August 31, 2016), seeks to obtain redress for all persons allegedly injured by Defendants' reckless disregard for the health and safety of generations of University of Miami student-athletes. ATLANTIC COAST CONFERENCE is a collegiate athletic conference. The Plaintiff is represented by: William Winingham, Esq. WILSON KEHOE WININGHAM LLC 2859 North Meridian Street Indianapolis, IN 46208 Phone: 317.920.6400 Fax: 317.920.6405 E-mail: winingham@wkw.com - and - Jay Edelson, Esq. Benjamin H. Richman, Esq. EDELSON PC 350 North LaSalle Street, 13th Floor Chicago, IL 60654 Phone: 312.589.6370 Fax: 312.589.6378 E-mail: jedelson@edelson.com brichman@edelson.com - and - Rafey S. Balabanian, Esq. EDELSON PC 123 Townsend Street San Francisco, CA 94107 Phone: 415.212.9300 Fax: 415.373.9435 E-mail: winingham@wkw.com VERDE ENERGY: Bid to Stay "Richardson" Suit Denied -------------------------------------------------- In the case captioned BRIAN RICHARDSON, et al., Plaintiffs. v. VERDE ENERGY USA, INC., Defendant, Civil Action No. 15-6325 (E.D. Pa.), Judge Lawrence F. Stengel denied the motion filed by the defendant, Verde Energy USA, Inc., to stay proceedings pending decisions from the United States Supreme Court in Spokeo, Inc. v. Robins, 135 S.Ct. 1892, 191 L. Ed. 2D 762 (2015), and from the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia in ACA Int'l v. F.C.C., No. 15-cv-01211 (D.C. Cir. 2015). The class action arose under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, which generally forbids telemarketers from contacting prospective customers on cell phones by automatic telephone dialing systems without their express written consent, and forbids contacting consumers who have requested that calls stop. The defendant, Verde Energy USA, operates an energy company that purportedly offers consumers low priced electricity. The amended complaint alleged that Verde Energy utilizes a sophisticated telephone dialing system to call individuals en masse promoting its services, and that Verde Energy places phone calls to consumers who never provided consent to call and to consumers having no relationship with the defendant. Verde Energy first asked for a stay of the action pending a decision of the United States Supreme Court in Spokeo, Inc. v. Robins. Judge Stengel, however, found that the Supreme Court issued its decision in Spokeo on May 16, 2016, and thus, the Verde Energy's motion for a stay based on the pendency of that decision is now moot. Next, Verde Energy sought a stay pending the decision of the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia in ACA Int'l v. F.C.C. Judge Stengel found that there is no telling when a decision in that action would be forthcoming, that the harm to the plaintiff in granting a stay is greater than any harm to the defendant if the stay were denied, and finally, that judicial economy would not be served by granting a stay. Further, the judge stated that the ACA decision cannot render the case moot because the impact the ACA decision might have on the case is limited only to the scope of the definition of an automatic telephone dialing system. A full-text copy of Judge Stengel's August 24, 2016 memorandum is available at https://is.gd/C5sJB2 from Leagle.com. BRIAN RICHARDSON, MICHELLE HUNT, JOHN WHITE, Plaintiffs, represented by SHANON J. CARSON -- scarson@bm.net -- BERGER & MONTAGUE PC, ARTHUR STOCK -- astock@bm.net -- BERGER & MONTAGUE, P.C. & JARRETT L. ELLZEY -- jarrett@hughesellzey.com -- HUGHES ELLZEY LLP. JACQUELINE BOWSER, Plaintiff, represented by JARRETT L. ELLZEY, HUGHES ELLZEY LLP, pro hac vice, SHANON J. CARSON, BERGER & MONTAGUE PC & ARTHUR STOCK, BERGER & MONTAGUE, P.C.. VERDE ENERGY USA, INC., Defendant, represented by ALBERT G. BIXLER -- abixler@eckertseamans.com -- ECKERT SEAMANS CHERIN & MELLOTT LLC & KEVIN P. ALLEN -- kpallen@eckertseamans.com -- ECKERT SEAMANS CHERIN & MELLOTT LLC, pro hac vice. VEROS CREDIT: Dec. 15 Hearing Set for "Cosper" Suit Dismissal Bid ----------------------------------------------------------------- District Judge Moriison C. England, Jr. granted the parties' stipulation to