U.S. seizes 150 websites in crackdown

  • Monday, November 28, 2011 7:46pm
  • Business

Federal authorities have seized 150 Web domain names they said were used to traffic counterfeit brand-name merchandise. The website seizures targeted the illegal sales of counterfeit products, including DVDs, shoes, handbags and sunglasses, authorities said Monday. Visitors to the sites now find a banner that says the domain name has been seized by federal authorities and that copyright infringement is a federal crime. During the investigation, federal agents made undercover purchases from online retailers. In most cases, the goods were shipped directly into the United States from suppliers in other countries.

Peanut butter prices trouble food banks

Food banks around the country say rising peanut butter prices are making it harder for them to provide one of their most-requested items this holiday season. The increase in the cost of peanut butter and food overall has been a blow to food banks and pantries that say they’re serving more clients and having a harder time getting donations because of the economy. Peanut butter is popular at food banks because it’s a kid-friendly protein source that has a long shelf life and doesn’t require special storage, cooking or utensils. A smaller peanut crop this year prompted producers to raise prices. Food banks say that means they’ll buy or receive less peanut butter and pay more for it.

Future of Flight hosts lecture

The Future of Flight Foundation will host its next community speaker event with Jim Freeman, former director of flight standards for Alaska Airlines. Freeman works with the implementation of the iPad into Alaska’s fleet. The event, which is free to the public, will be from 6:30 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, at the Future of Flight Aviation Center, 8415 Paine Field Blvd, Mukilteo. For $15, interested individuals can meet the speaker at an event from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the same location. RSVP for that part of the event to kendall@futureofflight.org.

Judge rejects $285M SEC-Citigroup deal

A federal judge on Monday used unusually harsh language to strike down a $285 million settlement between Citigroup and the Securities and Exchange Commission, saying he couldn’t tell whether the deal was fair and criticized regulators for shielding the public from the details of what the firm did wrong. U.S. District Judge Jed Rakoff said the public has a right to know what happens in cases that touch on “the transparency of financial markets whose gyrations have so depressed our economy and debilitated our lives.” The SEC had accused the bank of betting against a complex mortgage investment in 2007 — making $160 million in the process — while investors lost millions. The settlement would have imposed penalties on Citigroup but allowed it to deny allegations that it misled investors. Citi said it was reviewing the decision and declined to comment.

From Herald wire services

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