Podcasts about state ags

On this Ropes & Gray podcast, antitrust partners Mark Popofsky and Samer Musallam discuss recent cases, including Paramount, where state attorneys general and private plaintiffs have challenged deals even after federal review, highlighting the growing role of states and private parties in U.S. antitrust enforcement. They examine the risks companies face from these additional enforcement branches and offer practical takeaways for managing antitrust exposure throughout the transaction process. Tune in to learn how to navigate the evolving landscape of merger enforcement beyond federal agencies.

The attorneys general of California, Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey are suing Meta for $1.4 trillion, claiming the social media giant designed Facebook and Instagram to addict young users.The case is heading to court in Oakland, California, next month. It follows a landmark verdict earlier this year: A Los Angeles jury found Meta and YouTube liable for mental health harms to a young woman who said she'd become addicted to the platforms starting at nine years old.And there are a slew of similar cases coming down the pike. To help break this down we're joined by Gaia Bernstein, law professor at Seton Hall Univerisity and author of the book "Unwired: Gaining Control over Addictive Technologies."

The attorneys general of California, Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey are suing Meta for $1.4 trillion, claiming the social media giant designed Facebook and Instagram to addict young users.The case is heading to court in Oakland, California, next month. It follows a landmark verdict earlier this year: A Los Angeles jury found Meta and YouTube liable for mental health harms to a young woman who said she'd become addicted to the platforms starting at nine years old.And there are a slew of similar cases coming down the pike. To help break this down we're joined by Gaia Bernstein, law professor at Seton Hall Univerisity and author of the book "Unwired: Gaining Control over Addictive Technologies."

Welcome to The Daily Wrap Up, an in-depth investigatory show dedicated to bringing you the most relevant independent news, as we see it, from the last 24 hours (7/16/26). As always, take the information discussed in the video below and research it for yourself, and come to your own conclusions. Anyone telling you what the truth is, or claiming they have the answer, is likely leading you astray, for one reason or another. Stay Vigilant. !function(r,u,m,b,l,e){r._Rumble=b,r[b]||(r[b]=function(){(r[b]._=r[b]._||[]).push(arguments);if(r[b]._.length==1){l=u.createElement(m),e=u.getElementsByTagName(m)[0],l.async=1,l.src="https://rumble.com/embedJS/u2q643"+(arguments[1].video?'.'+arguments[1].video:'')+"/?url="+encodeURIComponent(location.href)+"&args="+encodeURIComponent(JSON.stringify([].slice.apply(arguments))),e.parentNode.insertBefore(l,e)}})}(window, document, "script", "Rumble");   Rumble("play", {"video":"v7anliw","div":"rumble_v7anliw"}); Source Links (In Chronological Order): (21) Al Jazeera Breaking News on X: "BREAKING: A wheat storage silo in western Iran was targeted in a US strike, Fars News Agency reported, citing a provincial official who said no casualties were reported

In this crossover episode of The Consumer Finance Podcast and Regulatory Oversight, Taylor Gess is joined by colleagues Michael Yaghi and Lane Page from Troutman Pepper Locke's State AG and Regulatory Investigations, Strategy + Enforcement practice groups to discuss the hottest areas of state regulatory activity in the point-of-sale space. With federal consumer protection enforcement pulling back in certain areas under the current administration, state regulatory agencies are stepping into the spotlight to take an industrywide approach to point-of-sale finance. The conversation covers regulatory scrutiny around buy now, pay later (BNPL) products following the CFPB's withdrawal of its interpretive rule, a coordinated seven-state inquiry into the U.S.'s largest BNPL providers, and what providers should be doing now to assess their own compliance posture. They also dig into the solar and home improvement finance sector, where states are challenging fee disclosures and targeting finance provider-merchant relationships, as well as the growing rent-to-own enforcement landscape. The episode closes with a look at what Rohit Chopra's new role leading California's consolidated consumer protection agency could mean for the financial services industry, with both California and New York positioning themselves as state-level successors to the CFPB's prior enforcement mission. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What should food delivery apps tell you before you click “place order”? In this episode, we unpack a bipartisan coalition of 16 state attorneys general urging the FTC to adopt sweeping new rules governing food delivery platform fees, with a focus on drip pricing, service fees, menu markups, tipping transparency, and personalized pricing. The AGs argue that consumers deserve clearer disclosures about how fees are calculated, whether menu prices differ from in-store prices, and when personal data is being used to tailor prices or discounts. As state and federal regulators increasingly align around pricing transparency, the proposal signals that food delivery platforms—and potentially other industries using similar pricing models—should prepare for heightened scrutiny of fees, disclosures, and data-driven pricing practices. Hosted by Simone Roach. Based on a blog post by Paul L. Singer, Abigail Stempson, Beth Bolen Chun, and Andrea deLorimier.

