News from December 2009
Blumenthal demands rollback of credit card interest rates and fees
Blumenthal HARTFORD, Conn. (Legal Newsline) - Eleven large banks and financial institutions have received letters from Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal demanding they reverse all increases in interest rates and fees since January.
Cuomo sues civil service exam company
Cuomo POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. (Legal Newsline) - New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo has filed a lawsuit against a New Jersey-based company on behalf of unemployed New Yorkers who were sold a study-at-home course that he alleges falsely promised to lead to civil service jobs.
Wynn seeks dismissal of class action
LAS VEGAS (Legal Newsline)-Wynn Las Vegas filed court papers on Friday seeking dismissal of lawsuit claiming the casino is exposing its employees to second hand smoke.
N.J. files lawsuit against R.I. company for sale of yo-yo waterballs
Milgram NEWARK, N.J. (Legal Newsline) - New Jersey Attorney General Anne Milgram has filed a lawsuit against a Rhode Island company that is alleged to have sold yo-yo waterballs, which are banned by state law, to New Jersey consumers.
U.S. Supreme Court orders Chrysler sale lawsuit tossed
U.S. Supreme Court building WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) - The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday ordered the dismissal of an appeal by three Indiana pension funds challenging the sale of Chrysler LLC this year.
NAAG committee to focus on counterfeit goods
McKenna WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) - A group of state attorneys general headed by Mississippi's Jim Hood and Washington's Rob McKenna is going to explore how state AGs can tackle intellectual property theft.
Corbett leads field of candidates
Corbett HARRISBURG, Pa. (Legal Newsline) - Pennsylvania Attorney General Tom Corbett would be victorious against any Democrat he faces in next year's governor's race, a poll released Monday shows.
Washington AG sues DIRECTV over its itsy-bitsy fine print
Rob McKenna (R) OLYMPIA, Wash. (Legal Newsline)-Taking aim at Washington State's biggest generator of state consumer complaints, the attorney general here has filed a lawsuit against DIRECTV, one of the nation's largest satellite TV providers.
U.S. trial bar still searching for its next leader
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline)-The nation's trial lawyer group is still looking for a new leader, or so an Internet posting by a leading executive recruitment firm indicates.
Obama: Senate to pass health care bill this month
Barack Obama (D) WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline)-The U.S. Senate will pass its health care overhaul bill this month, President Barack Obama said Sunday evening.
Nevada leads nation in bankruptcies
U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Las Vegas LAS VEGAS (Legal Newsline)-Nevada leads the nation in bankruptcy filings, federal officials say.
Calif. tort reform proponent to put $15 million in his campaign coffers
Steve Poizner (R) SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Legal Newsline)-A Republican candidate for California governor who has called for sweeping tort reforms will put $15 million of his own money into his campaign coffers.
Poll: Americans divided over which party would fix health care
U.S. Capitol building WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline)-Americans are divided on whether to trust Democrats or Republicans to overhaul the nation's health care system, which critics say is fraught with waste and lawsuit abuse, a national poll indicates.
Ariz. AG: Indian tribes should have place at NAAG table
Terry Goddard (D) PHOENIX, Ariz. (Legal Newsline)-Recognizing that air, water and commerce don't stop flowing at tribal boundaries, Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard says Indian nations should be a bigger part of the national body of chief state legal officers.
Swanson decries proposed utility rate hike
Lori Swanson (D) ST. PAUL, Minn. (Legal Newsline)-Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson is urging the state Public Utilities Commission to deny a rate increase sought by Minnesota Power.
Calif. lawmaker and AG candidate to probe foreclosure crisis
Alberto Torrico (D) LOS ANGELES (Legal Newsline) -- A state lawmaker and Democratic candidate for California attorney general will hold a legislative hearing Monday to probe how loan modification programs are affecting communities of color.
Coakley calls for three-way Senate debates
Martha Coakley (D) BOSTON (Legal Newsline)-U.S. Senate hopeful Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley wants to debate both of her opponents before the state's Jan. 19 special general election, the Democrat's campaign said.
CBO stands by estimate tort reform will save taxpayers billions
Douglas Elmendorf WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline)--The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office says it stands by its analysis that medial malpractice limits would save American taxpayers billions of dollars.
Mercury Cos. agrees to $4.3 million settlement
Angela Bradstreet SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Legal Newsline)--Title firm Mercury Cos. has agreed to pay $4.29 million in back wages for 633 employees who the company abruptly laid off in 2008, California officials said.
Poll: Ryan leads GOP pack vying to be Illinois governor
Jim Ryan (R) SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (Legal Newsline)-- Former Illinois Attorney General Jim Ryan leads the Republican pack seeking to become governor, a poll indicates.