News from 2013
Ohio AG files lawsuit against Cleveland business for alleged pollution emissions
CLEVELAND (Legal Newsline) - Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine announced a lawsuit Wednesday against a manufacturing facility on Cleveland's west side that allegedly produced hazardous air pollution emissions.
Maryland AG announces $17M order against Bethesda doctor
BALTIMORE (Legal Newsline) - Maryland Attorney General Douglas Gansler announced Wednesday that a Bethesda doctor and his two companies were ordered to pay more than $17 million for allegedly submitting false or fraudulent claims to healthcare programs.
Report: More than 60 law firms competing for Utah AG probe
SALT LAKE CITY (Legal Newsline) -- More than 60 law firms, some small, in-state firms and others known nationally, are vying for a chance to investigate embattled Utah Attorney General John Swallow.
Colorado AG announces $330M settlement with infomercial maker
DENVER (Legal Newsline) - Colorado Attorney General John Suthers announced Wednesday that his office and the Federal Trade Commission reached a $330 million settlement with an infomercial celebrity who allegedly defrauded consumers with promises of making money.
N.H. AG warns residents about bank account phone scam
CONCORD, N.H. (Legal Newsline) - New Hampshire Attorney General Joseph Foster and New Hampshire Bankers Association President Christiana Thornton issued a consumer alert Wednesday to warn residents about an active phone scam.
Judge: Federal Reserve 'inappropriately inflated' debit card transaction fees by billions
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) -- A federal judge this week ruled in favor of retailers and retail trade associations, saying the Federal Reserve misapplied Congress' intent when it implemented required swipe fee reforms.
Bar association president calls out Kan. governor on judicial selection comments
TOPEKA, Kan. (Legal Newsline) -- The president of the American Bar Association says Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback was wrong in his remarks about the state's judicial selection process in respect to the association's own recommendations.
Millett's nomination clears committee hurdle, now heads to full Senate
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) -- Patricia Millett, one of three nominated to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, has made it through the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Both sides in Calif. trial use same lead paint expert
SAN JOSE, Calif. (Legal Newsline) -- Both sides in the trial against former lead pigment and paint manufacturers used a California state scientist as an expert witness this week.
More than 90 groups urge Senate to allow yes-or-no votes on D.C. Circuit nominees
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) -- A coalition of more than 90 groups this week urged senators to hold yes-or-no votes on whether to confirm U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit nominees Patricia Millett, Cornelia "Nina" Pillard and Robert Wilkins.
Mo. SC sides with Home Depot in case over tool rental agreement
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (Legal Newsline) -- The Missouri Supreme Court ruled this week that home improvement retailer Home Depot did not violate the state's Merchandising Practices Act by automatically including a damage waiver fee in a customer's tool rental agreement.
Judge closes portion of Garlock hearing again
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Legal Newsline) -- A federal judge Wednesday expelled members of the media and public from his courtroom during witness testimony for the second time in the ongoing bankruptcy trial of Garlock Sealing Technologies.
Judge denies motion to keep Garlock trial open
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Legal Newsline) - Legal Newsline's efforts to keep a North Carolina bankruptcy trial open to the public have failed.
Report: Texas lawmaker likely to announce bid for AG this week
AUSTIN, Texas (Legal Newsline) -- Texas lawmaker Ken Paxton said in an email to supporters that he will be making an "important announcement" later this week -- most likely, that he will run for attorney general.
Wyeth to pay $491 million to resolve multi-state, federal, off-label marketing lawsuit
NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) - New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced Tuesday that New York joined a multi-state and federal settlement with Wyeth Pharmaceuticals Inc. to resolve allegations of off-label marketing of a kidney transplant drug.
Nine state AGs send letter to Congress to oppose Chemical Safety Improvement Act
SAN FRANCISCO (Legal Newsline) - California Attorney General Kamala Harris joined eight other attorneys general Tuesday in sending a letter to Congress that strongly opposes the current form of the proposed Chemical Safety Improvement Act.
Conn. AG warns consumers about free medical alert scams
HARTFORD, Conn. (Legal Newsline) - Connecticut Attorney General George Jepsen and Department of Consumer Protection Commissioner William Rubenstein warned Connecticut residents Tuesday about scammers promising free medical alert devices.
Wisconsin AG issues opinion on residential lease provisions for carpet cleaning
MADISON, Wis. (Legal Newsline) - Wisconsin Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen issued an opinion Tuesday concerning residential lease provisions that make departing tenants responsible for the payment of carpet cleaning services.
Wash. AG files suit against Spokane credit card processors
SPOKANE, Wash. (Legal Newsline) - Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson filed a lawsuit Tuesday against two credit card processing companies and their owners for allegedly scamming small business owners.
Leahy, Coons introduce bill to create 91 new federal judgeships
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) -- U.S. Sens. Patrick Leahy and Chris Coons introduced legislation this week that would create 91 new federal judgeships in two federal circuits and 32 federal districts across 21 states.