Bankruptcy Law Reporter Index-Summary

FAIR AND ACCURATE CREDIT TRANSACTIONS ACT (FACTA)

– E-mailed confirmation containing credit card expiration date does not violate (S.D. Fla.), 658
– Permissible statutory damage range does not violate due process (N.D. Ill.), 310
– Statutory damages provision constitutional (11th Cir.), 657

FAIR CREDIT REPORTING ACT (FCRA)

– Complaints re errors often result in pro-consumer data changes, FTC reports, 43
– Consumer dispute, creditor probe must be reasonable (9th Cir.), 168
– Errors in Equifax consumer report, jury award affirmed (4th Cir.), 451
– Identity theft victim, debt collector probe may be willful violation (S.D. Ohio), 169
– Lifelock fraud alerts violate policy and Cal. unfair competition law (C.D. Cal.), 816

FAIR DEBT COLLECTION PRACTICES ACT (FDCPA)

– Collector did not violate by filing consumer credit complaint outside debtor's district (W.D.N.Y.), 199
– Frivolous claim, sanctions can only be imposed on client, not lawyer (9th Cir.), 907
– Settlement letters signed by agency execs not deceptive (3d Cir.), 71
– Survey designed to show debt collection letter statement was misleading and confusing properly excluded (7th Cir.), 419

FAIR VALUE

See VALUATION

FANNIE MAE

See GOVERNMENT-SPONSORED ENTERPRISES (GSEs)

FARMS

See AGRICULTURE

FCC

See FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC)

FCRA

See FAIR CREDIT REPORTING ACT (FCRA)

FDCPA

See FAIR DEBT COLLECTION PRACTICES ACT (FDCPA)

FDIC

See FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION (FDIC)

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC)

– Debt collection calls to ported numbers, comments sought re TCPA compliance, 450

FEDERAL COURTS

– Adversary proceedings in bankruptcy cases drop for fifth consecutive year, AOUSC reports, 400
– Bankruptcy filings up in 2008

– – AOUSC report, 324; trend continues in 2009, 795
– – Supreme Court report, 43

– Consumer bankruptcy causes, Boston Fed releases report, 337
– Illness and medical bills tied to rise in U.S. bankruptcy filings, study shows, 852
– Online access to proceedings, federal judiciary reviews expansion, 167

FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION (FDIC)

– Congressional Outlook 2009, Special Report, 135
– Consumer protection, federal oversight and strong standards critical, consumer literacy also important, Bair says, 905
– County Bank, Alliance Bank, and FirstBank Financial Services put under receivership, 198
– Deposit insurance

– – Boost

See LEGISLATION, FEDERAL, HR 786

– – Fund loses millions, 4 bank failures announced, 234

– Mortgage and financial fraud, chief calls for federal and state crackdown, 303
– Nonbank firms, Bair seeks expanded resolution authority, 474; ABA opposes Obama proposal to give FDIC authority to resolve failing firms, 535
– Resolution authority should be expanded to large firms and holding companies, Bair says, 572
– Subprime loan modification efforts effective, chief tells conferees, 17
– “Too big to fail” financial firms, chief seeks new plan to end, 415

FEDERAL HOUSING ADMINISTRATION (FHA)

– Congressional Outlook 2009, Special Report, 135
– HOPE for Homeowners program, new law adds disclosure requirements for buyers and assignees, 731

FEDERAL LEGISLATION

See LEGISLATION, FEDERAL

FEDERAL PREEMPTION

See PREEMPTION

FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD

– Congressional Outlook 2009, Special Report, 132
– Consumer bankruptcy causes, Boston Fed releases report, 337
– Credit cards

– – Rate hikes, Dodd (D-Conn) and Schumer (D-NY) urge Fed to use emergency powers to halt, 572
– – Regulatory reforms, Fed, OTS, and NCUA action may signal broader action, Congress members say, 19

– Financial regulatory system, overhaul focusing on new Fed powers outlined, 856
– Foreclosure prevention policy initiative released, 164
– Innovation, Bernanke calls for balance with regulation to increase consumer understanding, 534
– Speed of economic recovery depends on pace of financial market improvements, Bernanke says, 338

FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION (FTC)

