Mike Nifong has filed for bankruptcy reporting $243,898 in assets and potentially $180 million in liabilities. Most of the $180 million comes from potential civil suit damages from the three indicted and several unindicted lacrosse players. Lawyers for the players will argue that Nifong willfully and maliciously injured the players, which if proven, would not allow the claims and damages to be discharged in the bankruptcy proceedings.

http://www.newsobserver.com/news/crime_safety/duke_lacrosse/story/886122.html

The Florida Insurance Commissioner has blocked Allstate from writing new policies in that state until Allstate complies with subpoenas issued by the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation. The Subpoenas seek documents regarding Allstate’s reinsurance program, it’s relationship with risk modeling companies, insurance rating organizations and insurance trade associations.

http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/southeast/2008/01/16/86463.htm

In 2006, a West Virginia jury awarded a $50 million verdict against Massey Energy companies for driving rival companies out of business by fraudulent means. With appeals pending, Massey Chief Executive Don L. Blankenship and West Virginia Supreme Court Justice Elliott E. Maynard, had several meals together while vacationing separately in Europe. In 2007, Justice Maynard cast the deciding vote to overturn the jury verdict against Massey. Plaintiffs have filed a motion seeking Justice Maynard to disqualify himself and to withdraw his vote in favor of Massey.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/15/us/15court.html

In Ocala, Florida, Major League star, Wesley Snipes stands accused of conspiracy to defraud the government, filing a false claim for a $7 million refund and failing to file tax returns for 6 years, starting in 1999. Mr. Snipes, along with his two tax advisor co-defendants assert that pursuant to section 861 of the Federal Tax Code, “compensation for services” are taxable, but wages are not.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/14/business/14tax.html

The U.S. Army Corp of engineers has received approximately 489,000 claims from Hurricane Kartina victims from damage caused by the failure of the levees and resulting floods. 247 claims seek at least $1 billion in damages, and one claim, from someone 93 miles from New Orleans, claims $3 quadrillion in damages. The Corp of Engineers believes some of the claims may be exaggerated.

http://www.wnbc.com/money/15008577/detail.html

In a continued effort to overturn the guilty plea, lawyers for Idaho Senator Larry Craig are arguing that the alleged hand swiping in a Minneapolis bathroom stall is constitutionally protected speech.

www.wnbc.com

As other states look to follow New Jersey and abolish capital punishment, Texas steadfastly continues to execute prisoners in its uniquely, efficient manner so that 60% of the Country’s executions occur in the Lone Star State.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/26/us/26death.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&ref=todayspaper&adxnnlx=1198670845-RmN68upQhD1iQaVB8L6w9Q

XL Insurance has purchased the naming rights of The Hartford Civic Center, home of the University of Connecticut Basketball team. The arena will now be known as the XL Center.