News from August 2007
Strickland, Dann team up on gaming industry
Dann COLUMBUS, Ohio - The debate whether electronic gaming machines in Ohio are skill-based and legal or illegal games of chance escalated Wednesday when Attorney General Marc Dann issued an emergency administrative rule in response to an executive order from Gov. Ted Strickland.
Scruggs indicted for contempt
Richard Scruggs BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Special prosecutors appointed by a federal judge on Tuesday hit nationally known plaintiffs attorney Richard Scruggs and his law firm with criminal contempt charges over his handling of insurance documents related to Hurricane Katrina claims.
AGs want to zap alcoholic energy drinks
Blumenthal HARTFORD, Conn. - Thirty state attorneys general have joined forces in urging a federal agency to take action against alcoholic energy drink manufacturers they say are making misleading statements about their products.
Illinois Supreme Court drives stake in Tillery tobacco case for third and final time
Illinois Supreme Court SPRINGFIELD -- For the third time the Illinois Supreme Court has knocked down Stephen Tillery's $10.1 billion class action verdict against Philip Morris.
La. GOP: Vote Royal
Alexander BATON ROUGE, La. - The Louisiana Republican party recently decided to endorse Royal Alexander in his campaign to become the state's next Attorney General.
Health care aides subject of new Cuomo probe
Cuomo NEW YORK - The investigation into Medicaid fraud being conducted by New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo has shifted its focus to home health care providers.
Feds to W. Va.: Pay up money from McGraw settlement
McGraw CHARLESTON, W. Va. - The federal government has decided that the State of West Virginia owes it $4.1 million because of the way Attorney General Darrell McGraw handled a 2004 settlement with prescription drug manufacturer Purdue Pharma.
Cuomo: Be not afraid of the AG
Cuomo NEW YORK - According to a recent report, New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo said he is shocked people are scared of his office.
Md. Court says expert's violation of tort reform law grounds for dismissal
Cathell ANNAPOLIS, Md. - In a recent medical malpractice decision, Maryland's highest court said expert witnesses need to submit proper documentation or the plaintiff's claim becomes invalid.
Stumbo opposes rate increase
Stumbo FRANKFORT, Ky. - Profit is not guaranteed for utilities, said Kentucky Attorney General Greg Stumbo Tuesday.
Cuomo settles with subprime credit card company
Cuomo NEW YORK - A cycle of debt is what New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo said he is trying to end as he announced a settlement with a credit card company worth nearly $5 million.
Power meters may be erratic, Blumenthal says
Blumenthal HARTFORD, Conn. - Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal on Tuesday remained active in the electricity business, calling for an investigation of Connecticut Light and Power while promising to get other attorneys general involved.
Case of the $54 million pants presses on
Pearson WASHINGTON, D.C. - Roy Pearson, the judge ridiculed heavily in the media because of his losing $54 million lawsuit against the dry cleaners who misplaced his pants, appears ready to go through it all over again.
Miss. SC dismisses 57 asbestos claims
Lamar JACKSON, Miss. - Several dozen asbestos claims were not filed in the proper jurisdiction, and attorneys failed to promptly file to have them transferred, the Mississippi Supreme Court decided last week in dismissing the claims.
Ohio SC must decide on special vote for tort reform law
Brunner COLUMBUS, Ohio - Ohio Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner doesn't think the state's Supreme Court made itself clear enough in a recent pro-business ruling.
Paradise doesn't include setting own tax rates, Hawaii SC rules
Chief Justice Ronald Moon HONOLULU -- Only Hawaii's county officials, not its taxpayers, can set property-tax rates, the Hawaii Supreme Court ruled in a split opinion last week.
Lower judges fear Michigan SC split could color courts partisan
Michigan Supreme Court LANSING -- The ongoing 4-3 split for Michigan Supreme Court decisions is apparently starting to become an embarrassment for the rest of the state's judiciary.
With See out, spot open on Ala. SC
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - One of the eight Republicans who sit on the Alabama Supreme Court recently decided he will step down at the end of his term.
Company indicted in Big Dig tragedy
BOSTON - A New York-based company involved in the Big Dig construction project in Boston last week was indicted on one count of involuntary manslaughter and recently claimed Attorney General Martha Coakley should not be allowed to pursue the charge.
Blumenthal serves company with lawsuit, delivers joke
Blumenthal HARTFORD, Conn. - Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal announced on Friday a lawsuit against Accurate Heating and Cooling by adding a little insult to injury.