http://www.dailyreportonline.com/Editorial/News/free_rss.asp Free features from Georgia's leading source for legal news and information. en-us Fri, 6 Nov 2009 00:00 EST http://www.dailyreportonline.com/Editorial/News/free_rss.asp http://www.dailyreportonline.com/images/new_icons/DR_Logo_RSS.jpg 88 30 Atlanta's leading source for legal and business news. http://www.dailyreportonline.com/Editorial/News/singleEdit.asp?individual_SQL=11/9/2009@36640&rssFeed=free The unemployment rate in the U.S. soared to a 26-year high of 10.2 percent in October and employers cut more jobs than forecast, underscoring why Federal Reserve policy makers say interest rates will remain near zero. Payrolls fell by 190,000 workers last month, compared w.... Fri, 6 Nov 2009 20:52 EST http://www.dailyreportonline.com/Editorial/News/singleEdit.asp?individual_SQL=11/9/2009@36640&rssFeed=free http://www.dailyreportonline.com/Editorial/News/singleEdit.asp?individual_SQL=11/9/2009@36641&rssFeed=free Thomas Petters had no idea a device on his assistant's key ring was recording him when he said not to worry about the “crime” they were committing. He had a plan to shut it down, he told her. But, if “worst came to worst,” he said, “you wouldn't go to jail. I would.” Wor.... Fri, 6 Nov 2009 20:52 EST http://www.dailyreportonline.com/Editorial/News/singleEdit.asp?individual_SQL=11/9/2009@36641&rssFeed=free http://www.dailyreportonline.com/Editorial/News/singleEdit.asp?individual_SQL=11/9/2009@36642&rssFeed=free Global leaders and regulators trying to rein in banker pay are proposing everything from clamping down on guaranteed bonuses to recouping compensation from prior years if losses mount. Largely unaddressed is the topic that stirs the most public ire: How much money is too muc.... Fri, 6 Nov 2009 20:52 EST http://www.dailyreportonline.com/Editorial/News/singleEdit.asp?individual_SQL=11/9/2009@36642&rssFeed=free http://www.dailyreportonline.com/Editorial/News/singleEdit.asp?individual_SQL=11/9/2009@36643&rssFeed=free You don't see this very often: a car company dropping a V-8 engine from a performance car and replacing it with a V-6. But German automaker Audi does it in its 2010 S4 compact sedan.The move not only creates a more fuel-efficient vehicle during these times of concern for t.... Fri, 6 Nov 2009 20:52 EST http://www.dailyreportonline.com/Editorial/News/singleEdit.asp?individual_SQL=11/9/2009@36643&rssFeed=free http://www.dailyreportonline.com/Editorial/News/singleEdit.asp?individual_SQL=11/9/2009@36644&rssFeed=free I am a commercial litigator, and I have been practicing law in Atlanta for 34 years. I have been involved with Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation's Saturday morning lawyer's program since our firm started staffing the clinics many years ago. During that time, I have handle.... Fri, 6 Nov 2009 20:52 EST http://www.dailyreportonline.com/Editorial/News/singleEdit.asp?individual_SQL=11/9/2009@36644&rssFeed=free http://www.dailyreportonline.com/Editorial/News/singleEdit.asp?individual_SQL=11/6/2009@36639&rssFeed=free ATLANTA (AP) — R&B singer Usher's divorce from his wife is final.Fulton County Superior Court spokeswoman Jada Hudspeth says a final decree in the divorce case was issued Wednesday.Usher, whose real name is Usher Raymond IV, filed for divorce from Tameka Raymond on J.... Fri, 6 Nov 2009 17:48 EST http://www.dailyreportonline.com/Editorial/News/singleEdit.asp?individual_SQL=11/6/2009@36639&rssFeed=free http://www.dailyreportonline.com/Editorial/News/singleEdit.asp?individual_SQL=11/6/2009@36638&rssFeed=free MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Attorneys say a construction company that was working on the Minneapolis bridge when it collapsed