Officials: Pentagon Probed Finances Jul 3, 2009
Under then-Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld, the Pentagon expanded its collection of intelligence within the borders of the United States -- a development that stirred concern among members of Congress and prompted stern criticism and lawsuits from civil liberties advocates. These efforts are overseen by the Pentagon's Counterintelligence Field Activity agency, or CIFA, which was established in September 2002 by then-Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul D. Wolfowitz. (Yahoo News -- Privacy Issues)
Mayfield misses deadline to enter car at Daytona Jul 3, 2009
There was mixed reaction throughout the garage whether Mayfield will be able to move past the suspension and the ongoing lawsuits. Many drivers said they believed Mayfield will blend right in when he does return, but Baldwin doesn't think it will be so easy. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Electric shutoffs violated state law Jul 3, 2009
Molly wrote on Jun 25, 2009 10:25 PM:" Good thing no one died from our cities stupidity. Wow, can you imagine the lawsuits that would follow. I think some heads should be spinning and people should be losing their jobs. In the private sector that is exactly what would be happening!! ". just another face wrote on Jun 25, 2009 10:36 PM:" KUDOS to the paper for listening to the citizens, promptly reporting on the situation & ultimately being the ones to get something done about the unawareness of... (Cameron Observer, MO)
Critics want sharper teeth in rules on supplements Jul 3, 2009
The popular diet pill raked in billions over the years, but reports linking its use to deaths and serious injuries were emerging in the mid-1990s through customer complaints to the FDA, state poison control centers and health departments and in personal injury lawsuits. Critics say the danger to consumers is indicated by the many years it took to get ephedra off the market and by the burden on the FDA to deal with potentially risky nonprescription pills and potions one ingredient at a time. (Yahoo News -- Ephedra)
Google book deal faces investigation Jul 3, 2009
The agreement, reached last fall, settles two copyright infringement lawsuits brought by authors and publishers against Google s project, which is designed to create a searchable library of works that would become the basis of a digital book market. In recent months, a number of parties have objected to the settlement, including Consumer Watchdog in Santa Monica, Calif. (Boston Globe)
Drug firms' suit against MIT unusual Jul 3, 2009
Patent lawsuits are as much a part of the business as lab work and clinical trials. But those companies rarely go to court against big universities or scientific institutions, the source of talent and so many initial discoveries for the biotech industry. (Boston Globe)
Unions sue overpension changes Jul 3, 2009
Police and firefighter unions filed twin class-action lawsuits against the state yesterday, arguing that a new law designed to curb pension abuse illegally strips them of benefits guaranteed by the state constitution and federal law ... Together, the two lawsuits represent a direct challenge to efforts at cracking down on pension abuse and excesses by some public employees, which have been highlighted by a series of stories in the Globe. (Boston Globe)
House Panel OK's Vote on Annexations Jul 3, 2009
It was supposed to be effective June 30, but that deadline has passed because federal and state lawsuits regarding the matter are still pending. Because the new annexation reform legislation is not retroactive, it would not apply to the Pinewild case. (The Pilot Newspaper)
* Cabinet upholds shareholder rights Jul 3, 2009
Shareholders could file lawsuits demanding that the court revoke resolutions passed in a shareholders meeting if the company fails to comply with the amendment. The amendment stipulates that shareholders shall have cumulative voting rights, instead of straight voting, for board candidates, which would allow minority shareholders to concentrate all of their voting strength on one or more individuals. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Business)
Investors sue shopping center owners Jul 3, 2009
Gary Birnbaum, associate dean at the Arizona State University Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law, said when real estate markets sour it can spur lawsuits from investors and others. He said real estate and investment-related lawsuits are on the rise. (Phoenix Business Journal, AZ)
