/raid1/www/Hosts/bankrupt/CAR_Public/100409.mbx             C L A S S   A C T I O N   R E P O R T E R

              Friday, April 9, 2010, Vol. 12, No. 69

                            Headlines

AFFINIA GROUP: Wix Filtration Unit Continues to Defend S&E Suit
COMMONWEALTH LAND: Title Insurance Purchase Class Certified
GUND: Recalls 15,965 Gund Baby Paperboard Books
INTEGRAL SYSTEMS: D. Md. Securities Fraud Litigation Concluded
JACKSON HEWITT: Plaintiff Appeal to Ruling in CSOA Suit Pending

JACKSON HEWITT: Virginia RAL Customers' Suit in Pretrial Stage
JACKSON HEWITT: Defends Fifth Amended "Wooley" Suit in Illinois
JACKSON HEWITT: Appeal on Dismissal of "Gomez" Suit Pending
JACKSON HEWITT: Seeks Dismissal of Amended "Norris" Suit
JACKSON HEWITT: Missouri Court Dismisses Fugate's Suit

JACKSON HEWITT: Continues to Defend RAL-Related "Thomas" Suit
KELLEY DRYE: Says EEOC's Complaint's Not a Class Action Lawsuit
LIME ENERGY: Awaits Approval of "Gonzales" Settlement
MDL 1999: Lawnmower Horsepower Marketing Settlement Announced
MEDIACOM CAPITAL: Final Judgment on Jury Verdict Remains Pending

MEDIACOM CAPITAL: Named a Defendant in New York "Knight" Suit
RC2 CORP: ACE Has No Duty to Cover Defense Costs in Toy Lawsuits
REVLON INC: Judge Sacks Co-Lead Counsel in Del. Shareholder Suit
SOLTA MEDICAL: Aesthera Faces Suit Over TCPA Violations
SOLTA MEDICAL: Reliant Subsidiary Faces Suit in California

SONY CORPORATION: Fourth Optical Drive Price-Fixing Suit Filed
TII NETWORK: Two Stockholder Lawsuits Dismissed by Courts
TOYOTA MOTOR: Plaintiffs' Lawyers Cheer $16.4 Million Fine
UNITED STATES: Indian Tribes Sue SEC Over Debt Issuance Costs
USANA HEALTH: Continues to Defend "Chirco" Suit in Nevada

XE SERVICES: Accused in North Carolina of Not Paying Overtime
YELP! INC: Makes Changes in Response to Class Action Lawsuits

* Cross Country Unveils Financial Recovery Technologies Product

                         Asbestos Litigation

ASBESTOS ALERT: 2 Ore. Firms Fined $10,112 for Cleanup Breaches
ASBESTOS ALERT: CZ Becker Issued $3,600 Fine for Cleanup Breach

ASBESTOS UPDATE: 11 Cases Pending v. Katy Industries in Alabama
ASBESTOS UPDATE: Katy Ind. Still Subject to 2,700 Sterling Cases
ASBESTOS UPDATE: LaBour Pump Facing 90 Active Actions at Dec. 31
ASBESTOS UPDATE: IntriCon Still Involved in 122 Suits at Dec. 31
ASBESTOS UPDATE: Orion Marine Group Still Party to Injury Cases

ASBESTOS UPDATE: Int'l. Shipholding Reserves $279,000 for Claims
ASBESTOS UPDATE: Allis-Chalmers Still Subject to Injury Lawsuits
ASBESTOS UPDATE: Entrx Corp. Facing 239 Pending Cases at Dec. 31
ASBESTOS UPDATE: Entrx Records $52MM Future Liability at Dec. 31
ASBESTOS UPDATE: Entrx Corp.'s Current Reserve at $8M at Dec. 31

ASBESTOS UPDATE: Metalclad Still Involved in ACE Claim in Calif.
ASBESTOS UPDATE: MetLife, Inc. Records 68,804 Claims at Dec. 31
ASBESTOS UPDATE: PICO Holdings Involved in 25 Claims at Dec. 31
ASBESTOS UPDATE: 1,635 Open Cases Ongoing v. Standard at Dec. 31
ASBESTOS UPDATE: CenterPoint Resources Party to Exposure Actions

ASBESTOS UPDATE: DXP Continues to Process Remaining Settlements
ASBESTOS UPDATE: Pacific Office Records $300,000 ARO at Dec. 31
ASBESTOS UPDATE: Boss Holdings Still Subject to Exposure Actions
ASBESTOS UPDATE: 136 Active Claims Pending v. GenCorp at Feb. 28
ASBESTOS UPDATE: Kaiser Ventures Has 25 Active Lawsuits in 2009

ASBESTOS UPDATE: MYR Group Inc. Still Subject to Exposure Claims
ASBESTOS UPDATE: Houston Wire Facing Injury Lawsuits in 4 States
ASBESTOS UPDATE: La. Action v. McDermott Stayed Since Jan. 2005
ASBESTOS UPDATE: Stay in Antoine Lawsuit in Tex. Still in Effect
ASBESTOS UPDATE: BP Still Involved 3rd-Party in Exposure Actions

ASBESTOS UPDATE: Navistar Int'l. Still Subject to Exposure Cases
ASBESTOS UPDATE: Catalyst Cites $1.5M for Powell River Abatement
ASBESTOS UPDATE: Tasty Baking Co. Records $7.5Mil ARO at Dec. 26
ASBESTOS UPDATE: Insurance Claims Pending v. NL Ind. in New York
ASBESTOS UPDATE: Exposure Actions Still Pending v. NL Industries

ASBESTOS UPDATE: Compliance Order Issued for Kans. Hazard Issues
ASBESTOS UPDATE: Seven Cases Filed in Madison During Feb. 22-26
ASBESTOS UPDATE: 18 Cases Filed in Madison Co. During March 1-5
ASBESTOS UPDATE: Allenton Man's Death Linked to Hazard Exposure
ASBESTOS UPDATE: Lilly Lawsuit Filed v. 14 Firms in W.Va. Court

ASBESTOS UPDATE: Geelong Local Fined AUD5T for Transport Breach
ASBESTOS UPDATE: Duhon Lawsuit Filed v. 49 Firms in Orange Court
ASBESTOS UPDATE: U.K. Inquest Rules on Kentish Carpenter's Death
ASBESTOS UPDATE: Five Actions Filed March 12 in St. Clair Docket
ASBESTOS UPDATE: Leeds Factory Worker's Death Linked to Exposure

ASBESTOS UPDATE: Bristol Local's Death Linked to Hazard Exposure
ASBESTOS UPDATE: Midland Contractor Penalized for Exposure Risk
ASBESTOS UPDATE: Baron & Budd Wins $11M Asbestos Verdict in Tex.
ASBESTOS UPDATE: 29 Cases Filed During March 8-12 in Madison Co.
ASBESTOS UPDATE: Woodall Case v. Campbell Filed Feb. 24 in W.Va.

ASBESTOS UPDATE: Cleanup at Site Near Klamath Falls to Cost $30M
ASBESTOS UPDATE: Fischer's FELA Case Filed March 23 in St. Clair
ASBESTOS UPDATE: 4 Cancer Cases Found in Minn. Taconite Workers
ASBESTOS UPDATE: N.J. Court OKs $30.3MM Award in Buttitta Action
ASBESTOS UPDATE: 9/11 $657.5MM Payout Still Up for Renegotiation

ASBESTOS UPDATE: Marco Island Facing Potential Penalty on Hazard
ASBESTOS UPDATE: Whisnant's Case Trial Moved to Dec. 2010 Docket
ASBESTOS UPDATE: Stewart Window Wins Compensation Action v. QBE
ASBESTOS UPDATE: Thomas Records $800T for Remediation at Dec. 31
ASBESTOS UPDATE: Open Cases v. Park-Ohio Surge to 290 at Dec. 31

ASBESTOS UPDATE: Shell Still Involved in Cases From Belpre Plant
ASBESTOS UPDATE: H.B. Fuller Records $3.35M Probable Liabilities
ASBESTOS UPDATE: American Locker Faces 43 Open Cases at March 17

                            *********

AFFINIA GROUP: Wix Filtration Unit Continues to Defend S&E Suit
---------------------------------------------------------------
Affinia Group Intermediate Holdings Inc.'s subsidiary, Wix
Filtration Corp LLC, continues to defend a class action lawsuit
was filed by S&E Quick Lube Distributors, Inc., after the motion
to dissmis was denied, according to the company's March 17, 2010,
Form 10-K filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
for the year ended Dec. 31, 2009.

On March 31, 2008, a class action lawsuit was filed by S&E Quick
Lube Distributors, Inc., of Utah against several auto parts
manufacturers for allegedly conspiring to fix prices for
replacement oil, air, fuel and transmission filters.

Several auto parts companies are named as defendants, including:

     -- Champion Laboratories, Inc.,
     -- Purolator Filters NA LLC,
     -- Honeywell International Inc.,
     -- Cummins Filtration Inc.,
     -- Donaldson Company,
     -- Baldwin Filters Inc.,
     -- Bosch USA.,
     -- Mann + Hummel USA Inc.,
     -- ArvinMeritor Inc.,
     -- United Components Inc and
     -- Wix Filtration Corp LLC.

The lawsuit is currently pending as a consolidated Multi-District
Litigation Proceeding in Chicago, Illinois, because of multiple
"tag-along" filings in several jurisdictions.  Two suits have
also been filed in the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec.

Wix, along with other named defendants, have filed various
motions to dismiss Plaintiffs' complaints, which were denied by
the court in December 2009, but are currently the focus of
motions to reconsider.  Initial discovery has begun in the case.
Significantly, the U.S. Justice Department has recently closed
its investigation into this matter.

Affinia Group Intermediate Holdings Inc. --
http://www.affiniagroup.com/-- operates in the on- and off-
highway replacement products and services industry.  Affinia
Group Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of the company.  The
Company offers primarily three types of products: brake products,
which include brake drums, rotors, pads and shoes and hydraulic
brake system components; filtration products, which include oil,
fuel, air and other filters, and chassis products, which include
steering, suspension and driveline components.  The company's
products are primarily sold in North America, Europe and South
America. During the year ended December 31, 2008, North America
accounted for 63% of net sales; Europe, 18% and South America,
19%.  The company's customers primarily comprise aftermarket
distributors and retailers selling to professional technicians or
installers.  On Oct. 31, 2008, Affinia Acquisition LLC completed
the purchase of 85% interests in HBM Investment Limited (HBM).


COMMONWEALTH LAND: Title Insurance Purchase Class Certified
-----------------------------------------------------------
             IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
           FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA

A.D. ALBERTON and MARK C.        )
KESSLER, on behalf of            )
themselves and all others        )
similarly situated,              )
                                 )  Case No. 06-3755
          Plaintiffs,            )  
                                 )  
     v.                          )  CLASS ACTION
                                 )  
COMMONWEALTH LAND TITLE          )
INSURANCE COMPANY,               )
                                 )
          Defendant.              )

            SUMMARY NOTICE OF PENDENCY OF CLASS ACTION

TO: All persons or entities who, from July 25, 2000 until
    August 1, 2005, paid premiums for the purchase of title
    insurance from Defendant Commonwealth Land Title Insurance
    Company, in connection with a refinance of a mortgage or fee
    interest with respect to real property located in
    Pennsylvania that was insured by a prior title insurance
    policy within ten years of the refinance transaction, and
    were not charged the applicable Reissue Rate or Refinance
    Rate discount for title insurance on file with the
    Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner.

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE:

PURSUANT TO AN ORDER issued by the Honorable Eduardo C. Robreno
of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of
Pennsylvania, you are advised of the existence of the above
entitled class action lawsuit.  On January 31, 2008, the Court
directed that this case proceed as a class action under Federal
Rule of Civil Procedure 23, and that this notice be published.  
If you are a member of the Class described above, your rights are
being determined in this case.

BACKGROUND

A.D. Alberton and Mark C. Kessler have sued Commonwealth Land
Title Insurance Company (Commonwealth Title or Defendant),
alleging that Commonwealth Title did not provide Pennsylvania
consumers with discounted title insurance premiums for title
insurance policies insuring real property which had been insured
by a prior title insurance policy within ten years of a
refinancing transaction.  The Court has not decided whether
Commonwealth Title did anything wrong and Commonwealth Title
maintains it charged the proper rates.

THE PROPOSED CLASS

The Court has certified this case to proceed as a Class Action
and has certified two subclasses:  (1) Subclass A consists of all
Class members whose purchase of title insurance from Commonwealth
Title was made within three years of the date of the prior
purchase of title insurance; and (2) Subclass B consists of all
Class members whose purchase of title insurance from Commonwealth
Title was made more than three years but within ten years of the
date of the prior purchase of title insurance.  

If you fall within the definition of either subclass, you will be
a Class member.  YOU DO NOT NEED TO TAKE ANY ACTION IN ORDER TO
REMAIN IN THE CLASS.  Being a Class member means that, if a
judgment award is issued by the Court or a settlement is approved
by the Court, you may have the right to participate in the
judgment or settlement and become eligible for the judgment or
settlement benefits.

The Court has certified Plaintiffs A.D. Alberton and Mark C.
Kessler as Class Representatives.  The Court has certified:

          Steven A. Schwartz, Esq.
          CHIMICLES & TIKELLIS, LLP
          361 West Lancaster Avenue
          Haverford, PA 19041
          Telephone: 610-642-8500
          E-mail: SteveSchwartz@chimicles.com

               - and -  

          Donald L. Perelman, Esq.
          FINE KAPLAN AND BLACK, R.P.C.
          1835 Market Street, 28th Floor
          Philadelphia, PA 19103
          Telephone: (215) 567-6565  
          E-mail: dperelman@finekaplan.com

as Lead Class Counsel.

YOUR RIGHTS AS A CLASS MEMBER

If you are a member of the Class under the definition provided
above, and you wish to remain a member of the Class and
participate in the lawsuit as a Class member, you need not
respond to this notice or take any action.  You may enter an
appearance through counsel if you so desire.  If a judgment is
entered against the Defendant or a settlement is approved by the
Court between the parties, you will be advised.  If you are a
Class member and do not opt out, you will also be legally bound
by all of the Orders the Court issues and judgments the Court
makes in this class action. If you are a member of the Class but
do not wish to remain a member of the Class, and do not wish to
participate in the lawsuit, you must opt-out by May 24, 2010 by
mailing a written request for exclusion to:  

          Alberton v. Commonwealth Title Opt-Outs
          c/o The Garden City Group, Inc.
          P.O. Box 9580
          Dublin, OH 43017-4880

If no written request for exclusion from the Class is received by
the date indicated above, and you are a member of the Class, you
will remain included in the Class.  Any questions you have
concerning this case should be directed to Lead Class Counsel.

OTHER MATTERS

This Notice does not fully describe all of the claims and
defenses of the lawsuit.  You may, of course, seek the advice and
guidance of your own attorney if you desire.  For further
information, you may review all of the pleadings and other
documents filed in this case at the Office of the Clerk, United
States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania,
601 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania set forth above.  
You may also review a more detailed description of the litigation
and your rights as a class member at
http://www.gardencitygroup.com/

                 DO NOT CONTACT THE CLERK, THE JUDGE
         OR THE DEFENDANT WITH ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS CASE.

                                   Michael E. Kunz,
                                   Clerk of the Court


GUND: Recalls 15,965 Gund Baby Paperboard Books
-----------------------------------------------
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, in
cooperation with Gund, of Edison, N.J., announced a voluntary
recall of about 15,100 Gund Baby Paperboard Books in the United
States and 865 in Canada.  Consumers should stop using products
immediately unless otherwise instructed.

The styrofoam used to fill the book binding can detach, posing a
choking/aspiration hazard to infants and young children.

Gund has received three reports of children mouthing the
styrofoam that detached from the books.  No injuries have been
reported.

This recall involves three miniature children's paperboard books
with plastic handles designed as baby rattles.  They include
"Animals" (item number 059174), "Numbers" (item number 059175)
and "Colors" (item number 059176).  The books were also sold as a
three-book set (item number 059173).  The name "Gund" and the
item number are located on the back of the books.  The books
measure 4-1/2 inches by 7 inches.  Pictures of the recalled
products are available at:

     http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10190.html

The recalled products were manufactured in China and sold at
various gift and specialty stores nationwide from January 2009
through March 2010 for about $8 and $20 for the set.

Consumers should immediately take the books away from young
children and contact Gund for a free replacement product.  For
additional information, contact Gund at (800) 436-3726 between
8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Central Time, Monday through Friday, or
visit the firm's Web site at http://www.gund.com/


INTEGRAL SYSTEMS: D. Md. Securities Fraud Litigation Concluded
--------------------------------------------------------------
Vidmar v. Integral Systems, Inc., et al., Case No. 08-cv-03387
(D. Md.) (Titus, J.), has concluded following the district
court's entry of a judgment dismissing the action with prejudice
and the Vidmar plaintiffs' decision not to pursue an appeal.
Accordingly, the dismissal of the action is final and the
litigation is at an end.

With this dismissal, all pending litigation against the Company
has been withdrawn by plaintiffs or dismissed by the courts
without any findings against the Company or its current
management team, and without payment of any settlement amount.

Dismissal of the lawsuit and the 30-day period for the Plaintiffs
to appeal was reported in the Class Action Reporter on Mar. 9,
2010.

Integral Systems, Inc. -- http://www.integ.com/-- of Columbia,  
Md., applies more than 25 years experience to provide integrated
technology solutions for satellite communications-interfaced
systems.  Customers have relied on the Integral Systems family of
companies (Integral Systems, Inc., Integral Systems Europe,
Lumistar, Inc., Newpoint Technologies, Inc., RT Logic, and SAT
Corporation) to deliver on time and on budget for more than 250
satellite missions.  The Company has long-term relationships with
the U.S. Air Force, NASA, NOAA, and nearly every satellite
operator in the world.  Integral Systems was named the Region III
Prime Contractor of the Year by the U.S. Small Business
Administration in 2009.


JACKSON HEWITT: Plaintiff Appeal to Ruling in CSOA Suit Pending
---------------------------------------------------------------
The plaintiff's appeal to a lower court decision to stay
proceedings and to compel arbitration in a purported class-action
complaint filed against Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc., remains
pending in the Court of Appeals for the Eighth Appellate
District, Cuyahoga County, according to the company's March 17,
2010, Form 10-Q filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange
Commission for the quarter ended Jan. 31, 2010.

On Sept. 26, 2006, Willie Brown brought a purported class-action
complaint against the company in the Ohio Court of Common Pleas,
Cuyahoga County, on behalf of Ohio customers who obtained RALs
facilitated by the company, for an alleged failure to comply with
Ohio's Credit Services Organization Act, and for alleged unfair
and deceptive acts in violation of Ohio's Consumer Sales
Practices Act, and seeking damages and injunctive relief.

On Nov. 10, 2008, the company filed a motion to dismiss, or
alternatively, to stay proceedings and to compel arbitration.

On May 5, 2009, the Court granted the company's motion to stay
proceedings and to compel individual arbitration of Plaintiff's
claims, and denied the company's motion to dismiss.

Plaintiff subsequently filed a notice of appeal of the Court's
decision to stay proceedings and to compel arbitration, according
to the company's Sept. 3, 2009, Form 10-Q filing with the U.S.
Securities and Exchange Commission for the quarter ended July 31,
2009.

On May 5, 2009, the Court granted the company's motion to stay
proceedings and to compel individual arbitration of Plaintiff's
claims, and denied the company's motion to dismiss.

On Oc. 1, 2009, Plaintiff filed an appeal in the Court of Appeals
for the Eighth Appellate District, Cuyahoga County, seeking
reversal of the lower Court's order.

Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc. -- http://www.jacksonhewitt.com/
-- provides computerized preparation of federal, state and local
individual income tax returns through a network of franchised and
company-owned tax offices operating under the brand name Jackson
Hewitt Tax Service in the U.S.  The Company provides its
customers with accurate tax return preparation services and
electronic filing.


JACKSON HEWITT: Virginia RAL Customers' Suit in Pretrial Stage
--------------------------------------------------------------
A purported class-action complaint against Jackson Hewitt Tax
Service Inc. in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of
West Virginia, is in its pretrial stage, according to the
company's March 17, 2010, Form 10-Q filing with the U.S.
Securities and Exchange Commission for the quarter ended Jan. 31,
2010.

On Oct. 30, 2006, Linda Hunter (now substituted by Christian
Harper and Elizabeth Harper as proposed class representatives)
brought a purported class-action complaint against the company in
the U.S. District Court, Southern District of West Virginia, on
behalf of West Virginia customers who obtained RALs d by the
company, seeking damages for an alleged
breach of fiduciary duty, for alleged breach of West Virginia's
Credit Service Organization Act, for alleged breach of contract,
and for alleged unfair or deceptive acts or practices in
connection with the company's RAL facilitation activities.

On March 13, 2008, the Court granted the company's partial motion
for summary judgment on plaintiff's breach of contract
claim.

On July 15, 2008, the company answered the first amended
complaint.

On Feb. 10, 2009, Plaintiffs filed a motion to certify a class.
The company opposed that motion.

On Feb. 11, 2009, Plaintiffs filed a motion for partial summary
judgment.  On the same day, the company filed a motion for
summary judgment.

On March 6, 2009, the company opposed Plaintiffs' motion for
partial summary judgment.

On April 7, 2009, Plaintiffs filed a motion seeking the
certifications of four legal questions to the West Virginia
Supreme Court of Appeals.  

On Nov. 12, 2009, the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals
ordered the review of those four certified legal questions.  
The case is in its pretrial stage.

Following a decision by the West Virginia Supreme Court of
Appeals, the company will continue to litigate this matter
vigorously in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of West
Virginia.

Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc. -- http://www.jacksonhewitt.com/
-- provides computerized preparation of federal, state and local
individual income tax returns through a network of franchised and
company-owned tax offices operating under the brand name Jackson
Hewitt Tax Service in the U.S.  The Company provides its
customers with accurate tax return preparation services and
electronic filing.


JACKSON HEWITT: Defends Fifth Amended "Wooley" Suit in Illinois
---------------------------------------------------------------
Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc., continues to defend a fifth
amended complaint filed by Brent Wooley, according to the
company's March 17, 2010, Form 10-Q filing with the U.S.
Securities and Exchange Commission for the quarter ended Jan. 31,
2010.

On April 20, 2007, Brent Wooley brought a purported class-action
complaint against the company and certain unknown franchisees in
the U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois.

The complaint, which was subsequently amended, was brought on
behalf of customers who obtained tax return preparation services
that allegedly included false deductions without support by the
customer that resulted in penalties being assessed by the IRS
against the taxpayer for violations of the Illinois Consumer
Fraud and Deceptive Practices Act, and the Racketeering and
Corrupt Organizations Act, and alleging unjust enrichment and
breach of contract, seeking compensatory and punitive damages,
restitution, and attorneys' fees.

The alleged violations of the Illinois Consumer Fraud and
Deceptive Practices Act relate to representations regarding tax
return preparation, Basic Guarantee and Gold Guarantee coverage
and denial of Gold Guarantee claims.

Following dispositive motions, on Dec. 24, 2008, the company
answered Plaintiff's fourth amended complaint with respect to
the remaining breach of contract claim.

On Aug. 18, 2009, Plaintiff filed a motion seeking leave to file
a Fifth Amended Complaint.

On Jan. 29, 2010, Plaintiffs filed a Fifth Amended Complaint.

On Feb. 12, 2010, the company Answered the Fifth Amended
Complaint.  The case is in its discovery and pretrial stage.

Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc. -- http://www.jacksonhewitt.com/
-- provides computerized preparation of federal, state and local
individual income tax returns through a network of franchised and
company-owned tax offices operating under the brand name Jackson
Hewitt Tax Service in the U.S.  The Company provides its
customers with accurate tax return preparation services and
electronic filing.


JACKSON HEWITT: Appeal on Dismissal of "Gomez" Suit Pending
-----------------------------------------------------------
The appeal of Alicia Gomez on the dismissal of her purported
class-action complaint against Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc.,
remains pending in the Maryland Court of Special Appeals,
according to the company's March 17, 2010, Form 10-Q filing with
the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for the quarter ended
Jan. 31, 2010.

On Feb. 16, 2009, Ms. Gomez brought a purported class-action
complaint against the company in the Circuit Court of Maryland,
Montgomery County, on behalf of Maryland customers who obtained
RALs facilitated by the company, for an alleged failure to
comply with Maryland's Credit Services Businesses Act, and for an
alleged violation of Maryland's Consumer Protection Act, and
seeking damages and injunctive relief.

On March 18, 2009, the company filed a motion to dismiss.

On June 18, 2009, the Court granted the company's motion to
dismiss in all respects, dismissing the plaintiff's complaint.

On July 17, 2009, Plaintiff filed an appeal in the Maryland Court
of Special Appeals.

Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc. -- http://www.jacksonhewitt.com/
-- provides computerized preparation of federal, state and local
individual income tax returns through a network of franchised and
company-owned tax offices operating under the brand name Jackson
Hewitt Tax Service in the U.S.  The Company provides its
customers with accurate tax return preparation services and
electronic filing.


JACKSON HEWITT: Seeks Dismissal of Amended "Norris" Suit
--------------------------------------------------------
Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc., has filed a motion to dismiss
the amended complaint by Quiana Norris, according to the
company's March 17, 2010, Form 10-Q filing with the U.S.
Securities and Exchange Commission for the quarter ended Jan. 31,
2010.

On April 14, 2009, Quiana Norris brought a purported class-action
complaint against the company in the Superior Court of
Indiana, Marion County, on behalf of Indiana customers who
obtained RALs facilitated by the company, for an alleged failure
to comply with Indiana's Credit Services Organization Act, and
seeking damages and injunctive relief.

On May 1, 2009, the company filed a notice removing the complaint
to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District
of Indiana.

On June 8, 2009, the company filed a motion to dismiss.

On June 8, 2009 the company filed a motion to dismiss.  On Dec.
7, 2009, the Court granted the company's motion to dismiss in all
respects, dismissing the Plaintiff's complaint.

On Jan. 18, 2010, Plaintiff filed a First Amended Complaint.  On
Feb. 4, 2010, the Company filed a motion to dismiss the First
Amended Complaint.

Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc. -- http://www.jacksonhewitt.com/
-- provides computerized preparation of federal, state and local
individual income tax returns through a network of franchised and
company-owned tax offices operating under the brand name Jackson
Hewitt Tax Service in the U.S.  The Company provides its
customers with accurate tax return preparation services and
electronic filing.


JACKSON HEWITT: Missouri Court Dismisses Fugate's Suit
------------------------------------------------------
The Circuit Court of Missouri, Jackson County, has dimissed
Sherita Fugate's purported class-action complaint against Jackson
Hewitt Tax Service Inc., according to the company's March 17,
2010, Form 10-Q filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange
Commission for the quarter ended Jan. 31, 2010.

On April 29, 2009, Sherita Fugate brought a purported class-
action complaint against the company in the Circuit Court of
Missouri, Jackson County, on behalf of Missouri customers who
obtained RALs facilitated by the company, for an alleged failure
to comply with Missouri's Credit Services Organization Act, for
an alleged violation of Missouri's Merchandising Practices Act,
and seeking damages and injunctive relief.

On May 29, 2009, the company filed a motion to dismiss.

On March 10, 2010, the Court granted the company's motion to
dismiss in all respects, dismissing the Plaintiff's complaint.
Plaintiff has the right to appeal.  If Plaintiff appeals the
Court's decision, the company will continue to contest this
matter vigorously.

Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc. -- http://www.jacksonhewitt.com/
-- provides computerized preparation of federal, state and local
individual income tax returns through a network of franchised and
company-owned tax offices operating under the brand name Jackson
Hewitt Tax Service in the U.S.  The Company provides its
customers with accurate tax return preparation services and
electronic filing.


JACKSON HEWITT: Continues to Defend RAL-Related "Thomas" Suit
-------------------------------------------------------------
Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc., continues to defend a purported
class action complaint over its refund anticipation loans,
according to the company's March 17, 2010, Form 10-Q filing with
the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for the quarter ended
Jan. 31, 2010.

On Sept.2, 2009, Nancee Thomas brought a purported class action
complaint against the company in the Ohio Court of Common Pleas,
Cuyahoga County, on behalf of Ohio customers who obtained RALs
facilitated by the company, for an alleged failure to comply with
Ohio's Credit Services Organization Act, and seeking damages and
injunctive relief.

On Oct. 15, 2009, the company filed a motion to dismiss.  On Dec.
8, 2009, Plaintiffs filed a First Amended Complaint adding Paul
Thomas as an additional plaintiff.

On Dec. 11, 2009, the parties filed a joint motion to apply the
previously filed motion to dismiss briefing regarding the
original Complaint to the First Amended Complaint.

Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc. -- http://www.jacksonhewitt.com/
-- provides computerized preparation of federal, state and local
individual income tax returns through a network of franchised and
company-owned tax offices operating under the brand name Jackson
Hewitt Tax Service in the U.S.  The Company provides its
customers with accurate tax return preparation services and
electronic filing.


KELLEY DRYE: Says EEOC's Complaint's Not a Class Action Lawsuit
---------------------------------------------------------------
In its answer in Equal Employment Opportunity Commission v.
Kelley Drye & Warren, LLP, the law firm asserts an affirmative
defense saying:

     Because there are no "similarly situated employees of Kelley
     Drye," and there are no "similarly situated attorneys," as
     those phrases are used in the Complaint, there is no "class
     of similarly situated employees," and the EEOC may not seek
     relief on behalf of such non-existent persons. In fact,
     every individual who has been approached by the EEOC to
     participate in this action has specifically rejected the
     EEOC's overtures. To the extent the Court concludes that any

     similarly situated employee or attorney exists, the
     following Affirmative Defenses would also apply to any such
     employee or attorney with equal force.  

A copy of the law firm's answer is available at:

     http://www.nylj.com/nylawyer/adgifs/decisions/040610answer.pdf

Kelley Drye is represented by:

          Bettina B. Plevan, Esq.
          Joseph C. O'Keefe, Esq.
          PROSKAUER ROSE LLP
          1585 Broadway
          New York, NY 10036-8299
          Telephone: 212.969.3000
          E-mail: bplevan@proskauer.com
                  jokeefe@proskauer.com

A copy of the Complaint is available at:

     http://online.wsj.com/public/resources/documents/012810eeoc.pdf


LIME ENERGY: Awaits Approval of "Gonzales" Settlement
-----------------------------------------------------
Lime Energy Co. awaits court approval of an agreement to settle
the complaint captioned Byron Gonzales v. Lime Energy Co. and
Parke Industries, LLC, according to the company's March 23, 2010,
Form 10-K filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
for the year ended Dec. 31, 2009.

In February 2009, a complaint was filed against the company in
San Francisco Superior Court.

The complaint, as amended in March 2009, alleges that the company
failed to pay regular and overtime wages and to reimburse for
necessary business expenditures such as tools.  These claims are
asserted on behalf of Mr. Gonzales and a putative class of
electrical installers and foreman employed by the company in
California.  

During litigation in March 2010, plaintiffs indicated an intent
to allege additional claims pertaining to a purported denial of
meal periods.   While the company vigorously deny the
allegations, rather than engage in protracted litigation and
incur substantial legal expenses and management time, the company
has agreed with the plaintiff to settle all class claims for
$300,000, from which will be paid class counsel's fees and costs.

The settlement is subject to court approval and, if granted,
expiration of the appeal period for objections.

Lime Energy Co. -- http://www.lime-energy.com/-- is a provider  
of energy efficiency and renewable energy design/build solutions.  
The company operates in two segments: Energy Technology and
Energy Efficiency Services.  The company's core Energy Efficiency
Services business, which represented 96% of its revenue, during
the year ended Dec. 31, 2008, provides energy efficiency
engineering and consulting, as well as the development and
implementation of energy efficient lighting, mechanical,
electrical and water services, building envelope weatherization,
and renewable energy solutions.  Through its Energy Technology
business, which represented 4% of the 2008 revenue, Lime Energy
Co also offers a line of controllers under the eMac and uMac
brand names that provide continuous management of heating,
ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) and lighting equipment
using wireless communication technology.  On June 11, 2008, the
company acquired Applied Energy Management, Inc.


MDL 1999: Lawnmower Horsepower Marketing Settlement Announced
-------------------------------------------------------------
LawyersAndSettlements.com reports that if you purchased a
gasoline-powered lawn mower with an engine up to 30 horsepower
for your own use between January 1, 1994, and April 12, 2010 --
yes, the class period is like sixteen years -- then you may be
eligible to submit a claim for up to $35 for a walk-behind mower
or $75 for a riding mower.  You may also receive extended
warranty benefits.

Note -- the lawn mower class action lawsuit is not about lawn
mower safety.  At issue in In re Lawnmower Engine Horsepower
Marketing and Sales Practices Litigation, MDL NO. 1999 (E.D.
Wis.), is that the plaintiff claimed the defendants -- American
Honda Motor Co. Inc., MTD Products, Sears Roebuck  & Co., Sears
Holding Corp., Kmart Holding Corp., Deere & Company, Tecumseh
Products, TecumsehPower Co, Platinum Equity LLC, Briggs &
Stratton Corp., Kawasaki Motors Corp. USA, Kawasaki Heavy
Industries Ltd., Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing Corp. USA, The
Toro Company, Husqvarna Consumer Outdoor Products, N.A. Inc.
(including Electrolux Home Products, Inc.) and the Kohler Co --
misrepresented and overstated the horsepower of their lawn mowers
and lawn mower engines.

Basically, it's a case of consumer fraud.

Here's what you need to do:

If you want to include yourself in the Lawnmower Class Action
settlement, you'll need to submit a claim form.  You can do so
online at http://www.LawnMowerClass.com/

You will need the following information from your lawn mower:

     -- Lawn Mower Brand (Deere, EHP, Honda, Husqvarna, MTD,
        Sears, Toro)

     -- Lawn Mower ID Number

     -- Lawn Mower Engine Brand (Briggs & Stratton, Honda,
        Kawasaki, Kohler, Tecumseh, Toro)

     -- Lawn Mower Engine Model Number

The deadline to submit a claim form is August 31, 2010.

The deadline to exclude yourself from the settlement is June 4,
2010

The deadline to file an objection to the proposed settlement is
June 4, 2010

A Court hearing to consider approval of the settlement is
scheduled for June 22, 2010.


MEDIACOM CAPITAL: Final Judgment on Jury Verdict Remains Pending
----------------------------------------------------------------
The final judgment of the Circuit Court of Clay County, Missouri,
on a jury rendered verdict in favor of Gary and Janice Ogg
against Mediacom Capital Corp., remains pending.

The company was named as a defendant in a putative class action,
captioned Gary Ogg and Janice Ogg v. Mediacom LLC, pending in the
Circuit Court of Clay County, Missouri, originally filed in April
2001.

The lawsuit alleges that the company, in areas where there was no
cable franchise failed to obtain permission from landowners to
place Mediacom's fiber interconnection cable notwithstanding the
possession of agreements or permission from other third parties.

While the parties continue to contest liability, there also
remains a dispute as to the proper measure of damages.

Based on a report by their experts, the plaintiffs claim
compensatory damages of approximately $14.5 million.  Legal fees,
prejudgment interest, potential punitive damages and other costs
could increase that estimate to approximately $26.0 million.

Before trial, the plaintiffs proposed an alternative damage
theory of $42.0 million in compensatory damages.

Notwithstanding the verdict in the trial described below, the
company remains unable to reasonably determine the amount of
Mediacom's final liability in this lawsuit.  Prior to trial, the
company's experts estimated its liability to be within the range
of approximately $0.1 million to $2.3 million.  This estimate did
not include any estimate of damages for prejudgment interest,
attorneys' fees or punitive damages.

On March 9, 2009, a jury trial commenced solely for the claim of
Gary and Janice Ogg, the designated class representatives.

On March 18, 2009, the jury rendered a verdict in favor of Gary
and Janice Ogg setting compensatory damages of $8,863 and
punitive damages of $35,000.

The Court did not enter a final judgment on this verdict and
therefore the amount of the verdict cannot at this time be
judicially collected.

No further updates were reported in the company's March 17, 2010,
Form 10-K filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
for the year ended Dec. 31, 2009.

Mediacom Capital Corp. -- http://www.mediacomcc.com/-- is  
engaged in provision of products and services, including video
services, such as video-on-demand (VOD), high-definition
television (HD or HDTV) and digital video recorders (DVR); high-
speed data (HSD), also known as high-speed Internet access or
cable modem service; and phone service.  The company is a wholly
owned subsidiary of Mediacom Communications Corporation.


MEDIACOM CAPITAL: Named a Defendant in New York "Knight" Suit
-------------------------------------------------------------
Mediacom Capital Corp. has been named as a defendant in a
purported class action entitled Jim Knight v. Mediacom
Communications Corp., according to the company's March 17, 2010,
Form 10-K filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
for the year ended Dec. 31, 2009.

The suit was filed on March 5, 2010, in the U.S. District Court
for the Southern District of New York.

The complaint asserts that the potential class is comprised of
all persons who purchased premium cable services from Mediacom
and rented a cable box distributed by Mediacom.  The plaintiff
alleges that Mediacom improperly "tied" the rental of cable boxes
to the provision of premium cable services in violation of
Section 1 of the Sherman Antitrust Act.  The plaintiff also
alleges a claim for unjust enrichment and seeks injunctive relief
and unspecified damages.

The company believes it has substantial defenses to the claims
asserted in the complaint, which has not yet been served on them.

Mediacom Capital Corp. -- http://www.mediacomcc.com/-- is  
engaged in provision of products and services, including video
services, such as video-on-demand (VOD), high-definition
television (HD or HDTV) and digital video recorders (DVR); high-
speed data (HSD), also known as high-speed Internet access or
cable modem service; and phone service.  The company is a wholly
owned subsidiary of Mediacom Communications Corporation.


RC2 CORP: ACE Has No Duty to Cover Defense Costs in Toy Lawsuits
----------------------------------------------------------------
Annie Youderian at Courthouse News Service reports that an
insurer is off the hook for the $1.62 million that an Illinois
toy company racked up defending class actions over lead-tainted
toys made in China.  The United States Court of Appeals for the
Seventh Circuit said the toy seller's liability policies
"unambiguously excluded" exposure in the United States,
regardless of where the toys were made.

RC2 Corp. faced numerous class actions after it recalled certain
"Thomas & Friends" wooden trains that contained lead in the
paint. The recalled trains were made in China between 2005 and
2007, but were sold and used exclusively in the United States.

RC2 wanted its insurer, ACE American Insurance Co., to cover the
costs of defending the lawsuits, but ACE argued that RC2's
policies excluded U.S.-based injuries.

The district court sided with RC2, ruling that the negligent
manufacturing had taken place in China, a covered territory.

It awarded RC2 more than $1.62 million in defense costs.

The Chicago-based federal appeals court reversed.

"It is undisputed that the underlying lawsuits involve damages
allegedly caused by exposure to lead paint that occurred within
the United States, which under the contract is entirely excluded
from the coverage area," Judge Daniel Manion wrote for the three-
judge panel.

