News from January 2009
Cigarette company agrees to stop distributing decorative sign
HARTFORD, Conn. (Legal Newsline) -- New Mexico-based Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company,the maker of Natural American Spirit tobacco products, has reached an agreement with 41 states to stop distributing a promotional sign that violates the 1998 tobacco settlement.
Arizona AG lays off 20 staff members
Terry Goddard (D) PHOENIX, Ariz. (Legal Newsline)-State budget woes in Arizona have forced the state attorney general to lay off 20 employees, including lawyers and support staff.
U.S. Chamber calls for legal reforms, cautions against expanding government
Thomas Donohue WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) -- Reforming the nation's plaintiff-favored legal system could help jumpstart the beleaguered American economy, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce said Wednesday in a report.
Brown sues for oil spill repayment
Jerry Brown (D) SAN FRANCISCO (Legal Newsline) - California Attorney General Jerry Brown is suing the owners of the MV Cosco Busan, a ship that spilled more than 50,000 gallons of oil into the San Francisco Bay in 2007.
Plaintiffs' attorneys weathered the asbestos political storm
Behrens The window of opportunity for sweeping federal tort reform that started to close in 2006, has effectively been shut.
Federal judge tosses suit against tobacco settlement
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Legal Newsline) - The landmark 1998 agreement between the tobacco industry and 52 state attorneys general has survived a challenge from one of its participating parties that argued it could not compete with larger companies under its terms.
Former judge not giving up on $54 mil missing pants case
Manning WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) - The man who demanded $54 million because his dry cleaners misplaced his pants is again appealing to the District of Columbia's highest court.
AGs urge Congress to amend Bankruptcy Code
PHOENIX, Ariz. (Legal Newsline)-A coalition of 22 state attorneys general asked Congress on Tuesday to loosen U.S. bankruptcy rules so judges can modify home loans to help reduce the tide of home foreclosures.
Oregon lawmaker vows to fight fellow Democrats over med-mal liability
Alan Bates (D) MEDFORD, Ore. (Legal Newsline)- One of the Oregon Legislature's leading advocates for health care reform says he will block tort overhaul legislation that does not protect all physicians in the state from potentially exorbitant malpractice payouts.
Former eBay CEO readies for 2010 gubernatorial bid
Meg Whitman (R) SAN FRANCISCO (Legal Newsline)-Former eBay Chief Executive Officer Meg Whitman is reportedly preparing to announce her candidacy for governor of California.
Calif. legislation could protect Good Samaritans
John Benoit (R) SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Legal Newsline)-Following a California Supreme Court ruling that caused a stir over the role of well-meaning people in an emergency, one California legislator proposed a bill Tuesday that would protect Good Samaritans.
Starcher files dissent during last days as justice
Starcher CHARLESTON, W.Va. (Legal Newsline) - On his way off the state Supreme Court, former Justice Larry Starcher explained why he feels an Ohio man should be able to file a lawsuit against an Illinois-based insurance company in a West Virginia court.
Cuomo, mortgage brokers come to agreement
Cuomo NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) - New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo has settled two actions brought against mortgage brokerage companies he claimed were discriminating against minorities.
Marsh & McLennan will pay millions to nine AGs
Coakley BOSTON (Legal Newsline) - Nine state attorneys general settled with insurance broker Marsh & McLennan on Monday, resolving four-year-old allegations of bid-rigging for a collective $7 million.
Vermont AG seeks compliance with state lead law
Bill Sorrell (D) MONTPELIER, Vt. (Legal Newsline) -- The Vermont has attorney general has mailed letters to some of the largest landlords in Burlington and Rutland to demonstrate compliance with Vermont's lead law.
Kroger sworn in as Oregon attorney general
John Kroger (D) SALEM, Ore. (Legal Newsline)-John Kroger was sworn in Monday as Oregon's new attorney general, succeeding fellow Democrat Hardy Myers, who led the state Department of Justice since 1996.
Atlantic Wire settles toxic dump suit
Richard Blumenthal (D) HARTFORD, Conn. (Legal Newsline) -- Branford, Conn.-based Atlantic Wire Co. has agreed to pay $1.5 million to settle allegations that it illegally dumped toxic waste in the Branford River for over two years.
Minn. justices side with Al Franken
Al Franken (D) MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (Legal Newsline)-The Minnesota Supreme Court on Monday helped clear the path for Democrat comedian-turned-politician Al Franken to be become the North Star State's next U.S. senator.
Newly-elected Nevada justice to be sworn in today
Mary "Kris" Pickering CARSON CITY, Nev. (Legal Newsline)-Newly-elected Nevada Supreme Court Justice Mary "Kris" Pickering will be sworn into office today in an installation ceremony at the state Capitol, the court announced.
Reid: Senate can reject Blagojevich's Senate pick
Harry Reid (D) WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline)- Embattled Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich's pick to fill President-elect Barack Obama's vacant Senate seat won't likely be accepted, officials said.