continue the Defendant's motion to dismiss Plaintiffs' Second Amended Complaint to December 15, 2016, in the case entitled, YOLANDA COSPER, FRED LUMPKIN, and SEBASTIAN MCGHEE, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated, Plaintiffs. v. VEROS CREDIT, LLC Defendant, Case No. 2:15-cv- 01752-MCE-CKD (E.D. Calif.). Judge England further set the schedules for the filing and serving of (1) the Plaintiff's opposition not later than October 7, 2016, and (2) the Defendant's reply not later than November 4, 2016. A copy of the Court's Order dated August 24, 2016 is available at http://goo.gl/aNk72Vfrom Leagle.com. Yolanda Cosper, et al., Plaintiffs, represented by Bryan Kemnitzer, Kemnitzer Barron & Krieg, PC, Kristin Kemnitzer, Kemnitzer, Barron & Krieg & Nancy Barron, Kemnitzer, Barron & Krieg, Llp. Veros Credit, LLC, Defendant, represented by Rebecca Snavely Saelao -- rss@severson.com -- Severson & Werson & Scott James Hyman -- sjh@severson.com -- Severson & Werson. VIAL FOTHERINGHAM: Court Narrows Claims in Lott-Chea Suit --------------------------------------------------------- In the case captioned JANICE LOTT, on behalf of herself and all others similarly situated; KANIKA CHEA, on behalf of herself and all others similarly situated, Plaintiffs, v. VIAL FOTHERINGHAM, LLP, Defendant, No. 3:16-cv-00419-HZ (D. Or.), Judge Marco A. Hernandez granted Vial Fotheringham, LLP's motion to dismiss Kanika Chea's coercion claim with leave to amend, but denied Vial's remaining motions to dismiss. Janice Lott and Kanika Chea brought, among others, claims under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) against Vial, alleging that Vial, in its role as debt collector, engaged in abusive, deceptive, and unfair debt collection efforts when attempting to collect overdue homeowner's association fees from the plaintiffs. Vial moved to dismiss several of the plaintiffs' claims. Specifically, Vial contended that Lott has failed to state a claim regarding her allegation that Vial threatened to foreclose on her property without intending to foreclosure in violation of 15 U.S.C. section 1692e(5). With respect to Chea, Vial contended that her claim should be dismissed as time-barred under the FDCPA's one year statute of limitations, and that Chea has failed to state a claim regarding her allegation that Vial coerced her into signing an agreement settling her outstanding debt. In the event that the plaintiffs' claims are not dismissed, Vial moved to sever the plaintiffs, arguing that Lott and Chea are not properly joined under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 20(a). Judge Hernandez held that Lott's allegations regarding Vial's lack of intent to follow through on its threats of foreclosure are enough to survive Vial's motion to dismiss. The judge found that Lott has provided the requisite "short and plain statement of [her] claim." Judge Hernandez, however, dismissed Chea's coercion claim with leave to amend, finding that Chea has not adequately established the factual bases for her coercion claim, or explained under what law that claim arises. Judge Hernandez did not yet decide whether Chea's coercion claim, should she choose to amend and resubmit that portion of the complaint, is timely, until the court is able to assess the bases for that claim with more specificity. The judge, however, held that Chea's remaining claims were filed within the statute of limitations. Judge Hernandez deferred ruling on Vial's motion to sever at this time. A full-text copy of Judge Hernandez's August 23, 2016 opinion and order is available at https://is.gd/igWfEv from Leagle.com. Janice Lott, Kanika Chea, Plaintiffs, represented by Bret A. Knewtson, Attorney at Law & Mark G. Passannante, Broer & Passannante, PS. Mr. Passannante may be reached at: Mark G. Passannante, Esq. BROER & PASSANNANTE, P.S. 1001 SW Fifth Avenue, #1220 Portland, OR 97204 Tel: 503-294-0910 Fax: 503-243-2717 Vial Fotheringham LLP, Defendant, represented by Jonathan Mark Radmacher, McEwen Gisvold LLP. Mr. Radmacher may be reached at: Jonathan Mark Radmacher, Esq. MCEWEN GISVOLD LLP. 1100 SW Sixth