Arizona budget crisis now budget mystery Not A whodunit, A how-to-fix-it Gov. Brewer signs main spending plan, vetoes school financing bill; legislators' vacations cut short Jul 3, 2009
-- NEW HAMPSHIRE - The New Hampshire budget will be balanced if the state wins two lawsuits over disputed funding sources, but state residents and visitors face a slew of tax and fee increases. Some campers will pay a 9 percent tax. (Casa Grande Valley Newspapers, AZ)
Obama health czar led companies in trouble Jul 3, 2009
Nancy-Ann DeParle, President Barack Obamas health policy czar, served as a director of corporations that faced scores of federal investigations, whistleblower lawsuits and other regulatory actions, according to government records reviewed by the ... Publicly traded companies must disclose to shareholders the existence of investigations, enforcement actions or lawsuits that could affect their earnings. (MSNBC -- Politics)
Related: 5 keys to getting health care deal Jul 3, 2009
Perhaps Obama will win over the influential American Medical Association, which is opposed to a Medicare-like public option, with a more vigorous proposal to rein in the costs of medical malpractice lawsuits easily their No. 1 issue. . (Yahoo News)
Emotion, few details, in Obama's health care pitch (AP) Jul 3, 2009
One questioner said limits on awards from medical malpractice lawsuits would bring down health care costs. Obama replied, "I don't like the idea of an artificial cap" on such awards for a patient's injuries. (Yahoo News)
GOP, White House at odds on Sotomayor documents... Jul 3, 2009
" Sessions noted, however, that Sotomayor held leadership posts on the group's board. And he suggested her participation in PRLDEF, which brought several lawsuits on behalf of minority employees alleging racial discrimination in hiring and promotion, could help show a propensity on the judge's part for using the legal system to advantage minorities in the workplace. On Monday, the Supreme Court reversed a ruling Sotomayor endorsed as an appeals court judge that rejected the reverse... (The Drudge Report)
Town secures pledges of $25M in Madoff scandal Jul 3, 2009
According to Golub the orders entered by Hiller will give the Town of Fairfield priority over plaintiffs in other Madoff lawsuits. "We have been able to put together actual assets, "said Golub "no one else has done that, having filed in state court there is a statutory procedure that lets us get those attachments." Ultimately if the Town is able to prevail in their case against Madoff and win, the property pledges and cash escrow accounts will mean there will be money available to repay the Town... (Fairfield Minuteman, CT)
States ask company to comply with laws - Attorneys general want drivers properly classified Jul 3, 2009
And more than 45 class-action lawsuits have been filed in state and federal courts against the company s classification of drivers. In a joint letter last Thursday to FedEx, the eight attorneys general cited shared concerns about workers compensation and unemployment insurance, wage-and-hour laws and protection of workers civil rights. (Missoulian, MT)
KFOX Reveals Who's Not Paying Their Taxes Jul 3, 2009
We do not have any knowledge of their outstanding tax issues," the statement read in part.KFOX could not get a hold of the landlord."We are preparing a lawsuit or in the cases of a business, personal property account, we've already started the procedures to seize the business and collect the taxes," Sandoval said.Same goes with Thrifty Car Rental. They owe over $168,000. KFOX contacted Thrifty; they're pointing the finger elsewhere. They said the debt is owed by an old franchisee who once owned... (KFOXTV.com, TX)
Marshals seize Madoffs $7 million penthouse Jul 3, 2009
The money, though, is not protected from civil legal actions that might be pursued by a court-appointed trustee liquidating Madoffs assets or by investor lawsuits. More on Madoff. (MSNBC -- Crime)
GM awaits judge's decision Jul 3, 2009
The lawyer, Michael Richman, objects to GM using Section 363 of the Chapter 11 bankruptcy code to try to divide its assets and sell the best to form a new GM. The bad assets would remain in court as part of the old GM and be liquidated, leaving many creditors with lawsuits, claims and benefits left behind in bankruptcy court ... The objectors risk seeing lawsuits, claims and benefits left behind in bankruptcy court and want the judge to force GM to give them a better deal ... There have been... (Xinhuanet, China)