Carl Quintanilla, Jim Cramer and David Faber kicked off a new week with the AI trade: Shares of SK Hynix tumbled 15% for its worst-ever day in the South Korean markets. The stock also fell sharply on Wall Street after surging 13% Friday in its U.S. trading debut — and dragged down memory names including Micron and Sandisk. The anchors reacted to the Sam Altman-Elon Musk's social media spat in wake of Apple's lawsuit against OpenAI. Also in focus: Oil prices jump on U.S.-Iran tensions, SpaceX shares fall closer to their $135 IPO price, Cramer on the non-tech names worthy of your attention, Disney's live-action "Moana" stumbles, Meta and data centers, American Express upgraded, "Faber Report" on State AGs vs. Paramount-WBD deal.   Squawk on the Street Disclaimer Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Happy 250th! The bulls are bubbling up! Yentervention – it is a thing. Labor market predictions. PLUS we are now on Spotify and Amazon Music/Podcasts! Click HERE for Show Notes and Links DHUnplugged is now streaming live - with listener chat. Click on link on the right sidebar. Love the Show? Then how about a Donation? PayPal.Donation.Button({ env:'production', hosted_button_id:'JJJHP2GDEJC7J', image: { src:'https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_donateCC_LG.gif', alt:'Donate with PayPal button', title:'PayPal - The safer, easier way to pay online!', } }).render('#donate-button'); Follow John C. Dvorak on Twitter Follow Andrew Horowitz on Twitter Warm-Up - 250 Years! - We have the scorecard - Bulls are on the loose! - Kevin Hassett - what a putz - RAM JOB! Markets - Google's first day in the DJIA - a good one - SpaceX bonds already losing -Yen slips to 1986 levels - Yentervention? WHAT A PUTZ! - Trump Accounts launch July 4, with the NYSE and Nasdaq set to ring the opening bell from the Oval Office. - Program gives a $1,000 Treasury-funded investment account to U.S. children born from January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2028. - Kids under 18 can have accounts, but only newborns in that four-year window get the federal seed money. - Parents, family, employers, nonprofits, and governments can add money, with a general $5,000 annual contribution cap. - Money is invested in index funds and generally locked up until the child reaches adulthood. - Kevin Hassett pitched it as a way to teach kids about markets, ownership, saving, and compounding. His argument is that the more young people get exposed to investing early, and market ownership becomes less of an upper-income club. - However - > the government is handing out taxpayer-funded brokerage seed money while selling it as capitalism. - Also odd: the benefit may skew toward families who already know how to file forms, open accounts, and add more money. - So basically it is a forced financial-literacy experiment wrapped in a political brand name, with a socialist starter check to teach capitalism. First-Half Winners and Losers - S&P 500 finished the first half up roughly 7% to 8%, with the rally led by AI hardware, chips, memory, and data-center infrastructure. - Biggest winners were the shovel sellers: Sandisk up about 780%, Micron up about 296%, Western Digital up about 240%, Seagate up about 226%. - Overseas AI hardware ripped too: South Korea's Kospi up 123%, helped by Samsung up 169% and SK Hynix up 303%. - Semiconductor ETFs had a monster Q2: iShares Semiconductor ETF up 86.8%, VanEck Semiconductor ETF up 64.8%. - Japan's Nikkei rose about 38%; FTSE 100 gained about 5.8%. - Losers were the software/platform names that could not prove immediate AI payoff. - Microsoft was down about 24% despite being one of the biggest AI spenders. - Momentum stocks had one of their worst stretches in two decades as the Magnificent Seven slipped on capex worries. - Crypto and gold also lagged the AI-infrastructure trade. - Equity BULLS are running like it was San Fermin, Spain... MORE.... - Gold biggest quarterly loss since 2013 - Japan best quarter ever - Oil starts and ends - Kospi best quarter in 30 years - Stoxx 600 best Q in 5 years Something is going to break! - When Micro announced earnings, and we see that companies are panicking (News about existential threat to smaller tech players).. We said something is going to break - MU shares lifted to ATH on the news - big big beat - Micron's latest quarter showed a dramatic acceleration from the year-ago period, with revenue rising from $9,301 to $41,460 and EPS increasing from $1.91 to $25.11. - HUGE uptick in guidance - Apple increased pricing, Dell is increasing prices next week (17%), Microsoft raised price on XBox, HP across the board increase, Lenovo/Xiaomi increases, - NOW: Apple is lobbying the Trump administration for clearance to buy memory chips from China's ChangXin Memory Technologies Korea Goes All-In On AI Memory - Samsung and SK Hynix are backing a huge South Korea chip buildout tied to AI memory, HBM, advanced DRAM, packaging and data centers. - Samsung's plan includes hundreds of trillions of won for new fabs, including HBM facilities in Cheonan and Onyang. - SK Hynix is expanding Yongin and planning a major new chip base as it rides demand from Nvidia-linked HBM supply. - Government angle: Seoul wants domestic chip capacity treated like national infrastructure, not just corporate capex. - The state is trying to lock in supply-chain control before China, Taiwan, Japan and the U.S. pull more production into their own subsidy zones. - Market wrinkle: AI memory is hot now, but memory companies have a long history of overbuilding into strong pricing cycles. - Governments are no longer just subsidizing chips — they are helping plan semiconductor cities. RAM Job? - Samsung, SK hynix, and Micron were hit with a U.S. antitrust class-action lawsuit over alleged DRAM price fixing. - Allegation: the big three coordinated supply cuts while shifting capacity away from regular DDR3/DDR4 memory and into high-bandwidth memory for AI servers. - Plaintiffs say the three companies control roughly 90% of the DRAM market. - Conventional DRAM prices allegedly jumped about 700% over four years. - Complaint argues that in a normal commodity market, at least one supplier would usually increase production when prices spike. - Instead, the lawsuit says all three moved in the same direction at the same time. DRAM: We Have Seen This Movie Before - Yes, there was a similar DRAM price-fixing scandal in the 2000s. - DOJ investigation covered alleged DRAM price fixing from roughly 1998 through 2002. - Hynix pleaded guilty in 2005 and agreed to pay a $185 million criminal fine. - Samsung pleaded guilty in 2005 and agreed to pay a $300 million criminal fine. - Infineon pleaded guilty earlier, in 2004, and agreed to pay a $160 million fine. - Micron was involved in the investigation but received amnesty/cooperation treatment rather than the same criminal fine path. - Several executives were also charged or pleaded guilty. - State AGs and private plaintiffs later pursued civil cases tied to overpayment claims. - Difference now: the new case is not yet proven and appears focused on alleged coordinated supply restriction during the AI/HBM boom. Chevron and Microsoft - Chevron Corp signed 20-year deal with Microsoft for data center power. - Agreement supplies natural-gas fired generation for massive West Texas facility. - Project Kilby expected online 2028, ramping to 2.67 gigawatts. - Full output enough to power more than 530,000 Texas homes. - Chevron partnering Engine No. 1, final investment decision planned later. - Deal follows prior reports of exclusive long-term power negotiations. More Oil News - Drill baby Drill - Interior Department cutting federal drilling bonds by 95% to spur exploration. - Required bond drops from $500,000 to $25,000 for leases. - Bonds ensure cleanup costs don't fall on taxpayers if wells abandoned. - Policy change aims to encourage more oil and gas development. - Proposal subject to 60-day public comment after Federal Register publication. Dow 52,000 and the Tech Bounce - Dow closed above 52,000 for the first time Monday, finishing at 52,182.74. - S&P 500 gained 1.18%; Nasdaq jumped 2.07%. - S&P and Nasdaq snapped five-session losing streaks. - Alphabet rose 4.8% on its first day as a Dow component. - Tesla gained 8.5%; SpaceX rose more than 7%. - The bounce came after last week's tech selloff, with investors rotating back into mega-cap and AI names. Comcast Breaks Itself Up - Comcast plans to split media and connectivity into two separate companies. - NBCUniversal and Sky would be spun off in a tax-free deal; Comcast keeps broadband, wireless, and cable. - Completion expected within a year. - Shareholders would own both Comcast and the new NBCUniversal. - Comcast shares rose on the news; Charter also jumped as investors speculated Comcast could eventually pursue a broadband-scale deal. AI Trade Gets a Warning Label - Bank for International Settlements flagged the AI boom as a financial-stability risk. - The main concerns: elevated valuations, investor complacency, complex funding structures, and debt financing across the AI supply chain. - BIS also warned that record public debt and leveraged hedge-fund activity in sovereign bonds could amplify shocks. - Quote from BIS General Manager Pablo Hernandez de Cos: "Policy actions must reinforce each other." - The interesting part: central bankers are not saying AI is fake; they are saying the financing stack may be fragile. Inflation Back Above 4% - BEA's PCE price index rose 4.1% year over year in May. - April was 3.8%; March was 3.5%; February was 2.9%. - This keeps pressure on the Fed because PCE is the Fed's preferred inflation gauge. - Core PCE may later be revised lower because of BEA methodology changes. - Goldman estimated May core PCE could be trimmed to 3.2% from 3.4%; JPMorgan expected 3.3%. - Funny-but-real detail: part of the potential revision comes from how BEA prices portfolio management, legal services, and computer software. Jobs Report Becomes Bad-News-Is-Bad-News - June payrolls are due Thursday because markets are closed Friday for Independence Day. - The setup is awkward: strong jobs could mean stronger economy, but also higher odds of Fed hikes. - Looking back - May payrolls were hot at 172,000 versus an 85,000 forecast, with unemployment steady at 4.3%. - Remember - after the June Fed meeting, policymakers were clearly focused on inflation, not rescue cuts. Oil, Iran, and the Market's New Weird Routine - Oil stayed volatile around renewed U.S.-Iran tensions and peace-talk headlines. - Brent rose 1.6% Monday to $73.15; WTI rose 2.2% to $70.75. - Markets rallied anyway, helped by signs talks would resume and shipping routes were stabilizing. - The odd market behavior: geopolitical escalation keeps getting followed by de-escalation headlines and risk-on rallies. - This is now part of the trading pattern: weekend war scare, Monday relief rally, repeat. --- New attacks by USA on Iran happened at approx 4:30PM on Friday (markets closed) and then a halt to the fighting on Sunday - before the futures opened. Odd : Wendy's Becomes a Meme Stock - Wendy's became the latest retail-trader short-squeeze target. - Stock surged 25% last Wednesday, then gained another 9% Thursday. - Barron's said the move followed a CFO shakeup and WallStreetBets attention. - New CFO Steve Cirulis came from Potbelly and is also taking the Chief Strategy Officer title. - Wendy's had fallen 47% over the past year before the rally. - Short interest was nearly 30% of the public float, making the stock easier to squeeze. - Trian, Nelson Peltz's firm, owned nearly 15 million shares valued around $93 million. SpaceX Bonds Slip After Big Debut - SpaceX sold $25 billion of investment-grade bonds, its first major public debt deal. - Demand was huge, with roughly $85 billion to $98 billion of orders. - The 10-year tranche priced about 1.4 percentage points over Treasurys. - Bonds weakened quickly after pricing. - The 10-year yield rose near 6%, with the spread moving above 1.6 percentage points. - Longer-dated 2046 and 2056 bonds took the most pressure. - The pushback: bond buyers want more yield for a company still funding rockets, Starlink, AI/data-center spending, and Mars ambitions. - Clean read: equity investors bought the story; bond investors immediately marked it down. Yentervention - Yen weakened again, pushing toward the 162-per-dollar zone and near its weakest level in about 40 years. - Japan keeps warning it is ready for "decisive action" or to respond "at any time." - Market does not seem scared for long. - Japan already spent heavily defending the yen, including a roughly $73 billion yen-buying operation after the currency broke past 160. - U.S. rates are still high, the Fed is not rushing to cut, and the Bank of Japan is still moving slowly. - That keeps the carry trade alive: borrow cheap yen, buy higher-yielding dollars. - Japan's foreign reserves fell 5.6% in May after intervention, showing the defense is expensive.   Love the Show? Then how about a Donation? PayPal.Donation.Button({ env: 'production', hosted_button_id: 'JJJHP2GDEJC7J', image: { src: 'https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_donateCC_LG.gif', alt: 'Donate with PayPal button', title: 'PayPal - The safer, easier way to pay online!' } }).render('#donate-button-2'); THE CLOSEST TO THE PIN for SpaceX (SPCX) Winners will be getting great stuff like the new "OFFICIAL" DHUnplugged Shirt!     FED AND CRYPTO LIMERICKS   See this week's stock picks HERE Follow John C. Dvorak on Twitter Follow Andrew Horowitz on Twitter

