News from May 2009
Federal judge to decide where S.C. stimulus case belongs
Sanford COLUMBIA, S.C. (Legal Newsline) - South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford has asked a federal judge to determine if a lawsuit over his refusal to accept federal stimulus funds should be heard in state or federal court.
Costco will begin taking food stamps
NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) - Costco will begin accepting food stamps at its two New York City locations after a letter from state Attorney General Andrew Cuomo reminded the company that it better.
Calif. AG's staff protected from proposed pay cut
Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Legal Newsline)-California Attorney General Jerry Brown's staff would not be affected by the 5 percent cross-the-board pay cut to be proposed today by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger for most state workers.
Legal reform group calls on Calif. lawmakers to reconsider bills
John Sullivan SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Legal Newsline)-California lawmakers, grappling with declining tax revenues and a sluggish state economy ought to enact statutory changes to help jumpstart the Golden State's economy, a tort reform group says.
Las Vegas wins court battle against powerful union
CARSON CITY, Nev. (Legal Newsline)-The Nevada Supreme Court has ruled that two union-backed measures should not appear on the June 2 Las Vegas municipal ballot.
Nava enters race for Calif. attorney general
Pedro Nava (D) SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Legal Newsline)-State Assemblyman Pedro Nava has entered the 2010 race for California attorney general, vowing to protect the environment and increase public safety if he is elected.
Texas AG files potential $40M suit against Conn's Appliances
Greg Abbott (R) AUSTIN, Texas (Legal Newsline)-Swayed by the 2,000-plus service warranty complaints levied against a retailer, Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott has filed a potential $40 million suit against Conn's Appliances.
Del. SC says sports betting bill OK
DOVER, Del. (Legal Newsline) - Despite the efforts of the National Football League, the Delaware Supreme Court ruled Thursday that legislation approving sports betting does not interfere with the state law.
Poll: Sotomayor pick gains public approval
Sonia Sotomayor WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline)-Most Americans say they believe U.S. President Barack Obama made a good pick in nominating federal Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the U.S. Supreme Court, a poll indicates.
Cox, fellow gubernatorial hopefuls to debate at policy conference
Mike Cox (R) LANSING, Mich. (Legal Newsline)-Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox and other candidates for governor will meet tonight for their first debate in the 2010 race to succeed Democratic Gov. Jennifer Granholm, who is barred by term limits from seeking a third term.
Pharmaceutical companies agree to pay Ohio $8.44 million settlement
Richard Cordray (D) COLUMBUS, Ohio (Legal Newsline)-Four pharmaceutical companies have agreed to pay the state of Ohio a total of $8.44 million to settle claims they overcharged the state for drugs, Attorney General Richard Cordray said Thursday.
Goddard withdraws lawsuit to keep Tucson newspaper publishing
Terry Goddard (D) TUCSON, Ariz. (Legal Newsline) - Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard has withdrawn his lawsuit that sought to block the closure of the Tucson (Ariz.) Citizen newspaper.
Illinois House approves AG-backed FOIA rewrite
Lisa Madigan (D) SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (Legal Newsline)-The Illinois House on Wednesday approved a rewrite of the state's open records law that's aimed at helping the public access public documents.
AGs say they oppose Chrysler bankruptcy
Richard Cordray (D-Ohio) NEW YORK (Legal Newsline)-Attorneys general from a handful of states have filed their objections to the proposed sale of Chrysler LLC's assets to Italian automaker Fiat SpA.
Eli Lilly upset with McGraw's outside counsel
McGraw NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) - Eli Lilly & Co. is upset that an attorney hired by West Virginia Attorney General Darrell McGraw didn't send it a copy of a letter faxed to a federal judge regarding contingency fee issues.
Another $89M for King and feds to fight over
King MONTGOMERY, Ala. (Legal Newsline) - Six more defendants have settled Medicaid fraud charges with Alabama Attorney General Troy King, currently in a fight with the Federal Government over to whom part of the money is owed.
Auto title lenders settle Washington D.C. lawsuits‏
"I commend the Office of attorney general for their hard work on this settlement," Mayor Adrian Fenty said. "The actions by CashPoint and Loan Max were inexcusable and my administration will continue to pursue companies who prey on the District's vulnerable consumers to gain profit."
McGraw: Rural customers affected more by Chrysler bankruptcy
McGraw NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) - West Virginia Attorney General Darrell McGraw is objecting to the closing of 17 state Chrysler dealerships in the company's bankruptcy proceedings.
Oregon Senate votes to extend statute of ultimate repose
Floyd Prozanski (D) SALEM, Ore. (Legal Newsline)-Oregonians injured by defective products would have 10 years from the date of purchase to sue manufacturers instead of the current eight years, under legislation the state Senate approved Tuesday.
Wisconsin SC asks panel to rescind judges' pay raises
Shirley Abrahamson MADISON, Wis. - The Wisconsin Supreme Court is asking state lawmakers to rescind the 2 percent raises that judges were scheduled to receive next month.