The parties disputed whether the "occurrence" of harm took place
in China, where the allegedly negligent manufacturing and testing
occurred, or in the United States, where consumers were exposed
to lead paint.

"[T]he policies are clear that the 'occurrence' that triggers
coverage takes place where the actual event that inflicts the
harm takes place," Judge Manion wrote.

"And based on the undisputed facts in this case, the 'occurrence'
here happened at the location of the exposure itself: within the
United States."

Judge Manion added that "it would have made little sense for RC2
to take out both international and domestic policies if its
primary risk for liability would be covered under both policies."

A copy of the decision in ACE American Insurance Company v. RC2
Corporation, Inc., et al., No. 09-3032 (7th Cir.), is available
at http://is.gd/bit5d


REVLON INC: Judge Sacks Co-Lead Counsel in Del. Shareholder Suit
----------------------------------------------------------------
Jeff Gorman at Courthouse News Service reports that a judge
sacked the co-lead counsel for Revlon shareholders who are
contesting a merger in a class action in Delaware Chancery Court,
saying their "advocacy has been non-existent."

"The original plaintiff's counsel failed to litigate the case
adequately," Vice Chancellor J. Travis Laster wrote in the case
of the cosmetics company's proposed merger with its primary
shareholder, McAndrews & Forbes Holdings Inc.

Judge Laster also questioned whether the shareholders' counsel
represented the class or merely "settled on terms that would be
easy gives for the defendants while still arguably sufficient to
support a release and a fee."

"When forced to defend their conduct and leadership role,
original plaintiff's counsel approached the concept of candor to
the tribunal as if attempting to sell me a used car," Judge
Laster wrote, referring to co-lead counsel Wolf Popper LLP and
Rigrodsky & Long, and Delaware liaison counsel Rosenthal, Monhait
& Goddess.

The merger announcement prompted four lawsuits that were
consolidated into one.  The law firms divided up their roles, but
as Judge Laster noted, "no one actually litigated anything."

He said the lawyers settled prematurely and exaggerated their
roles in restructuring the proposed merger as a stock exchange
offer.

This is a serious problem that must result in the replacement of
the shareholders' "Old Counsel," according to Judge Laster.

"Given Old Counsel's hyperbolic representations and my concerns
about the [settlement], I cannot in good conscience permit Old
Counsel to take charge of the confirmatory discovery process and
the presentation of the settlement," Judge Laster wrote.

He gave that task to Smith Katzenstein & Furlow LLP, Harwood
Feffer LLP and Curtis V. Trinko, the attorneys in two subsequent
lawsuits challenging the exchange offer.

"When handed a chance to stand up for the class, Old Counsel lay
down," Judge Laster wrote.

He said the system requires meaningful checks on attorneys,
including "the ability and willingness of this court to replace
representative counsel who engage in conscious shirking, who
appear to be doing little more than prematurely harvesting a case
as part of their overall inventory, and who otherwise are not
providing adequate representation."


SOLTA MEDICAL: Aesthera Faces Suit Over TCPA Violations
-------------------------------------------------------
Aesthera Corp. faces a class action complaint alleging violation
of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, according to Solta
Medical, Inc.'s March 22, 2010, Form 10-K filing with the U.S.
Securities and Exchange Commission for the year ended Dec. 31,
2009.

Solta Medical completed its acquisition of Aesthera on Feb. 26,
2010.

On Dec. 4, 2009, Aesthera was served with a class action
complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of
Connecticut alleging that Aesthera caused unsolicited fax
advertisements to be sent to the plaintiffs in violation of the
TCPA and Connecticut state law.  The complaint purports to be
filed on behalf of a class, and it alleges that Aesthera caused
unsolicited fax advertisements to be sent from Aug. 1, 2006
through the present.

Plaintiffs seek statutory damages under the TCPA and Connecticut
state law, attorneys' fees and costs of the action, and an
injunction to prevent any future violations.

Solta Medical Inc., formerly Thermage, Inc. --
http://www.solta.com/-- is engaged in designing, developing,  
manufacturing and marketing energy-based medical device systems
for aesthetic applications.  These systems are marketed under the
brand names Fraxel and Thermage and are Food & Drug
Administration cleared for dermatological procedures in the
applications, which include: Skin Tightening, the Thermage NXT
system offers non-invasive treatment options for skin tightening
and contouring, body shaping, and improvement in the appearance
of cellulite; Skin Rejuvenation, the Fraxel re:fine and Fraxel
re:store systems offer treatments for skin conditions such as
fine lines and pigmentation.  In March 2010, the company
announced the completion of its acquisition of Aesthera
Corporation.


SOLTA MEDICAL: Reliant Subsidiary Faces Suit in California
----------------------------------------------------------
Solta Medical Inc.'s wholly-owned subsidiary, Reliant
Technologies, LLC, faces a complaint in the Santa Clara County
Superior Court, according to Solta Medical, Inc.'s March 22,
2010, Form 10-K filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange
Commission for the year ended Dec. 31, 2009.

On Dec. 21, 2009, a complaint was filed by three former
stockholders of Reliant Technologies, Inc. against Reliant and
certain former officers and directors of Reliant in connection
with the company's acquisition of Reliant, which closed on Dec.
23, 2008.

The complaint purports to be brought on behalf of the former
common stockholders of Reliant.

As a result of the acquisition, a successor entity to Reliant,
Reliant Technologies, LLC, became the company's wholly-owned
subsidiary.

Two of the company's Board of Directors are among the defendants
named in the complaint, and one of the two is also the company's
Chief Technology Officer.  The principal claim, among others, is
that Reliant violated the California Corporations Code by failing
to obtain the vote from a majority of holders of Reliant's common
stock prior to the consummation of the acquisition.

The complaint also purports to challenge disclosures made by
Reliant in connection with its entry into the acquisition and
that the defendants failed to maximize the value of Reliant for
the benefits of Reliant's common stockholders.

Solta Medical Inc., formerly Thermage, Inc. --
http://www.solta.com/-- is engaged in designing, developing,  
manufacturing and marketing energy-based medical device systems
for aesthetic applications.  These systems are marketed under the
brand names Fraxel and Thermage and are Food & Drug
Administration cleared for dermatological procedures in the
applications, which include: Skin Tightening, the Thermage NXT
system offers non-invasive treatment options for skin tightening
and contouring, body shaping, and improvement in the appearance
of cellulite; Skin Rejuvenation, the Fraxel re:fine and Fraxel
re:store systems offer treatments for skin conditions such as
fine lines and pigmentation.  In March 2010, the company
announced the completion of its acquisition of Aesthera
Corporation.


SONY CORPORATION: Fourth Optical Drive Price-Fixing Suit Filed
--------------------------------------------------------------
David Carney, Jr., on behalf of himself and other similarly
situated v. Sony Corporation, et al., Case No. 10-cv-01406 (N.D.
Calif. Apr. 2, 2010), charges the multinational conglomerate with
contracting to fix the price of optical disc drives sold in the
United States, in violation of state antitrust and consumer
protection laws.  Sony and the other Defendants control a
significant share of the ODD market in the U.S. and globally.  

The Plaintiff demands a trial by jury and is represented by:

          Daniel C. Girard, Esq.
          Elizabeth C. Pritzkcr, Esq.
          Aaron M. Sheanin, Esq.
          GIRARD GIBBS LLP
          601 California St., Suite 1400
          San Francisco, CA 94108
          Telephone: (415) 981-4800
          E-mail: dcg@girardgibbs.com
                  ecp@girardgibbs.com
                  ams@girardgibbs.com

Coverage of Slavin v. Sony Optiarc, Inc., et al., Case No.
10-cv-01291 (N.D. Calif.), appeared in the Class Action Reporter
on Mon., Apr. 5, 2010; coverage of Herman v. Sony Corporation, et
al., Case No. 10-cv-01362 (N.D. Calif.), appeared in the Class
Action Reporter on Tues., Apr. 6, 2010; and coverage of Bay Area
Systems, LLC v. Sony Corporation, et al., Case No. 10-cv-01403
(N.D. Calif.), appeared in the Class Action Reporter on Thurs.,
Apr. 5, 2010.


TII NETWORK: Two Stockholder Lawsuits Dismissed by Courts
---------------------------------------------------------
Two lawsuits against Tii Network Technologies, Inc., filed by
purported stockholders has been dismissed by their respective
courts, according to the company's March 17, 2010, Form 10-K
filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for the
year ended Dec. 31, 2009.

In November 2009 and February 2010, the respective Courts
dismissed separate lawsuits against Tii and each member of the
company's Board of Directors by Seth Fishman, a purported
stockholder of Tii, individually and on behalf of all others
similarly situated, in the Supreme Court of the State of New
York, Suffolk County instituted on May 13, 2009 and by Vladimir
Gusinsky, another purported stockholder of Tii, individually and
on behalf of all others similarly situated, in the Court of
Chancery of the State of Delaware instituted on June 15, 2009.

The two actions were similar and arose out of an unsolicited
expression of interest to acquire all the company's outstanding
shares of common stock for $1.00 per share.  The company rejected
this expression of interest as inadequate and not in the best
interest of Tii or its stockholders on July 20, 2009.

Both actions sought class action status, were similar and, in
general, alleged that the company's Board of Directors violated
the fiduciary duties owed by them to the company and its public
shareholders in connection with the transaction contemplated in
the expression of interest.  These actions sought, in general,
equitable relief compelling the Board to properly exercise its
fiduciary duty to consider whether the transaction contemplated
in the expression of interest or an alternate transaction
maximizes shareholder value, plus attorneys' fees, costs and
expenses.

Tii Network Technologies, Inc. -- http://www.tiinettech.com/--  
formerly TII Network Technologies, Inc., and its subsidiaries
design, manufacture and sell products to the service providers in
the communications industry for use in their networks.  The
company sells its products through a network of sales channels,
principally to telephone operating companies, multi-system
operators of communications services, including cable and
satellite service providers, and original equipment
manufacturers.


TOYOTA MOTOR: Plaintiffs' Lawyers Cheer $16.4 Million Fine
----------------------------------------------------------
Margaret Cronin Fisk, Alan Ohnsman and Angela Greiling Keane at
Bloomberg News reports that Toyota Motor Corp. may have a tough
time defending itself in U.S. lawsuits filed for flaws in its
vehicles after U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood fined the
company, saying it "knowingly hid a dangerous defect."

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration yesterday
proposed a record civil penalty of $16.4 million, less than 2
percent of Toyota projected net profit for the year ending March
31, related to a January recall of 2.3 million U.S. autos for
accelerator pedals that allegedly stick. Toyota failed to act in
a timely manner after knowing of the problem since at least
September 2009, LaHood said.

"It certainly bolsters our cases," said Robert J. Nelson, a
lawyer at San Francisco-based Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein
LLP, who has filed 20 lawsuits on behalf of individual clients
claiming personal injuries or deaths caused by sudden-
acceleration incidents. "It demonstrates Toyota has been less
than forthright with the U.S. government and with consumers."

The fine came after Toyota, the world's largest automaker, last
week reported U.S. sales rose 41 percent in March with the help
of no-interest loans and discount leases, a sign it was winning
back some consumers after recalling more than 8 million autos
worldwide. Toyota faces at least 177 suits seeking class- action,
or group, status and at least 56 individual suits over sudden
acceleration.

The Japanese automaker waited at least four months before telling
the agency that accelerator pedals might stick, LaHood said
yesterday in a statement. Companies have five business days to
report safety defects, the agency said.

                         Legal Obligations

"We now have proof that Toyota failed to live up to its legal
obligations," LaHood said. "Worse yet, they knowingly hid a
dangerous defect for months from U.S. officials and did not take
action to protect millions of drivers and their families."

The assessment by LaHood and NHTSA won't be admitted directly as
evidence in trials against Toyota, said Houston attorney W. Mark
Lanier, who has filed class-action and individual lawsuits
related to the claims.

"It has no relevance to the case. It's not like a criminal
finding in that there was due process," Lanier said. "The
underlying facts that prompted the fine will come into evidence."

The fine itself may be admitted to rebut any assertions by Toyota
that the government never found anything wrong with its vehicles,
Lanier said.

                         Investor Suits

LaHood's evaluation that Toyota hid a defect would also be
admissible in lawsuits brought by investors claiming the carmaker
failed to disclose material information, driving down the value
of company shares, he said.

While LaHood said the fine is the largest civil penalty ever
assessed by the U.S. against an automaker, $16.4 million is too
little to harm Toyota financially, Lanier said. The company will
probably concede to pay the fine, Kyodo News reported today,
citing people familiar with the matter.

In February, Toyota forecast a return to annual profit and a 51
percent surge in North American sales even as the company faces
its worst recall crisis. The company expects net income of 80
billion yen ($880 million) in the year ending March 31, compared
with an earlier forecast for a 200 billion yen loss, it said Feb.
4 in a statement in Tokyo.

"What we'll be trying to do is assess a real fine" through jury
trials, Lanier said. The lawyer has filed two personal injury
cases and is considering filing about 100 others, including a
dozen involving deaths, he said.

                           Recall in U.S.

Toyota, based in Toyota City, Japan, on Jan. 21 said it would
recall about 2.3 million U.S. cars and trucks for sticky
accelerator pedals. The pedals were supplied by Elkhart, Indiana-
based CTS Corp. and used in top-selling Toyota models including
Camry sedans, Corolla compact cars and RAV4 and Highlander sport
utility vehicles.

At a February congressional hearing, Toyota's U.S. sales chief,
James E. Lentz, told lawmakers "we failed to promptly analyze and
respond to information emerging from Europe and in the United
States" about the sticky pedals.

Toyota has two weeks to accept or contest the proposed fine,
Olivia Alair, a Transportation Department spokeswoman, said in an
e-mail. If Toyota contests the penalty and a settlement isn't
reached, "it would go to court," she said.


UNITED STATES: Indian Tribes Sue SEC Over Debt Issuance Costs
-------------------------------------------------------------
Deni Leonard, on behalf of himself and others similarly situated
v. Securities and Exchange Commission, et al., Case No.
10-cv-01435  (N.D. Calif. April 5, 2010), accuses the Commission,
the United States and the IRS of deliberately discriminating
against present and former Indian Tribes since 1933 by not
classifying them as Governments when they issue debt securities.  
As a result, lenders charge the Tribes up 2-1/2 percentage points
more than they would if the Tribes could issue tax exempt debt
securities.  The Tribes argue this is an improper restraint of
trade or commerce in violation of Sec. 1 of the Sherman Act.  Mr.
Leonard is a member of the Warm Springs Confederated Tribes, in
Warm Springs, Oregon.

The Plaintiff is represented by:

          Sean Donrad, Esq.
          360 Monte Vista Ave., Suite 310
          Oakland, CA 94611
          Telephone: (510) 350-6823
          E-mail: counselhelp@gmail.com


USANA HEALTH: Continues to Defend "Chirco" Suit in Nevada
---------------------------------------------------------
USANA Health Sciences, Inc., continues to defend a suit styled
Chirco vs. USANA et. al, in State District Court in Clark County,
Nevada, according to the company's March 17, 2010, Form 10-K
filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for the
year ended Jan. 2, 2010.

On April 17, 2009, a former USANA Associate filed a purported
class action lawsuit and named USANA and certain of USANA's
present and former officers and directors, as well as other
individuals, as defendants.

The proposed class consists of distributors who were Nevada
residents at any time since 1995.  The complaint is essentially a
copy of a complaint from a purported distributor class action
lawsuit filed against USANA in California state court in 2007,
which was dismissed.

The complaint alleges a number of purported material
misrepresentations to the market in violation of state pyramid
law, deceptive business practices, and business fraud law.  The
complaint seeks damages, general injunctive relief, pre-judgment
interest, costs, attorney's fees, and other further relief deemed
appropriate by the court.

In June 2009, the company filed its answer to the complaint,
which contained a general denial of the allegations in the
complaint and set forth its affirmative defenses.  Discovery is
currently pending for this action.

USANA Health Sciences, Inc. --
http://www.usanahealthsciences.com/-- develops and manufactures  
science-based nutritional and personal care products.  The
company distributes and sells its products internationally
through a network marketing system, which is a form of direct
selling.  Its international markets include Canada, Mexico,
Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Taiwan,
Japan, and South Korea, and direct sales from the United States
to customers in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands.  The
company distributes and sells its products through a network
marketing system, a form of direct selling, using independent
distributors that it refers to as Associates.  It also sells its
products directly to Preferred Customers who purchase the
company's products for personal use and are not permitted to
resell or distribute the products.


XE SERVICES: Accused in North Carolina of Not Paying Overtime
-------------------------------------------------------------
Xe Services, and U.S. Training Center, part of the mercenary
group formerly known as Blackwater, stiffed workers for overtime,
a class action claims in Raleigh, N.C., Federal Court.

A copy of the Complaint in Falla, et al. v. Xe Services, LLC, et
al., Case No. 10-cv-00013 (E.D.N.C.) (Boyle, J.), is available
at:

     http://www.courthousenews.com/2010/04/06/Xe.pdf

The Plaintiffs are represented by:

          James R. Theuer, Esq.
          JAMES R. THEUER, PLLC
          555 E. Main St., Suite 1410
          Norfolk, VA 23510
          Telephone: 757-446-8047
          E-mail: jim@theuerlaw.com


YELP! INC: Makes Changes in Response to Class Action Lawsuits
-------------------------------------------------------------
Jeff Cormier at The Examiner reports that class action lawyers
Beck & Lee from Miami and The Weston Firm in San Diego are
claiming victory, but note that it is not through with Yelp,
calling it a "first step in the right direction."

Further, the law firms stated, "Small businesses have been
expressing their outrage at Yelp's dirty business practices for a
long time, and it is unfortunate that it took the filing of a
class action to get Yelp to make even. Still, there is much work
left to be done through the legal process, including the looming
issues of Yelp's 'pay to play' sales tactics, as well as the
pursuit of substantial restitution and damages owed to the class
members."

Three lawsuits filed earlier this year charge Yelp with putting
pressure on local businesses to advertise on the site. Those that
did not comply had their ratings manipulated in a negative
fashion.

The changes to the site are:

     * Removal of a feature allowing businesses that advertised
       with Yelp to place their favorite review above others;

     * Users are now allowed to see removed reviews, aimed at
       assisting businesses from posting positive reviews of
       their businesses, and negative reviews of their
       competitors; and
     
     * Yelp has established a so-called Small Business Advisory
       Council whose members will provide the company's
       management with "guidance and perspective regarding the
       concerns of small business owners."

In a response by Yelp, posted on their blog, CEO Jeremy
Stoppleman wrote:

     "Despite our best efforts to educate consumers and the small
     business community, myths about Yelp have persisted. We've
     said all along we believe these incorrect notions stem from
     the combination of the filter and this advertising feature
     -- and we're practicing what we preach."

Coverage of class action lawsuits against Yelp! Inc. appeared
in the Class Action Reporter on Feb. 26; Mar. 4, 10 and 26; and
Apr. 1, 2010.


* Cross Country Unveils Financial Recovery Technologies Product
---------------------------------------------------------------
A technology platform enabling institutional investors to recover
more from class action settlements is the basis for Financial
Recovery Technologies (FRT), a new business venture from The
Cross Country Group (CCG).

FRT uses proprietary algorithms developed in collaboration with
an expert team of financial engineers from Massachusetts
Institute of Technology and recent industry data to help
institutions better identify, assess, file and collect class
action settlement proceeds. Since 1995 thousands of securities
class action lawsuits have been settled totaling more than $50
billion in available settlement dollars.  Investors have claimed
roughly 35% of those settlement dollars leaving a staggering 65%
unclaimed.  The results for firms utilizing FRT's services are
clear.  With more efficient utilization of the institution's
back-office functions to help maximize recovery from settlements,
and thereby increasing portfolio returns, FRT will help ensure
that you maximize all the settlement dollars you are rightfully
due.