This Day in Legal History: McDonald's Franchise OpeningOn this day in 1955, Ray Kroc opened his first franchise location for McDonald's in Des Plaines, Illinois, marking a turning point in American business and legal history. Although franchising existed before this moment, Kroc's model introduced a new level of uniformity and control that reshaped how franchise systems operate. He required strict adherence to standardized procedures, branding, and product quality, which became central features of modern franchise agreements. These agreements are legally binding contracts that define the relationship between franchisors and franchisees, including fees, territorial rights, and operational obligations. As McDonald's expanded rapidly, it exposed gaps in existing business laws governing franchising practices. This growth led to increased scrutiny over issues such as disclosure requirements and fairness in contract terms.By the 1970s, concerns about deceptive practices and unequal bargaining power prompted regulatory responses, including the Federal Trade Commission's Franchise Rule. This rule requires franchisors to provide detailed disclosures to prospective franchisees, improving transparency and reducing fraud. Kroc's model also raised legal questions about liability, particularly whether franchisors could be held responsible for the actions of independently owned franchise locations. Courts have since developed tests to determine the level of control necessary to establish such liability. Additionally, franchise law has evolved to address disputes over termination rights and non-compete clauses. The McDonald's system became a case study in how private contracts can shape an entire industry's legal framework. Today, franchising remains a major part of the global economy, with legal standards that can be traced back to the system Kroc helped popularize.The NAACP filed a lawsuit against xAI in federal court in Mississippi, alleging that the company violated environmental laws while operating a gas-powered plant tied to its data center near Memphis. The complaint claims xAI built and ran the plant without obtaining required permits under the Clean Air Act. According to the NAACP, the plant emits harmful pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and formaldehyde, which are linked to serious health risks including asthma, heart conditions, and cancer. The organization argues that these emissions disproportionately affect nearby communities with large Black populations.The lawsuit also alleges that xAI deliberately avoided regulatory oversight by skipping the permitting process, which would have required pollution controls and environmental review. The plant is described as a major regional source of smog-forming emissions, potentially releasing large quantities of pollutants into the air. The NAACP is seeking court orders to halt operations until proper permits are obtained, require emission controls, and impose financial penalties for violations. The case reflects broader concerns about environmental justice, corporate compliance, and the rapid expansion of infrastructure supporting artificial intelligence technologies.NAACP Sues Musk's XAI Over Data Center Pollution In Miss. - Law360Albertsons has agreed in principle to pay $773 million to resolve claims brought by several states, local governments, and Native American tribes over its alleged role in the opioid crisis. The agreement involves attorneys general from states including California, Colorado, Illinois, and Oregon, though some terms—such as requirements for future conduct—are still being negotiated. The states claim the company contributed to the public health crisis through its pharmacy operations, while Albertsons maintains the settlement does not admit wrongdoing.This deal is part of a broader wave of opioid-related litigation targeting companies across the pharmaceutical supply chain. Governments have accused pharmacies, distributors, and manufacturers of contributing to widespread addiction through improper practices. Other major settlements, including those involving Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family, have pushed total payouts in opioid cases beyond $50 billion nationwide.Funds from the Albertsons settlement are expected to support addiction treatment, prevention, and recovery programs, with allocation plans already in place in some states. Officials emphasized that these settlements aim to both address past harm and fund ongoing efforts to combat the opioid epidemic.State AGs, Albertsons Chain Reach $773M Opioid Deal - Law360Amazon has agreed to acquire Globalstar for about $11.6 billion as part of its push into satellite-based internet services. The deal will give Amazon access to Globalstar's satellite network, spectrum rights, and infrastructure, helping expand its low Earth orbit (LEO) system aimed at providing global connectivity without relying on traditional cell towers.Under the agreement, Globalstar shareholders can receive either cash or Amazon stock, with the total deal value capped at $90 per share. A majority of Globalstar shareholders have already approved the transaction, but it still requires regulatory clearance and fulfillment of certain operational conditions before closing, which is slotted for 2027.The acquisition positions Amazon to compete more directly in the growing satellite internet market, where companies like SpaceX's Starlink currently dominate. Globalstar's existing technology and planned satellite upgrades are expected to strengthen Amazon's ability to deliver direct-to-device connectivity worldwide. The deal also ties into Amazon's partnership with Apple, supporting satellite features on devices like iPhones and Apple Watches.Paul Weiss, Skadden Lead Amazon's $11.6B Globalstar Deal - Law360A law student at Texas Tech University has filed a federal lawsuit claiming the school violated her First Amendment rights by disciplining her over comments about the killing of Charlie Kirk. The student, Ellen Fisher, alleges she was unfairly singled out for punishment while other students who discussed the same topic were not disciplined. She received a written reprimand, which she argues could negatively affect her ability to become a licensed attorney.Fisher maintains that her statements were part of normal academic discussion and did not celebrate Kirk's death, despite claims from at least one witness. She also argues the university's investigation was flawed because it ignored testimony supporting her version of events. The university concluded her remarks could have been perceived as celebratory and violated professional conduct standards.The lawsuit seeks to block the disciplinary action, obtain damages, and secure a ruling that the university infringed on her constitutional free speech rights. The case comes amid broader national debates over campus speech and how universities respond to controversial or sensitive political discussions.Texas law student sues to stop sanctions over Charlie Kirk comments | Reuters This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe

What happens when state AGs decide that predictive markets, casino apps, and loot boxes look a lot more like gambling than gaming? In this episode, we unpack a fast-moving wave of state enforcement as attorneys general scrutinize Kalshi's predictive markets, Washington's lawsuit against casino app operators Playtika and Aristocrat, and New York's suit against Valve over loot boxes—signaling that companies offering chance-based online games, especially those involving virtual currency, item value, or youth audiences, may face growing legal risk under state gambling and consumer protection laws. Hosted by Simone Roach. Based on a blog post by Paul L. Singer, Beth Bolen Chun, Abigail Stempson, and Andrea deLorimier.