Ave, Suite 1600 Portland, OR 97204 WEBPROPS INTERNATIONAL: Faces "Hayes" Suit in E.D. California ------------------------------------------------------------- A lawsuit has been filed against Webprops International, Inc. The case is titled Bob Hayes and Susan Hayes, Individually and on Behalf of All Others Similarly Situated, the Plaintiff, v. Webprops International, Inc., doing business as Webpromotiongifts.com and Matthew Gerchow, and Individual, the Defendant, Case No. 2:16-cv-02093-WBS-DB (E.D. Cal., Sep. 1, 2016). The assigned Senior Judge is Hon. William B. Shubb. The Plaintiff is represented by: Adrian R. Bacon, Esq. Todd M. Friedman, Esq. THE LAW OFFICES OF TODD M. FRIEDMAN, P.C. 21550 Oxnard St., Ste 780 Woodland Hills, CA 91367 Telephone: (877) 206 4741 Facsimile: (866) 633 0228 E-mail: abacon@attorneysforconsumers.com tfriedman@toddflaw.com WELSPUN INDIA: "Abbott" Suit Alleges False Advertising ------------------------------------------------------ Meghan Abbott, Plaintiff, v. Welspun India Ltd., and Welspun USA Inc., Defendants, Case No. 2016-56421 (S.D. N.Y., August 29, 2016), seeks temporary and permanent enjoinment, costs, restitution, damages, including statutory and punitive damages, and disgorgement, pre- and post-judgment interest on any amounts awarded, attorneys' fees and costs and such other or further relief resulting from fraud and negligent misrepresentation. Meghan Abbott purchased Fieldcrest bed linens by Welspun from Target. Plaintiff alleges that Defendants marketed their bed linens as "100% Egyptian Cotton," despite allegations that Welspun substituted another type of non-Egyptian cotton when producing these bed linens between August 2014 and July 2016. Welspun India Ltd. is a textile company based in India and is one of the world's largest home textile manufacturers including towels, bath robes, bath rugs/mats, area rugs, carpets, bed linens, utility bedding and fashion bedding. Welspun USA Inc. is a textile company incorporated in Delaware with its principal place of business in New York. Both Defendants market and sell or have marketed and sold bed linens in the United States under the Fieldcrest, Crowning Touch, Waverly, Ralph Lauren, Charter Club, Cannon, Royal Velvette, Nautica, Nicole Miller, Umbra, and Chaps brands. Plaintiff is represented by: Jason A. Zweig, Esq. 555 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1700 New York, NY 10017 Telephone: (212) 752-5455 Facsimile: (212) 210-3980 Email: jasonz@hbsslaw.com - and - Robert B. Carey, Esq. Leonard W. Aragon, Esq. HAGENS BERMAN SOBOL SHAPIRO LLP 11 West Jefferson Street, Suite 1000 Phoenix, AZ 85003 Telephone: (602) 840-5900 Facsimile: (602) 840-3012 Email: rob@hbsslaw.com leonard@hbsslaw.com - and - Stuart M. Paynter, Esq. THE PAYNTER LAW FIRM PLLC 1200 G. Street NW, Suite 800 Washington, DC 20005 Telephone: (202) 626-4486 Facsimile: (866) 734-0622 Email: stuart@paynterlawfirm.com WEST COAST TOMATO: Court Narrows Claims in "Espinoza" Suit ---------------------------------------------------------- Judge Thomas J. Whelan granted in part and denied, in part, West Coast Tomato Growers, LLC's (WCTG) motion for summary judgment in the case captioned ELISA VALERIO ESPINOZA, et al., Plaintiffs, v. WEST COAST TOMATO GROWERS, LLC, Defendant, Case No. 14-CV-2984 W (KSC) (S.D. Cal.). WCTG is a California limited liability company that operates farms "in or around" San Diego County. WCTG employed all the plaintiffs as tomato packers, sorters, and field workers. The plaintiffs alleged, among other things, that WCTG did not pay them for working off-the-clock, did not pay overtime wages due, did not provide itemized wage statements, did not permit legally required meal periods, did not provide necessary tools for the work, did not provide a safe working environment, did not provide necessary safety devices, and did not provide drinking water. The First Amended Complaint stated claims for: (1) wrongful discharge in violation of public policy; (2) failure to pay Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) due; (3) failure to pay all wages due; (4) failure to pay minimum