News from January 2010
Kroger settles with Calif. law firm
Kroger SALEM, Ore. (Legal Newsline) - Under terms of a settlement announced by Oregon Attorney General John Kroger, a California law firm is prohibited from providing loan modifications in Oregon and is required to pay $28,857.
Conway: Healthcare provision 'distasteful'
Conway FRANKFORT, Ky. (Legal Newsline) - Kentucky Attorney General Jack Conway, a U.S. Senate hopeful, has not ruled out joining Republican state attorneys general probing the so-called "Cornhusker Kickback" provision of proposed healthcare reform.
McKenna settles with collection agency
McKenna SEATTLE (Legal Newsline) - As part of a settlement with Washington Attorney General Rob McKenna, an Everett-based collection agency has agreed not to harass, threaten or cuss at consumers.
Blumenthal, bankrupt company disagree about gift cards
Blumenthal HARTFORD, Conn. (Legal Newsline) - Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal wants a company going through bankruptcy to honor gift cards.
Claims against Montana won't be stayed in asbestos case
PHILADELPHIA (Legal Newsline) - A temporary injunction staying asbestos claims against a bankrupt company will not be broadened to postpone claims against the State of Montana.
Jepsen enters Conn. AG race
Jepsen HARTFORD, Conn. (Legal Newsline) - One Democrat has already announced his intention to replace longtime Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal.
Nelson: Expand Medicaid deal to all states
Ben Nelson (D-Neb.) WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline)-Under fire from more than a dozen state attorneys general, U.S. Sen. Ben Nelson of Nebraska on Thursday said all states -- not just his -- should be able to opt out of increased payments to Medicaid mandated under a federal health care overhaul under debate in Congress.
Tobacco companies get marginal success in challenge to law
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (Legal Newsline) - The challenge of a new federal tobacco law has resulted in restrictions on color advertising being lifted.
Plan for homeowner insurance rate increases blocked by Mass. AG Coakley
Martha Coakley (D) BOSTON (Legal Newsline) - Rates for Massachusetts homeowners obtaining insurance from the residual market will be lowered by a .72 percent average statewide, following a settlement announced by Attorney General Martha Coakley.
ATRA spokesman: Court budget cuts might be good for California
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Legal Newsline)-Budget cuts to California courts might just be what needs to happen to force judges to address the mass of frivolous lawsuits filed in the state, the American Tort Reform Association said.
Rehearing of two W.Va. cases to be determined
Blankenship CHARLESTON, W.Va. (Legal Newsline) - The West Virginia Supreme Court will soon decide whether to rehear two of its more closely watched recent decisions.
Bruning: Lawsuit over Senate health care bill futile
Jon Bruning (R-Neb.) OMAHA, Neb. (Legal Newsline)-Nebraska Attorney General Jon Bruning is not planning to join other Republican attorneys general in their possible legal fight against the health care overhaul bill pending in Congress.
Oregon appellate judge announces run for high court
SALEM, Ore. (Legal Newsline)-Oregon Court of Appeals Judge Jack Landau on Thursday filed papers to run for a seat on the state Supreme Court, making him the first sitting judge to announce a run for the high court.
Pharmaceutical companies to pay states $22.5 million
Rob McKenna (R-Wash.) CHICAGO (Legal Newsline)-Abbott Laboratories and two units of Belgium drugmaker Solvay Pharmaceuticals have agreed to pay $22.5 million to settle a multistate lawsuit over their cholesterol-reducing drug TriCor.
Schwarzenegger makes tort reform a top priority
Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Legal Newsline)- California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Wednesday outlined an ambitious agenda for his final year in office, with legal reform being a top priority for his administration.
Time is now for Blumenthal, Yale professor says
Green NEW HAVEN, Conn. (Legal Newsline) - After years of waiting, Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal finally has his perfect opportunity to reach a higher office, a Yale University political science professor said Wednesday.
White House opposes Cox's effort to close Chicago locks
Elena Kagan WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline)-The White House has expressed opposition to Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox's effort to close down the Chicago locks connecting the Mississippi River and Lake Michigan.
Republican heavyweight backs Brown's bid for governor
Jerry Brown (D) LOS ANGELES (Legal Newsline)-California Attorney General Jerry Brown has notched a major endorsement should the Democrat decide to run governor.
W.Va. courts submit their budget cuts to Gov. Manchin
Davis CHARLESTON, W.Va. (Legal Newsline) - The West Virginia courts system will continue to reduce its budget by $2 million, Supreme Court Chief Justice Robin Davis said Wednesday.
Texas AG outlines objections to Senate health care bill
Greg Abbott (R) AUSTIN, Texas (Legal Newsline)-Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott on Wednesday challenged provision of the health care overhaul bill recently approved by the U.S. Senate.