Direct

Illinois Cracks Down on Energy Fraud: Direct Energy Settles for $12M Over Deceptive Practices

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Chicago, IL — Direct Energy Services, LLC has agreed to a $12 million settlement with the state of Illinois, resolving accusations of deceptive business practices. The lawsuit, initiated by Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, claimed that the company engaged in misleading enrollment practices and charged customers excessively high electricity rates. The legal action asserted that Direct Energy violated the Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act by enlisting customers without their explicit consent and, at times, billing them at rates more than 230% above the default utility rates. This settlement marks a significant victory … Read more

Union Leader Rejects Mediation Offer Amid Intercity Transit Contract Negotiations, Urges Direct Resolution

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In a recent update from the ongoing labor negotiations, a union representing several workers of Intercity Transit, including bus operators, dial-a-lift dispatchers, and customer care representatives, is on the brink of entering mediation. The lawyer for Intercity Transit, identified as Jonathan Lee from Summit Law, proposed the mediation during their latest bargaining session, according to union spokesperson Michael Cornelius. However, Cornelius, who is also an international vice president of the Amalgamated Transit Union, expressed reservations about this move. The negotiations, which started back in November 2024, have continued under the terms of the previous contract, … Read more

Kentucky Proposes Groundbreaking Bill to Allow Direct Payment to College Athletes

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Frankfort, Ky. – In a move set to revolutionize the collegiate sports landscape, Kentucky is considering a bill that would allow colleges and universities to pay student athletes directly for using their names, images, and likenesses (NIL). This legislative initiative aims to expand the state’s existing NIL laws, adapting to the evolving dynamics of college sports economics. Introduced by Republican state Rep. Adam Bowling, the bill seeks to modernize Kentucky’s approach to the financial realities faced by college athletes. If passed, the legislation would empower schools to compensate athletes directly, making Kentucky one of the … Read more

Direct Mail Marketing in California Faces New Rule: Mandatory Advertisement Disclosure on Envelopes Starting 2025

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As marketing norms evolve, many businesses are shifting their focus from phone calls to direct mail, considered a less intrusive and regulation-bound method of reaching consumers. However, marketers aiming their strategies toward Californians need to take note of a new regulatory curve that takes effect on January 1, 2025. This rule, originating from State Bill 1096, mandates specific declarations be prominently displayed on envelopes of physical mail soliciting consumer financial products or services. California, known for its strict consumer protection laws, continues its reputation by enforcing these new directives, specifically designed to mitigate arguably deceptive … Read more