wage for all hours worked; (5) failure to pay overtime wages; (6) failure to pay all wages due upon termination; (7) failure to indemnify employees for necessary expenditures; (8) failure to provide meal periods; (9) knowing and intentional failure to provide accurate and complete itemized earnings statements; (10) for violation of 29 U.S.C. section 1801 et seq.; (11) unlawful competition in violation of Cal. Bus & Prof. Code section 17200 et seq.; and (12) for enforcement of penalties pursuant to Cal. Labor Code section 2698 et seq. WCTG moved for summary judgment. Judge Whelan granted WCTG's motion to the extent the plaintiffs sought indemnification for face shields. The judge granted the motion as to the plaintiffs Cipriano Capistran, Arturo Salgado Manzano, and Lorenzo Lopez Pastrana on their claim for failure to provide itemized statements. Judge Whelan also granted the motion as to the plaintiffs' claim under California's Unfair Competition Law on any theory premised on a failure to maintain a safe and healthy work environment. The motion was otherwise denied. A full-text copy of Judge Whelan's August 24, 2016 order is available at https://is.gd/NNuUEH from Leagle.com. Elisa Valerio Espinoza, Plaintiff, represented by Jennifer C. Bonilla -- jbonilla@crla.org -- California Rural Legal Assistance, Inc., Prairie A. Bly, California Rural Legal Assistance, Inc. & Michael Meuter, California Rural Legal Assistance. Guillermina Bermudez, Felix Gomez Diaz, Maria Martinez, Lorenzo Lopez Pastrana, Arturo Salgado Manzano, Cipriano Capistran, Plaintiffs, represented by Jennifer C. Bonilla, California Rural Legal Assistance, Inc. & Prairie A. Bly, California Rural Legal Assistance, Inc.. West Coast Tomato Growers, LLC, Defendant, represented by Cynthia A. Freeland, Schor & Freeland LLP. WESTERN CONCRETE: Allbright's Bid to Dismiss in "Lozano" Granted ---------------------------------------------------------------- In the case captioned CHRISTOPHER LOZANO and AUGUSTINE LOZA, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated, Plaintiffs, v. WESTERN CONCRETE PUMPING, INC., CHUCK REED, and BRETT REID, Defendants. v. CORBY ALLBRIGHT, Cross Defendant, No. 1:15-cv-1192-RP (W.D. Tex.), Judge Robert Pitman granted the motion to dismiss filed by the cross-defendant, Corby Allbright. Christopher Lozano and Augustine Loza filed suit against Western Concrete Pumping, Inc., Chuck Reed, and Brettt Reid, on December 18, 2015, alleging collective action claims against the defendants under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and class action claims against the defendants under the Texas Labor Code (TLC) and Texas common law. On March 7, 2016, the defendants filed an answer to plaintiffs' complaint and also filed a cross-claim against Corby Allbright, who was not initially a party to the suit. In their cross-claim, the defendants alleged that Allbright became Vice President of Western's Texas operations on April 5, 2012, that Allbright "employed and managed Plaintiffs and similarly situated workers at all times," and was an "employer" under both the FLSA and the TLC. The defendants asserted that Allbright "is thus personally liable" for the violations alleged by the plaintiffs. On June 10, 2016, Allbright moved to dismiss the defendants' cross claims against him for two primary reasons. First, he asserted that the defendants' causes of action related to the plaintiffs' putative class action for federal and state wage and hour violations must be dismissed because the defendants lack standing to bring the claims, have failed to adequately allege that Allbright is an employer under the FLSA, and that the Fifth Circuit bars wage and hour claims for indemnification by employers against employees. Second, he argued that the remaining causes of action are unrelated to the operative complaint filed by the plaintiffs, and must be dismissed. Judge Pitman concluded that the defendants have standing to bring claims related to indemnification for the plaintiffs' claims against Allbright, and that the defendants have adequately alleged that Allbright was an employer under