A bipartisan coalition of 40 state attorneys general has sent a letter urging Congress to pass the Senate's Keeping Online Safe Act (KOSA), highlighting concerns about harmful online content, algorithmic amplification, and gaps in current federal law that they say leave consumers — especially children — vulnerable. In this episode, we unpack why AGs are aligning behind KOSA, what provisions they support (such as transparency requirements, safety standards, and age-appropriate protections), and how this push reflects broader state and federal interest in regulating online platforms. Hosted by Simone Roach. Based on a blog post by Paul L. Singer, Abigail Stempson, Beth Bolen Chun, and Andrea deLorimier

State attorneys general are taking a more active role in merger control, with Colorado and Washington leading the way on new "mini-HSR" notification regimes. What do these new state pre-merger filing laws require, and how should companies and practitioners navigate them alongside the federal Hart-Scott-Rodino Act? Assistant Attorneys General Paula Pera Czollak and Bryn Williams join hosts Puja Patel and James Hunsberger to discuss the origins of the Uniform Antitrust Pre-Merger Notification Act, lessons from the first months of filings in Colorado and Washington, key interpretive questions practitioners are raising, and what the spread of state mini-HSRs could mean for national antitrust enforcement. Listen to this episode to learn more about how emerging state-level merger notification regimes are reshaping the U.S. antitrust landscape and what companies need to know now. With special guests: Paula Pera Czollak, Assistant Attorney General, Antitrust Division, Washington State Office of the Attorney General and Bryn Williams, First Assistant Attorney General, Colorado Attorney General's Office, Leader of Antitrust Unit Related Links: https://www.atg.wa.gov/premerger-notifications  Hosted by: James Hunsberger, Axinn, Veltrop & Harkrider and Puja Patel, Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton

A coalition of 35 state attorneys general sent a letter to leading generative AI developers expressing concern that companies are not sufficiently addressing explainable AI (xAI) and transparency in AI systems, particularly in how consumers understand automated decision-making and the extent to which models can be interrogated or explained. The states urge developers to improve model explainability, disclose how decisions are made, and enhance documentation around training data, safety guardrails, and risk mitigation, signaling that black-box AI won't satisfy emerging expectations. Hosted by Simone Roach. Based on a blog post by Paul L. Singer, Beth Bolen Chun, Abigail Stempson, Andrea deLorimier

A coalition of 22 Democratic state attorneys general filed a lawsuit in federal court against CFPB Acting Director Russell Vought and the Federal Reserve Board, alleging that the refusal to request statutorily required funding and to maintain key consumer complaint and mortgage data systems unlawfully interrupts state access to critical tools used in investigations and enforcement. The complaint asserts multiple violations of the Administrative Procedure Act and separation-of-powers principles, and highlights how states rely on CFPB resources like the Consumer Response System and Home Mortgage Disclosure Act data to pursue discrimination and consumer protection cases. Hosted by Simone Roach. Based on a blog post by Paul L. Singer, Beth Bolen Chun, Abigail Stempson, Andrea deLorimier.

A bipartisan coalition of state attorneys general recently secured a $7 million multistate settlement with Greystar — the nation's largest landlord — in ongoing antitrust actions tied to the use of RealPage's algorithmic pricing software, requiring Greystar to curb use of tools that leverage nonpublic data to recommend rents and cooperate with continued litigation against other landlords while the states press forward in parallel actions. For legal, compliance, and marketing teams, this highlights heightened state antitrust scrutiny of algorithmic pricing and data-driven competitive practices across industries, reinforcing that enforcement can continue even after related federal or class action resolutions. Hosted by Simone Roach. Based on a blog post by Paul L. Singer, Beth Bolen Chun, Abigail Stempson, and Andrea deLorimier.

The latest episode explores how a bipartisan coalition of 36 state attorneys general is again pushing back against proposed federal efforts to ban state-level AI laws, sending a policy letter through the National Association of Attorneys General to oppose language in the National Defense Authorization Act that would undercut states' ability to regulate artificial intelligence in areas like consumer protection and child safety. This standoff highlights persistent federal-state tension over AI governance and why legal, compliance, and marketing teams should track both state and federal developments — especially as states seek to act quickly to fill gaps left by slower national regulation. Hosted by Simone Roach. Based on a blog post by Paul L. Singer, Beth Bolen Chun, Abigail Stempson, and Andrea deLorimier.

On this episode, we gather around the virtual table and share three success stories for nonprofit advocacy that may help to put a smile on your face and give you something positive to reflect on, in a year that could use a lot more of that.   Attorneys for this episode ·      Tim Mooney ·      Quyen Tu ·      Sarah Efthymiou   Shownotes UNIDOS MN Action and the power of advocacy ·      Driver's licenses for undocumented people revoked in MN 2003 ·      The 2022 change in political landscape that set the stage ·      The work led by UNIODS MN Action to pass HF4 ·      The outcome - tens of thousands of people can now drive legally—no more choosing between getting to work and risking their family's stability ·      Emilia González Avalos, one of the key leaders of UNIDOS MN, handed us an officially signed copy of the bill ·      She said they wanted me to have it because the legal strategy support from Bolder Advocacy on (c)(4)s gave information and confidence for UNIDOS MN Action up and running and that mattered in getting this win Heinz using PRG hub to give out specific project grants                   Summer of 2023, launched with support from Robert Wood Johnson F Our explainer videos provide a clear and concise overview of how the PGR works and how private foundations (and their grantees) can take advantage of it.  Our factsheets provide more in-depth information on the PGR and explain how to use our new PGR budget templates. Our budget templates help foundations and grantees ensure that when a grant applicant submits a project budget, it meets the requirements of the PGR.    Earlier in the year, a foundation staff was on a conference panel and blatantly said foundations can't lobby. A similar occurrence happen when our colleague attended Foundations, both private and public, have us train their staff on understanding the rules and addressing their specific concerns Response from Legal Community ·      NLDN: collaboration between AFJ & We the Action – to empower NPs to withstand challenges, e.g., audits and attacks on TE status; legal clinics ·      State AGs: joined forces w/NPs (NCNP, etc.) to challenge funding freezes  

State attorneys general from Florida, Texas, Iowa, Nebraska, and Montana are investigating recycling groups like the U.S. Plastics Pact and GreenBlue Institute, alleging their sustainability goals may amount to antitrust and consumer protection violations. The AGs warn that these environmental organizations could be coordinating to restrict plastic output and mislead consumers on recyclability, potentially functioning as a “group boycott” in violation of state and federal law. This matters for ESG teams, trade associations, and legal/compliance groups: sustainability collaborations can trigger antitrust scrutiny—even among nonprofits—and joint environmental goals may need to be evaluated for competitive risk. Hosted by Simone Roach. Based on a blog post by Paul L. Singer, Abigail Stempson, Beth Bolen Chun, and Andrea deLorimier.

In Part One of our two-part series on the NAAG Fall Consumer Protection Conference, we cover key takeaways from the Attorneys General panel and a discussion on price transparency featuring Kelley Drye's Beth Chun. Hear insights from state AGs on enforcement priorities, compliance expectations, and the growing focus on transparent pricing laws nationwide. Hosted by Simone Roach. Based on a blog post by Paul L. Singer, Abigail Stempson, Beth Bolen Chun, and Andrea deLorimier.

Hawaii stands out among the states with a rare dual-entity enforcement structure: both the Attorney General's Office and the Office of Consumer Protection hold authority under the state's consumer protection laws. In this episode, we explore how these agencies coordinate enforcement, the strengths and challenges of overlapping jurisdiction, and the unique legislative and litigation roles each plays. We also dive into Hawaii's UDAP and deceptive trade practices laws, automatic renewal requirements, price gouging restrictions, and key differences between pursuing cases in state versus federal court. For legal, compliance, and marketing teams, Hawaii offers a distinctive look at how consumer protection authority can be shared—and what that means for enforcement risk. Hosted by Simone Roach. Based on a blog post by Paul Singer, Abby Stempson, Beth Chun, and Andrea deLorimier.

The Virginia Department of Corrections controls most facets of incarcerated peoples' lives — including when and how communication with the outside world happens. Dave Cantor has more on Attorney General Jason Miyares voicing support for allowing contraband cellphone jamming at state prisons.

