News from November 2009
White House to announce more foreclosure help
Barack Obama (D) WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline)-The White House on Monday plans to announce additional help for Americans having trouble making their home mortgage payments, something long called for by several state attorneys general.
Two lawsuits filed over false billing of Vermont Medicaid
MONTPELIER, Vt. (Legal Newsline) - Two prosecutions have been announced by Attorney General William Sorrell and the U.S. Attorney for the District of Vermont relating to schemes to defraud the Vermont Medicaid Program.
Pennsylvania stores dealing in counterfeit purses shuts down‏
Tom Corbett (R) HARRISBURG, Pa. (Legal Newsline) - A Lackawanna County, Pa., business that dealt in counterfeit designer items has been closed as the result of a consumer protection settlement.
Colorado to receive more than $42 million as part of Asarco reorganization‏
John Suthers (R) DENVER (Legal Newsline) - Colorado's state and federal government will receive more than $42 million as part of a Chapter 11 reorganization plan approved for Asarco Inc., and related companies.
Connecticut AG to sue Wall Street rating firms
Richard Blumenthal (D) NEW YORK (Legal Newsline)--Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal said Wednesday e plans to sue the three major Wall Street credit-rating agencies over their alleged roles in the recent financial industry meltdown.
Washington SC reinstates $8 million verdict against Hyundai
Richard Sanders OLYMPIA, Wash. (Legal Newsline)- The Washington state Supreme Court today reinstated an $8 million judgment against Hyundai Motor Co. over a car crash that left a man paralyzed.
AG Abbott nixes payments to teachers
Greg Abbott (R) AUSTIN, Texas (Legal Newsline)-Thousands of retired educators in Texas won't get a one-time $500 bonus check next month because a snafu at the state Capitol.
Colorado AG targets foreclosure scams
John Suthers (R) DENVER, Colo. (Legal Newsline)-The Colorado attorney general has taken legal action against 10 mortgage loan modification companies mostly operating outside of the state, officials said.
Settlement reached with Internet-based health supplement subscription company‏
Bill McCollum (R) TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Legal Newsline) - Attorney General Bill McCollum has reached a settlement agreement with an Internet-based provider of non-prescription dietary and health supplements that allegedly trapped consumers in a subscription plan.
Conn. AG sues to stop New York group's land grab‏
Richard Blumenthal (D) HARTFORD, Conn. (Legal Newsline) - Attorney General Richard Blumenthal has filed a lawsuit to stop a New York group from illegally seizing a 160-acre property in Litchfield owned by the Connecticut Junior Republic.
California releases draft cap-and-trade regulations
Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Legal Newsline)-California officials on Tuesday released draft regulations of the state's cap-and-trade system aimed at limiting emissions blamed for global climate change.
Mass. to receive $4.25 million as part of settlement over misreported nasal spray prices‏
Martha Coakley (D) BOSTON (Legal Newsline) - An international drug company has agreed to pay $4.25 million to the Massachusetts Medicaid Program to resolve allegations that it knowingly misreported best prices for Azmacort, Nasacort and Nasacort AQ, which are steroid-based anti-inflammatory nasal sprays.
Pa. AG files suit against mortgage rescue firms
Tom Corbett (R) HARRISBURG, Pa. (Legal Newsline) - Four mortgage rescue businesses and their officers are facing lawsuits from Attorney General Tom Corbett over alleged deception of Pennsylvania consumers who were seeking help modifying their mortgage loans.
N.Y. landowners given right to negotiate with natural gas company over false lease claims
Mario Cuomo (D) ALBANY, N.Y. (Legal Newsline) - Attorney General Andrew Cuomo has
reached an agreement with a natural gas company that will allow
consumers misled into extending their natural gas leases with the
company to renegotiate their terms.
Conn's settles with Texas AG; Agrees to refund $4.5 million
Greg Abbott (R) AUSTIN, Texas (Legal Newsline)- Conn's Appliances has agreed to pay $4.5 million in restitution to settle claims by the Texas attorney general that the company defrauded consumers.
House health care bill expands state AGs' powers
Victor Schwartz WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline)-Nestled deeply within the 2,016-page national health care overhaul bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives this month are three provisions that would significantly expand the powers of state attorneys general.
Critic says WhoCanISue.com plays to 'worst elements of human nature'
A new Web site that offers real-time legal chat for the aggrieved has some critics questioning if WhoCanISue.com stands for justice or is merely a lawsuit manufacturing tool.
Gingrich: Republicans poised for gains in 2010
Newt Gingrich (R) WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline)-Republicans ought to run candidates in every race for state attorney general next year, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich said.
Texas doctors oppose Senate health care plan; Group seeks tort reform
Dr. William Fleming III AUSTIN, Texas (Legal Newsline)-The health care overhaul pending in the U.S. Senate requires significant changes before doctors can support the draft plan, the Texas Medical Association says.
Iowa reinstates tax credit for film productions
Tom Miller (D) DES MOINES, Iowa (Legal Newsline)-Iowa has reinstated its film production tax credit program for projects already in the pipeline, Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller said.