the FLSA, as well as for purposes of the TLC. However, Judge Pitman concluded that the defendants' claims for indemnification from liability arising out of the plaintiffs' common law claims must be dismissed. The judge found that these claims were all premised on the defendants' agreement to pay the plaintiffs wages in exchange for their labor, and are based in contract, not tort. "Further, Defendants are not alleged to be vicariously liable for Allbright's actions -- Plaintiffs have premised their common law claims on Defendants' actions. Nor have Defendants alleged any facts that would suggest Allbright could be held liable by the Plaintiffs on their common law claims," the judge said. As to the plaintiffs' FLSA claims, Judge Pitman stated that other courts have expressly addressed whether an employer may seek indemnification for FLSA violations from another "employer" who is also an employee under the FLSA and determined that they cannot. Thus, the judge held that the defendants' claims which seek contribution or indemnification from Allbright for alleged FLSA violations must be dismissed. Judge Pitman also similarly dismissed the defendants' claims related to indemnification under the TLC. The judge explained that the Texas legislature did not provide for indemnification by an employer under the statute, and indemnification is extremely limited under Texas common law. Particularly in light of the decision to dismiss the defendants' claims against Allbright related to the plaintiffs' wage and hour claims, Judge Pitman also held that the defendants' other claims against Allbright must be dismissed because they are not part of the same case or controversy brought by the plaintiffs. A full-text copy of Judge Pitman's August 23, 2016 order is available at https://is.gd/a7DfqM from Leagle.com. Christopher Lozano, Augustine Loza, Plaintiffs, represented by Holt M. Lackey -- hlackey@dpelaw.com -- DiNovo Price Ellwanger & Hardy LLP, pro hac vice, James A. Vagnini -- jvagnini@vkvlawyers.com -- Valli Kne & Vagnini, LLP, pro hac vice, Matthew Berman -- mberman@vkvlawyers.com -- Valli Kane & Vagnini, LLP, pro hac vice, Matthew Capobianco, Valli Kane & Vagnini, LLP, Sara Wyn Kane -- skane@vkvlawyers.com -- Valli Kane & Vagnini, LLP & Jay D. Ellwanger -- jellwanger@dpehlaw.com -- DiNovo Price Ellwanger & Hardy LLP. Western Concrete Pumping, Inc., Chuck Reed, Brett Reid, Defendants, represented by Guillermo Marrero International Practice Group, P.C., pro hac vice & Michael J. Golden -- mike@boulettegolden.com -- Boulette Golden & Marin L.L.P.. Corby Allbright, Cross Defendant, represented by Jay D. Ellwanger -- jellwanger@dpehlaw.com -- DiNovo Price Ellwanger & Hardy LLP & Matthew Capobianco, Valli Kane & Vagnini, LLP. WILHELMINA INTERNATIONAL: Motion to Dismiss "Shanklin" Underway --------------------------------------------------------------- Wilhelmina International, Inc. said in its Form 10-Q Report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 12, 2016, for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2016, that a judge has reserved the decision on Wilhelmina's motion to dismiss the case by former Wilhelmina model Alex Shanklin. On October 24, 2013, a purported class action lawsuit was brought against the Company by former Wilhelmina model Alex Shanklin and others (the "Shanklin Litigation"), in New York State Supreme Court (New York County) by the same lead counsel who represented plaintiffs in a prior, now-dismissed action brought by Louisa Raske (the "Raske Litigation"). The claims in the Shanklin Litigation initially included breach of contract and unjust enrichment allegations arising out of matters similar to the Raske Litigation, such as the handling and reporting of funds on behalf of models and the use of model images. Other parties named as defendants in the Shanklin Litigation include other model management companies, advertising firms, and certain advertisers. On January 6, 2014, the Company moved to dismiss the Amended Complaint in the Shanklin Litigation for failure to state a claim upon which relief can be granted and other grounds, and