In addition to its unique technology platform, FRT seeks to
differentiate itself in the market with a no-fee pricing
structure.

FRT President David L. Bedard was previously with Bear Stearns,
where he was a member of a special team responsible for
developing a fund to acquire and manage defined benefit pension
plans. Prior to Bear Stearns, he was president of an automotive
parts manufacturer where he led a leveraged buyout in 2004.  He
started his finance career as a merger and acquisitions banker at
J.P. Morgan.

"We are very excited about our service especially in the current
market environment -- most clients are quite welcoming when they
hear we can find them unclaimed money," noted Mr. Bedard.  "In
addition, since we are scouring clients' historical transactions
for all eligible class action settlement dollars, we ensure that
no stone goes unturned. If a client is eligible, we will
recover."

             About Financial Recovery Technologies

Based in Medford, Mass., Financial Recovery Technologies is a
leading global provider of securities class action claims
processing services.  FRT's proprietary technology platform
provides comprehensive services enabling institutional investors
to maximize recovery from securities class action settlements.  
It is a member of The Cross Country Group.  Additional
information is available at http://www.frtservices.com/

     Contact:  David L. Bedard
               Financial Recovery Technologies LLC
               One Cabot Road - 4th Floor
               Medford, MA 02155
               Telephone: (781) 306-3264
               Fax: (781) 391-7504
               E-mail: info@frtservices.com

                  About The Cross Country Group

The Cross Country Group was founded in 1972 with the single focus
of providing best-in-class customer service across a broad
spectrum of industries. It has a global presence with over 2,500
employees and technology centers worldwide and serves Fortune 500
clients from the automotive, real estate and financial services
sectors.  For more information, visit http://www.ccgroup.com/


                        Asbestos Litigation


ASBESTOS ALERT: 2 Ore. Firms Fined $10,112 for Cleanup Breaches
---------------------------------------------------------------
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued a total
of US$10,112 in penalties related to an improper asbestos removal
project at The Scholls Apartments, at 5125 SW Scholls Ferry Road
in Portland, Ore., according to an Oregon DEQ press release dated
March 25, 2010.

The penalties stem from work conducted last August 2009 at the
116-unit apartment complex by Interstate Roofing Inc., of
Portland, for The Scholls Corporation, which owns the complex.

During a roof renovation project at the apartment complex,
workers from Interstate Roofing removed about 80 square feet of
asbestos-containing popcorn texture ceiling material. The
material became broken and torn during its removal, resulting in
the potential release of asbestos fibers.

DEQ issued Interstate Roofing Inc. a US$6,000 penalty for
conducting an asbestos abatement project without a license, as
the company and its workers were not licensed to conduct such
asbestos work. Oregon rules require that only contractors who are
specially trained and licensed may perform asbestos removal work,
to help ensure that the asbestos is properly handled and disposed
of and to ensure the protection of public health and the
environment.

DEQ issued a US$4,112 penalty to The Scholls Corporation for
allowing unlicensed persons to perform an asbestos abatement
project on property it owns and operates. DEQ also cited the
company for failing to have an accredited inspector survey the
building for the presence of asbestos-containing material before
the renovation work began. DEQ did not issue the company a
penalty for this violation.

Interstate Roofing Inc. has appealed the penalty. The Scholls
Corporation did not appeal its penalty by its deadline.

COMPANY PROFILE:

Interstate Roofing, Inc.
15065 Sw 74th Ave
Portland, Ore. 97224-7906
Phone: (503) 684-5611
Fax: (503) 639-3056


ASBESTOS ALERT: CZ Becker Issued $3,600 Fine for Cleanup Breach
---------------------------------------------------------------
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued a
US$3,600 penalty to Portland-based CZ Becker Company for
performing an asbestos abatement project in Salem, Ore., last
June 2009 without a license, according to an Oregon DEQ press
release dated March 29, 2010.

The penalty stems from the wood floor restoration company's
removal of about 100 square feet of sheet vinyl flooring from a
residence at 1315 High St. SE.

Employees of CZ Becker improperly removed, then sanded, asbestos-
containing sheet vinyl flooring from the kitchen of the High
Street residence. Workers used a mechanical sander to sand
flooring that remained after they tried to remove the flooring
with pry bars, floor scrapers and knives. The flooring contained
from two percent to 15 percent chrysotile asbestos.

The sanding likely caused the release of asbestos fibers into the
atmosphere. None of the workers on the project, nor the Company
itself, were certified or licensed by DEQ to perform asbestos
abatement projects, so DEQ issued the Company a US$3,600 penalty.

In investigating the case, DEQ also noted that CZ Becker
employees also failed to properly package and label the asbestos-
containing material generated by the project. Instead of placing
the material in leak-tight containers, workers placed the
material in unsealed black garbage bags then placed the bags in a
garbage can outside the house. DEQ did not assess a penalty for
this violation.

CZ Becker Company has appealed the penalty.

COMPANY PROFILE:

CZ Becker Co.
P.O. Box 15117
Portland, Ore. 97215
Tel. No.: 503-282-0623

Description:
The Company has restoring wood floors in Portland's old houses
for over 23 years. The Company specializes in the restoration of
wood floors in period and historical properties.


ASBESTOS UPDATE: 11 Cases Pending v. Katy Industries in Alabama
---------------------------------------------------------------
Katy Industries, Inc. continues to be a defendant in 11 asbestos-
related lawsuits filed in state court in Alabama by a total of
about 325 individual plaintiffs, according to the Company's
annual report filed on March 25, 2010 with the U.S. Securities
and Exchange Commission.

There are over 100 defendants named in each case. In all 11
cases, the Plaintiffs claim that they were exposed to asbestos in
the course of their employment at a former U.S. Steel plant in
Alabama and, as a result, contracted mesothelioma, asbestosis,
lung cancer or other illness.

They claim that while in the plant they were exposed to asbestos
in products which were manufactured by each defendant. In nine of
the cases, Plaintiffs also assert wrongful death claims.

Headquartered in Bridgeton, Mo., Katy Industries, Inc. is a
manufacturer, importer and distributor of commercial cleaning and
storage products.


ASBESTOS UPDATE: Katy Ind. Still Subject to 2,700 Sterling Cases
----------------------------------------------------------------
Katy Industries, Inc. says that Sterling Fluid Systems (USA)
tendered about 2,700 asbestos-related cases to the Company for
defense and indemnification.

These cases are pending in Michigan, New Jersey, New York,
Illinois, Nevada, Mississippi, Wyoming, Louisiana, Georgia,
Massachusetts, Missouri, Kentucky, and California.

With respect to one case, Sterling has demanded that the Company
indemnify it for a US$200,000 settlement. Sterling bases its
tender of the complaints on the provisions contained in a 1993
Purchase Agreement between the parties whereby Sterling purchased
the LaBour Pump Company business and other assets from the
Company. Sterling has not filed a lawsuit against the Company in
connection with these matters.

The tendered complaints all purport to state claims against
Sterling and its subsidiaries. The Company and its current
subsidiaries are not named as defendants.

The plaintiffs in the cases also allege that they were exposed to
asbestos and products containing asbestos in the course of their
employment. Each complaint names as defendants many manufacturers
of products containing asbestos, apparently because plaintiffs
came into contact with a variety of different products in the
course of their employment.

Plaintiffs claim that LaBour Pump, a former division of an
inactive subsidiary of the Company, and/or Sterling may have
manufactured some of those products.

With respect to many of the tendered complaints, including the
one settled by Sterling for US$200,000, the Company has taken the
position that Sterling has waived its right to indemnity by
failing to timely request it as required under the 1993 Purchase
Agreement.

With respect to the balance of the tendered complaints, the
Company has elected not to assume the defense of Sterling in
these matters.

Headquartered in Bridgeton, Mo., Katy Industries, Inc. is a
manufacturer, importer and distributor of commercial cleaning and
storage products.


ASBESTOS UPDATE: LaBour Pump Facing 90 Active Actions at Dec. 31
----------------------------------------------------------------
Katy Industries Inc. says that LaBour Pump Company faces about 90
active asbestos-related cases as of Dec. 31, 2009, according to
the Company's annual report filed on March 25, 2010 with the U.S.
Securities and Exchange Commission.

LaBour Pump, a former division of an inactive subsidiary of the
Company, has been named as a defendant in about 400 of the New
Jersey cases tendered by Sterling Fluid Systems (USA).

The Company has elected to defend these cases, the majority of
which have been dismissed or settled for nominal sums.

As of Oct. 2, 2009, there were 100 asbestos cases that remained
active against LaBour Pump. (Class Action Reporter, Nov. 20,
2009)

Headquartered in Bridgeton, Mo., Katy Industries, Inc. is a
manufacturer, importer and distributor of commercial cleaning and
storage products.


ASBESTOS UPDATE: IntriCon Still Involved in 122 Suits at Dec. 31
----------------------------------------------------------------
IntriCon Corporation is still a defendant along with a number of
other parties in about 122 asbestos lawsuits as of Dec. 31, 2009,
(about 122 lawsuits as of Dec. 31, 2008).

The suits allege that plaintiffs have or may have contracted
asbestos-related diseases as a result of exposure to asbestos
products or equipment containing asbestos sold by one or more
named defendants. These lawsuits relate to the discontinued heat
technologies segment which was sold in March 2005.

Due to the non-informative nature of the complaints, the Company
does not know whether any of the complaints state valid claims
against the Company.

Certain insurance carriers have informed the Company that the
primary policies for the period Aug. 1, 1970-1973, have been
exhausted and that the carriers will no longer provide a defense
under those policies. The Company has requested that the carriers
substantiate this situation.

Headquartered in Arden Hills, Mich., IntriCon Corporation is an
international firm engaged in the designing, developing,
engineering and manufacturing of body-worn devices. It designs,
develops, engineers and manufactures micro-miniature injection-
molded plastics, microelectronics, micro-mechanical assemblies
and complete assemblies for bio-telemetry devices, medical
equipment, hearing instruments, professional audio and
telecommunications devices.


ASBESTOS UPDATE: Orion Marine Group Still Party to Injury Cases
---------------------------------------------------------------
Orion Marine Group has been and may from time to time be named as
a defendant in legal actions claiming damages for personal injury
(including asbestos-related lawsuits).

No other asbestos-related matters were disclosed in the Company's
annual report filed on March 9, 2010 with the U.S. Securities and
Exchange Commission.

Headquartered in Houston, Orion Marine Group is a marine
specialty contractor serving the heavy civil marine
infrastructure market. The Company provides marine construction
services on, over and under the water along the Gulf Coast, the
Atlantic Seaboard and in the Caribbean Basin.


ASBESTOS UPDATE: Int'l. Shipholding Reserves $279,000 for Claims
----------------------------------------------------------------
International Shipholding Corporation's reserves for asbestos-
related lawsuits were about US$279,000 as of Dec. 31, 2009 and
US$276,000 as of Dec. 31, 2008, according to the Company's annual
report filed on March 15, 2010 with the U.S. Securities and
Exchange Commission.

The Company has been named as a defendant in numerous lawsuits
claiming damages related to occupational diseases, primarily
related to asbestos and hearing loss.

The Company's current overall exposure to the numerous lawsuits
in question, after considering insurance coverage for these
claims, has been estimated by its lawyers and internal staff to
be about US$279,000.

Headquartered in Mobile, Ala., International Shipholding
Corporation operates a diversified fleet of U.S. and
International flag vessels that provide international and
domestic maritime transportation services to commercial and
governmental customers primarily under medium to long-term time
charters or contracts of affreightment.


ASBESTOS UPDATE: Allis-Chalmers Still Subject to Injury Lawsuits
----------------------------------------------------------------
Allis-Chalmers Energy Inc. is named as a defendant from time to
time in product liability lawsuits alleging personal injuries
resulting from its activities prior to its 1988 reorganization
involving asbestos.

These claims had previously been referred to and handled by a
special products liability trust formed to be responsible for
such claims in connection with the Company's reorganization.

Such products liability trust is in the process of being
dissolved.

Headquartered in Houston, Allis-Chalmers Energy Inc. provides
services and equipment to oil and natural gas exploration and
production companies throughout the U.S. including Texas,
Louisiana, Arkansas, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, New Mexico, offshore
in the Gulf of Mexico, and internationally primarily in
Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia and Mexico.


ASBESTOS UPDATE: Entrx Corp. Facing 239 Pending Cases at Dec. 31
----------------------------------------------------------------
Asbestos cases filed against Entrx Corporation dropped from 271
cases during the year ended Dec. 31, 2008 to 239 cases during the
year ended Dec. 31, 2009.

The Company faced 261 pending asbestos cases as of Sept. 30,
2009. (Class Action Reporter, Nov. 20, 2009)

During the year ended Dec. 31, 2009, the Company reported 188 new
cases filed, 168 defense judgments and dismissals, 52 plaintiff
judgments and settled cases and 220 resolved cases.

During the year ended Dec. 31, 2008, the Company reported 187 new
cases filed, 109 defense judgments and dismissals, 29 plaintiff
judgments and settled cases and 138 resolved cases.

Prior to 1975, the Company was engaged in the sale and
installation of asbestos-related insulation materials, which has
resulted in numerous claims of personal injury allegedly related
to asbestos exposure. Many of these claims are now being brought
by the children and close relatives of persons who have died,
allegedly as a result of the direct or indirect exposure to
asbestos.

To date, all of the Company's asbestos-related injury claims have
been paid and defended by its insurance carriers.

During the year ended Dec. 31, 2009, the total indemnity payments
were US$5,345,000, the average indemnity paid on plaintiff
judgment and settled cases was US$102,788 and the average
indemnity paid on all resolved cases was US$24,295.

During the year ended Dec. 31, 2008, the total indemnity payments
were US$7,582,550, the average indemnity paid on plaintiff
judgment and settled cases was US$261,467 and the average
indemnity paid on all resolved cases was US$54,946.

Headquartered in Minneapolis, Entrx Corporation provides
insulation installation, maintenance and removal services, and
asbestos abatement services, primarily on the West Coast. The
Company provides these services through Metalclad Insulation
Corporation to industrial, commercial and public agency clients.


ASBESTOS UPDATE: Entrx Records $52MM Future Liability at Dec. 31
----------------------------------------------------------------
Entrx Corporation's total estimated future asbestos-related
liability at Dec. 31, 2009 is US$52 million, according to the
Company's annual report filed on March 12, 2010 with the U.S.
Securities and Exchange Commission.

The Company said that the minimum probable insurance coverage
available to satisfy asbestos injury claims exceeded its
estimated future liability for those claims of US$39,812,500 as
of Sept. 30, 2009. (Class Action Reporter, Nov. 20, 2009)

The Company estimates that there will be 986 asbestos-related
injury claims made against it after Dec. 31, 2009. The 986, in
addition to the 239 claims existing as of Dec. 31, 2009, totals
1,225 current and future claims. The Company projects the
probable future indemnity to be paid on those claims after Dec.
31, 2009 to be equal to about US$26 million. The Company projects
the probable future defense costs to equal about US$26 million.

As of Dec. 31, 2009, the Company projects that about 158 new
asbestos-related claims will be commenced and about 179 cases
will be resolved in 2010, resulting in an estimated 218 cases
pending at Dec. 31, 2010. The Company estimates that an aggregate
of 828 new cases will be commenced after Dec. 31, 2010.
Accordingly, the Company projects the cases pending and projected
to be commenced in the future at Dec. 31, 2010 will be 1,046
cases.

The Company estimates its liability for current and future
asbestos-related claims at Dec. 31, 2010 to be about US$44
million.

Headquartered in Minneapolis, Entrx Corporation provides
insulation installation, maintenance and removal services, and
asbestos abatement services, primarily on the West Coast. The
Company provides these services through Metalclad Insulation
Corporation to industrial, commercial and public agency clients.


ASBESTOS UPDATE: Entrx Corp.'s Current Reserve at $8M at Dec. 31
----------------------------------------------------------------
Entrx Corporation's current reserve for asbestos liability claims
amounted to US$8 million as of Dec. 31, 2009, compared with
US$7.25 million as of Dec. 31, 2008.

The Company's current reserve for asbestos liability claims was
US$6,575,000 as of Sept. 30, 2009. (Class Action Reporter, Nov.
20, 2009)

The Company's long-term reserve for asbestos liability claims was
US$44 million as of Dec. 31, 2009, compared with US$38 million as
of Dec. 31, 2008.

Headquartered in Minneapolis, Entrx Corporation provides
insulation installation, maintenance and removal services, and
asbestos abatement services, primarily on the West Coast. The
Company provides these services through Metalclad Insulation
Corporation to industrial, commercial and public agency clients.


ASBESTOS UPDATE: Metalclad Still Involved in ACE Claim in Calif.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Entrx Corporation's subsidiary, Metalclad Insulation Corporation,
continues to be involved in asbestos insurance coverage
litigation filed by ACE Property & Casualty Company, Central
National Insurance Company of Omaha, and Industrial Underwriters
Insurance Company.

On Feb. 23, 2005, ACE, Central National Industrial), which are
all related entities, filed a declaratory relief lawsuit against
Metalclad and a number of Metalclad's other liability insurers,
in the Superior Court of the State of California, County of Los
Angeles.

ACE, Central National and Industrial issued umbrella and excess
policies to Metalclad, which has sought and obtained from the
plaintiffs both defense and indemnity under these policies for
the asbestos lawsuits brought against Metalclad during the last
four to five years.

The ACE Lawsuit seeks declarations regarding a variety of
coverage issues, but is centrally focused on issues involving
whether historical and currently pending asbestos lawsuits
brought against Metalclad are subject to either an "aggregate"
limits of liability or separate "per occurrence" limits of
liability.

The ACE Lawsuit also seeks to determine the effect of the
settlement agreement between the Company and Allstate Insurance
Company on the insurance obligations of various other insurers of
Metalclad, and the effect of the "asbestos exclusion" in the
Allstate policy. The ACE Lawsuit does not seek any monetary
recovery from Metalclad.

Allstate, in a cross-complaint filed against Metalclad Insulation
Corporation in October 2005, asked the court to determine the
Company's obligation to assume and pay for the defense of
Allstate in the ACE Lawsuit under the Company's indemnification
obligations in the settlement agreement.

If Allstate is required to provide indemnity for the Company's
asbestos-related lawsuits, it is likely that the Company would
have to indemnify Allstate for asbestos-related claims that it
defends up to US$2.5 million in the aggregate.

If Allstate is not required to provide indemnity, the Company
would have no liability to Allstate. The Company has accrued
US$375,000 as a potential loss in connection with the Allstate
matter.

Headquartered in Minneapolis, Entrx Corporation provides
insulation installation, maintenance and removal services, and
asbestos abatement services, primarily on the West Coast. The
Company provides these services through Metalclad Insulation
Corporation to industrial, commercial and public agency clients.


ASBESTOS UPDATE: MetLife, Inc. Records 68,804 Claims at Dec. 31
---------------------------------------------------------------
MetLife, Inc. recorded 68,804 asbestos personal injury claims
during the year ended Dec. 31, 2009, compared with 74,027 claims
during the year ended Dec. 31, 2008.

The number of new claims was 3,910 during the year ended Dec. 31,
2009, compared with 5,063 during the year ended Dec. 31, 2008.
Settlement payments were US$37.6 million during the year ended
Dec. 31, 2009, compared with US$99 million during the year ended
Dec. 31, 2008.