in 2007 have settled lawsuits filed by victims.Progressive Contractors Inc. was doing resurfacing work when the bridge collapsed, killing 13 people.He.... Fri, 6 Nov 2009 17:48 EST http://www.dailyreportonline.com/Editorial/News/singleEdit.asp?individual_SQL=11/6/2009@36638&rssFeed=free http://www.dailyreportonline.com/Editorial/News/singleEdit.asp?individual_SQL=11/6/2009@36637&rssFeed=free NEW YORK (AP) — A defense attorney says the government failed to make its case against two former Bear Stearns hedge fund managers charged with lying to investors.The attorney told a federal jury in closing arguments Friday that the government built its case on "e-mail s.... Fri, 6 Nov 2009 17:47 EST http://www.dailyreportonline.com/Editorial/News/singleEdit.asp?individual_SQL=11/6/2009@36637&rssFeed=free http://www.dailyreportonline.com/Editorial/News/singleEdit.asp?individual_SQL=11/6/2009@36636&rssFeed=free BOSTON (AP) — State Street Corp. on Friday said it added $250 million to a legal reserve, and revised its third-quarter earnings results downward to reflect the change.The financial services firm kept its 2009 forecast, but shares slipped in midday trading.State Stre.... Fri, 6 Nov 2009 17:32 EST http://www.dailyreportonline.com/Editorial/News/singleEdit.asp?individual_SQL=11/6/2009@36636&rssFeed=free http://www.dailyreportonline.com/Editorial/News/singleEdit.asp?individual_SQL=11/6/2009@36615&rssFeed=free ATLANTA (AP) — A federal appeals court has upheld an aggressive federal program aimed at tracking and monitoring sex offenders.The ruling by the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals on Thursday marks the first time an appeals court in the circuit has upheld the Adam Walsh Act, .... Fri, 6 Nov 2009 17:31 EST http://www.dailyreportonline.com/Editorial/News/singleEdit.asp?individual_SQL=11/6/2009@36615&rssFeed=free http://www.dailyreportonline.com/Editorial/News/singleEdit.asp?individual_SQL=11/6/2009@36635&rssFeed=free ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — The Florida agency that manages $132 billion in pension and local government investments is under investigation by the Securities and Exchange Commission.The St. Petersburg Times reported Friday that the Florida State Board of Administration h.... Fri, 6 Nov 2009 12:54 EST http://www.dailyreportonline.com/Editorial/News/singleEdit.asp?individual_SQL=11/6/2009@36635&rssFeed=free http://www.dailyreportonline.com/Editorial/News/singleEdit.asp?individual_SQL=11/6/2009@36634&rssFeed=free MINEOLA, N.Y. (AP) — A judge has ruled that a Long Island man accused of murdering his mother is not mentally fit to stand trial.Eduardo Barragan, the son of the businessman who founded the company that became 1800Mattress.com, was sent to a secure psychiatric facility f.... Fri, 6 Nov 2009 12:54 EST http://www.dailyreportonline.com/Editorial/News/singleEdit.asp?individual_SQL=11/6/2009@36634&rssFeed=free http://www.dailyreportonline.com/Editorial/News/singleEdit.asp?individual_SQL=11/6/2009@36633&rssFeed=free JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Morgan Freeman has settled a lawsuit related to a 2008 car accident that seriously injured him and a passenger, according to court records posted Thursday. Terms of the settlement were not released.Demaris Meyer filed a federal lawsuit against the A.... Fri, 6 Nov 2009 12:53 EST http://www.dailyreportonline.com/Editorial/News/singleEdit.asp?individual_SQL=11/6/2009@36633&rssFeed=free http://www.dailyreportonline.com/Editorial/News/singleEdit.asp?individual_SQL=11/6/2009@36632&rssFeed=free MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A Minnesota hamburger parlor and McDonald's Corp. have settled a federal lawsuit over the phrase, "Who's your