other defendants also filed motions to dismiss. On August 11, 2014, the court denied the motion to dismiss as to Wilhelmina and other of the model management defendants. Further, on March 3, 2014, the judge assigned to the Shanklin Litigation wrote the Office of the New York Attorney General bringing the case to its attention, generally describing the claims asserted therein against the model management defendants, and stating that the case "may involve matters in the public interest." The judge's letter also enclosed a copy of his decision in the Raske Litigation, which dismissed that case. Plaintiffs have retained substitute counsel, who has filed a Second and now Third Amended Complaint. Plaintiffs' Third Amended Complaint asserts causes of action for alleged breaches of the plaintiffs' management contracts with the defendants, conversion, breach of the duty of good faith and fair dealing, and unjust enrichment. The Third Amended Complaint also alleges that the plaintiff models were at all relevant times employees, and not independent contractors, of the model management defendants, and that defendants violated the New York Labor Law in several respects, including, among other things, by allegedly failing to pay the models the minimum wages and overtime pay required thereunder, not maintaining accurate payroll records, and not providing plaintiffs with full explanations of how their wages and deductions therefrom were computed. The Third Amended Complaint seeks certification of the action as a class action, damages in an amount to be determined at trial, plus interest, costs, attorneys' fees, and such other relief as the court deems proper. On October 6, 2015, Wilhelmina filed a motion to dismiss as to most of the plaintiffs' claims, and oral argument on the motion was heard by the Court in June 2016. The judge reserved decision and it is not known when the decision will be issued. The Company believes the claims asserted in the Third Amended Complaint are without merit, and intends to continue to vigorously defend the action. WILHELMINA INTERNATIONAL: Court Stayed Pressley Litigation ---------------------------------------------------------- Wilhelmina International, Inc. said in its Form 10-Q Report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 12, 2016, for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2016, that a purported class action lawsuit was brought on June 6, 2016, against the Company by former Wilhelmina model Shawn Pressley and others (the "Pressley Litigation"), in New York State Supreme Court (New York County) by the same counsel representing the plaintiffs in the Shanklin Litigation, and asserting identical, although more recent, claims as those in the Shanklin Litigation. On June 14, 2016, the Court stayed all proceedings in the Pressley Litigation until a decision is issued on the motion to dismiss in the Shanklin Litigation. The Company believes the claims asserted in the Pressley Litigation are without merit, and intends to vigorously defend the action. WILHELMINA INTERNATIONAL: Settlement Talks Ongoing in "Betancourt" ------------------------------------------------------------------ Wilhelmina International, Inc. said in its Form 10-Q Report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 12, 2016, for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2016, that settlement discussions are ongoing in the lawsuit by Angel Betancourt. On August 20, 2015, a lawsuit was brought against the Company and the Company's former Chief Accounting Officer by a former employee, Angel Betancourt. The lawsuit alleges that the plaintiff was discriminated against during his time of employment and upon his termination. The lawsuit further alleges that the plaintiff was not compensated due to misclassification by the Company under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act. The proceeding is in the preliminary stages, and by agreement with the Plaintiff further action in the lawsuit has been abated pending ongoing settlement discussions. The Company expects that the lawsuit will be resolved within the limits of the