– Bogus mortgage modification scheme, injunction granted (D.N.J.), 451
– Consumer credit report fee, maximum amount raised, News Brief, 73
– Credit repair firms cited for deceiving consumers, 382
– Credit report accuracy, nationwide study to be proposed, 20
– Debt collection fraud complaints rising in weak economy, officials say, 346
– Failure to protect data and verify client ID, charges settled with tenant screening services firm (D. Minn.), 347
– FCRA complaints re errors often result in pro-consumer data changes, report says, 43
– Financial fraud, chair seeks more authority to protect consumers, 416
– Free annual credit report, official urges consumers to visit Web site to obtain, 381
– Identity theft

– – Consumer Sentinel Data Book, number one complaint in 2008, report says, 306
– – FAQ guide, FTC and banking regulators issue, 863
– – For-profit service industry, consumer group urges review of practices, 419
– – National breach notice standard, FTC and DOJ call on Congress to pass, 908
– – Prevention rule, guidance released, 478; retailers concerned re potential liability, 510

– Mortgage and foreclosure scams, federal and state agencies launch coordinated effort to combat, 474; comment sought on how to draft rules, 777; N.Y. attorney general issues subpoenas re violation of state consumer protection laws, 814; comment period extended, News Brief, 816
– Mortgage loans, charging Hispanic customers higher prices, FTC charges lending firm and owner (C.D. Cal.), 657
– Power to protect borrowers, bill to increase

See LEGISLATION, FEDERAL, HR 2309

– Recession, Web site launched to help consumers cope, News Brief, 478

FEES

– Attorneys

See ATTORNEYS' FEES

– Bank of America insufficient funds fees, hearing held in suit re debits from Social Security accounts (Cal.), 477; bank action proper, 778
– Breakup fees, bidding procedure order denying not final order subject to appeal (D. Del.), 5
– Consumer credit report fee, FTC raises maximum amount, News Brief, 73
– Ponzi scheme case, receiver fee request excessive (S.D.N.Y.), 69
– Trustee may recover copying costs without filing bill of costs per local rules (N.D. Ind.), 395

FHA

See FEDERAL HOUSING ADMINISTRATION (FHA)

FIDUCIARY DUTY

– Dana Corp., breach claim naming former officials properly dismissed (6th Cir.), 122
– Divestiture of GM stock, employees sue State Street Bank re breach (E.D. Mich.), 859
– Employee welfare plan administrator breached duty by loaning plan money to failed firm (9th Cir.), 839
– 401(k) fiduciary did not breach duty by divesting plan of W.R. Grace stock (1st Cir.), 184
– Malpractice claim, law firm failure to reveal did not breach (8th Cir.), 220
– Owens Corning employee suit against fiduciaries and trustee may not proceed (N.D. Ohio), 34