patty?"Michael Lafeber is an attorney for The Lion's Tap in Eden Prairie. He says the parties reached a "mutually beneficial amicable resoluti.... Fri, 6 Nov 2009 12:53 EST http://www.dailyreportonline.com/Editorial/News/singleEdit.asp?individual_SQL=11/6/2009@36632&rssFeed=free http://www.dailyreportonline.com/Editorial/News/singleEdit.asp?individual_SQL=11/6/2009@36631&rssFeed=free ATLANTA (AP) — A former real estate broker has pleaded guilty to charges that he committed mortgage fraud, operated a real estate investment scam and was involved in a check-kiting scheme and bankruptcy fraud.Edward William Farley of Hoschton entered the plea in federal .... Fri, 6 Nov 2009 12:52 EST http://www.dailyreportonline.com/Editorial/News/singleEdit.asp?individual_SQL=11/6/2009@36631&rssFeed=free http://www.dailyreportonline.com/Editorial/News/singleEdit.asp?individual_SQL=11/6/2009@36630&rssFeed=free ATLANTA (AP) — At the height of the nationwide salmonella outbreak nearly a year ago, FBI agents raided two peanut plants and carried away boxes of evidence. FDA inspectors found roaches, mold and a leaky roof. Then, Congress revealed e-mails from the peanut company's top ex.... Fri, 6 Nov 2009 12:52 EST http://www.dailyreportonline.com/Editorial/News/singleEdit.asp?individual_SQL=11/6/2009@36630&rssFeed=free http://www.dailyreportonline.com/Editorial/News/singleEdit.asp?individual_SQL=11/6/2009@36629&rssFeed=free ATLANTA (AP) — A former attorney has been sentenced to more than five years in prison for a real estate investment fraud scheme that took in a dozen victims in Georgia, Florida and Tennessee.The federal sentence was handed to 53-year-old Steven Ballard of McDonough on Th.... Fri, 6 Nov 2009 12:51 EST http://www.dailyreportonline.com/Editorial/News/singleEdit.asp?individual_SQL=11/6/2009@36629&rssFeed=free http://www.dailyreportonline.com/Editorial/News/singleEdit.asp?individual_SQL=11/6/2009@36628&rssFeed=free ATLANTA (AP) — A former Home Depot Inc. manager is facing federal charges that he shared the Atlanta-based retail giant's trade secrets with a potential vendor.Guillermo Martinez was charged Thursday with one count of theft of trade secrets after prosecutors say he tried.... Fri, 6 Nov 2009 12:50 EST http://www.dailyreportonline.com/Editorial/News/singleEdit.asp?individual_SQL=11/6/2009@36628&rssFeed=free http://www.dailyreportonline.com/Editorial/News/singleEdit.asp?individual_SQL=11/6/2009@36627&rssFeed=free BARNESVILLE, Ga. (AP) — A Griffin police dog has been found shot to death, and the officer he worked with is offering a $500 reward in the case.The Herald-Gazette newspaper in Barnesville reports that Griffin officer Chad Moxon, who lives in Lamar County, says the dog, c.... Fri, 6 Nov 2009 12:49 EST http://www.dailyreportonline.com/Editorial/News/singleEdit.asp?individual_SQL=11/6/2009@36627&rssFeed=free http://www.dailyreportonline.com/Editorial/News/singleEdit.asp?individual_SQL=11/6/2009@36626&rssFeed=free HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. (AP) — A South Carolina couple has sued a Georgia-based security company for hiring a guard accused of setting fires.The Island Packet of Hilton Head reports Friday that Norman and Marjorie Agin say Norred & Associates and two local supervisors w.... Fri, 6 Nov 2009 12:48 EST http://www.dailyreportonline.com/Editorial/News/singleEdit.asp?individual_SQL=11/6/2009@36626&rssFeed=free http://www.dailyreportonline.com/Editorial/News/singleEdit.asp?individual_SQL=11/6/2009@36625&rssFeed=free ELDORADO, Texas (AP) — After being duped by false leads and chastised by a court for its handling of polygamist sect children, the state of Texas has won a criminal conviction in its first trial of a sect member charged with