State attorneys general are turning up the heat on Big Tech. Last week, 27 AGs filed an amicus brief urging the Eleventh Circuit to uphold Florida's law restricting social media access for children, framing the measure as content-neutral and necessary to protect youth mental health. Days later, 44 AGs sent a joint NAAG letter to leading AI companies warning them to safeguard children from exploitation and inappropriate content, making clear they will use every enforcement tool available. For legal, compliance, and marketing teams, these actions underscore the growing regulatory focus on online platforms, addictive features, and AI-driven risks. Companies in the tech, digital media, and AI sectors should expect heightened scrutiny and prepare for aggressive, coordinated enforcement. Hosted by Simone Roach. Based on a blog post by Paul L. Singer, Abigail Stempson, Beth Bolen Chun and Andrea deLorimier.

In the 5 AM hour, Larry O’Connor and Julie Gunlock discussed: VIDEO: CBS Reporter Learns About Swift Engagement, Freaks Out On-Air HHS: Trump Administration Puts 46 States and Territories on Notice to Remove Gender Ideology Content From Sex Ed Materials FOX NEWS: EPA Urged by State AGs to Axe Funds for 'Radical' Climate Project Accused of Training Judges Where to find more about WMAL's morning show: Follow Podcasts on Apple, Audible and Spotify Follow WMAL's "O'Connor and Company" on X: @WMALDC, @LarryOConnor, @JGunlock, @PatricePinkfile, and @HeatherHunterDC Facebook: WMALDC and Larry O'Connor Instagram: WMALDC Website: WMAL.com/OConnor-Company Episode: Wednesday, August 27, 2025 / 5 AM HourSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens in Nevada won't stay in Nevada when it comes to consumer protection enforcement. A recent Kelley Drye webinar shed light on how state attorneys general approach unfair and deceptive practices, offering a preview of tactics and remedies that could surface in other jurisdictions. For legal, compliance, and marketing teams, these insights are critical for anticipating enforcement risks, adapting compliance programs, and avoiding costly disputes with regulators. Hosted by Simone Roach. Based on a blog post by Paul L. Singer, Abigail Stempson, Beth Bolen Chun, and Andrea deLorimier

New York State Attorney General Letitia James is among dozens of state AGs urging Instagram to protect users' data after the platform released a map feature that allows users to share their real-time location. Meanwhile, the MTA is increasing train service for the start of the U.S Open Monday. Also, Mamdani canvassers return to the streets ahead of the general election. Plus, state lawmakers warn Governor Hochul about looming fiscal trouble. Finally GrowNYC's Amelia Tarpey shares how to make the most of peak eggplant season.

AlabamaA brief is filed with state Supreme Court over contested sheriff's electionAll 50 State AGs are asking DOJ to enforce laws on offshore gambling sitesState lawmaker Juandalyn Givan talks about the Jabari Peoples caseA state lawmaker has filed bill that bans electronic vaping in publicGovernor Ivey appoints John Young as chair of Marshall County CommissionNationalBorder Czar Homan gives update on US Mexico border situationPresident Trump calls for new US Census that does not count illegal aliensTrump issues several directives on his 200th day in officeUS attorney for DC indicts pro-Palestinian man for murder of 2 IsraelisTX senator enlists FBI in rounding up Dems who fled state and legislatureProject Veritas releases part 2 in whistleblower interview re: Bill Barr

Wednesday July 9, 2025 State AGs Sue to Protect Genetic Information

Ioana Gorecki, Beth Bolen Chun, Paul L. Singer If you've been keeping tabs on the AI legal landscape lately, one thing is clear: states aren't waiting. Over the past year, lawmakers across the country have introduced—and in some cases passed—a flurry of bills aimed at regulating the use of AI systems, particularly in the areas of consumer protection, data privacy, and transparency. From algorithmic bias bans to generative AI labeling and ADMT restrictions, a patchwork of new AI rules is quickly taking shape.

This Day in Legal History:  House of Representatives Passes 19th AmendmentOn this day in legal history, May 21, 1919, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, granting women the right to vote. The amendment stated simply: "The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex." After decades of organizing, lobbying, and protest by suffragists—including Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Alice Paul—this marked a major legislative victory in the long fight for women's suffrage.The amendment was first introduced in Congress in 1878 but languished for over 40 years before gaining sufficient political traction. The context of World War I played a pivotal role; as women took on new roles in the workforce and public life during the war, their contributions made it politically difficult to deny them voting rights. President Woodrow Wilson, initially lukewarm on the issue, eventually lent his support, which helped sway key votes.Following the House vote on May 21, 1919, the amendment proceeded to the Senate, where it was passed on June 4, 1919. Ratification by the states took just over a year, with Tennessee becoming the decisive 36th state to ratify on August 18, 1920. The 19th Amendment was officially certified on August 26, 1920.This moment was a turning point in constitutional law regarding civil rights and voting equality, setting the stage for later expansions through the Civil Rights Act, the Voting Rights Act, and ongoing debates over voter access and gender equality.Twelve U.S. states, led by Democratic attorneys general from New York, Illinois, and Oregon, are challenging President Donald Trump's recently imposed "Liberation Day" tariffs in federal court. The states argue that Trump misused the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to justify tariffs on imports from countries with which the U.S. runs trade deficits. They claim the law doesn't authorize tariffs and that a trade deficit does not qualify as a national emergency.The case will be heard by a three-judge panel at the Court of International Trade in Manhattan, which also recently heard a similar lawsuit from small businesses. Oregon's Attorney General Dan Rayfield said the tariffs were harming consumers and small businesses, estimating an extra $3,800 per year in costs for the average family. The Justice Department contends that the states' claims are speculative and that only Congress can challenge a president's national emergency declaration under IEEPA.Trump's tariff program began in February with country-specific measures and escalated to a 10% blanket tariff in April, before being partially rolled back. His administration defends the tariffs as necessary for countering unfair trade practices and reviving U.S. manufacturing. Multiple lawsuits—including ones from California, advocacy groups, businesses, and Native American tribes—are challenging the tariff regime.US states mount court challenge to Trump's tariffs | ReutersThe U.S. Justice Department is investigating former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, now a leading Democratic candidate for New York City mayor, over Republican allegations that he misled Congress about his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic while in office. The inquiry reportedly stems from a referral by a GOP-led House subcommittee, which cited Cuomo's closed-door testimony before the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic.Cuomo's campaign says it was not notified of the probe and denounced the investigation as politically motivated "lawfare" driven by Trump allies. Critics argue the Justice Department is being used to target political opponents, while Trump and his supporters maintain that prior cases against him were politically biased. Cuomo, who resigned in 2021 following a state attorney general report accusing him of sexual misconduct—which he denies—is the presumed frontrunner in the June 24 Democratic mayoral primary.He is set to face incumbent Eric Adams, now running as an independent after facing and being cleared of federal charges. The Justice Department has not publicly confirmed or commented on the Cuomo probe, and his spokesperson insists the former governor testified truthfully and transparently.US Justice Department investigating former New York governor Cuomo, sources say | ReutersA federal judge in Kentucky dismissed a lawsuit by the U.S. Treasury Department that aimed to cancel a labor contract with IRS workers in Covington. Judge Danny Reeves ruled that the Treasury lacked legal standing to bring the suit and granted summary judgment in favor of the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) Chapter 73. This marks a legal defeat for the Trump administration's broader attempt to weaken federal employee union rights through an executive order.The administration had filed similar lawsuits in Kentucky and Texas following Trump's directive that claimed two-thirds of federal employees could be excluded from labor protections under national security grounds. In response, the NTEU filed its own legal challenge in Washington, D.C., where Judge Paul Friedman temporarily blocked the order's implementation. However, a federal appeals court later paused that injunction while the Trump administration appeals.This decision in Kentucky slows momentum for the administration's effort to restrict collective bargaining for federal workers, though related cases continue to play out in other jurisdictions. The NTEU was represented by both in-house and private attorneys, while the Justice Department defended the administration's position.Judge Tosses Treasury's Suit to Cancel Federal Worker Contract This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe

This Day in Legal History: Blue Jeans PatentedOn May 20, 1873, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office granted Patent No. 139,121 to Jacob Davis and Levi Strauss for an innovation that would revolutionize American workwear and fashion: the use of copper rivets to reinforce the stress points on men's work pants. Davis, a tailor from Reno, Nevada, originally developed the concept after customers complained about the durability of their trousers. He lacked the funds to file for a patent on his own, so he partnered with Strauss, a San Francisco dry goods merchant who had been supplying him with fabric. The riveted pants were constructed from denim—a sturdy cotton twill that Strauss already sold—which was tough enough for laborers, miners, and cowboys during the American Westward Expansion.The legal protection granted by the patent secured exclusive rights for Strauss and Davis to produce the reinforced trousers, giving them a significant advantage in the market. This protection enabled Levi Strauss & Co. to expand rapidly and establish itself as a dominant force in durable clothing for manual laborers. The patent also illustrates how intellectual property law can incentivize practical innovation by providing a framework for commercial exclusivity.While the original patent expired in 1890, the riveted jean had by then become an entrenched part of American identity. The evolution of the product—from utilitarian workwear to a global fashion staple—highlights how a simple legal instrument can underpin lasting commercial success. The legal recognition of their invention helped formalize what would become a uniquely American contribution to the world's wardrobe. Strauss and Davis's patent remains one of the most iconic examples of how intellectual property law intersects with design, utility, and culture.As federal AI regulation lags, state attorneys general (AGs) are stepping into the void by using existing laws—such as consumer protection, privacy, and anti-discrimination statutes—to govern the use of generative AI technologies. Although only California, Colorado, and Utah have passed AI-specific legislation, AGs across other states are issuing formal guidance and taking enforcement actions to address AI misuse. Key concerns include the use of personal data, deepfakes, fraudulent representations, and algorithmic bias in sectors like hiring, healthcare, and lending.California AG Rob Bonta has warned that AI tools causing misleading or discriminatory outcomes may violate state law, especially in sensitive fields like health and employment. Massachusetts AG Joy Campbell cautioned that misrepresenting AI capabilities or using AI-generated content to deceive consumers could breach the state's Consumer Protection Act. Oregon's guidance focuses on transparency, privacy, and anti-discrimination concerns, requiring consent for data use and allowing opt-outs from significant AI-based decisions. New Jersey's AG launched a Civil Rights and Technology Initiative targeting algorithmic bias, noting that even third-party tools can trigger liability under anti-discrimination laws. Texas AG Ken Paxton reached a settlement with an AI health tech firm over potentially misleading marketing, marking the first known AG enforcement action under consumer protection law involving generative AI.A Reuters column by Ashley Taylor of Clayton Friedman and Gene Fishel of Troutman Pepper Locke LLP emphasizes that companies cannot assume regulatory immunity simply because AI tools are new or complex. Liability can arise from disparate impacts alone, even absent intent to discriminate. Firms must carefully audit their AI systems, clarify marketing claims, and ensure fair and secure implementation across jurisdictions. Given the fragmented legal landscape, businesses should involve legal and technical leadership early in AI deployment to reduce risk exposure.State AGs fill the regulatory voidThe long-running feud between Donald Trump and New York Attorney General Letitia James has escalated sharply with a federal investigation now targeting James herself. Trump, having returned to the White House, now has the Justice Department behind him, while James continues to lead Democratic opposition through lawsuits challenging his policies. Both known for their combative styles, the two have clashed over ideology, politics, and Trump's business practices.The new front in their battle involves allegations that James committed mortgage fraud, based on documents where she allegedly misrepresented her primary residence and misstated details about her Brooklyn property. The Justice Department, acting on a referral from a federal housing agency, is investigating the claims through its offices in Virginia and New York. James's lawyer denies wrongdoing, saying the filings were accurate in context and reflect long-standing property use.James has framed the investigation as retaliation for her successful legal actions against Trump, including a high-profile civil fraud suit that resulted in a $450 million judgment against him for inflating asset values. Trump and his allies have attempted to link James's alleged conduct to the very behavior she prosecuted, suggesting hypocrisy.Despite the legal risks, the public feud may benefit both figures politically. James faces re-election in 2026, and her confrontation with Trump plays well with Democratic voters. For Trump, casting James as a corrupt adversary energizes his base. Their mutual antagonism has become a defining feature of New York's political and legal landscape.Donald Trump and Letitia James Raise Stakes in Bitter Feud - WSJThis week in my column for Bloomberg, I argue that House Republicans' push to repeal major clean energy tax credits from the Inflation Reduction Act is a short-sighted move that prioritizes fiscal optics over long-term national interest. While they claim to be reducing the deficit, the repeal would do little to constrain the $3.7 trillion cost of extending Trump-era tax cuts that largely benefit the wealthy. The energy credits being cut were not handouts but performance-based incentives—rewards for building, hiring, and deploying clean tech—that sparked a manufacturing and jobs boom, particularly in red states like Georgia and Tennessee.Eliminating these credits would introduce severe policy instability, undermining both current and planned investments. Companies made long-term siting and hiring decisions based on stable tax incentives; reversing them now would not only threaten those investments but signal to global capital markets that the U.S. is an unreliable industrial partner. I emphasize that the structure of the law—tying incentives to emissions reductions—was one of its best features, offering predictability that's now at risk.This volatility would be a gift to America's competitors. The EU and China are doubling down on green industrial policy, while the U.S. risks stalling momentum just as it began catching up. Trust in federal policy durability isn't easily regained once lost. The repeal wouldn't just cost jobs or projects—it would damage the credibility of American industrial policy in a global race where we're already behind. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe

In this crossover episode of The Consumer Finance Podcast and Regulatory Oversight, Chris Willis, Kim Phan, and Stephen Piepgrass provide insights on a new joint privacy task force among several state AGs, known as the Consortium of Privacy Regulators. The consortium recently outlined goals to share state resources and align enforcement priorities regarding consumer harm and privacy rights. In response to an anticipated shift of regulatory scrutiny from federal agencies to state leaders, this episode focuses on specific steps financial services companies should consider when dealing with consumer privacy, data, complaints, and inquiries to ensure compliance and mitigate potential investigations and enforcement actions.

During The Political Life podcast's legislative session recess, we bring you another rebroadcast of a recent MultiState virtual event. To gain insights on trends and a better understanding of the state of play with attorneys general, MultiState's Maggie Mick and Kelley Drye & Warren's Paul Singer, AG Practice Chair, hosted a conversation on March 25, 2025. For many states, March marks the halfway point for legislative session and aptly coincides with the excitement and chaos of March Madness. In 2025, March seems to have a little more madness with a new presidential administration and state attorneys general around the country asserting their prerogative in policy debates at both the state and federal levels.

Paul L. Singer, Alysa Z. Hutnik, Beth Bolen Chun, Abigail Stempson, Jennifer Rodden Wainwright On March 17, a bipartisan group of attorneys general from 27 states and the District of Columbia filed an amicus brief in the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals in support of the National Consumer Law Center's proposed petition for rehearing en banc of the court's decision to overturn the FCC's so-called ​“one-to-one” consent rule for telemarketing calls and texts under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). The rule, intended to address what the FCC called the ​“lead generator loophole,” would have amended the definition of ​“prior express written consent” by requiring a consent agreement to be specific to ​“no more than one identified seller” and be ​“logically and topically associated with the interaction that prompted the consent.”