The Company's subsidiary, Metropolitan Life Insurance Company
(MLIC), is and has been a defendant in a large number of
asbestos-related suits filed primarily in state courts. These
suits principally allege that the plaintiff or plaintiffs
suffered personal injury resulting from exposure to asbestos and
seek both actual and punitive damages.

MLIC has never engaged in the business of manufacturing,
producing, distributing or selling asbestos or asbestos-
containing products nor has MLIC issued liability or workers'
compensation insurance to companies in the business of
manufacturing, producing, distributing or selling asbestos or
asbestos-containing products.

The lawsuits principally have focused on allegations with respect
to certain research, publication and other activities of one or
more of MLIC's employees during the period from the 1920s through
about the 1950s and allege that MLIC learned or should have
learned of certain health risks posed by asbestos and improperly
publicized or failed to disclose those health risks.

Headquartered in New York, MetLife, Inc. provides insurance,
employee benefits and financial services throughout the United
States and the regions of Latin America, Asia Pacific and Europe,
Middle East and India.


ASBESTOS UPDATE: PICO Holdings Involved in 25 Claims at Dec. 31
---------------------------------------------------------------
PICO Holdings, Inc. says that 25 claims of the 120 open claims
pending against it at Dec. 31, 2009 were asbestos-related,
according to the Company's annual report filed on March 1, 2010
with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.  

During 2009, all five new claims related to asbestos. The
Company's actuaries expect the asbestos claims to develop in a
different pattern to workers' compensation claims. Typically the
asbestos claims are shared among numerous insurance carriers and
result in a relatively small loss and loss adjustment expense
payments.

A US$500,000 reserve for late reported asbestos claims was
established in 2008, and this reserve stood at US$475,000 at Dec.
31, 2009.

Headquartered in La Jolla, Calif., PICO Holdings, Inc.'s business
is separated into four operating segments: Water Resource and
Water Storage Operations; Real Estate Operations;
Insurance Operations in "Run Off;" and Corporate.


ASBESTOS UPDATE: 1,635 Open Cases Ongoing v. Standard at Dec. 31
----------------------------------------------------------------
About 1,635 asbestos cases were outstanding at Dec. 31, 2009 for
which Standard Motor Products, Inc. was responsible for any
related liabilities, according to the Company's annual report
filed on March 11, 2010 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange
Commission.

In 1986, the Company acquired a brake business, which it
subsequently sold in March 1998 and which is accounted for as a
discontinued operation. When it originally acquired this brake
business, the Company assumed future liabilities relating to any
alleged exposure to asbestos-containing products manufactured by
the seller of the acquired brake business.

In accordance with the related purchase agreement, the Company
agreed to assume the liabilities for all new claims filed on or
after Sept. 1, 2001. Its ultimate exposure will depend upon the
number of claims filed against it on or after Sept. 1, 2001 and
the amounts paid for indemnity and defense thereof.

Since inception in September 2001 through Dec. 31, 2009, the
amounts paid for settled claims are about US$9 million. In
September 2007, the Company entered into an agreement with an
insurance carrier to provide the Company with limited insurance
coverage for the defense and indemnity costs associated with
certain asbestos-related claims.

The Company has submitted various asbestos-related claims for
coverage under this agreement, and received about US$2.3 million
in reimbursement for settlement claims and defense costs.

Headquartered in Long Island City, N.Y., Standard Motor Products,
Inc. manufactures engine management and air conditioning
replacement parts for the automotive aftermarket. Customers are
auto parts warehouse distributors (CARQUEST and NAPA) and auto
parts retailers (Advance Auto Parts and AutoZone).


ASBESTOS UPDATE: CenterPoint Resources Party to Exposure Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------
CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp. (or its predecessor companies)
continues to be named, along with numerous others, as a defendant
in lawsuits filed by certain individuals who claim injury due to
exposure to asbestos during work at formerly owned facilities.

Some facilities formerly owned by the Company's predecessors have
contained asbestos insulation and other asbestos-containing
materials.

Headquartered in Houston, CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp. owns
and operates natural gas distribution systems in six states. Its
subsidiaries own interstate natural gas pipelines and gas
gathering systems and provide various ancillary services.


ASBESTOS UPDATE: DXP Continues to Process Remaining Settlements
---------------------------------------------------------------
DXP Enterprises, Inc. says that the remaining asbestos-related
settlements are in the process of completion, according to the
Company's annual report filed on March 23, 2010 with the U.S.
Securities and Exchange Commission.

In 2003, the Company was notified that it had been sued in
various state courts in Nueces County, Tex. The suits allege
personal injury resulting from products containing asbestos
allegedly sold by the Company. The suits do not specify products
or the dates on which the Company allegedly sold the products.  

The plaintiffs' attorney has agreed to a global settlement of all
suits for a nominal amount to be paid by the Company's insurance
carriers. Settlement has been consummated as to more than 85
percent of the 133 plaintiffs.

The cases are all dismissed or dormant pending the remaining
settlements.

Headquartered in Houston, DXP Enterprises, Inc. is engaged in the
business of distributing maintenance, repair and operating (MRO)
products, equipment and service to industrial customers. The
Company is organized into two segments: MRO and Electrical
Contractor.


ASBESTOS UPDATE: Pacific Office Records $300,000 ARO at Dec. 31
---------------------------------------------------------------
The liability in Pacific Office Properties Trust, Inc.'s
consolidated balance sheets for conditional asset retirement
obligations related to asbestos removal was US$300,000 as of both
Dec. 31, 2009 and Dec. 31, 2008.

The accretion expense related to asbestos removal was US$20,000
for each of the years ended Dec. 31, 2009 and Dec. 31, 2008.

Headquartered in Santa Monica, Calif., Pacific Office Properties
Trust, Inc. is a real estate investment trust that is focused on
acquiring, owning and operating office properties in selected
submarkets of long term growth markets in Honolulu and the
western United States, including southern California and the
greater Phoenix metropolitan area.


ASBESTOS UPDATE: Boss Holdings Still Subject to Exposure Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------
Boss Holdings, Inc. is still a defendant in several lawsuits
alleging past exposure to asbestos contained in gloves sold by
one of the Company's predecessors-in-interest.

These actions are being defended by one or more of the Company's
general liability or products liability insurers.

Headquartered in Kewanee, Ill., Boss Holdings, Inc. operates
primarily in the work gloves and protective wear business
segment. In addition, the Company conducts operations in the pet
supplies business segment and promotional and specialty products
segments.


ASBESTOS UPDATE: 136 Active Claims Pending v. GenCorp at Feb. 28
----------------------------------------------------------------
GenCorp Inc. is party to 136 pending asbestos cases as of Feb.
28, 2010, compared with 134 cases as of Nov. 30, 2009, according
to the Company's quarterly report filed on March 26, 2010 with
the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

The Company has been, and continues to be, named as a defendant
in lawsuits alleging personal injury or death due to exposure to
asbestos in building materials, products, or in manufacturing
operations. Most of the cases have been filed in Madison County,
Ill., and San Francisco.

During the three months ended Feb. 28, 2010, the Company recorded
six claims filed and four claims dismissed. During the year ended
Nov. 30, 2009, the Company recorded 27 claims filed and 25 claims
dismissed.

Headquartered in Rancho Cordova, Calif., GenCorp Inc.
manufactures aerospace and defense products and systems with a
real estate segment that includes activities related to the re-
zoning, entitlement, sale, and leasing of the Company's excess
real estate assets.


ASBESTOS UPDATE: Kaiser Ventures Has 25 Active Lawsuits in 2009
---------------------------------------------------------------
Kaiser Ventures LLC, in 2009, recorded 25 active asbestos-related
lawsuits, according to the Company's annual report filed on March
26, 2010 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

In 2008, the Company recorded 18 active asbestos-related
lawsuits. (Class Action Reporter, April 3, 2009)

There are pending asbestos litigation claims, primarily bodily
injury, against Kaiser LLC and Kaiser Steel Corporation (the
bankruptcy estate of Kaiser Steel Corporation is embodied in KSC
Recovery, Inc.).

Many of the plaintiffs allege that they or their family members
were aboard Kaiser ships or worked in shipyards in the
Oakland/San Francisco, Calif., area or Vancouver, Wash., area in
the 1940s and that the Company and/or KSC Recovery were in some
manner associated with one or more shipyards or has successor
liability.

However, about half of the current claim relate to other
facilities like the former Kaiser Steel Mill Site Property.

Most of these lawsuits are third party premises claims alleging
injury resulting from exposure to asbestos or asbestos containing
products and involve multiple defendants. The Company anticipates
that it, often along with KSC Recovery, will be named as a
defendant in additional asbestos lawsuits.

Additionally, plaintiffs seek to add to the sites that the
Company may have historically had a connection with on behalf of
the United States.

Of the claims resolved to date, more than 60 percent have been
resolved without payment to the plaintiffs. The Company said it
believes that it has substantial insurance coverage for the
asbestos claims and has tendered these suits to appropriate
insurance carriers.

Headquartered in Ontario, Canada, Kaiser Ventures LLC oversees
recycling and solid waste investments. Its holdings include an
83.1 percent stake in Mine Reclamation Corporation (MRC) and a 50
percent stake in West Valley Materials Recovery Facility and
Transfer Station, which separates waste materials for recycling
or storage.


ASBESTOS UPDATE: MYR Group Inc. Still Subject to Exposure Claims
----------------------------------------------------------------
MYR Group Inc. continues to be subject to asbestos-related claims
concerning historic operations of a predecessor affiliate.

No other asbestos-related matters were disclosed in the Company's
annual report filed on March 15, 2010 with the U.S. Securities
and Exchange Commission.

Headquartered in Rolling Meadows, Ill., MYR Group Inc. provides
services, which includes design, engineering, procurement,
construction, upgrade, maintenance and repair services with a
particular focus on construction, maintenance and repair.


ASBESTOS UPDATE: Houston Wire Facing Injury Lawsuits in 4 States
----------------------------------------------------------------
Houston Wire & Cable Company, along with many other defendants,
has been named in a number of lawsuits in the state courts of
Minnesota, North Dakota, New Jersey, and South Dakota alleging
that certain wire and cable, which may have contained asbestos
caused injury to the plaintiffs who were exposed to this wire and
cable.

These lawsuits are individual personal injury suits that seek
unspecified amounts of money damages as the sole remedy. It is
not clear whether the alleged injuries occurred as a result of
the wire and cable in question or whether the Company, in fact,
distributed the wire and cable alleged to have caused any
injuries.

The Company maintains general liability insurance that has
applied to these claims. To date, all costs associated with these
claims have been covered by the applicable insurance policies and
all defense of these claims has been handled by the applicable
insurance companies.

In addition, the Company did not manufacture any of the wire and
cable at issue, and the Company would rely on any warranties from
the manufacturers of such cable if it were determined that any of
the wire or cable that the Company distributed contained asbestos
which caused injury to any of these plaintiffs.

In connection with ALLTEL's sale of the Company in 1997, ALLTEL
provided indemnities with respect to costs and damages associated
with these claims.

Headquartered in Houston, Houston Wire & Cable Company
distributes specialty wire and cable and related services to the
U.S. electrical distribution market. During 2009, the Company
served about 3,000 customers.


ASBESTOS UPDATE: La. Action v. McDermott Stayed Since Jan. 2005
---------------------------------------------------------------
McDermott International, Inc. says that a proceeding filed
against it in Assumption Parish, La., has been stayed by the
court since Jan. 3, 2005.

On or about Aug. 23, 2004, a declaratory judgment action entitled
Certain Underwriters at Lloyd's London, et al v. J. Ray
McDermott, Inc. et al, was filed by certain underwriters at
Lloyd's, London and Threadneedle Insurance Company Limited
(London Insurers), in the 23rd Judicial District Court.

The case was filed against the Company, JRMI and two insurer
defendants, Travelers and INA, seeking a declaration that the
London Insurers have no obligation to indemnify the Company and
JRMI for certain bodily injury claims.

These include claims for asbestos and welding rod fume personal
injury, which have been filed by claimants in various state
courts, and an environmental claim involving Babcock & Wilcox
Power Generation Group, Inc. (B&W PGG).

Additionally, Travelers filed a cross-claim requesting a
declaration of non-coverage in about 20 underlying matters.

Headquartered in Houston, McDermott International, Inc. is an
engineering and construction company with specialty manufacturing
and service capabilities. The Company provides products and
services to customers in the energy and power industries,
including utilities and other power generators, major and
national oil companies, and the United States Government.


ASBESTOS UPDATE: Stay in Antoine Lawsuit in Tex. Still in Effect
----------------------------------------------------------------
McDermott International, Inc. says that the stay in an asbestos-
related lawsuit, styled Antoine, et al. v. McDermott, Inc., et
al., is still pending in the 164th Judicial District Court for
Harris County, Tex.

In a proceeding entitled Antoine, et al. vs. J. Ray McDermott,
Inc., et al., filed in the 24th Judicial District Court,
Jefferson Parish, La., about 88 plaintiffs filed suit against
about 215 defendants, including JRMI and Delta Hudson Engineering
Corporation (DHEC), another affiliate of the Company, generally
alleging injuries for exposure to asbestos, and unspecified
chemicals, metals and noise while the plaintiffs were allegedly
employed as Jones Act seamen.

On Jan. 10, 2007, the District Court dismissed the Plaintiffs'
claims, without prejudice to their right to refile their claims.
On Jan. 29, 2007, in a matter entitled Boudreaux, et al v.
McDermott, Inc., et al., originally filed in the U.S. District
Court for the Southern District of Texas, 21 plaintiffs
originally named in the Antoine matter filed suit against JRMI,
MI and about 30 other employer defendants, alleging Jones Act
seaman status and generally alleging exposure to welding fumes,
solvents, dyes, industrial paints and noise.

Boudreaux was transferred to the U.S. District Court for the
Eastern District of Louisiana on May 2, 2007. The District Court
entered an order in September 2007 staying the matter until
further order of the court due to the bankruptcy filing of one of
the co-defendants.

Additionally, on Jan. 29, 2007, in a matter entitled Antoine, et
al. v. McDermott, Inc., et al., filed in the 164th Judicial
District Court for Harris County, Tex., 43 plaintiffs originally
named in the Antoine matter filed suit against JRMI, MI and about
65 other employer defendants and 42 maritime products defendants,
alleging Jones Act seaman status and generally alleging personal
injuries for exposure to asbestos and noise.

On April 27, 2007, the District Court entered an order staying
all activity and deadlines in this matter other than service of
process and answer/appearance dates until further order of the
court. The plaintiffs filed a motion to lift the stay on Feb. 20,
2009, which is pending before the District Court.

The plaintiffs seek monetary damages in an unspecified amount in
both cases and attorneys' fees in the new Antoine case.

Headquartered in Houston, McDermott International, Inc. is an
engineering and construction company with specialty manufacturing
and service capabilities. The Company provides products and
services to customers in the energy and power industries,
including utilities and other power generators, major and
national oil companies, and the United States Government.


ASBESTOS UPDATE: BP Still Involved 3rd-Party in Exposure Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------
Legal proceedings are pending or may be brought against BP p.l.c.
entities arising out of current and past operations, including
allegations of exposures of third parties to toxic substances,
such as lead pigment in paint, asbestos and other chemicals.

No other asbestos-related matters were disclosed in the Company's
annual report, on Form 20-F, filed on March 5, 2010 with the U.S.
Securities and Exchange Commission.

Headquartered in London, BP p.l.c. is an international oil and
gas company. It operates in more than 80 countries, providing its
customers with fuel for transportation, energy for heat and
light, retail services and petrochemicals products for everyday
items.


ASBESTOS UPDATE: Navistar Int'l. Still Subject to Exposure Cases
----------------------------------------------------------------
Along with other vehicle manufacturers, Navistar International
Corporation continues to be subject to an increase in the number
of asbestos-related claims in recent years.

In general, these claims relate to illnesses alleged to have
resulted from asbestos exposure from component parts found in
older vehicles, although some cases relate to the alleged
presence of asbestos in the Company's facilities.

In these claims, the Company is not the sole defendant, and the
claims name as defendants numerous manufacturers and suppliers of
a wide variety of products allegedly containing asbestos.

Headquartered in Warrenville, Ill., Navistar International
Corporation is a holding company whose principal operating
subsidiaries are Navistar, Inc. and Navistar Financial
Corporation. The Company operates in four principal industry
segments: Truck, Engine, Parts, and Financial Services.


ASBESTOS UPDATE: Catalyst Cites $1.5M for Powell River Abatement
----------------------------------------------------------------
Catalyst Paper Corporation's aggregate contingent liabilities of
US$10.2 million includes US$1.5 million of asbestos removal at
the Powell River mill, according to a Company report, on Form 6-
K, filed on March 11, 2010 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange
Commission.

Headquartered in British Columbia, Canada, Catalyst Paper
Corporation makes paper for telephone directories. The Company
also produces newsprint, pulp, and specialty papers. The Company
serves customers in North America and the Pacific Rim.


ASBESTOS UPDATE: Tasty Baking Co. Records $7.5Mil ARO at Dec. 26
----------------------------------------------------------------
Tasty Baking Company's asbestos-related asset retirement
obligation totaled about US$7.5 million as of Dec. 26, 2009 and
US$7.1 million as of Dec. 27, 2008.

The Company's asbestos-related conditional ARO totaled US$7.3
million as of Sept. 26, 2009. (Class Action Reporter, Nov. 13,
2009)

The Company has a conditional asset retirement obligation related
to asbestos in its Philadelphia manufacturing facility. As a
result of its decision to relocate its Philadelphia operations,
the Company was able to estimate a settlement date for the asset
retirement obligation and recognized a liability for this
obligation.

This obligation will continue to accrete to the full value of the
future obligation over the remaining period until settlement of
the obligation which is expected to occur in the second quarter
of 2010, while the capitalized asset retirement cost is
depreciated through the remaining useful life of the Philadelphia
manufacturing facility.

The Company recorded US$400,000 in interest during 2009 and 2008
associated with the conditional asset retirement obligation.

Headquartered in Philadelphia, Tasty Baking Company makes, co-
packages and sells a variety of premium single portion cakes,
pies, donuts, snack bars, pretzels, and brownies under the well-
established trademark, TASTYKAKE. These products are comprised of
about 169 varieties.


ASBESTOS UPDATE: Insurance Claims Pending v. NL Ind. in New York
----------------------------------------------------------------
NL Industries, Inc. is still party to pending insurance-related
cases in New York State.

In December 2008, the Company reached partial settlements with
the plaintiffs in the two cases, under which the two former
insurance carriers agreed to pay the Company an aggregate of
about US$7.2 million in settlement of certain counter-claims
related to past lead pigment and asbestos defense costs.

The Company received these funds from the carriers in January
2009.

In connection with these partial settlements, the Company agreed
to dismiss the case captioned NL Industries, Inc. v. OneBeacon
America Insurance Company, et al. (District Court for Dallas
County, Tex., Case No. 05-11347), and in January 2009, the
Company filed a notice of non-suit without prejudice in that
matter.

Headquartered in Dallas, NL Industries, Inc. is primarily a
holding company. The Company operates in the component products
industry through its subsidiary, CompX International Inc. The
Company operates in the chemicals industry through its non-
controlling interest in Kronos Worldwide, Inc.


ASBESTOS UPDATE: Exposure Actions Still Pending v. NL Industries
----------------------------------------------------------------
NL Industries, Inc. is still named as a defendant in various
lawsuits in several jurisdictions, alleging personal injuries as
a result of occupational exposure primarily to products
manufactured by its former operations containing asbestos, silica
and/or mixed dust.

During the first quarter of 2009, certain of these cases
involving multiple plaintiffs were separated into single-
plaintiff cases. As a result, the total number of outstanding
cases increased.