Ex-inmate files personal-injury suit vs. county Jul 2, 2009
That communication breakdown happens too frequently in Maricopa County's jails, according to experts who've reviewed the system and dozens of lawsuits filed in the past 10 years that have cost taxpayers millions of dollars ... Over the past 10 years, faced with hundreds of lawsuits, a federal court order and the loss of accreditation, the Board of Supervisors has paid more than $250,000 to consultants to find solutions. (AZCentral -- News)
Layoff Labyrinth Jul 2, 2009
The last thing the City would need in a time of crisis would be a series of lawsuits and public allegations resulting from questionable decisions of a few managers. . (Los Angeles Downtown News, CA)
The End of Rockys Road Jul 2, 2009
The position entails defending the citys interests in civil lawsuits and claims, prosecuting criminal misdemeanors and serving as general counsel to all city departments and officials ... Many people wonder why you agreed to the 2005 and 2006 settlements with three billboard companies, which seemed to give them concessions beyond even what they were asking for in their lawsuits. (Los Angeles Downtown News, CA)
Related: 5 keys to getting health care deal Jul 2, 2009
Perhaps Obama will win over the influential American Medical Association, which is opposed to a Medicare-like public option, with a more vigorous proposal to rein in the costs of medical malpractice lawsuits easily their No. 1 issue. . (Yahoo News)
Schumer wants a do-over on Feds' draft statement Jul 2, 2009
However, he said negotiations can be difficult with an issue like this, where lawsuits and other pending litigation is involved. I'll do whatever I can, Schumer said. (Auburn Citizen, NY)
Trustee: $231 million so far for Madoff victims Jul 2, 2009
Picard has filed a series of lawsuits to try to reclaim what he says were tens of billions in phony profits earned by hedge fund managers and other big investors. The defendants, many longtime Madoff associates in the world of high finance, have denied any wrongdoing. (MSNBC -- Business)
Entire Damnation Dev Team Gets Th... Jul 2, 2009
These rumors were confirmed byciting "issues" with Codemasters, ranging from behind-the-scenes lawsuits, disputes over development, and ultimately poor sales. - July 1st, 2009 This is what happens when you make bad games. (New York Post -- Entertainment)
Mont. Judge rules on case _ 24 years later Jul 2, 2009
The ruling is significant because few lead paint lawsuits filed against manufacturers have been successful nationwide, said Tim Porter, a Jackson attorney who represented the plaintiffs. Condit ordered to pay $42,680. (Fresno Bee)
Racial profiling still a problem, U.N. panel told Jul 2, 2009
Racial profiling still a problem in U.S., groups tell U.N. panel - CNN.com. Racial profiling still a problem in U.S., groups tell U.N. panel. (CNN)
23 comments Jul 2, 2009
If employers don t take race into account at any stage, they are increasing their liability to disparate impact lawsuits. So if the Constitution requires government to be color-blind, how can it be constitutional for a federal law to nudge employers, even in a somewhat indirect way, into taking race into account in their hiring and promotion decisions. (Human Events Online)
Nicklaus' new course set to open Jul 2, 2009
Most of those issues involved lawsuits over the use of some of the property in Jean Klock Park, some of which are still pending. But the project marched forward and has cleared every hurdle placed in front of it to date. (Cassopolis Vigilant, MI)
'Web servers not liable for assaults' Jul 2, 2009
The appellate court consolidated several similar lawsuits brought by minor girls dubbed "Julie Does" and their parents or guardians, claiming that MySpace failed to implement available age-verification software or set the default security on the girls' accounts to "private.". But the Los Angeles-based appeals court found that a section of the Communications Decency Act immunizes Web servers against the girls' claims of negligence and product liability. (India Times)
Local briefs: Sanger man charged in sex assault on child Jul 2, 2009
