Judicial, political threats loom over FTC

The Federal Trade Commission might lose more rulemaking power and some employees might experience less job security as the agency faces emerging threats.

Neill Averitt

The president can fire the FTC chair at will – how’s that for control?

Constitutional defenses based on the separation of powers have become something of an antitrust fad, but they aren’t necessarily a winner.

Current Issue: 861

San Jose cries foul on baseball’s antitrust exemption

This time of year brings high excitement for baseball fans. The World Series featured two likable long-shot teams—the San Francisco Giants and Kansas City Royals—facing off in a terrific...

Railroad executive foresees future consolidation

The recent railroad consolidation talks crumbled, but at least one railroad executive thinks it is likely that a merger looms ahead despite antitrust concerns from customers.

FTC faces more hurdles in Georgia hospital case

The FTC’s lawsuit challenging Phoebe Putney Health System Inc.’s acquisition of its archrival Palmyra Park Hospital in Albany, Georgia, has had more twists and turns than the most intricately woven...

Self-driving cars raise privacy concerns

If Google and others have their way, soon you won’t need anyone driving you to get from point a to point b. While that sounds convenient, some of the privacy issues could come straight out of...

Obama takes initiative on card cybersecurity

President Barack Obama recently got an enthusiastic reception when he trekked from the White House to the nearby headquarters of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to unveil an executive...

Neil Averitt commentary: Behind the curtain in the FTC secretary’s office

When outside lawyers have dealings with the Federal Trade Commission, their points of contact usually include the Office of the Secretary. A good understanding of that office can obviously be...