About 1,226 of these types of cases remain pending, involving a
total of about 2,800 plaintiffs. In addition, the claims of about
7,500 plaintiffs have been administratively dismissed or placed
on the inactive docket in Ohio and Indiana state courts.  

The Company does not expect these claims will be re-opened unless
the plaintiffs meet the courts' medical criteria for asbestos-
related claims. The Company has not accrued any amounts for this
litigation because of the uncertainty of liability and inability
to reasonably estimate the liability, if any.

Headquartered in Dallas, NL Industries, Inc. is primarily a
holding company. The Company operates in the component products
industry through its subsidiary, CompX International Inc. The
Company operates in the chemicals industry through its non-
controlling interest in Kronos Worldwide, Inc.


ASBESTOS UPDATE: Compliance Order Issued for Kans. Hazard Issues
----------------------------------------------------------------
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 7 has issued an
administrative compliance order against the Kansas Department of
Corrections (KDC) for failure to conduct an asbestos inspection
prior to a 2005-2006 prison dormitory renovation project in
Topeka, Kans., according to an EPA press release dated March 25,
2010.

Acting under the authority of the federal Clean Air Act, EPA
alleges through the order that KDC violated the National Emission
Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) by failing to
conduct a necessary inspection for asbestos in 2005 prior to
renovations at the Topeka Correctional Facility (TCF), 815 S.E.
Rice Road, in Topeka.

In addition to the administrative compliance order, KDC also was
issued a notice of noncompliance, under authority of the federal
Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), for failing to provide
appropriate respiratory protection, training, supervision,
assessments and monitoring for workers involved in the renovation
project.

Acting on a referral from the Kansas Department of Health and
Environment (KDHE), EPA Region 7 staff conducted an inspection of
the E-Dorm building at TCF in February 2010 to determine
compliance with federal regulations. Based on information
available to EPA, including findings of the inspection, the
agency determined that KDC had conducted renovations at the E-
Dorm building without first performing a necessary asbestos
inspection or notifying EPA.

Based on its investigation, EPA has determined that the
renovation work occurred between April 2005 and October 2006.
However, a February 2009 inspection found no asbestos-containing
material or debris from the renovation remaining at the site.

The administrative compliance order directs KDC to perform
necessary inspections, make timely notifications to EPA, and
perform future asbestos abatements in compliance with federal
laws.


ASBESTOS UPDATE: Seven Cases Filed in Madison During Feb. 22-26
---------------------------------------------------------------
During the week of Feb. 22, 2010 through Feb. 26, 2010, a total
of seven new asbestos lawsuits were filed in Madison County
Circuit Court, Ill., The Madison/St. Clair Record reports.

These cases are:

-- (Case No. 10-L-208) Gary C. Anderson of Iowa, a press
   operator, a member of the U.S. Army Reserves, a press
   operator for Ink Spot, a medication aid for a residential
   rest home and a helper for Experience Work Program, claims
   asbestosis. Elizabeth V. Heller, Esq., and Robert Rowland,
   Esq., of Goldenberg, Heller, Antognoli and Rowland in
   Edwardsville, Ill., will represent Mr. Anderson.

-- (Case No. 10-L-209) Charlotte Andress of Alabama alleges her
   deceased husband, James Andress, developed mesothelioma after
   his work as a lineman, laborer and troubleshooter. Shane F.
   Hampton, Esq., and Paul M. Dix, Esq., of Simmons, Browder,
   Gianaris, Angelides and Barnerd in East Alton, Ill., will
   represent Mrs. Andress.

-- (Case No. 10-L-197) Burton and Mary Budreau of Indiana allege
   Mr. Budreau developed mesothelioma after his work as a
   delivery man at a lumberyard, as a truck driver, as a
   hodcarrier for a brick mason, as a mixman at Rostone Corp.
   and as a home remodeler. Randy L. Gori, Esq., and Barry
   Julian, Esq., of Gori, Julian and Associates in Edwardsville,
   Ill., will represent the Budreaus.

-- (Case No. 10-L-200) Carol Davis of Alabama claims her
   deceased husband, J.L. Davis, developed mesothelioma after
   his work as a laborer for St. Clair County; as a laborer,
   calendar operator, dust collector operator and forklift
   operator at CAPCO and as a forklift operator at Temco Metals.
   Randy L. Gori, Esq., and Barry Julian, Esq., of Gori, Julian
   and Associates in Edwardsville, Ill., will represent Mrs.
   Davis.

-- (Case No. 10-L-196) Thomas Engberg of California alleges his
   deceased father, Glen Engberg, developed mesothelioma after
   his work as a delivery man for the San Jose Mercury News, as
   a advertising layout creator at Palo Alto Times, as a
   salesman at AMPEX and as a salesman at Signetics. Randy L.
   Gori, Esq., and Barry Julian, Esq., of Gori, Julian and
   Associates in Edwardsville, Ill., will represent Mr. Engberg.

-- (Case No. 10-L-195) Donna Leonard of Alabama claims her
   deceased father, Billy Castleberry, developed mesothelioma
   after his work as a plumber helper at Poe Plumbing Company,
   as a helper at Bagwell Electric Steel Casings, as a doffer at
   Avondale, as a helper at Hayes, as a helper at Universal
   Atlas Cement Company, as a truck driver at W.D. Wilkins
   Lumber Company and as a utility man, ladle man, furnace
   helper and caster operator at Connor Steel. Randy L. Gori,
   Esq., and Barry Julian, Esq., of Gori, Julian and Associates
   in Edwardsville, Ill., will represent Mrs. Leonard.

-- (Case No. 10-L-198) Pamela Wright of Kentucky claims her
   deceased husband, Charles Wright Jr., developed mesothelioma
   after his work as a clerk and postal carrier. Christopher R.
   Guinn, Esq., and Christopher J. Levy, Esq., of Simmons,
   Browder, Gianaris, Angelides and Barnerd in East Alton, Ill.,
   will represent Mrs. Wright.


ASBESTOS UPDATE: 18 Cases Filed in Madison Co. During March 1-5
---------------------------------------------------------------
During the week of March 1, 2010 through March 5, 2010, a total
of 18 new asbestos lawsuits were filed in Madison County Circuit
Court, Ill., The Madison/St. Clair Record reports.

These cases are:

-- (Case No. 10-L-220) Lawrence Allen of Michigan, an English
   teacher and laborer/assembly line worker, claims
   mesothelioma. Timothy F. Thompson Jr., Esq., of Simmons,
   Browder, Gianaris, Angelides and Barnerd in East Alton, Ill.,
   will represent Mr. Allen.

-- (Case No. 10-L-217) Stanley R. Armstrong of Washington, a
   laborer, clerk, mechanic and engineer, claims mesothelioma.
   Myles L. Epperson, Esq., of Simmons, Browder, Gianaris,
   Angelides and Barnerd in East Alton, Ill., will represent Mr.
   Armstrong.

-- (Case No. 10-L-226) William R. and Betty L. Benedict of
   Wisconsin allege Mr. Benedict developed mesothelioma after
   his work as a laborer at Fred Rueping Leather Co., as a
   machine operator at Chrysler, as a residential construction
   worker from and as a laborer at Fred Rueping Leather Company.
   Randy L. Gori, Esq., of Gori, Julian and Associates in
   Edwardsville, Ill., will represent the Benedicts.

-- (Case No. 10-L-236) Domenick and Jean Cantrambone of
   Pennsylvania claim Mr. Cantrambone developed mesothelioma
   after his work in the U.S. Navy, as a baker at Valloti and
   Marinellis, as a punch press operator at Quaker Cabinet
   Company and as a self-employed general contractor. Randy L.
   Gori, Esq., and Barry Julian, Esq., of Gori, Julian and
   Associates in Edwardsville, Ill., will represent the
   Cantrambones.

-- (Case No. 10-L-223) John Clem of Iowa, a laborer, professor
   and consultant, claims mesothelioma. Christopher R. Guinn,
   Esq., of Simmons, Browder, Gianaris, Angelides and Barnerd in
   East Alton, Ill., will represent Mr. Clem.

-- (Case No. 10-L-234) James E. and Linda R. Coale of Illinois
   claim Mr. Coale developed asbestosis after his work as a
   machinist mate in the U.S. Navy, as a nitric acid plant
   operator for Central Nitrogen Corp. and as a nitric acid
   plant operator for ARKLA Gas Corp. Elizabeth V. Heller, Esq.,
   and Robert Rowland, Esq., of Goldenberg, Heller, Antognoli
   and Rowland in Edwardsville, Ill., will represent the Coales.

-- (Case No. 10-L-229) Consuelo and Eustaquio Cortez of
   California allege Mr. Cortez developed mesothelioma after her
   work as a nurse and researcher. Nicholas J. Angelides, Esq.,
   of Simmons, Browder, Gianaris, Angelides and Barnerd in East
   Alton, Ill., will represent the Cortezes.

-- (Case No. 10-L-227) Carl J. and Janet Davis of Michigan claim
   Mr. Davis developed mesothelioma after his work as a fruit
   tree maintainer and fertilizer sprayer at John Minima Fruit
   Farm, as a laborer at Skinner's Body Shop, as a laborer at
   Niles Manufacturing Company, as a mechanic at Cuthbert
   Tractor Sales, as a mechanic at C&M Farm Service, as a
   mechanic at Berrien County Farm Bureau and as a residential
   construction worker. Randy L. Gori, Esq., of Gori, Julian and
   Associates will represent the Davises.

-- (Case No. 10-L-215) Raetta Giles of Texas claims
   mesothelioma. Mrs. Giles was secondarily exposed to asbestos
   fibers through her late husband, Paul Giles, who worked as a
   mechanic in the U.S. Air Force, according to the complaint.
   Allyson M. Romani, Esq., will represent Mrs. Giles.

-- (Case No. 10-L-218) Yakuv Kaplun of California, an electrical
   engineer, claims mesothelioma. Nicholas J. Angelides, Esq.,
   of Simmons, Browder, Gianaris, Angelides and Barnerd in East
   Alton, Ill., will represent Mr. Kaplun.

-- (Case No. 10-L-225) Mark and Deborah Montez of Texas allege
   Mr. Montez developed mesothelioma after his work as a
   security officer, supervisor and manager. Shane F. Hampton,
   Esq., and Paul M. Dix, Esq., of Simmons, Browder, Gianaris,
   Angelides and Barnerd in East Alton, Ill., will represent the
   Montezes.

-- (Case No. 10-L-231) Robert A. Parker and Barbara Jean
   Jorgenson of Minnesota allege their mother, Marguerrite Marie
   Parker, developed mesothelioma after her work as a gas
   station attendant, retail sales worker, operator and
   bookkeeper. Christopher R. Guinn, Esq., of Simmons, Browder,
   Gianaris, Angelides and Barnerd in East Alton, Ill., will
   represent Mr. Parker and Mrs. Jorgenson.

-- (Case No. 10-L-237) Esther Seaman of Illinois claims her
   deceased husband, Morton Seaman, developed mesothelioma after
   his work as a private and as a laborer at his father's burlap
   sack company, Seaman Bag Company, which he eventually owned.
   Randy L. Gori, Esq., and Barry Julian, Esq., of Gori, Julian
   and Associates in East Alton, Ill., will represent Mrs.
   Seaman.

-- (Case No. 10-L-221) Joseph and Yvonne Staley claim Mr. Staley
   developed mesothelioma after his work in the U.S. Air Force,
   at McDonnell Douglas Aircraft and as an electrical engineer
   for General Electric Industrial Services. Richard L. Saville
   Jr., Esq., and Ethan A. Flint, Esq., of Saville and Flint in
   Alton, Ill., will be representing the Staleys.

-- (Case No. 10-L-222) Rod Surratt claims the deceased Linda
   Miller developed mesothelioma after her work for ITT, General
   Electric and Brown Shoe Company. Richard L. Saville Jr.,
   Esq., and Ethan A. Flint, Esq., of Saville and Flint in
   Alton, Ill., will represent Mr. Surratt.

-- (Case No. 10-L-230) Annie Verbicky of Maine alleges her
   deceased father-in-law, John Verbicky Sr., developed
   mesothelioma after his work as a radioman, weaver,
   construction worker and firefighter. Randy S. Cohn, Esq., and
   Sean M. Keane, Esq., of Simmons, Browder, Gianaris, Angelides
   and Barnerd in East Alton, Ill., will represent Mrs.
   Verbicky.

-- (Case No. 10-L-238) Jennifer Whittier of Missouri claims she
   developed mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos fibers
   through her father, who worked as a plant laborer. Andrew
   O'Brien, Esq., Christopher Thoron, Esq., Christina J.
   Nielson, Esq., Bartholomew J. Baumstark, Esq., and Gerald J.
   FitzGerald, Esq., of the O'Brien Law Firm in St. Louis, will
   represent Ms. Whittier.

-- (Case No. 10-L-235) Robert P. and Janet M. Zerby of Indiana
   claim Mr. Zerby developed asbestosis after his work at Inland
   Steel Mill, as a laborer at Plant No. 1 and as a firefighter
   and medical technician. Elizabeth V. Heller, Esq., and Robert
   Rowland, Esq., of Goldenberg, Heller, Antognoli and Rowland
   in Edwardsville, Ill., will represent the Zerbys.


ASBESTOS UPDATE: Allenton Man's Death Linked to Hazard Exposure
---------------------------------------------------------------
An inquest heard that the death of Stefan Mazurkiewicz, of
Tennyson Street, Allenton, Derbyshire, England, was linked to
workplace exposure to asbestos, the Derby Telegraph reports.

Mr. Mazurkiewicz was exposed to asbestos during just four weeks
of his working life died as a result more than three decades
later. He worked with asbestos sheets for a brief spell during
his employment at a construction firm in Derby.

Before he died, Mr. Mazurkiewicz said in a statement that his
employers had told him the type of asbestos he was working with
was harmless.

Mr. Mazurkiewicz's sister, Sallie Mazurkiewicz, told an inquest
at Derby Coroner's Court that her brother believed he had escaped
an asbestos-related illness because medical experts used to
believe the disease manifested itself among asbestos workers 25
to 30 years after exposure.

However, Mr. Mazurkiewicz was not diagnosed with malignant
melanoma, a form of skin cancer, until October 2008, 34 years
after he worked with asbestos sheets.

Pathologist Dr. Andrew Hitchcock told the inquest recent cases
suggested asbestos workers were dying 30 to 40 years after
exposure, although he had known cases where the latent period was
even longer.

The inquest heard Mr. Mazurkiewicz began working in the catering
industry as a commis chef. In 1973, he joined Derby construction
firm JD Smythe, which no longer exists. He worked there "on and
off" for eight years, twice leaving to work in Canada.

It was about a year into Mr. Mazurkiewicz's employment at the
firm that he worked with asbestos sheets, spending three weeks in
Rugby and a fourth week in Grimsby. In the statement, Mr.
Mazurkiewicz, who was born in Derby and had a Polish father, said
he worked with two feet by eight feet asbestos sheets and that
each one had to be cut and drilled. He said the work involved
long hours.

Louise Pinder, Derby and South Derbyshire Deputy Coroner,
recorded a verdict of death by industrial disease.


ASBESTOS UPDATE: Lilly Lawsuit Filed v. 14 Firms in W.Va. Court
---------------------------------------------------------------
Rhonda Thornton-Burrell, on her deceased stepfather Charles
Lilly's behalf, filed an asbestos lawsuit against 14 defendant
corporations in Kanawha Circuit Court, W.Va., on March 15, 2010,
The West Virginia Record reports.

The companies named as defendants in the case are Bondex
International, Inc.; BorgWarner Morse Tec, Inc.; Certainteed
Corporation; Dana Corporation; Georgia-Pacific Corporation;
Honeywell International, Inc.; Nitro Industrial Coverings, Inc.;
Owens-Illinois, Inc.; Pneumo Abex LLC; RPM, Inc.; RPM
International, Inc.; UB West Virginia, Inc.; Union Carbide
Corporation; and Vimasco Corp.

Mr. Lilly was exposed to asbestos in products manufactured, sold,
designed, supplied, distributed, mined, milled, relabeled,
processed, applied or installed by the 14 defendants.

Ms. Thornton-Burrell, of Mullens, W.Va., claims Mr. Lilly was
diagnosed with a pleural-based adencarcinoma of the lung in March
2009. He died on Jan. 29, 2010.

Ms. Thornton-Burrell claims the defendants were negligent in
exposing Mr. Lilly to asbestos and knew or should have known that
their actions would cause injuries, disabilities, illnesses and
death.

Ms. Thornton-Burrell seeks general, special, punitive and
exemplary damages. James M. Barber, Esq., and Mary H. Keyes,
Esq., represent Ms. Thornton-Burrell.

Case No. 10-C-492 has been assigned to a visiting judge.


ASBESTOS UPDATE: Geelong Local Fined AUD5T for Transport Breach
---------------------------------------------------------------
Joshua Luke Marshall, of Geelong, Victoria, Australia, was
convicted and fined AUD5,000 for operating a business that
transported asbestos waste without the proper EPA Victoria
permit, insidewasteweekly reports.

Mr. Marshall pleaded guilty to a charge in the Geelong
Magistrates' Court relating to an incident in January 2009. The
Court heard that Mr. Marshall, who operated a demolition and
asbestos removal business, was engaged to undertake a demolition
job involving the removal of asbestos sheeting in the laundry and
bathroom of a private residence.

Mr. Marshall told the owner of the private residence he was
qualified to remove asbestos. The Court heard that when he
started the demolition job, he was not wearing protective
clothing and had failed to seal off the area where the work was
taking place, while the owner sat in a room just meters away from
where the work was being undertaken. He removed the asbestos
sheeting and put it into his truck.

A WorkSafe inspector responding to an anonymous complaint about
unsafe asbestos removal arrived at the house, while Mr. Marshall
was undertaking the work.

EPA Victoria's director of client services, Wayne Robins said Mr.
Marshall had approached EPA four years prior to clarify the
requirements for vehicle permits to transport asbestos.

Mr. Marshall was also ordered to pay EPA's costs of AUD7,921.


ASBESTOS UPDATE: Duhon Lawsuit Filed v. 49 Firms in Orange Court
----------------------------------------------------------------
Corbett and Barbara Duhon, a couple from Orange County, Tex., on
March 3, 2010, filed an asbestos-related lawsuit against 49
defendant corporations in Orange County District Court, The
Southeast Texas Record reports.

The suit claims that the defendants negligently and maliciously
exposed Mr. Duhon to asbestos throughout his career as a refinery
worker.

Some of the defendants in the suit include AMF Incorporated,
Viacom Inc., Ford Motor Company and Zurn Industries.

Court papers show that Mr. Duhon was allegedly exposed to
asbestos products while working in various shipyards, mills and
refineries from 1958 to 1979.

On Dec. 8, 2009, Mr. Duhon was diagnosed with asbestos-related
mesothelioma, court papers say.

The plaintiffs are suing for exemplary and punitive damages. They
are represented by Houston attorney Mark Lanier, Esq.

Judge Dennis Powell, 163rd Judicial District, is presiding over
Case No. B100095c.


ASBESTOS UPDATE: U.K. Inquest Rules on Kentish Carpenter's Death
----------------------------------------------------------------
A March 25, 2010 inquest at St Pancras Coroner's Court heard that
the death of Thomas Newlands, a retired carpenter from Ingestre
Road, Kentish Town, London, was linked to workplace exposure to
asbestos, the Camden New Journal reports.

Mr. Newlands spent years renovating old farmhouses. He developed
serious health problems after being exposed to asbestos. He
worked in old asbestos-ridden properties, but wore no protective
clothing.

Mr. Newlands' daughter Margaret Foreman told the inquest, "When
he started work they didn't know what asbestos was, or that it
was dangerous, so no precautions were taken."