Environmental lawsuits have forced the EPA to require the cleanup even though the old standard was abolished four years ago. Environmental legal action also forced the EPA to announce some kind of action Wednesday on the Valley cleanup plan. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
Investors fear repeat of 2000 election turmoil Jul 2, 2009
"I'd say it's a one-in-five chance we won't know at the end of November. There are thousands of lawyers who are looking at litigation in Ohio, in Florida and in Wisconsin. "It's a cliche, but it's a true cliche that markets don't like uncertainty," he added. Valliere is not alone in seeing a strong chance of a challenged election. Both political parties are far more prepared for court challenges than they were going into the 2000 election. Lawyers for the two sides were arguing before the U.S.... (Yahoo News -- Presidential Election 2000)
Critics want sharper teeth in rules on supplements Jul 2, 2009
The popular diet pill raked in billions over the years, but reports linking its use to deaths and serious injuries were emerging in the mid-1990s through customer complaints to the FDA, state poison control centers and health departments and in personal injury lawsuits. Critics say the danger to consumers is indicated by the many years it took to get ephedra off the market and by the burden on the FDA to deal with potentially risky nonprescription pills and potions one ingredient at a time. (Yahoo News -- Ephedra)
Taser Int'l to unveil new Taser X3 Jul 2, 2009
The company, which has been the subject of numerous product-liability and wrongful-death lawsuits over the use of its stun guns, has been trying to diversify its product line to battle lower sales. Taser's shares closed up 2. (AZCentral -- Business)
Minorities, Women Gain Professionally Jul 2, 2009
But minorities have made strides in both fields, helped by lawsuits and a recent push for recruitment of Spanish-speaking police officers. Overall, women and minorities make up a growing share of all civilian workers, although the figures point to varied progress across occupations, which is reshaping the nation's labor force. (Yahoo News -- Census)
Locals plan TEA Party to protest spending Jul 2, 2009
Class Action lawsuits. You are hurt or a loved one dies of a defective medication/product,who benefits. (Green Valley News & Sun, AZ)
NyQuil Survives Nanny State Police, For Now Jul 2, 2009
The threat of billion-dollar liability lawsuits, which the industry faces even under the FDA, is a huge incentive to make sure their products are safe. The FDA has stifled medical innovation and caused great suffering and death thanks to delays in approval and restrictions it imposes on the use of pharmaceutical products. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
AMA open to government insurance option Jul 2, 2009
Rohack also called for efficiency measures such as electronic record-keeping to reduce administrative costs, as well as protection for doctors from excessive malpractice lawsuits. The 162-year-old AMA has about 250,000 members, including practicing physicians, medical students and retired doctors. (CNN -- US)
States ask company to comply with laws - Attorneys general want drivers properly classified Jul 2, 2009
And more than 45 class-action lawsuits have been filed in state and federal courts against the company s classification of drivers. In a joint letter last Thursday to FedEx, the eight attorneys general cited shared concerns about workers compensation and unemployment insurance, wage-and-hour laws and protection of workers civil rights. (Missoulian, MT)
Mountain View may sue Navy over Hangar One Jul 2, 2009
The Superfund law that governs the cleanup of the hangar allows lawsuits against the federal government to stop or delay such projects, Siegel said ... The Navy's money and the city's money both come out of my tax dollars and I would rather have my money directly to interesting projects than to silly lawsuits. (Palo Alto Online, CA)
Atlanta Masons sue state body (7) Jul 2, 2009
Gate City Lodge s attorney, David J. Llewellyn, said Bjelajac cannot comment because his job as an Atlanta police officer prohibits him from public comments in lawsuits even if they are unrelated to his profession. But Llewellyn, also a member of the Atlanta chapter, said he s hopeful for an amicable resolution. (Racine Journal Times, WI)
EMC Extends Data Domain Bid as FTC Decision Looms Jul 2, 2009