sexually assaulted an underage girl.Raymond Je.... Fri, 6 Nov 2009 12:48 EST http://www.dailyreportonline.com/Editorial/News/singleEdit.asp?individual_SQL=11/6/2009@36625&rssFeed=free http://www.dailyreportonline.com/Editorial/News/singleEdit.asp?individual_SQL=11/6/2009@36624&rssFeed=free SATELLITE BEACH, Fla. (AP) — No bars or razor wire hold former Florida inmate No. 082629. Instead, William Dillon sits on furniture the color of ripe lemons, surrounded by cheerful animal statues and blooming plants, a prisoner no longer after 27 years.He could get more .... Fri, 6 Nov 2009 12:47 EST http://www.dailyreportonline.com/Editorial/News/singleEdit.asp?individual_SQL=11/6/2009@36624&rssFeed=free http://www.dailyreportonline.com/Editorial/News/singleEdit.asp?individual_SQL=11/6/2009@36623&rssFeed=free BOSTON (AP) — A pharmacy college graduate was indicted Thursday on new charges in an alleged terror plot to kill two prominent U.S. politicians and shoot people at American shopping malls.Tarek Mehanna, of Sudbury, Mass., is accused of conspiring with two other men — Ahm.... Fri, 6 Nov 2009 12:46 EST http://www.dailyreportonline.com/Editorial/News/singleEdit.asp?individual_SQL=11/6/2009@36623&rssFeed=free http://www.dailyreportonline.com/Editorial/News/singleEdit.asp?individual_SQL=11/6/2009@36622&rssFeed=free WASHINGTON (AP) — The Northwest Airlines pilots who overshot a U.S. airport by 150 miles (240 kilometers) are appealing their license revocations with the National Transportation Safety Board.The appeals were filed late Wednesday, said board spokesman Ted Lopatkiewicz. H.... Fri, 6 Nov 2009 12:46 EST http://www.dailyreportonline.com/Editorial/News/singleEdit.asp?individual_SQL=11/6/2009@36622&rssFeed=free http://www.dailyreportonline.com/Editorial/News/singleEdit.asp?individual_SQL=11/6/2009@36621&rssFeed=free LOS ANGELES (AP) — A judge on Thursday overturned a settlement allowing major outdoor advertising companies to convert more than 800 billboards in Los Angeles into digital displays, but declined to revoke permits already granted for about 100 conversions.Superior Court J.... Fri, 6 Nov 2009 12:45 EST http://www.dailyreportonline.com/Editorial/News/singleEdit.asp?individual_SQL=11/6/2009@36621&rssFeed=free http://www.dailyreportonline.com/Editorial/News/singleEdit.asp?individual_SQL=11/6/2009@36620&rssFeed=free NEW YORK (AP) — A former college staffer convicted of ripping off the school raised money to repay it by roping far-flung investors into funding a fictitious online fitness magazine, prosecutors said Thursday.Mark Andrew Moore lured people from at least six states into p.... Fri, 6 Nov 2009 12:45 EST http://www.dailyreportonline.com/Editorial/News/singleEdit.asp?individual_SQL=11/6/2009@36620&rssFeed=free http://www.dailyreportonline.com/Editorial/News/singleEdit.asp?individual_SQL=11/6/2009@36619&rssFeed=free WASHINGTON (AP) — The Democratic-controlled Senate on Thursday turned back a GOP-led effort to bar Sept. 11 terrorists from being prosecuted in civilian federal courts.Instead, senators voted 54-45 to support a request by Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Attorney Gener.... Fri, 6 Nov 2009 12:44 EST http://www.dailyreportonline.com/Editorial/News/singleEdit.asp?individual_SQL=11/6/2009@36619&rssFeed=free http://www.dailyreportonline.com/Editorial/News/singleEdit.asp?individual_SQL=11/6/2009@36618&rssFeed=free SEBASTOPOL, Calif. (AP) — A surge in medical marijuana in California has left communities trying to regulate or ban the drug. This wine country town has welcomed a dispensary as a strong source of tax revenue during the recession.Peace in Medicine marijuana dispensary is.... Fri, 6 Nov 2009 12:44 EST