State attorneys general (State AGs) are becoming increasingly active in the realm of antitrust enforcement, focusing on mergers, monopolization, and ESG-related cases. In recent years, state AGs have taken assertive roles in challenging major mergers, such as JetBlue's attempted acquisition of Spirit Airlines and Kroger's attempted acquisition of Albertsons. These actions highlight a trend of state AGs bringing their own cases in state courts, sometimes parallel to federal enforcement efforts. State AGs have also been at the forefront of monopolization cases, particularly against big tech companies, and have challenged algorithmic pricing and data sharing arrangements. Additionally, ESG-related antitrust actions have emerged, with red state AGs investigating financial institutions supporting environmentally conscious investing. In the latest episode of MoForecast, Morrison Foerster partners Carrie H. Cohen, global co-chair of the Investigations + White Collar Defense Group and State + Local Government Enforcement team, and Megan Gerking, partner in the firm's global Antitrust Law practice, discuss the current state of antitrust enforcement by state AGs and what to expect in 2025. They explore the potential for state AGs to continue active participation in merger and conduct investigations, possibly filling perceived gaps in federal enforcement under the new Trump administration. Listen to the episode to gain a deeper understanding of the future of state AG enforcement in the antitrust arena.

What's going on with Michigan's consumer protection statute? How does the Michigan Attorney General's Office operate, and what are its enforcement priorities? In this episode of the Ad Law Access Podcast, your host Simone Roach delivers insights from Paul L. Singer, Abigail Stempson, Beth Bolen Chun, and Andrea deLorimier, based on their recent blog post recapping their recent webinar with Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel's discussion on these key topics: https://www.kelleydrye.com/viewpoints/blogs/ad-law-access/state-ags-and-consumer-protection-what-we-learned-from-michigan With potential changes to Michigan's consumer protection laws and new enforcement priorities on the horizon, this is an important listen for businesses navigating regulatory risks in the state.

In the realm of False Claims Act (FCA) enforcement, state attorneys general (AGs) are increasingly collaborating with federal authorities and fellow state AGs to address allegedly fraudulent activities. Companies operating across multiple states are under heightened scrutiny, particularly in the healthcare sector, where compliance with regulations is critical. The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) highlighted this collaboration with state AGs in its announcement of FCA recoveries last year, noting that DOJ is working closely with state AGs to recover funds for both federal and state Medicaid programs. There also has been increased coordination targeting third-party investors, such as private equity and venture capital firms, to ensure that they conduct thorough due diligence and maintain robust compliance programs when investing in healthcare companies. This increased coordination aims to hold all parties accountable, from healthcare providers to their financial backers, in preventing and addressing alleged fraud. In the latest episode of MoForecast, Morrison Foerster partners Carrie H. Cohen, global co-chair of the Investigations + White Collar Defense Group and State + Local Government Enforcement team, and Adam Braverman, a partner in the Investigations + White Collar Defense Group, examine the current dynamics of state AG enforcement under the FCA. They explore the implications of multijurisdictional investigations and the growing involvement of third-party investors in healthcare fraud cases. Their discussion provides valuable insights for companies navigating these complex legal challenges, highlighting the importance of proactive compliance measures and strategic responses to enforcement actions. Tune in to the podcast to gain a deeper understanding of the future of state AG enforcement in the FCA arena. MoForecast is a podcast series discussing enforcement and policy trends we can expect from the new presidential administration. This episode continues our focus on state AGs, which aims to provide valuable insights for in-house counsel, compliance professionals, and defense lawyers navigating the evolving landscape of state AG enforcement.

As the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) faces uncertainty, state attorneys general (state AGs) are poised to fill the enforcement gap in consumer financial protection. With the CFPB's future in question, state AGs are expected to intensify their focus on consumer protection laws, particularly in areas such as lending, credit, and alternative financial products. This shift will likely impact companies operating in the financial services sector, as state AGs leverage their broad jurisdictional powers to address practices they deem harmful to consumers. In the latest episode of MoForecast, Morrison Foerster partners Carrie H. Cohen, global co-chair of the Investigations + White Collar Defense Group and State + Local Government Enforcement team, and Maria Earley, former CFPB enforcement attorney and member of the Financial Services Group, delve into state AG enforcement of consumer financial protection. They discuss the anticipated areas of focus for state AGs, including the regulation of Fintech partnerships and alternative credit products. Their conversation offers critical insights for companies facing these regulatory challenges, emphasizing the importance of monitoring consumer complaints and maintaining compliance with state laws. Tune in to the podcast to gain a deeper understanding of the future of state AG enforcement in consumer financial protection.

State AGs Double Down on DEI (and ESG) Republican state attorneys general are ramping up their scrutiny of corporate DEI and ESG policies. In this episode, we discuss recent letters sent by state AGs to major financial institutions and Costco, challenging diversity initiatives and climate commitments. Read the full analysis from Paul Singer, Abigail Stempson, and Beth Bolen Chun on the Ad Law Access blog: https://www.kelleydrye.com/viewpoints/blogs/ad-law-access/state-ags-double-down-on-dei-and-esg Hosted by Simone Roach

Faced with emerging challenges in privacy and cybersecurity, state attorneys general (AGs) are at the forefront of enforcement. Companies face increasing expectations to implement robust cybersecurity programs, promptly notify individuals affected by data breaches, and establish effective monitoring and auditing systems. As new technologies such as wearable tech, brain tech, and gaming platforms emerge, state AGs are focusing on protecting the data generated by these innovations. Additionally, there is growing concern over deepfakes, unauthorized sale of consumer data, and safeguarding children's online privacy. In the latest episode of MoForecast, Morrison Foerster partners Carrie H. Cohen, global co-chair of the Investigations + White Collar Defense Group and State + Local Government Enforcement team, and Linda Clark, member of MoFo's Privacy + Data Security Group, discuss trends and forecasts for state AG enforcement of privacy and cybersecurity. Their conversation offers key compliance takeaways for companies handling consumer data, emphasizing the importance of transparency, consumer choice, and ethical considerations. Listen to the podcast to stay informed and prepared for the future of state AG privacy and cybersecurity enforcement. MoForecast is a podcast series discussing enforcement and policy trends we can expect from the new presidential administration. This episode continues our focus on state AGs, which aims to provide valuable insights for in-house counsel, compliance professionals, and defense lawyers navigating the evolving landscape of state AG enforcement.

2024's National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG) Capital Forum took place December 9-11. The Kelley Drye State AG Practice team was there as the AGs closed out a year of insights, including Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum's Presidential Initiative concerning children's welfare. During the sessions, we heard from two federal agency heads regarding their goals and how they can collaborate with AGs to accomplish them. We also heard from AGs and other notable panelists on topics ranging from charity to national security. Here are some of the highlights. https://www.kelleydrye.com/viewpoints/blogs/ad-law-access/state-ags-close-out-2024-and-preview-2025-at-naag-capital-forum Paul Singer psinger@kelleydrye.com (202) 342-8672 www.kelleydrye.com/Our-People/Paul-L-Singer Abigail Stempson astempson@kelleydrye.com (202) 342-8678 www.kelleydrye.com/Our-People/Abigail-Stempson Beth Chun bchun@kelleydrye.com (202) 342-8671 www.kelleydrye.com/Our-People/Beth-Bolen-Chun Hosted by Simone Roach Subscribe to the Ad Law Access blog - www.kelleydrye.com/subscribe Subscribe to the Ad Law News Newsletter - www.kelleydrye.com/subscribe View the Advertising and Privacy Law Resource Center - www.kelleydrye.com/advertising-and-privacy-law Find all of our links here linktr.ee/KelleyDryeAdLaw

