Energy
FTC launches Shell antitrust probe
The Seattle Times A watchdog group, The Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights, last month sent internal company documents to the FTC…
Jul 8, 2004Consumer Watchdog
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Courtroom
Los Angeles Times – Blue Cross Tax Status Criticized
By Lisa Girion, LOS ANGELES TIMES https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2004-jul-08-fi-anthem8-story.html Consumer advocates criticized the proposed sale of WellPoint Health Networks Inc. on Wednesday, saying its…
Jul 8, 2004Blue Cross, Gatekeeper Sued for Antitrust Violations
Geographic Limits on Physical Therapists Reduce Competition and Force Patients to Pay More
Jul 8, 2004
Insurance
Garamendi still not satisfied with healthcare merger plans
Ventura County Star "Simply requiring Anthem to pay $400 million is hush money to get the state to go away," Jerry Flanagan…
Jul 7, 2004
Insurance
Corporate reaction cool;
Kerry's choice likely to play better with consumersThe San Francisco Chronicle "This will clearly bring front and center the populist revolt against…
Jul 7, 2004
Insurance
Anthem talks disappointing, regulator says
California insurance commissioner lays out conditions for his OK of WellPoint takeover.Indianapolis Star Garamendi's news conference "feels to me like he's getting…
Jul 7, 2004
Insurance
California signs a deal with a company that specializes in exporting jobs to cheap overseas labor markets.
Critics say state-funded jobs could soon be shipped overseas.CNN-TV - LOU DOBBS TONIGHT The state of California, 35 million people, should not…
Jul 5, 2004
Insurance
Much ado, but tiny rebates;
Microsoft suit not a windfall for consumersStar Tribune (Minneapolis, MN) Another function of class-action law is to deter future wrongdoing, said Doug…
Jul 3, 2004
Insurance
Anthem, WellPoint resist $400 million payment;
California is considering making the firms donate to state health program in return for OK on merger.The Indianapolis Star "$400 million is…
Jul 3, 2004
Insurance
Arnold’s Campaign for Fantastic Jobs…Abroad?
"We have to make sure everyone in California has a fantastic job," Arnold proclaimed last year. He even made phone calls to…
Jul 2, 2004
Energy
State Senate Panel Backs Bill for Energy Revamp;
The measure would let investor-owned utilities build plants. Big users of electricity could buy on the wholesale market.Los Angeles Times Consumer groups…
Jun 30, 2004
Accountability
Schwarzenegger rewards employees with higher pay
Associated Press "For a governor who came to office saying he would cut the government, he seems to have really pumped it…
Jun 30, 2004
Energy
WellPoint Sale Moves Forward
Shareholders approve the deal with Anthem. But it needs an OK from California regulators.Los Angeles Times The Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer…
Jun 29, 2004
Insurance
Shareholders quickly OK Anthem deal
WellPoint merger gets approval from 97% of two firms' investors; California is final hurdle.Indianapolis Star FTCR, a California consumer group, called Monday…
Jun 29, 2004
Insurance
WellPoint deal may flop
Garamendi may kill pact with AnthemLos Angeles Daily News Consumer advocacy groups have also raised the specter of compensation packages and the…
Jun 28, 2004
Privacy
Smog plan to benefit car sellers Auto dealers stand to save millions on tests.
Fresno Bee (California) The auto dealership industry has pumped about $1 million into Schwarzenegger's campaigns, according to the Foundation for Taxpayer and…
Jun 28, 2004
Energy
Refinery snags may pump up gas prices
Unplanned maintenance will slow production, oil firms sayThe Desert Sun (Palm Springs, CA) The maintenance, taking place during the summer driving season,…
Jun 28, 2004
Privacy
‘Walk week’ in the Capitol
The San Francisco Chronicle It was deadline week for Senate bills to make it out of Assembly committees. For some legislators, it…
Jun 28, 2004