Company's insurance coverage. WILLIAMS-SONOMA INC: Case Management Conference Continued --------------------------------------------------------- In the case, WILLIAM RUSHING, Individually and on Behalf of all Others Similarly Situated, Assigned to the Plaintiff, v. WILLIAMS- SONOMA, INC., a Delaware corporation, also d/b/a Williams-Sonoma and Williams-Sonoma Home, et al., Defendants, Case No. 3:16-cv- 01421-WHO (N.D. Calif.), District Judge William H. Orrick granted the parties' stipulation to continue the Initial Case Management Conference scheduled for September 13, 2016. The parties noted that the continuance of the Initial Case Management Conference is for the parties' best interests and in the interest of judicial economy, such that it would enable both the parties and the Court to focus attention and resources on the issues that will proceed in the litigation. All previous time modifications of the case are: -- on March 29, 2016, the parties stipulated to extend Defendants' time to respond to the First Amended Complaint from March 30, 2016 to April 20, 2016; -- on May 5, 2016, pursuant to stipulation of the parties, the Court continued the June 21, 2016 Case Management Conference to September 6, 2016; -- on June 23, 2016, the parties stipulated to extend Defendants' time to respond to the Third Amended Complaint from June 23, 2016 to June 27, 2016; and -- on August 4, 2016, pursuant to stipulation of the parties, the Court continued the September 6, 2016 Case Management Conference to September 13, 2016. The parties now agree that: -- Plaintiff shall file his amended complaint on September 14, 2016; -- Defendants shall file a response on or before October 3, 2016; -- If Defendants' response is an answer, the Initial Case Management Conference shall be continued to November 1, 2016; and -- If Defendants' response is a motion to dismiss, the Initial Case Management Conference shall be continued to the first available date at least 30 days after the Court issues an order on Defendants' motion. A copy of the Court's Order dated August 23, 2016 is available at http://goo.gl/Bi1nYCfrom Leagle.com. William Rushing, Plaintiff, represented by George Richard Baker -- richard@bakerlawpc.com -- Baker Law PC, Audra Elizabeth Petrolle -- apetrolle@roselawgroup.com -- Rose Law Group, pro hac vice, Kathryn Honecker -- khonecker@roselawgroup.com -- Rose Law Group, pc, pro hac vice & Lauren Marie Nageotte -- lnageotte@roselawgroup.com -- Rose Law Group, pc, pro hac vice. Williams-Sonoma, Inc., et al., Defendants, represented by Eric James DiIulio -- ediiulio@sheppardmullin.com -- Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP, Benjamin Okhaifo Aigboboh -- baigboboh@sheppardmullin.com -- Sheppard Mullin Richter Hampton LLP, Dylan John Price -- dprice@sheppardmullin.com -- Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP & P. Craig Cardon -- ccardon@sheppardmullin.com -- Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP. ********* S U B S C R I P T I O N I N F O R M A T I O N Class Action Reporter is a daily newsletter, co-published by Bankruptcy Creditors' Service, Inc., Fairless Hills, Pennsylvania, USA, and Beard Group, Inc., Washington, D.C., USA. Marion Alcestis A. Castillon, Ma. Cristina Canson, Noemi Irene A. Adala, Joy A. Agravante, Valerie Udtuhan, Julie Anne L. Toledo, Christopher G. Patalinghug, and Peter A. Chapman, Editors. Copyright 2016. All rights reserved. ISSN 1525-2272. This material is copyrighted and any commercial use, resale or publication in any form (including e-mail forwarding, electronic re-mailing and photocopying) is strictly prohibited without prior written permission of the publishers. Information contained herein is obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but is not guaranteed. The CAR subscription rate is $775 for six months delivered via e-mail. Additional e-mail subscriptions for members of the same firm for the term of the initial subscription or balance thereof are $25 each. For subscription information, contact Peter A. Chapman at 215-945-7000 or Nina Novak at 202-362-8552. * * * End of Transmission * * *