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, joined by ten other Republican-led states, filed a lawsuit in the U.S. Eastern District of Texas against BlackRock, State Street, and Vanguard, accusing them of illegally conspiring to manipulate coal markets. The 104-page complaint alleges that these investment firms leveraged their substantial ownership stakes in major U.S. coal producers to ​“artificially” constrain the supply of coal, resulting in diminished competition, higher energy prices for consumers, and ​“cartel-level profits” for the defendants. https://www.kelleydrye.com/viewpoints/blogs/ad-law-access/state-ags-combat-esg-multistate-coalition-sues-blackrock-state-street-and-vanguard-for-alleged-antitrust-consumer-violations-in-coal-markets Paul Singer psinger@kelleydrye.com (202) 342-8672 www.kelleydrye.com/Our-People/Paul-L-Singer Abigail Stempson astempson@kelleydrye.com (202) 342-8678 www.kelleydrye.com/Our-People/Abigail-Stempson Beth Chun bchun@kelleydrye.com (202) 342-8671 www.kelleydrye.com/Our-People/Beth-Bolen-Chun Salim Rashid srashid@kelleydrye.com (202) 342-8473 https://www.kelleydrye.com/people/salim-rashid Hosted by Simone Roach Subscribe to the Ad Law Access blog - www.kelleydrye.com/subscribe Subscribe to the Ad Law News Newsletter - www.kelleydrye.com/subscribe View the Advertising and Privacy Law Resource Center - www.kelleydrye.com/advertising-and-privacy-law Find all of our links here linktr.ee/KelleyDryeAdLaw

No, that is not a clock you hear – it's just TikTok in the news again, as several states filed lawsuits or other legal challenges last week against the platform, alleging harmful and exploitative tactics affecting the mental health of children users. https://www.kelleydrye.com/viewpoints/blogs/ad-law-access/tiktok-faces-new-challenges-from-state-ags Paul Singer psinger@kelleydrye.com (202) 342-8672 www.kelleydrye.com/Our-People/Paul-L-Singer Abigail Stempson astempson@kelleydrye.com (202) 342-8678 www.kelleydrye.com/Our-People/Abigail-Stempson Beth Chun bchun@kelleydrye.com (202) 342-8671 www.kelleydrye.com/Our-People/Beth-Bolen-Chun Natascia Taken ntaken@kelleydrye.com (312) 857-7097 https://www.kelleydrye.com/people/natascia-m-taken Hosted by Simone Roach Subscribe to the Ad Law Access blog - www.kelleydrye.com/subscribe Subscribe to the Ad Law News Newsletter - www.kelleydrye.com/subscribe View the Advertising and Privacy Law Resource Center - www.kelleydrye.com/advertising-and-privacy-law Find all of our links here linktr.ee/KelleyDryeAdLaw

Combatting robocalls has been and continues to be an important area of enforcement for State Attorneys General, as we have previously reported. On October 18, 2024, the Anti-Robocall Multistate Litigation Task Force (Task Force), comprised of 51 bipartisan State AGs, released a notice letter outlining concerns that a Florida-based company was ​“transmitting suspected illegal robocall traffic on behalf of one or more of its customers” and cautioning that the company ​“should cease transmitting any illegal traffic immediately.” The letter, which was addressed to iDentidad Advertising Development LLC dba iDentidad Telecom (iDentidad), is illustrative of the collaboration not only among State AGs, but also with federal agencies and private industry, on the issue of robocalls. https://www.kelleydrye.com/viewpoints/blogs/ad-law-access/state-ags-aim-spotlight-on-robocall-gateway-service-provider Paul Singer psinger@kelleydrye.com (202) 342-8672 www.kelleydrye.com/Our-People/Paul-L-Singer Abigail Stempson astempson@kelleydrye.com (202) 342-8678 www.kelleydrye.com/Our-People/Abigail-Stempson Beth Chun bchun@kelleydrye.com (202) 342-8671 www.kelleydrye.com/Our-People/Beth-Bolen-Chun Jenny Wainwright jwainwright@kelleydrye.com (202) 342-8649 https://www.kelleydrye.com/people/jennifer-rodden-wainwright Hosted by Simone Roach Subscribe to the Ad Law Access blog - www.kelleydrye.com/subscribe Subscribe to the Ad Law News Newsletter - www.kelleydrye.com/subscribe View the Advertising and Privacy Law Resource Center - www.kelleydrye.com/advertising-and-privacy-law Find all of our links here linktr.ee/KelleyDryeAdLaw

In this episode, Ketan Bhirud and Luke Wake take a closer look at the role of the use of outside legal counsel by state attorneys general. Outside counsel can provide valuable expertise and resources, but what are the implications of relying on external firms for state legal matters? What are the advantages and potential pitfalls of these partnerships? How might they shape state legal practice and ultimately impact the public?

As we previously discussed, the Class Action Fairness Act (CAFA) requires that notice be given to state attorneys general (State AGs or AGs) about proposed class action settlements, enabling them to review the terms and raise any concerns if they believe the settlement might negatively impact their state's residents. This creates a crucial role for State AGs in the class action settlement approval process, and in relatively rare instances they may act by filing amicus briefs to share their concerns with the court. https://www.kelleydrye.com/viewpoints/blogs/ad-law-access/state-ags-take-action-in-class-actions Paul Singer psinger@kelleydrye.com (202) 342-8672 www.kelleydrye.com/Our-People/Paul-L-Singer Abigail Stempson astempson@kelleydrye.com (202) 342-8678 www.kelleydrye.com/Our-People/Abigail-Stempson Beth Chun bchun@kelleydrye.com (202) 342-8671 www.kelleydrye.com/Our-People/Beth-Bolen-Chun Salim Rashid srashid@kelleydrye.com (202) 342-8473 www.kelleydrye.com/people/salim-rashid Subscribe to the Ad Law Access blog - www.kelleydrye.com/subscribe Subscribe to the Ad Law News Newsletter - www.kelleydrye.com/subscribe View the Advertising and Privacy Law Resource Center - www.kelleydrye.com/advertising-and-privacy-law Find all of our links here linktr.ee/KelleyDryeAdLaw Hosted by Simone Roach

Josh Hammer analyzes RFK Jr.'s ballot-access issues and the latest Fani Willis legal drama during today's "around the horn" segment before today's "deep dive" unpacks a fascinating 42-state AG coalition letter sent to Congress urging the application of a Surgeon General warning for Big Tech products. Will Congress listen? Today's "closing argument" then takes us back to Tuesday's presidential debate fireworks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Junk fees have made, and continue to make, state attorney general headlines with recent actions by Maryland and Rhode Island relating to consumer transportation. The rubber met the road when Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown brought charges against a car dealership and its owners, and Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha filed a lawsuit against a parking management company. https://www.kelleydrye.com/viewpoints/blogs/ad-law-access/state-ags-and-junk-fees-where-the-rubber-meets-the-road Paul Singer psinger@kelleydrye.com (202) 342-8672 www.kelleydrye.com/Our-People/Paul-L-Singer Abigail Stempson astempson@kelleydrye.com (202) 342-8678 www.kelleydrye.com/Our-People/Abigail-Stempson Beth Chun bchun@kelleydrye.com (202) 342-8671 www.kelleydrye.com/Our-People/Beth-Bolen-Chun Subscribe to the Ad Law Access blog - www.kelleydrye.com/subscribe Subscribe to the Ad Law News Newsletter - www.kelleydrye.com/subscribe View the Advertising and Privacy Law Resource Center - www.kelleydrye.com/advertising-and-privacy-law Find all of our links here linktr.ee/KelleyDryeAdLaw Hosted by Simone Roach

Nic and Matt return for a week of blockbuster price action and new ATHs. In this episode:  ETF flows recap Warren favorite Katie Porter loses her primary in CA Super Tuesday recap  Are crypto PACs working?  Why the Ohio senate race matters for crypto  State AGs amicus brief in Kraken v SEC The WSJ is accused of defamation in their Tether coverage Were Signature and Silvergate wrongly accused?  Arizona state Senate considers adding Bitcoin to state reserves Saylor buys Bitcoin  SEC comissioners Pierce and Uyeda write an entertaining dissent in the Shapeshift case  Is Prometheum the SEC's patsy?  Nic reviews ETH Denver How priced in in the Halving?  Sponsor notes:  Following Flows V: Pool Cross-Pollination In Coin Metrics State of the Network Issue 249, we examine fund flows among mining pools and miners, revealing hidden connections to gauge mining decentralization Join the conversation on Farcaster