News from July 2010
McConnell buying a federal judgeship, editorial says
McConnell WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) - A conservative newspaper in Washington, D.C., has taken issue with what it feels is the contribution-fueled support of trial lawyer Jack McConnell, nominated to a federal judgeship in Rhode Island.
McGraw sets sights on supposed charity
McGraw CHARLESTON, W.Va. (Legal Newsline) - West Virginia Attorney General Darrell McGraw announced on Wednesday that his office has filed suit against three individuals who allegedly ran a charitable fundraising scam.
W.Va. AG asked for opinion on Byrd replacement plan
McGraw CHARLESTON, W.Va. (Legal Newsline) - West Virginia Attorney General Darrell McGraw may determine when an election is held to replace late U.S. Sen. Robert Byrd.
Mt. Dew mouse would be 'jelly-like,' Pepsi argues
EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. (Legal Newsline) The maker of Mountain Dew soft drinks and a man who allegedly got a mouthful of mouse along with his swig of the beverage agreed to move a summary judgment hearing last week.
Sorrell suit shows future of product safety claims, former AG writes
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) - An action against retail chain Dollar Tree might show how state attorneys general will enforce product safety laws, former New Mexico Attorney General Hal Stratton recently wrote.
Drug maker settles for $42M
Corbett WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) - Alpharma, Inc., will pay $42 million in a settlement with federal and state officials.
Group wants lineup of Col. SC radically changed
Mullarkey DENVER (Legal Newsline) - Three of the Colorado Supreme Court's justices are up for retention this year, and one group wants voters to send them all packing.
Texas high court reverses $1.25M award in cattle rustling case
Willett AUSTIN, Texas (Legal Newsline) - Jurors in San Saba County took cattle theft too seriously when they awarded $1.25 million in exemplary damages against a rancher for taking 13 head that strayed across a dry river bed, the Supreme Court of Texas ruled on June 25.
Sherwin-Williams makes case against $7M verdict
JACKSON, Miss. (Legal Newsline) - Trellvion Gaines never produced enough evidence to merit a $7 million jury award in a lead paint case, Sherwin-Williams is arguing to the Mississippi Supreme Court.
Coakley gets TROs against travel companies
Coakley BOSTON (Legal Newsline) - Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley announced on Tuesday that she has obtained temporary restraining orders against three companies accused of selling fake vacation club memberships.
Cuomo files discrimination lawsuits
Cuomo NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) - New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo announced on Tuesday that he has filed lawsuits against the owners and managers of residential housing complexes in Brooklyn and Glenville.
Gansler settles with home builder
Gansler BALTIMORE (Legal Newsline) - Maryland Attorney General Doug Gansler announced on Tuesday that his office has reached a $460,000 settlement with a bonding company that allegedly took deposits for new homes that were never built.
Financial reform moves ahead
Obama WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) - The U.S. House of Representatives last week passed financial reform legislation that President Barack Obama says will result in more protections for consumers.
Stenehjem tells non-profit to shape up
Stenehjem BISMARCK, N.D. (Legal Newsline) - North Dakota Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem has issued a cease and desist order against a registered non-profit and its owners for allegedly violating state laws regarding charitable solicitations.
Suthers goes after debt collector
Suthers DENVER (Legal Newsline) - Colorado Attorney General John Suthers has filed charges against a debt collection agency over the company's alleged failure to comply with an administrative order that bars it from debt collecting in the state.
Cruise ship issue resolved in Alaska
Sullivan ANCHORAGE, Alaska (Legal Newsline) - Alaska Attorney General Dan Sullivan announced on Thursday that a lawsuit against the state's excise tax for passengers on cruise ships has been dismissed.
Md. court sides with Gansler
Gansler BALTIMORE (Legal Newsline) - Maryland Attorney General Doug Gansler announced on Thursday that the state Court of Special Appeals has upheld a previous finding by his Consumer Protection Division that a modular home seller violated state laws.
Timeshare company to reimburse Vt. customers
MONTPELIER, Vt. (Legal Newsline) - Vermont Attorney General William Sorrell has secured more than $91,000 in consumer refunds from a California-based timeshare company that allegedly violated multiple Vermont laws in arranging to repurchase timeshares.
Ten with lengthy tenures
Congress lost its longest-serving member this week when Sen. Robert Byrd, D-W.Va., died after 51 years in office. Legal Newsline takes a look at 10 state attorneys general who also became fixtures in office.
Calif. business will stop work in Oregon
Kroger SALEM, Ore. (Legal Newsline) - Oregon Attorney General John Kroger announced on Thursday that a California-based company has agreed to halt loan modification work in Oregon.