News from June 2010
With new law, AT&T investing in Illinois
Madigan CHICAGO (Legal Newsline) - AT&T Illinois is grateful to state officials, including Attorney General Lisa Madigan, and lawmakers for supporting legislation it says allows broadband and wireless technologies to grow.
Time runs out on twice-changed La. contingency bill
Caldwell BATON ROUGE, La. (Legal Newsline) - A bill that would have allowed Louisiana Attorney Buddy Caldwell to hire private attorneys on a contingency fee to sue BP died Monday before the House could vote on changes made by the Senate.
Cuomo suit nets refunds
Cuomo ROCHESTER, N.Y. (Legal Newsline) - New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo has secured more than $100,000 in refunds for consumers allegedly defrauded by a Geneva, N.Y., car dealership.
Stenehjem issues order against Texas contractor
Stenehjem BISMARCK, N.D. (Legal Newsline) - North Dakota Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem has issued a cease and desist order prohibiting a Texas contractor from doing business in the state.
Decision coming soon on federal drilling ban
NEW ORLEANS (Legal Newsline) - After hearing two hours of arguments on Monday, U.S. District Judge Martin L.C. Feldman said he will issue a ruling by Wednesday on whether the six-month deepwater drilling moratorium is illegal.
La. AG: Feds' ban on offshore drilling could be disaster
Caldwell NEW ORLEANS (Legal Newsline) - Louisiana Attorney General Buddy Caldwell and Gov. Bobby Jindal are asking that a ban on offshore drilling be lifted.
Feds move to dismiss health care challenge
Obama TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Legal Newsline) - The federal government filed its motion to dismiss the lawsuit challenging federal health care reform last week.
Appeals bond cap on the table in New Jersey
TRENTON, N.J. (Legal Newsline) - Legislation pending in New Jersey would limit the amount a losing party would have to post as a bond for its appeal to $50 million.
Judge says Pa. lacks evidence in Risperdal case
Rendell PHILADELPHIA (Legal Newsline) - A Pennsylvania judge has dismissed the state's lawsuit against Janssen Pharmaceutica, which has also asked for the contingency fee agreement between the state and private lawyers to be ruled unfair.
Mass. AG settles with owner of credit repair companies
Coakley BOSTON (Legal Newsline) - Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley announced on Friday that the state has entered into a settlement with the owner of several credit repair companies.
Coakley reaches prevailing wage settlement
Coakley BOSTON (Legal Newsline) - Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley announced on Friday that her office has reached a $66,000 settlement with a Rhode Island construction company over alleged payroll citations.
Service dog at center of N.J. dispute
Dow TRENTON, N.J. (Legal Newsline) - A New Jersey apartment building owner and the real estate agency that lists his rental units have come under fire for allegedly discriminating against a couple who own a service dog.
Kroger settles with Calif. companies
Kroger SALEM, Ore. (Legal Newsline) - Oregon Attorney General John Kroger announced on Monday that his office has settled with two California loan modification companies accused of taking advantage of Oregonians.
With substantial changes, La. contingency fee bill passes House
Caldwell NEW ORLEANS -- After several hours late Friday evening in debate, the Louisiana House voted 71-23 to pass the Louisiana contingency fee bill, which authorizes the state to hire trial lawyers on a contingency fee basis.
Missouri AG files suit over hazardous waste
Koster JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (Legal Newsline) -- Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster has filed a lawsuit over violations of the state's hazardous waste and solid waste laws against a Kansas City man.
Crazy claims no reason to reject class action, lawyer says
Thompson CHARLESTON, W.Va. (Legal Newsline) -- Ludicrous claims shouldn't have caused U.S. District Joseph Goodwin to reject a class action over economic damages from heart medicine Digitek, according to Fred Thompson of Motley Rice.
Air conservation focus of suit from Missouri AG
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (Legal Newsline) -- Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster filed a lawsuit against a man on Friday for violations of the state's air conservation laws.
W.Va. judge will hear claim of insurance discrimination, Justices say
Davis CHARLESTON, W.Va. (Legal Newsline) -- West Virginia's human rights act prohibits discrimination in settlement of insurance claims, the Supreme Court of Appeals has ruled.
Ten who became the first female AG
Primary victories by females in closely watched races have some in the media wondering if 2010 is another "Year of the Woman." Kamala Harris is hoping so, as she is attempting to become California's first female attorney general. Legal Newsline takes a look at 10 women who bucked the trend and unseated men from the AG's office in their state for the first time. Four are still in office.
Senate Judiciary recommends approval of McConnell
McConnell WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) -- In a 13-6 vote, the Senate Judiciary Committee has recommended the approval of Rhode Island lawyer Jack McConnell's nomination to the U.S. District Court in Rhode Island.