http://www.dailyreportonline.com/Editorial/News/singleEdit.asp?individual_SQL=11/6/2009@36618&rssFeed=free http://www.dailyreportonline.com/Editorial/News/singleEdit.asp?individual_SQL=11/6/2009@36617&rssFeed=free CHIPLEY, Fla. (AP) — Sheriff Bobby Haddock knew time was running out for a 7-month-old girl missing in the Florida Panhandle.For five days, searchers had scoured the dense vines and marshes around the baby's rural home, knowing that every hour a child is missing, the cha.... Fri, 6 Nov 2009 12:43 EST http://www.dailyreportonline.com/Editorial/News/singleEdit.asp?individual_SQL=11/6/2009@36617&rssFeed=free http://www.dailyreportonline.com/Editorial/News/singleEdit.asp?individual_SQL=11/6/2009@36616&rssFeed=free BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — A federal court has ruled that Tyson Foods Inc. violated federal labor standards for not paying production line employees for the time it takes them to put on and remove protective and sanitary gear.The company was ordered to pay $250,000 in damag.... Fri, 6 Nov 2009 12:42 EST http://www.dailyreportonline.com/Editorial/News/singleEdit.asp?individual_SQL=11/6/2009@36616&rssFeed=free http://www.dailyreportonline.com/Editorial/News/singleEdit.asp?individual_SQL=11/6/2009@36614&rssFeed=free NEW YORK (AP) — Medical device maker Boston Scientific says it will pay $296 million to settle a Department of Justice investigation into the company's Guidant unit.The investigation involved product advisories issued by Guidant in 2005, a year before Boston Scientific p.... Fri, 6 Nov 2009 12:41 EST http://www.dailyreportonline.com/Editorial/News/singleEdit.asp?individual_SQL=11/6/2009@36614&rssFeed=free http://www.dailyreportonline.com/Editorial/News/singleEdit.asp?individual_SQL=11/6/2009@36600&rssFeed=free Warren Buffett didn't just buy a railroad when he announced his purchase of Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp. He hired the engineer, too. “It's a bet not only on the company but on talent,” said Gary Bradshaw, portfolio manager at Hodges Capital Management Inc. in Dalla.... Thu, 5 Nov 2009 20:59 EST http://www.dailyreportonline.com/Editorial/News/singleEdit.asp?individual_SQL=11/6/2009@36600&rssFeed=free http://www.dailyreportonline.com/Editorial/News/singleEdit.asp?individual_SQL=11/6/2009@36601&rssFeed=free It's too late, too timid, and comes with too many questions attached. Even so, the U.K. government deserves some credit for finally moving to break up a bloated, failed banking industry. It has done two things that were urgently needed. The banks that were bailed out at .... Thu, 5 Nov 2009 20:59 EST http://www.dailyreportonline.com/Editorial/News/singleEdit.asp?individual_SQL=11/6/2009@36601&rssFeed=free http://www.dailyreportonline.com/Editorial/News/singleEdit.asp?individual_SQL=11/6/2009@36602&rssFeed=free JPMorgan Chase & Co.'s Charles LeCroy explained to a colleague in 2003 how he planned to keep his job as the chief bond banker to Jefferson County, Ala. “I got to get the politics lined up,” he said, according to a complaint filed by the Securities and Exchange Commission .... Thu, 5 Nov 2009 20:59 EST http://www.dailyreportonline.com/Editorial/News/singleEdit.asp?individual_SQL=11/6/2009@36602&rssFeed=free http://www.dailyreportonline.com/Editorial/News/singleEdit.asp?individual_SQL=11/6/2009@36610&rssFeed=free There was an interesting, but sad, dialogue going on about the execution of a robber who murdered his victim. The execution took place Oct. 20. (Mark Howard McClain was put to death by lethal injection for the 1994 slaying of a pizza store manager during a robbery.)It was sa.... Thu, 5 Nov 2009 20:59 EST http://www.dailyreportonline.com/Editorial/News/singleEdit.asp?individual_SQL=11/6/2009@36610&rssFeed=free