Data Domain has expressed a for NetApp's offer despite shareholder lawsuits claiming that the company failed to get the most value for shareholders. Neither NetApp nor EMC have raised their offers beyond $30 a share, leaving the matter for now in the hands of shareholders, although some observers have said they expect EMC to raise its bid as a shareholder vote on the offers nears. (EnterpriseStorageForum)
Recall petitions in Tombstone Jul 2, 2009
Violated the rights of his electors and local businesses, causing lawsuits against the city ... He also pointed to Carrafa s petition against Escapule, questioning the reference to lawsuits against the city because of some of Escapule s decisions ... Troncale said there are currently two lawsuits that have been filed against Tombstone, and neither of those lawsuits have anything to do with the mayor s actions or decisions. (Sierra Vista Herald, AZ)
LEONARD PITTS JR.: Jackson denied us resolution to doubts Jul 2, 2009
His public profile rested almost entirely on a series of increasingly bizarre and unsavory misadventures -- debt, lawsuits for nonpayment, sleeping (innocently, he said) with boys, going to court in pajamas. You looked at this guy and wondered what he had done with Michael Jackson -- the real Michael Jackson, the boy prince of Motown with the perfect 'fro, the frictionless feet and the smile that seemed lit from within. (Fresno Bee -- Opinion)
Long & Foster Exec Moves Closer to FHA Job Jul 2, 2009
His appointment hit a snag earlier this year when questions were raised about lawsuits against Long & Foster. Stevens has been president there since October 2008. (Realtor Magazine Online)
Madoff fraud: $US231m set aside for claims Jul 2, 2009
Picard has filed a series of lawsuits to try to reclaim what he says were tens of billions in phony profits earned by hedge fund managers and other big investors. The defendants, many longtime Madoff associates in the world of high finance, have denied any wrongdoing. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Michael Jackson's Will Filed In Court Jul 2, 2009
"The original documents were prepared for Jackson to sign on March 22, 2002, but the pop star who died unexpectedly last Thursday after suffering from cardiac arrest didn't complete the paperwork until July 7, 2002. In the will, Jackson nominated his mother, of his three children. On Monday, a judge granted Katherine temporary custody of the children, Prince Michael Joseph Jackson Jr., 12; Paris Michael Katherine Jackson, 11; and Prince Michael Jackson II, 7. In the event Jackson's mother was... (VHI.com -- Music News)
Crossing The Line Jul 2, 2009
Having been hit with a string of employee lawsuits alleging sexual harassment and wrongful termination, CEO Charney recently was forced into a 5 million settlement with Woody Allen for using the filmmaker's image in a billboard ad without permission. lect. (New York Post -- Business)
Booze ban leaves American and Truckee rivers dry Jul 2, 2009
The largest group of victims from the Interstate 35W bridge collapse two years ago filed lawsuits Thursday against two companies that worked on the structure, saying the rush-hour disaster in downtown Minneapolis was "entirely avoidable.". Lawyers for 93 survivors and families of victims filed 79 lawsuits in Hennepin County District Court against URS Corp., a consultant that analyzed the bridge, and Progressive Contractors Inc., the St. Michael, Minn. (Fresno Bee -- State)
* MOJ may revise detention rules Jul 2, 2009
A few days ago, the ministry presented a proposal on issues concerning the human rights of suspects at the Executive Yuans Human Rights Protection and Promotion Committee, in which it said that the lack of a maximum limit on the duration of detention for suspects in crimes that would entail a sentence of 10 years or more could be at the root of many lawsuits that drag on for years. This story has been viewed 465 times. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Taiwan)
* Japanese youth get a new taste for old activism Jul 2, 2009
Others brought a flurry of lawsuits against former employers. Over the New Years holidays, about 500 laid-off temporary workers who had lost their homes congregated at a park in the center of Tokyo, building an impromptu tent city next to the offices of the Labor Ministry. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
FUNDS SET FOR BOFA BOUT Jul 2, 2009
