News from January 2009
Agreement between Pa. Gov. and plaintiffs firm again challenged
Rendell PHILADELPHIA (Legal Newsline) - Janssen Pharmaceutica is asking the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to disqualify the firm hired by Gov. Ed Rendell to sue it.
Rhode Island, or outside counsel, ordered to reimburse companies in failed lead paint suit
Lynch PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Legal Newsline) - Rhode Island Attorney General Patrick Lynch's decision to craft a $2.4 billion lead paint abatement plan before securing a verdict will cost either the State or its contingent fee counsel.
Health care group calls for tort reforms
Donald Fisher ALEXANDRIA, Va. (Legal Newsline)-A major medical care group on Thursday said liability reform needs to be a part of any meaningful overhaul of the nation's health care system.
U.S. Supreme Court declines to hear forced exorcism case
U.S. Supreme Court building WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline)-The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to hear the case of a former Texas woman who claims she was physically and emotionally abused during a forced exorcism in 1996.
Ore. AG agrees to investigate embattled Portland mayor's relationship with a minor
John Kroger (D) PORTLAND, Ore. (Legal Newsline) - Oregon Attorney General John Kroger has agreed to investigate whether Portland Mayor Sam Adams broke the law when he had a relationship with a minor.
Minn. AG sues Allina for violating state usury laws
Lori Swanson (D) MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (Legal Newsline)-Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson on Thursday sued Allina Health System for charging patients with medical bills more than double the rate of interest allowed by state law.
McGraw investigates Pennsylvania research company
Darrell McGraw (D) CHARLESTON, W.V. (Legal Newsline) -- Several West Virginia residents have filed complaints with Attorney General Darrell McGraw's office after receiving two one dollar bills in the mail.
Sexual harassment claim against former Ohio AG settled
Dann COLUMBUS, Ohio (Legal Newsline) - Nearly $500,000 will go to a pair of women who brought sexual harassment allegations against former Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann and members of his staff.
Conn. AG vows to fight rate increases
Richard Blumenthal (D) HARTFORD, Conn. (Legal Newsline) -- Connecticut's attorney general has vowed to fight rate hikes from gas companies that were recently ordered to return millions of dollars in over-earnings.
AGs to weigh in on recusal case
King CHARLESTON, W.Va. (Legal Newsline) - A group of state attorneys general may soon come to the aid of West Virginia Supreme Court Chief Justice Brent Benjamin.
Benjamin talks issues facing W.Va. court
Benjamin CHARLESTON, W.Va. (Legal Newsline) - West Virginia Supreme Court Chief Justice Brent Benjamin recently said the reputations of public officials can be unfairly linked to independent groups that support them.
9th circuit clears was for class action against AOL
SAN FRANCISCO (Legal Newsline) - The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has cleared the way for a class action suit on behalf of California residents whose personal information was disclosed by AOL over a three-month period in 2006.
Eight states join California's Endangered Species Act defense
SAN FRANCISCO (Legal Newsline) -California Attorney General Jerry Brown says eight states are supporting his effort to block a move by the Bush administration to weaken the Endangered Species Act.
Poll: Whitman legit in California governor's race
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Legal Newsline) - A new poll shows 2010 could be a better year for the Republicans, following a disastrous 2008.
Part of Merrill Lynch settlement approved
COLUMBUS, Ohio (Legal Newsline) - The Ohio State Teachers Retirement System agreed on Friday to approve a $475 million settlement with Merrill Lynch.
U.S. SC to decide legality of N.Y. AG's investigation
Spitzer WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) - The U.S. Supreme Court has decide to consider if New York Attorney General's Office should be investigating the mortgage lending practices of some national banks.
Former Illinois AG sworn-in as Obama successor
Roland Burris (D) WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline)-Roland Burris was sworn in as the junior U.S. senator from Illinois on Thursday despite efforts by some Democrats to block any appointment to the seat by embattled Gov. Rod Blagojevich.
Federal judge sides with AG Cooper in pollution fight
Cooper ASHEVILLE, N.C. (Legal Newsline) - Federally owned power provider Tennessee Valley Authority's emissions are crossing state lines and causing a public nuisance in North Carolina, a federal judge recently ruled.
Bottom line in asbestos: A matter of convenience
Hartley Despite what some consider to be a stacked deck against defendant attorneys in Madison County, Ill., rarely are asbestos cases -- even the growing number from out-of-state -- challenged by defendants to move them to a more convenient venue.
Wisconsin AG hails decision to perform voter checks
J.B. Van Hollen (R) MADISON, Wis. (Legal Newsline) - Wisconsin Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen on Thursday hailed a decision by state elections officials to perform retroactive voter registration checks.