When Mr. Newlands died on Dec. 7, 2009 at the Whittington
Hospital, the 81-year-old was suffering complex lung problems
including asbestosis, chronic bronchitis and emphysema. He had
consulted a lawyer and was awaiting compensation at the time of
his death, the court heard.

Coroner Andrew Reid recorded a verdict of death by industrial
disease.


ASBESTOS UPDATE: Five Actions Filed March 12 in St. Clair Docket
----------------------------------------------------------------
Randy L. Gori, Esq., and Barry Julian, Esq., of Gori, Julian and
Associates in Edwardsville, Ill., on March 12, 2010, filed five
asbestos lawsuits to the growing list of cases in St. Clair
County's asbestos docket, The Madison/St. Clair Record reports.

These are St. Clair County Circuit Court Case Nos.: 10-L-123, 10-
L-124, 10-L-125, 10-L-126, and 10-L-127.

Charles Graham filed the ninth St. Clair County Circuit Court
asbestos lawsuit of the year while John E. and Charlotte Williams
filed the 10th, James and Donna Byrnes filed the 11th, Roger and
Sybil Woods filed the 12th and Raleigh and Janet Yarberough filed
the 13th.

In their complaint, the Yarberoughs allege 26 defendant companies
caused Mr. Yarberough to develop lung cancer after his exposure
to asbestos-containing products throughout his career.

Mr. Yarberough worked as a seaman in the U.S. Navy from 1956
until 1960, as a service worker at Gross Air Heating and Cooling
from 1960 until 1969, as a machine operator at Service Heel
Company from 1971 until 1975 and as a carpenter and mill operator
in 1976, according to the complaint.

According to Mr. Graham's complaint filed against nine defending
companies, he says his recently deceased father, Richard Graham,
developed lung cancer after his work as a motor machinist's mate
in the U.S. Navy from 1943 until 1946 and as a telegrapher,
switcher and dispatcher at Chicago Northwestern from 1946 until
1986. Richard Graham, who was diagnosed with the disease Nov. 20,
2006, died Jan. 21, 2007, the suit states.

In the Williams' complaint against 13 defendant companies, Mr.
Williams claims to have developed lung cancer after his work as a
laborer at Klossner Brothers from 1959 until 1960, as a carpenter
at D&L Construction from 1960 until 1961, as a carpenter at
Bauman Construction from 1962 until 1965, as a carpenter at L.J.
McNeary from 1965 until 1969 and as a self-employed insulator
from 1970 until 2008.

The Byrnes claim in their complaint that Mr. Byrnes developed
lung cancer after his work in the U.S. Army Reserves from 1960
until 1968 and as a wireman through IBEW Local I from 1964 until
2001. The Byrnes named 32 defendants in their complaint.

In their complaint against 13 defendants corporations, the Woods
claim Mr. Woods developed lung cancer after his work as stocker
and cashier at Jitney Jungle from 1964 until 1967, as a deck hand
at Brent Towing Company in 1968, as a pipefitter at various
locations from 1967 until 1972 and as a handyman, installer,
rebuilder and manager from 1972 until now.

In their six-count suit, the Yarberoughs seek a judgment of more
than US$100,000, punitive and exemplary damages of more than
US$100,000, compensatory damages of more than US$100,000,
punitive damages in an amount to sufficiently punish the
defendants for their behavior and other relief the court deems
just.

In his six-count complaint, Mr. Graham seeks a judgment of more
than US$200,000, compensatory damages of more than US$100,000 and
punitive damages in an amount sufficient to punish the defendants
for their behavior.

In their six-count complaint, the Williams seek a judgment of
more than US$100,000, compensatory damages of more than
US$100,000, punitive and exemplary damages of more than
US$100,000 and punitive damages in an amount sufficient to punish
the defendants for their behavior.

In their 10-count complaint, the Byrnes seek a judgment of more
than US$100,000, compensatory damages of more than US$100,000,
economic damages of more than US$150,000, punitive and exemplary
damages of more than US$100,000 and punitive damages in an amount
sufficient to deter the defendants from similar conduct in the
future.

In their 10-count complaint, the Woods seek a judgment of more
than US$100,000, compensatory damages of more than US$50,000,
economic damages of more than US$150,000, punitive and exemplary
damages of more than US$100,000 and other relief the court deems
just.


ASBESTOS UPDATE: Leeds Factory Worker's Death Linked to Exposure
----------------------------------------------------------------
The Leeds Coroner's Court ruled that the death of 73-year-old
Mohammed Zamad, a foundry worker from Roundhay Gardens, Leeds,
England, was related to workplace exposure to asbestos, the
Yorkshire Evening Post reports.

Mr. Zaman absorbed "exceptionally" high levels of asbestos after
working for years in factories and foundries, the Court heard. He
developed lung cancer in 2007, and later a stomach tumor as well
as pneumonia. He died on June 11, 2009.

Pathologist Lisa Barker found 316 threads of asbestos in one
sample taken from Mr. Zaman's body. The average person is
expected to have one asbestos thread in every 20 samples, the
court heard.

Leeds Coroner David Hinchliff said, "In the course of his work
Mr. Zaman must have had a very high level of exposure (to
asbestos)."

Mr. Zaman was originally from a small village close to Mirpur in
Pakistan, which had no factories. He arrived in Leeds in the
1960s and is thought to have inhaled dust when sweeping factory
floors and working near furnaces.

A verdict of industrial disease was recorded.


ASBESTOS UPDATE: Bristol Local's Death Linked to Hazard Exposure
----------------------------------------------------------------
An inquest heard that the death of 73-year-old Keith Toutt, a
retired motor mechanic from Bristol, England, was linked to
workplace exposure to asbestos, the Evening Post reports.

Mr. Toutt died two months after being diagnosed with asbestos-
related lung cancer. The inquest heard that Mr. Toutt, a keen
swimmer and dancer, was exposed to asbestos during a 28-year
career in the motor trade in Bristol.

Mr. Toutt, who worked for College Motors in the city center
before moving into the aerospace industry with Rolls-Royce, died
on June 10, 2009.

Mr. Toutt's son, Kevin Toutt, said the family would consider
taking legal action to win compensation after the inquest found
Mr. Toutt had died from industrial disease.

Mr. Toutt worked for College Motors, a Triumph dealership, before
it was taken over by Dutton Forshaw. He retired from the motor
trade in 1979 before embarking on a 20-year spell with Rolls-
Royce in Patchway and later worked for Honda at Avonmouth docks.

The inquest at Flax Bourton Coroner's Court was told Mr. Toutt
was diagnosed with asbestos-related lung cancer in March 2009 and
was cared for at home by his family before his death from
pneumonia.

Assistant deputy coroner Tony Woodburn said, "It was clear from
the evidence that this (lung cancer) was caused through working
in and around asbestos-related products over a period of time."


ASBESTOS UPDATE: Midland Contractor Penalized for Exposure Risk
---------------------------------------------------------------
Benjamin Simon Green, a contractor from Birmingham, West
Midlands, England, was fined for turning a Birmingham dry
cleaning store into an asbestos-filled health risk, the
Birmingham Mail.net reports.

Mr. Green was ordered to pay a total of GBP7,515 in fines and
compensation.

The 24-year-old Mr. Green, a trained asbestos remover, was hired
to remove asbestos insulation boards from an internal wall at
Professional Dry Cleaners in Ravenshurst Road, Harborne, in
August 2008.

However, Birmingham Magistrates' Court said Mr. Green left behind
large amounts of asbestos debris after completing the work. He
had had previously admitted breaching the Health and Safety at
Work Act 1974.

The Court heard the problem only came to light when another
contractor was called in to carry out air quality checks three
weeks later.


ASBESTOS UPDATE: Baron & Budd Wins $11M Asbestos Verdict in Tex.
----------------------------------------------------------------
The law firm of Baron & Budd, P.C. announced a US$11 million
asbestos cancer verdict on March 30, 2010 for a Dallas family,
according to a Baron & Budd press release dated March 30, 2010.

The lawsuit was brought on behalf of mesothelioma patient and
career painter Vernon Walker and wife Patsy Walker. Baron & Budd
attorneys John Langdoc, Esq., and Alana Kalantzakis, Esq., who
represented the Walkers, proved that, despite continued asbestos
industry arguments that their "Chrysotile" and "Calidria" brand
asbestos does not cause cancer, Mr. Walker's mesothelioma was
caused by his work with asbestos-containing painting products.

The 67-year-old Mr. Walker began his career as a grocery store
stocker for US$0.50 an hour. When given the opportunity to triple
his salary, Mr. Walker became a union painter. As a painter he
worked in the construction of skyscrapers, strip malls and homes.

Through his work, Mr. Walker came in contact with numerous
asbestos containing painting products, including texturing
paints, block fillers and drywall compounds, some of which were
banned by the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) in 1978
as being "unreasonably dangerous" and likely to cause cancers
such as mesothelioma in users.

While the CPSC advised the asbestos industry that use of these
products as little as four times would result in thousands of
excess cancers, commercial painters like Mr. Walker worked with
the contaminated products most work days before the products were
banned.

The jury awarded Mr. Walker and his wife about US$11 million,
apportioning 40 percent of the blame to asbestos mining company
Union Carbide Corporation, and the remaining liability to product
manufacturers Kelly Moore, Georgia Pacific and Bondex.

Many of the manufacturers chose to settle before or during trial.
Bondex was the only remaining defendant at the time of the
verdict.

Mr. Langdoc said, "The asbestos industry has spent decades
developing false science used to argue that asbestos is safe.

"Asbestos industry witnesses in this case continued to push
asbestos industry false science that the shape or the length or
even the mining location of the asbestos fibers sold by these
companies meant they could not cause cancer, which has been
rejected by every mainstream scientific organization in the
world, and fortunately rejected by this jury."


ASBESTOS UPDATE: 29 Cases Filed During March 8-12 in Madison Co.
----------------------------------------------------------------
During the week of March 8, 2010 through March 12, 2010, a total
of 29 new asbestos-related lawsuits were filed in Madison County
Circuit Court, Ill., The Madison/St. Clair Record reports.

These cases are:

-- (Case No. 10-L-257) Florence Adkins of Michigan claims her
   deceased husband, Barry Adkins, developed mesothelioma after
   his work as a press operator, airman, construction worker,
   lineman and metals finisher. Randy S. Cohn, Esq., and Sean M.
   Keane, Esq., of Simmons, Browder, Gianaris, Angelides and
   Barnerd in East Alton, Ill., will represent Mrs. Adkins.

-- (Case No. 10-L-272) Margaret Battle of Pennsylvania, a
   custodian and maintenance laborer, claims lung cancer. Robert
   Phillips, Esq., and Perry J. Browder, Esq., of SimmonsCooper
   in East Alton, Ill., will represent Ms. Battle.

-- (Case No. 10-L-248) James C. and Doris A. Billingsley of
   Tennessee claim Mr. Billingsley developed mesothelioma after
   his work in the U.S. Navy, as a sheet metal part stamper at
   Gray and Dudley Foundry, as a route salesman at Pepsi Cola
   Bottling Company, as an electrical engineer for Avco
   Electronics and as an electrical engineer for ARO. Elizabeth
   V. Heller, Esq., and Robert Rowland, Esq., of Goldenberg,
   Heller, Antognoli and Rowland in Edwardsville, Ill., will
   represent the Billingsleys.

-- (Case No. 10-L-273) Brenda Casey of Kentucky claims her
   deceased mother, Mary Elizabeth Christine Drury, developed
   lung cancer after her work as a drywall contractor. Robert
   Phillips, Esq., and Perry J. Browder, Esq., of Simmons,
   Browder, Gianaris, Angelides and Barnerd in East Alton, Ill.,
   will represent Mrs. Casey.

-- (Case No. 10-L-274) Eric S. Colley of Illinois, a welder at
   Robert Brent Company, a line maintenance mechanic at Sola
   Optical, an apprentice machinist at Normande Machine and a
   warehouse manager and production supervisor at R.S. Deal
   Corp., claims mesothelioma. Michael R. Bilbrey, Esq., and
   James R. Stever, Esq., of the Law Offices of Michael R.
   Bilbrey in Glen Carbon, Ill., will represent Mr. Colley.

-- (Case No. 10-L-267) Leroy Conley of Missouri, an electrician,
   claims mesothelioma. Andrew O'Brien, Esq., Christopher
   Thoron, Esq., Christina J. Nielson, Esq., Bartholomew J.
   Baumstark, Esq., and Gerald J. FitzGerald, Esq., of O'Brien
   Law Firm in St. Louis, will represent Mr. Conley.

-- (Case No. 10-L-270) Warren E. Davis of Florida, a laborer and
   mechanic, claims mesothelioma. Robert Phillips, Esq., and
   Perry J. Browder, Esq., of SimmonsCooper in East Alton, Ill.,
   will represent Mr. Davis.

-- (Case No. 10-L-260) Aletha Everett of Louisiana claims she
   developed mesothelioma after she was secondarily exposed to
   asbestos fibers through her husband who worked as a
   commercial and residential construction worker and an
   upholstery worker. W. Brent Copple, Esq., and Myles L.
   Epperson, Esq., of Simmons, Browder, Gianaris, Angelides and
   Barnerd in East Alton, Ill., will represent Mrs. Everett.

-- (Case No. 10-L-266) Thomas Gorman of Wisconsin, a union
   laborer, claims lung cancer. Robert Phillips, Esq., and Perry
   J. Browder, Esq., of SimmonsCooper in East Alton, Ill., will
   represent Mr. Gorman.

-- (Case No. 10-L-251) Julius K. Hayes Jr. of Georgia claims his
   deceased wife, Gladys E. Hayes, developed mesothelioma after
   working as an operator and office assistant for Southern
   Bell, in reservations for Eastern Airlines and as a lead
   analyst for SITA. Elizabeth V. Heller, Esq., and Robert
   Rowland, Esq., of Goldenberg, Heller, Antognoli and Rowland
   in Edwardsville, Ill., will represent Mr. Hayes.

-- (Case No. 10-L-271) Willie Mae Imes of Maryland, an assembly
   line worker, machine operator and material handler, claims
   lung cancer. Robert Phillips, Esq., and Perry J. Browder,
   Esq., of SimmonsCooper in East Alton, Ill., will represent
   Mr. Imes.

-- (Case No. 10-L-278) Kathleen Lux of Pennsylvania claims her
   deceased father, Thomas William Kennedy, developed
   mesothelioma after his work as a foreman, supervisor and
   buyer. Robert Phillips, Esq., and Perry J. Browder, Esq., of
   Simmons, Browder, Gianaris, Angelides and Barnerd in East
   Alton, Ill., will represent Mrs. Lux.

-- (Case No. 10-L-275) Claudine McCulough of Illinois claims her
   deceased husband, Marshall Joseph McCulough, developed lung
   cancer after his work as a caster. Robert Phillips, Esq., and
   Perry J. Browder, Esq., of Simmons, Browder, Gianaris,
   Angelides and Barnerd in East Alton, Ill., will represent
   Mrs. McCulough.

-- (Case No. 10-L-246) Leander Michlig of Florida, a tower
   operator, customer service worker, laborer and gas handler,
   claims pleural mesothelioma. G. Michael Stewart, Esq., and
   Jill Price, Esq., of Simmons, Browder, Gianaris, Angelides
   and Barnerd in East Alton, Ill., will represent Mr. Michlig.

-- (Case No. 10-L-249) Charlotte Miller of Indiana claims her
   deceased husband, Wayne Miller, developed malignant
   mesothelioma after his work as a machinist for General Motors
   at Central Foundry and as a construction laborer and roofer
   for Best for Less Construction. Elizabeth V. Heller, Esq.,
   and Robert Rowland, Esq., of Goldenberg, Heller, Antognoli
   and Rowland in Edwardsville, Ill., will represent Mrs.
   Miller.

-- (Case No. 10-L-258) Leon and Forence Riccardi of Missouri
   claim Mr. Riccardi developed mesothelioma after his work as a
   pipefitter, laborer, machine operator and roll operator.
   Stephanie A. Lyons, Esq., of Simmons, Browder, Gianaris,
   Angelides and Barnerd in East Alton, Ill., will represent the
   Riccardis.

-- (Case No. 10-L-241) Ardyce Riggs of Arkansas, a customer
   service worker at Pacific Finance, a housewife and a worker
   at Levi Strauss Company, claims pleural mesothelioma. James
   F. Kelly, Esq., and Jeffrey A.J. Millar, Esq., of Brent Coon
   and Associates in St. Louis, will represent Mrs. Riggs.

-- (Case No. 10-L-243) Michael G. Shaud of Alabama, a pharmacist
   in the U.S. Air Force, a shuttle car operator at the Concord
   Coal Mine, a shuttle car operator at Southern Electric
   Generating Company, a laborer and cement panel maker, a
   general laborer at the Abex Corporation, a forklift operator
   at Jim Walters Resources, a residential construction worker
   and braid and gasket manufacturer, claims mesothelioma. Randy
   L. Gori, Esq., of Gori, Julian and Associates in
   Edwardsville, Ill., will represent Mr. Shaud.

-- (Case No. 10-L-242) Larry Lee Shult of Montana, a fire
   protection pipe fitting apprentice at Grinnell Fire
   Protection Systems, claims pleural mesothelioma. James F.
   Kelly, Esq., and Jeffrey A.J. Millar, Esq., of Brent Coon and
   Associates will represent Mr. Shult.

-- (Case No. 10-L-263) Ruth Simms of Florida claims her deceased
   husband James Simms developed lung cancer after his work in
   the U.S. Army and as a heavy equipment mechanic and
   construction engineer. Randy L. Gori, Esq., and Barry Julian,
   Esq., of Gori, Julian and Associates in Edwardsville, Ill.,
   will represent Mrs. Simms.

-- (Case No. 10-L-261) Bonnie Smith of Alabama claims her
   deceased husband, Hubert Smith, developed lung cancer after
   his work as a fork lift operator at U.S. Steel and as a
   laborer and deliverer at Sign Builders. Randy L. Gori, Esq.,
   and Barry Julian, Esq., of Gori, Julian and Associates in
   Edwardsville, Ill., will represent Mrs. Smith.

-- (Case No. 10-L-262) Lurita and James Smith of Florida claim
   Mrs. Smith developed lung cancer after she was secondarily
   exposed to asbestos fibers through her husband, who served in
   the U.S. Army Reserve and who worked as a helper and yard
   manager at General Ship Repair Corp. Randy L. Gori, Esq., and
   Barry Julian, Esq., of Gori, Julian and Associates in
   Edwardsville, Ill., will represent the Smiths.

-- (Case No. 10-L-259) Phyllis Stevens of Kentucky, who is a
   furnace and crane operator, claims lung cancer. Robert
   Phillips, Esq., and Perry J. Browder, Esq., of SimmonsCooper
   in East Alton, Ill., will represent Ms. Stevens.

-- (Case No. 10-L-254) Judy Stroder of Illinois claims her
   deceased husband, Roger L. Stroder, developed lung cancer
   after his work in the U.S. Army as a supply clerk and as an
   electrician at Granite City Steel. Randy L. Gori, Esq., and
   Barry Julia, Esq., of Gori, Julian and Associates in
   Edwardsville, Ill., will represent Mrs. Stroder.

-- (Case No. 10-L-265) Gary Sweitzer claims his deceased wife,
   Helen Sweitzer, developed lung cancer after her work as a
   laborer. Robert Phillips, Esq., and Perry J. Browder, Esq.,
   of SimmonsCooper in East Alton, Ill., will represent Mr.
   Sweitzer.