A group of public pension funds, including state funds in Ohio and Texas, will lead investor lawsuits against Bank of America over its acquisition of brokerage Merrill Lynch. The investors say the bank misled them over the state of Merrill's health ahead of the deal closing on Jan. 1, even as it was becoming clear that losses were mounting. (New York Post -- Business)
Jane Doe found in Napa County identified Jul 2, 2009
Proposition 8, a hotly contested issue in the 2008 campaign season, was approved by California voters by a 52% to 48% margin, but opponents quickly filed lawsuits to stop its enactment. Those at the vigil vowed to continue the fight in the Central Valley. (Fresno Bee -- State)
Coeur d'Alene Mine Co. is 'ready to go' on Kensington Jul 2, 2009
Oceana worked as a mediator between Kensington officials and environmentalists, but was not involved in the lawsuits. Ayers, like many other environmentalists, is concerned about what the Supreme Court's ruling could mean at a national level and how the ruling will change interpretations of the Clean Water Act. (Juneau Empire)
DOING WELL BY DOING . . . WRONG Jul 2, 2009
In the meantime, as we noted Monday, the transition back to Board of Education control is certain to be bathed in further lawsuits -- to the great profit of. lawyers like John Sampson. (New York Post -- Opinions)
Irwin Financial Corporation Announces Sales of Assets and Managerial Changes Jul 2, 2009
These transactions are designed to give us the time necessary to complete our work with the Treasury and private investors who have committed to make equity investments as part of our recapitalization plan," concluded Miller. Additionally, Irwin announced a reorganization of managerial responsibilities in the commercial banking segment. John Wilcox will assume the role of President of the commercial banking division of Irwin Union Bank and Trust. Brad Kime, the current President of commercial... (PR Newswire)
Merit over politics Jul 2, 2009
New Haven, saying that it feared lawsuits, threw out the tests so that it could not be accused of disparate discrimination under the Civil Rights Act. The white firefighters sued, saying the city committed intentional discrimination, itself a violation of the Act. (Montrose Daily Press, CO)
Catholic church's anti-abuse chief quits on eve of scathing report Jul 2, 2009
In the US the church has been the subject of multi-million dollar lawsuits. Pope Benedict XVI has pledged to exert his authority on the issue. (Yahoo News -- Catholic Church Abuse Scandal)
Judge approves $660-million clerical abuse settlement Jul 2, 2009
SAN DIEGO Supporters of people who have been sexually abused by local priests said Monday they hoped the Los Angeles Archdiocese settlement would prompt Bishop Robert Brom to settle 150 lawsuits here and release decades' worth of documents about pedophile priests in the San Diego Diocese. Release of the documents, they said in a news conference on the steps of St. Joseph Cathedral, is key to preventing future molestations. (Yahoo News -- Catholic Church Abuse Scandal)
Doubts dog Fresno State grad's $10m pledge Jul 2, 2009
Local and federal courts show no lawsuits filed against Bigelow or his current or past businesses. State authorities say they aren't aware of any investigations involving either Bigelow or his company. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
In Kenya, corruption exposé is too hot to sell Jul 2, 2009
Many booksellers, noting past lawsuits for defamation, fretted over reprisals by politicians named in the book. Yet the anger of ordinary Kenyans has overcome fear. (Christian Science Monitor)
Officials: Pentagon Probed Finances Jul 2, 2009
Under then-Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld, the Pentagon expanded its collection of intelligence within the borders of the United States -- a development that stirred concern among members of Congress and prompted stern criticism and lawsuits from civil liberties advocates. These efforts are overseen by the Pentagon's Counterintelligence Field Activity agency, or CIFA, which was established in September 2002 by then-Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul D. Wolfowitz. (Yahoo News -- Privacy Issues)
Status of state budgets Jul 2, 2009
NEW HAMPSHIRE - The New Hampshire budget will be balanced if the state wins two lawsuits over disputed funding sources, but state residents and visitors face a slew of tax and fee increases. Some campers will pay a 9 percent tax. (FOX 11, AZ)
