News from June 2009
W.Va. SC says state must arbitrate tobacco dispute
McGraw CHARLESTON, W.Va. (Legal Newsline) - The West Virginia Supreme Court has upheld a Kanawha Circuit Court judge's ruling that Attorney General Darrell McGraw's office has to participate in a nationwide arbitration related to a monumental settlement with big tobacco companies.
U.S. SC sees no need to review Mass. decision
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) - The U.S. Supreme Court has decided not to hear the appeal of a Massachusetts decision that requires out-of-state corporations to pay state taxes if they have a "substantial nexus" in the state.
Nevada Supreme Court justice crashes into UPS store
Kris Pickering LAS VEGAS (Legal Newsline) - A Nevada Supreme Court justice escaped injury Monday when her car smashed into a UPS store in Las Vegas, a court spokesman said.
U.S. Supreme Court sides with mining company
U.S. Supreme Court building WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline)-Coeur d'Alene Mines Corp. won a major court battle Monday when the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a permit that will allow the company's Alaska gold mine to put rock waste into a nearby lake on federal land.
Blumenthal has new probe for AT&T
Blumenthal HARTFORD, Conn. (Legal Newsline) - Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal's latest effort against AT&T has him investigating $145 million he said was funneled out of his state to avoid paying taxes on it.
AG's probe clears Portland mayor
John Kroger (D) SALEM, Ore. (Legal Newsline) - Oregon Attorney General John Kroger said Monday that there is no evidence that Portland Mayor Sam Adams broke the law when he had a relationship with a minor.
Brown drops greenhouse lawsuit against automakers
Jerry Brown (D) SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Legal Newsline)-California Attorney General Jerry Brown has withdrawn a lawsuit his predecessor filed against carmakers for allegedly damaging the state's air quality.
Plaintiffs lawyers will take advantage of new EPA rules, group says
Obama ALEXANDRIA, Va. (Legal Newsline) - The federal Environmental Protection Agency's decision to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles may put small businesses in tricky legal positions, a nonprofit group says.
Shurtleff gears up for Senate campaign fight
Mark Shurtleff (R) COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Legal Newsline)-Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff says he is gearing up for a tough fight to unseat fellow Republican U.S. Sen. Bob Bennett.
Bill would protect ER doctors, nurses from lawsuits
PHOENIX, Ariz. (Legal Newsline) -A bill winding its way through the Arizona state Legislature would make it more difficult for litigants to sue hospitals and emergency room health care providers.
Bruning to lead nation's AGs
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline)-Nebraska Attorney General Jon Bruning is the new president of the National Association of Attorneys General.
Blumenthal objects to GM idea on defective vehicles
Blumenthal HARTFORD, Conn. (Legal Newsline) -- Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal wants a proposal regarding defective GM vehicles rejected.
Brown wins suit over tax refund loans
Brown SAN FRANCISCO (Legal Newsline) -- California Attorney General Jerry Brown this week won a lawsuit barring the nation's third largest tax preparer -- Liberty Tax Service -- from deceptive advertising that "blurs the line" between tax refunds that are free and high-cost loans.
Mortgage loan broker settles with Coakley
Coakley BOSTON (Legal Newsline) - Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley has agreed to a settlement with mortgage loan broker Leo H. Desire Sr. over allegations of mortgage fraud.
Palin picks new Alaska AG
Palin ANCHORAGE (Legal Newsline) - Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin has nominated another candidate to become the state's attorney general as she tries to replace former Attorney General Talis Colberg.
Eight AGs write Obama about financial regulation overhaul
Obama WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) - Eight state attorneys general want President Barack Obama to keep in mind their roles in consumer protection as he overhauls the financial regulatory structure.
Propane tank fees the subject of Cuomo settlement
Cuomo NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) - New York Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo has reached a settlement with Suburban Propane over allegations of misinforming customers of new rental fees.
Conway delivers opinion on video lottery machines
Conway FRANKFORT, Ky. (Legal Newsline) - Kentucky's attorney general has determined that the state Constitution does not need to be amended to allow the state Lottery Corporation to operate video lottery terminals at race tracks.
Decision on interest nearly doubles punitive award in Exxon Valdez case
SAN FRANCISCO (Legal Newsline) - A federal appeals court has ordered ExxonMobil to pay nearly $500 million in interest on punitive damages awarded in lawsuits over the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill off the coast of Alaska.
Sheetz unhappy with Pa. SC decision
HARRISBURG, Pa. (Legal Newsline) - A Monday decision revoking one of its store's liquor license is an example of Pennsylvania's outdated liquor laws, the president and chief executive officer of Sheetz, Inc., said.