-- (Case No. 10-L-276) Dolores Waltemate of Illinois claims her
   deceased husband, Rudolph E. Watlemate, developed
   mesothelioma after his work as a railroad fireman and
   machinist at various locations. Andrew O'Brien, Esq.,
   Christopher Thoron, Esq., Christina J. Nielson, Esq.,
   Bartholomew J. Baumstark, Esq., and Gerald J. FitzGerald,
   Esq., of the O'Brien Law Firm in St. Louis, will represent
   Mrs. Waltemate.

-- (Case No. 10-L-277) Merry Ann Westbrooks of Arizona claims
   her deceased mother, Rosalyn Westbrooks, developed
   mesothelioma after her work as a secretary. Timothy F.
   Thompson Jr., Esq., of Simmons, Browder, Gianaris, Angelides
   and Barnerd of East Alton, Ill., will represent Ms.
   Westbrooks.

-- (Case No. 10-L-250) Billy Jean Worley of Iowa claims her
   deceased husband, Clarence L. Worley, developed mesothelioma
   after his work as a farm hand, as a carpenter for DA Demerit
   and as a millwright for A-Alert. Elizabeth V. Heller, Esq.,
   and Robert Rowland, Esq., of Goldenberg, Heller, Antognoli
   and Rowland in Edwardsville, Ill., will represent Mrs.
   Worley.

-- (Case No. 10-L-239) Michael Wurn of Florida claims his
   deceased wife, Luane Wurn, developed mesothelioma after her
   work as a teacher, medical records clerk and suspension
   coordinator. Christopher R. Guinn, Esq., of Simmons, Browder,
   Gianaris, Angelides and Barnerd in East Alton, Ill., will
   represent Mr. Wurn.


ASBESTOS UPDATE: Woodall Case v. Campbell Filed Feb. 24 in W.Va.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Martin Randall Woodall Jr., on Feb. 24, 2010, filed an asbestos-
related lawsuit against Campbell Transportation Company in the
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia,
The West Virginia Record reports.

Mr. Woodall, of Point Pleasant, W.Va., alleges he was exposed to
asbestos fibers while at work on a boat. He claims he worked on
the M/V Leila Shearer, owned by Campbell Transportation, in
December 2008 when he learned that the vessel had temporarily
been taken out of service for asbestos abatement.

According to the suit, prior to and after learning of the
asbestos abatement, Mr. Woodall suffered from lung dysfunction.
He blames his lung dysfunction and other problems on the asbestos
fibers to which he was exposed.

Mr. Woodall seeks compensatory damages, plus attorneys' fees and
other costs.

Matthew L. Clark, Esq., of Kayser, Layne and Clark in Point
Pleasant, W.Va., will be representing Mr. Woodall in Case No.
3:10-cv-182.


ASBESTOS UPDATE: Cleanup at Site Near Klamath Falls to Cost $30M
----------------------------------------------------------------
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, cleanup of
a site north of Klamath Falls, Ore., is estimated at about US$30
million, the Associated Press reports.

However, no source of funding is in place for the operation. The
125-acre site is tainted with asbestos from past structures,
including medical barracks used by the U.S. Marine Corps, single-
family homes and apartments.

Oregon Department of Environmental Quality officer Cliff Walkey
says few options are available for funding. He says the
department considers asking Gov. Ted Kulongoski to recommend the
site be added to the National Priorities List, which would
designate it for federal money.


ASBESTOS UPDATE: Fischer's FELA Case Filed March 23 in St. Clair
----------------------------------------------------------------
James M. Fischer, on March 23, 2010, filed an asbestos-related
Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) lawsuit against Alton and
Southern Railroad in St. Clair County Circuit Court, Ill., The
Madison/St. Clair Record reports.

Mr. Fischer claims he experiences respiratory problems after
being exposed to asbestos throughout his career as a machinist
for Alton and Southern.

Mr. Fischer claims he began working for Alton and Southern in
1973 and worked for the Company until 1975. Throughout his
career, he was exposed to asbestos, diesel exhaust, environmental
tobacco smoke, silica and toxic dusts, gases and fumes, according
to the complaint.

In his two-count suit, Mr. Fischer seeks a judgment of more than
US$100,000, plus costs.

William P. Gavin, Esq., of the Gavin Law Firm in Belleville,
Ill., and Robert Norton, Esq., of Jones and Granger in Houston
will be representing Mr. Fischer in Case No. 10-L-139.


ASBESTOS UPDATE: 4 Cancer Cases Found in Minn. Taconite Workers
---------------------------------------------------------------
The Minnesota State Department of Health, on March 30, 2010,
found four more cases of an unusual asbestos-related cancer among
Minnesota taconite workers, TopNews reports.

The health department says that it identified the cases amid a
group of 69,000 people who worked in the state's mining industry
from the 1930s to 1982.

The cases were found in an evaluation of information from the
Minnesota Cancer Surveillance System about the workers as part of
a bigger research by the University of Minnesota. The reality
that boilermakers often worked in restricted areas with the
deadly material on a regular basis accounted for their risk.

Even family members are in danger for mesothelioma from
boilermakers who took the noxious substance home in the form of
asbestos dust on their work attire.

National Cancer Society data reveals that boilermakers, together
with shipbuilders, plumbers and electricians, have a much higher
frequency of getting mesothelioma than other occupations, because
of the possibility of asbestos exposure.

The total number of workers diagnosed has reached 63 after the
addition of these four new cases. The new cases will be
integrated into the university's Minnesota Taconite Workers
Health Study.


ASBESTOS UPDATE: N.J. Court OKs $30.3MM Award in Buttitta Action
----------------------------------------------------------------
The Bergen County, N.J., Superior Court, Appellate Division, on
April 5, 2010, affirmed a US$30.3 million verdict in an asbestos-
exposure mesothelioma case, Law.com reports.

The suit styled Buttitta v. Allied Signal, A-5263-07, was brought
by Susan Buttitta whose husband, Mark, a 50-year-old advertising
executive from Glen Ridge, N.J., died from mesothelioma in 2002,
a year after he was diagnosed.

In February 2008, a Bergen County jury awarded damages of US$8
million for pain and suffering; US$2 million for loss of
consortium; US$9,281,660 for lost earnings; US$2,030,544 for loss
of services; and US$3 million to each of Mrs. Buttitta's three
daughters for loss of parental care.

Dozens of companies were sued but two - Borg-Warner Corp. and
Asbestos Corp. Ltd. - were the left by the time of the verdict.
Two others, C.L. Zimmerman Co. and Honeywell International, Inc.
settled during trial, while General Motors Corp. settled
beforehand, all three on confidential terms.

Mr. Buttitta was allegedly exposed as a child to asbestos by his
father, who handled brakes and clutches containing asbestos
working at a GM warehouse in Bloomfield and carried the fibers
home on his work clothes. He also was exposed directly in the
early 1970s, when he was in college and spent summers and winter
breaks working at a GM warehouse in Englewood handling auto
parts.

Asbestos Corp., a Quebec, Canada, company that supplied asbestos
to GM and Zimmerman, unsuccessfully appealed rulings that found
New Jersey courts had personal jurisdiction over the Company and
imposed sanctions for its failure to comply with discovery
rulings that allegedly clashed with Quebec law.

Arnold Lakind, Esq., of Szaferman, Lakind, Blumstein & Blader in
Lawrenceville who argued the appeal for Mrs. Buttitta, says he is
not aware of a larger mesothelioma verdict in the state.


ASBESTOS UPDATE: 9/11 $657.5MM Payout Still Up for Renegotiation
----------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. District Court Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein said that a
US$657.5 million settlement reached between the City of New York
and 9/11 rescue and cleanup workers on March 11, 2010 must be
renegotiated, The Queens Courier reports.

Judge Hellerstein rejected the proposed settlement on March 19,
2010 and stated, in court, that he did so because the settlement
did not offer enough compensation to the workers for the
illnesses they have suffered since they worked at or near Ground
Zero.

Daniel Coates, an immigration organizer at the community group
Make The Road New York, who has worked with many Queens-area
cleanup workers, said, "I think the grounds on which
[Hellerstein] rejected [the settlement] was strong. But now the
process will take longer given the dire situations some of these
workers find themselves in."

According to reports, close to 10,000 workers took part in the
lawsuit against the City. These workers claimed that because of
the toxins and chemicals like cement, glass dust, asbestos,
fiberglass, alkaline, and lead in the air at Ground Zero, they
developed respiratory problems including asthma, sinusitis,
rhinitis, persistent cough, chronic bronchitis and emphysema, as
well as lung scarring, lung cancer, gastrointestinal tract
cancer, heart disease and mesothelioma.

As of March 31, 2009, more than 51,000 World Trade Center (WTC)
responders nationwide had met eligibility and enrolled in the
World Trade Center medical monitoring and treatment programs,
according to Fred Blosser, a National Institutes for Occupational
Safety and Health (NIOSH) spokesperson.

Some of these workers have had to quit work because they are too
sick. As of Sept. 11, 2009, at least 817 had died.


ASBESTOS UPDATE: Marco Island Facing Potential Penalty on Hazard
----------------------------------------------------------------
Officials of Marco Island, Fla., may face hundreds of thousands
of dollars in fines from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
due to the improper handling and disposal of asbestos-containing
materials, Mesothelioma.com reports.

According to EPA officials, the City of Marco Island allegedly
pulverized and buried over 260 feet of asbestos-laden pipe
materials during the creation of Collier Boulevard.

The EPA says that much of that material may still be lurking
beneath Veteran's Park. The EPA wants to fine the city and
Quality Enterprise up to US$37,500 per day of violation. With
violations suspected to date back to 2006, the city could be
facing very high fines.

According to Marco Island resident Mario Sanchez, the EPA is
absolutely justified in seeking such high fines from the city.

Mr. Sanchez said, "I think the people who should be held liable
for it are the ones who did it, were managing the project and the
council members who knowingly continued to allow it. There has to
be some upholding of the law because it's illegal what they did
in my opinion."


ASBESTOS UPDATE: Whisnant's Case Trial Moved to Dec. 2010 Docket
----------------------------------------------------------------
The asbestos trial of Caryl Richardson, filed on behalf of
deceased worker Willis Whisnant Jr., was slated to begin on April
5, 2010, but has now been placed on the December 2010 docket, The
Southeast Texas Record reports.

The Richardson case is pending against E. I. du Pont de Nemours
and Company, which won a jury verdict in early 2008. However,
Judge Donald Floyd, 172nd District Court, tossed out the jury's
decision and granted Ms. Richardson's motion for a new trial
without any explanation for the ruling.

On Dec. 9, 2008, DuPont filed an unopposed motion to remove the
case from the spring docket. Judge Floyd never officially ruled
on the motion by signing an order, but a courthouse official told
the Record the judge must have verbally ordered the case to the
December docket.

Following two appeals and numerous hearings, in July 2009, the
Texas Supreme Court ordered Judge Floyd to disclose his reasons
for granting the new trial.

Mr. Whisnant, a former subcontractor for DuPont, died from
mesothelioma in his late 70s. A final judgment was signed by
Judge Floyd on April 17, 2008.

Following the no negligence verdict, plaintiff's attorney Glen
Morgan, Esq., filed a motion for a new trial, arguing the jury's
verdict was not supported by the evidence. He also accused the
Record of jury tampering and of being agents of DuPont.

Judge Floyd granted the motion in a May 28, 2008, order, but
offered no explanation for his decision.


ASBESTOS UPDATE: Stewart Window Wins Compensation Action v. QBE
---------------------------------------------------------------
Angus Stewart's widow, Irene Stewart, on March 30, 2010, won her
High Court battle for asbestos compensation against insurance
giant QBE, The Australian reports.

The New South Wales High Court unanimously ruled that victims
should be fully compensated for their losses, unless an insurer
could prove the level of cover was limited.

Mr. Stewart died from mesothelioma in 2007 after wearing asbestos
gloves and using asbestos tape at work 40 years previously. He
worked for the now-defunct windscreen manufacturer Pilkington
Brothers, who provided him with the gloves and tape. By the time
he fell ill, the Company's insurance policy had been lost.

The NSW Dust Diseases Tribunal initially ordered insurer QBE and
asbestos supplier Wallaby Grip to pay the Stewarts more than
AUD350,000 in compensation. The two companies successfully argued
in the NSW Court of Appeal that compensation should be limited to
AUD40,000 - the statutory minimum cover at the time - unless the
Stewarts could prove the policy was worth more.

On March 30, 2010, the High Court overturned that decision,
ruling that it was up to the Stewarts to establish only that the
contract of insurance existed and that Pilkington was liable for
the injuries suffered. Once they had done so, the onus was on QBE
to show what limit, if any, had been placed on the cover.

Asbestos Diseases Foundation of Australia president Barry Robson
said the decision was a crushing defeat for insurance companies
and a win for victims, who faced an impossible task trying to
prove the details of insurance policies held by companies that in
many cases no longer existed.


ASBESTOS UPDATE: Thomas Records $800T for Remediation at Dec. 31
----------------------------------------------------------------
Thomas Properties Group, Inc., as of Dec. 31, 2009, has accrued
US$800,000 for estimated future costs of asbestos removal or
abatement at its City National Plaza and Brookhollow properties.

As of Sept. 30, 2009, the Company had accrued about US$900,000
for estimated future costs of asbestos removal or abatement at
City National Plaza and Brookhollow. (Class Action Reporter, Nov.
20, 2009)

With respect to asbestos-containing materials present at the
Company's City National Plaza and Brookhollow properties, these
materials have been removed or abated from certain tenant and
common areas of the building structures.

The Company continues to remove or abate asbestos-containing
materials from various areas of the building structures.

Headquartered in Los Angeles, Thomas Properties Group, Inc. is a
full-service real estate company that owns, acquires, develops
and manages primarily office, as well as mixed-use and
residential properties on a nationwide basis.


ASBESTOS UPDATE: Open Cases v. Park-Ohio Surge to 290 at Dec. 31
----------------------------------------------------------------
Park-Ohio Holdings, Corp., at Dec. 31, 2009, was a co-defendant
in about 290 cases asserting claims on behalf of about 1,200
plaintiffs alleging personal injury as a result of exposure to
asbestos.

At Sept. 30, 2009, the Company was a co-defendant in about 260
cases asserting claims on behalf of about 1,260 plaintiffs
alleging personal injury as a result of exposure to asbestos.
(Class Action Reporter, Nov. 20, 2009)

These asbestos cases generally relate to production and sale of
asbestos-containing products and allege various theories of
liability, including negligence, gross negligence and strict
liability and seek compensatory and, in some cases, punitive
damages.

There are five asbestos cases, involving 25 plaintiffs that plead
specified damages. In each of the five cases, the plaintiff seeks
compensatory and punitive damages based on a variety of
potentially alternative causes of action.

In three cases, the plaintiff has alleged compensatory damages in
the amount of US$3 million for four separate causes of action and
US$1 million for another cause of action and punitive damages in
the amount of US$10 million. In the fourth case, the plaintiff
has alleged against each named defendant, compensatory and
punitive damages, each in the amount of US$10 million for seven
separate causes of action.

In the fifth case, the plaintiff has alleged compensatory damages
in the amount of US$20 million for three separate causes of
action and US$5 million for another cause of action and punitive
damages in the amount of US$20 million.

Historically, the Company has been dismissed from asbestos cases
on the basis that the plaintiff incorrectly sued one of the
Company's subsidiaries or because the plaintiff failed to
identify any asbestos-containing product manufactured or sold by
the Company or its subsidiaries.

Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Park-Ohio Holdings Corp.,
through the subsidiaries owned by its direct subsidiary, Park-
Ohio Industries, Inc., is an industrial supply chain logistics
and diversified manufacturing business operating in three
segments: Supply Technologies, Aluminum Products and Manufactured
Products.


ASBESTOS UPDATE: Shell Still Involved in Cases From Belpre Plant
----------------------------------------------------------------
Kraton Polymers LLC says that Shell Chemicals is named a party in
lawsuits alleging workplace asbestos exposure at the Belpre,
Ohio, facility.

Under the sale agreements between the Company and Shell Chemicals
relating to the separation from Shell Chemicals in 2001, Shell
Chemicals has agreed to indemnify the Company for certain
liabilities and obligations to third parties or claims against
the Company by a third party relating to matters arising prior to
the closing of the acquisition by Ripplewood Chemical.

Shell Chemicals has been named in several lawsuits relating to
the elastomers business that the Company has acquired. In
particular, claims have been filed against Shell Chemicals
alleging workplace asbestos exposure at the Belpre, Ohio
facility.

In the event the Company is named a party to any of these claims,
it would be indemnified by Shell Chemicals. However, as of March
15, 2010, the Company has not been named as parties in any of
these claims.

Headquartered in Houston, Kraton Polymers LLC produces styrenic
block copolymers (SBCs). The Company markets its products under
the widely recognized KRATON brand.


ASBESTOS UPDATE: H.B. Fuller Records $3.35M Probable Liabilities
----------------------------------------------------------------
H.B. Fuller Company, as of Feb. 27, 2010, recorded probable
liabilities of US$3.35 million and insurance recoveries of
US$1,999,000 related to asbestos claims.

The Company has been named as a defendant in lawsuits in various
courts in which plaintiffs have alleged injury due to products
containing asbestos manufactured more than 25 years ago. The
plaintiffs generally bring these lawsuits against multiple
defendants and seek damages (both actual and punitive) in very
large amounts.

In many of these cases, the plaintiffs are unable to demonstrate
that they have suffered any compensable injuries or that the
injuries suffered were the result of exposure to products
manufactured by the Company, which is typically dismissed as a
defendant in those cases without payment.

During the 13 weeks ended Feb. 27, 2010, the Company noted
US$2,000 for lawsuits and claims settled, US$398,000 for
settlements reached and US$322,000 for insurance payments
received or expected to be received.

Based in St. Paul, Minn., H.B. Fuller Company formulates,
manufactures and markets adhesives, sealants, paints and other
specialty chemical products.


ASBESTOS UPDATE: American Locker Faces 43 Open Cases at March 17
----------------------------------------------------------------
The balance of unresolved cases against American Locker Group
Incorporated, as of March 17, 2010, was about 43 cases, according
to the Company's annual report filed on March 31, 2010 with the
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Beginning in September 1998, the Company has been named as an
additional defendant in about 200 cases pending in state court in
Massachusetts and one in the state of Washington. The plaintiffs
in each case assert that a division of the Company manufactured
and furnished components containing asbestos to a shipyard during
the period from 1948 to 1972 and that injury resulted from
exposure to such products. The assets of this division were sold
by the Company in 1973.

During the process of discovery in certain of these actions,
documents from sources outside the Company have been produced
which indicate that the Company appears to have been included in
the chain of title for certain wall panels which contained
asbestos and which were delivered to the Massachusetts shipyards.
Defense of these cases has been assumed by the Company's
insurance carrier, subject to a reservation of rights.

Settlement agreements have been entered in about 30 cases with
funds authorized and provided by the Company's insurance carrier.
Further, over 125 cases have been terminated as to the Company
without liability to the Company under Massachusetts procedural
rules.

Headquartered in Grapevine, Tex., American Locker Group
Incorporated manufactures and distributes lockers, locks and keys
with a wide-range of applications for use in numerous industries.
The Company is best known for manufacturing and servicing the
widely-utilized key and lock system with the iconic plastic
orange cap.

                            *********

S U B S C R I P T I O N   I N F O R M A T I O N

Class Action Reporter is a daily newsletter, co-published by
Bankruptcy Creditors' Service, Inc., Fairless Hills,
Pennsylvania, USA, and Beard Group, Inc., Frederick, Maryland
USA.  Gracele D. Canilao, Leah Felisilda, Joy A. Agravante,
Ronald Sy and Peter A. Chapman, Editors.

Copyright 2010.  All rights reserved.  ISSN 1525-2272.

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