News from October 2009
Va. Republicans maintain leads
McDonnell RICHMOND (Legal Newsline) - Former Virginia Attorney General Bob McDonnell's lead in the race for governor is increasing as Election Day approaches, a recent poll shows.
Sunscreen settlement goes to American Cancer Society
McCollum ORLANDO, Fla. (Legal Newsline) - The American Cancer Society was given a check for $47,500 by the Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum, with the money coming from a settlement with sunscreen manufacturers.
Pennsylvania SC race heats up
Jack Panella HARRISBURG, Pa. (Legal Newsline)-The race for the lone vacant seat on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court seat is heating up with Democrat Jack Panella only slightly ahead of Republican Joan Orie Melvin, a poll indicates.
Brown sues institutional bank for overcharging pension funds
Jerry Brown (D) OAKLAND, Calif. (Legal Newsline)--California Attorney General Jerry Brown today unveiled a $200 million lawsuit over fraud the Democrat said State Street Bank and Trust perpetrated against two state pension funds.
Perry's Supreme Court appointment draws praise
Eva Guzman AUSTIN, Texas (Legal Newsline)-The newest member of the Texas Supreme Court will provide a reliably conservative voice on the state high court, a legal observer said.
CALA: ADA commission lacks staff, adequate funding
Tom Scott SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Legal Newsline)-A new state commission on disability access will likely be hamstrung by a lack of funding and staff, a leader of California's tort reform movement said Monday.
AG Brown to sue major bank over alleged fraud
Jerry Brown (D) OAKLAND, Calif. (Legal Newsline)--California Attorney General Jerry Brown today will announce a $200 million lawsuit over fraud the Democrat said a major bank perpetrated against two state pension funds.
Missouri files lawsuit over violations of state's no-call list
Koster JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (Legal Newsline) - Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster has filed a lawsuit to stop two Florida telemarketing companies from making phone calls to Missourians who have placed their names on the state's no-call list.
Miller: More furloughs for Iowa AG's office
Tom Miller (D) DES MOINES, Iowa (Legal Newsline)-More furloughs are coming to Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller's office, he told employees.
Efforts of feds, three states lead to $124M in settlements
Cuomo WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) - State Medicaid programs will benefit from $124 million in settlements reached by the U.S. Government and four pharmaceutical companies.
Schwarzenegger acts to protect struggling homebuyers
Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) MERCED, Calif. (Legal Newsline)-Hoping to protect struggling homebuyers from flimflam artists, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Monday signed legislation aimed at bringing trust back into the mortgage market.
Florida files two lawsuits against five debt settlement-related companies
Bill McCollum (R) TAMPA, Fla. (Legal Newsline) - Two lawsuits have been filed by Florida's attorney general against five debt settlement-related companies alleging excessive feeds and conduct that defrauded consumers and damaged their credit.
Appeals court affirms judgment in supermarket checker case
SAN DIEGO (Legal Newsline)-The California Court of Appeals has ruled that a trial court was correct in awarding a supermarket employee $200,000 after she was denied a restroom break and urinated on herself.
Coakley draws ire of Boston paper
Coakley BOSTON (Legal Newsline) - A Boston newspaper is criticizing state Attorney General Martha Coakley's stance that she can not speak about her current job while compaigning for U.S. Senate.
Texas firm asserts privilege in 7,000 asbestos cases
Robreno PHILADELPHIA (Legal Newsline) - Baron and Budd of Houston, a leader in asbestos litigation, has asserted attorney-client privilege in more than 7,000 suits that depend on reports from radiologist Jay Segarra.
AG Madigan 'incredibly strong' going into campaign
Lisa Madigan (D) SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (Legal Newsline)-It would be difficult for Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan to go into her reelection campaign looking any better than she does now, a leading political analyst said Monday.
Eleven lawyers seek seat on Montana Supreme Court
John Warner HELENA, Mont. (Legal Newsline)-Eleven lawyers in Montana have applied for the vacancy on the state Supreme Court to be left by retiring Justice John Warner.
State committee to hear of ADA shakedown lawsuits
Tom Scott SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Legal Newsline)-Small business owners say they plan to give California lawmakers an ear full today about how their livelihoods are being threatened by shakedown lawsuits filed over alleged ADA violations.
New trial ordered in case of urine-tinged RV
James Nelson HELENA, Mont.(Legal Newsline)-The Montana Supreme Court says a woman who bought a motor home that at one time had urine-soaked carpet may sue rather than being forced into arbitration.
Groups want to know about NLRB, OSHA nominees' legal views
Tom Harkin (D) WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline)-A U.S. Senate panel this week will consider a handful of presidential nominees for key posts, possibly without probing their positions on important legal issues.