FILINGS OF NOTE

– Ed. Note: Unless otherwise specified, all filings are under Ch. 11.
– AbitibiBowater Inc. and U.S. and Canadian affiliates, pulp and paper manufacturer (Bankr. D. Del.), 526; DIP financing approved, 842
– Adamar of N.J. d/b/a Tropicana Casino and Resort and subsidiary (Bankr. D.N.J.), 603
– AGT Crunch Acquisition LLC and affiliates, fitness firm (Bankr. S.D.N.Y.), 642
– Aleris Intl. Inc., aluminum manufacturing and recycling firm, DIP financing approved (Bankr. D. Del.), 222
– American Community Newspapers LLC and subsidiaries (Bankr. D. Del.), 604; holding company files, 801
– Apex Silver Mines Ltd. and wholly-owned subsidiary (Bankr. S.D.N.Y.), 91; plan confirmed, 328
– ARG Enterprises Inc. and affiliates, restaurant operator (Bankr. D. Del.), 125
– Armada (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., international dry bulk transport solutions provider, Ch. 15 (Bankr. S.D.N.Y.), 91
– Asyst Techs., integrated automation solutions provider, Japanese subsidiaries also enter related voluntary proceedings in Japan (Bankr. N.D. Cal.), 561
– Aventine Renewable Energy Holdings Inc. and affiliates, ethanol producer and marketer (Bankr. D. Del.), 499
– Aviza Tech. Inc. and affiliates, advanced semiconductor capital equipment and process technologies supplier (Bankr. N.D. Cal.), 846
– BearingPoint Inc. and subsidiaries, management and technology consultant (Bankr. S.D.N.Y.), 258; motion to shorten time for approval of bidding procedures granted, 436; sale of business unit to PricewaterhouseCoopers approved, 800
– Bernard L. Madoff, Ch. 7 (Bankr. S.D.N.Y.), 496
– BI-LO LLC and affiliates, supermarket operator (Bankr. D.S.C.), 440
– Bruno's Supermarkets LLC (Bankr. N.D. Ala.), 189; motion to reject collective bargaining agreements filed, 328; asset sale to Southern Family Markets approved, 641
– Butler Servs. Intl. Inc. and affiliates, engineering and technical outsourcing services provider (Bankr. D. Del.), 801
– Caraustar Indus. Inc. and affiliates, recycled and converted paperboard products manufacturer (Bankr. N.D. Ga.), 802
– Castle Holdco 4 Ltd., Countrywide holding company, Ch. 15 (Bankr. S.D.N.Y.), 499
– Charter Communications Inc. and affiliates, broadband communications firm and cable operator (Bankr. S.D.N.Y.), 439
– Checker Motors Corp., metal stampings and welded assembly provider (Bankr. W.D. Mich.), 125
– Chemtura Corp. and affiliates, manufacturer and marketer of specialty chemical, crop protection, and pool, spa, and home care products (Bankr. S.D.N.Y.), 403
– Chesapeake Corp. and subsidiaries, international specialty paperboard and plastic packaging supplier (Bankr. E.D. Va.), 59
– Chrysler LLC and affiliates, deal with Fiat announced (Bankr. S.D.N.Y.), 587; lender objections overruled, 588; first-day motions approved, hearings set, 589; U.S. government involved in filing and deal with Fiat, 590; UAW members ratify concessions, 592; minority of lenders forced filing, experts say, 594; company has not used TARP funds, Treasury Dep't reports, 594; motion to reject 789 dealership agreements filed, 673; some plant workers offered buyouts, 674; lenders oppose deal at hearing, 715; product liability claimants and advocates object to treatment of claims under proposed sale, 716; pension funds challenge sale, 719; dispute holds up passage of House bill, 723; pension fund motion to stay pending appeal granted (2d Cir.), 749; sales agreement amended to allow Chrysler to assume lemon law claims, 750; deal finalized (U.S., inj vac), 791; Chrysler pension plans will continue after sale, PBGC says, 791; absolute priority rule, lawyers fear impact of Supreme Court decision, 837; most assembly plants and supply facilities to reopen, 886; Italian government will not probe deal, 887; sale approval (U.S., rev sought), 912
– Clearwater Natural Resources LP and affiliates, coal mining firm (Bankr. E.D. Ky.), 92
– Constar Intl. Inc. and subsidiaries, plastic food and beverage container producer (Bankr. D. Del.), 36
– Contech U.S. LLC and affiliates, auto parts maker (Bankr. E.D. Mich.), 190; PBGC takes control of plan, 768
– Crusader Energy Group Inc. and affiliates, oil and gas firm (Bankr. N.D. Tex.), 466
– Dr. R.C. Samanta Roy Inst. of Science & Technology Inc. (SIST) and subsidiaries, nonprofit property acquisition and management, gasoline and petroleum products sales, and charitable activities funding firm (Bankr. D. Del.), 406
– Dreier LLP, law firm (Bankr. S.D.N.Y.), 8; judge seeks trustee opinions re bail revocation decision (S.D.N.Y.), 637
– Eagle Geophysical Inc., upstream oilfield service firm (Bankr. S.D. Tex.), 803
– Eddie Bauer Holdings Inc. and affiliates, specialty retailer, asset purchase agreement reached with stalking horse bidder (Bankr. D. Del.), 895
– Energy Partners Ltd. and affiliates, independent oil and natural gas exploration and production firm (Bankr. S.D. Tex.), 643
– ESPRE Solutions Inc., Internet IT firm (Bankr. N.D. Tex.), 190
– EuroFresh Inc. and subsidiary, hydroponic tomato and cucumber grower and marketer (Bankr. D. Ariz.), 562
– Extended Stay Inc. and affiliates, hotel chain (Bankr. S.D.N.Y.), 896
– Fairchild Corp. and affiliates, aerospace, real estate, and motorcycle apparel firm (Bankr. D. Del.), 404
– Filene's Basement Inc. and affiliates, retailer (Bankr. D. Del.), 605; asset sale to Sym's approved, 894
– Fleetwood Enterprises Inc., recreational vehicle and manufactured housing maker (Bankr. C.D. Cal.), 370
– Flying J Inc. and affiliates, oil and gas exploration and refining firm (Bankr. D. Del.), 8
– Foamex Intl. Inc. and subsidiaries, polyurethane foam-based solutions and specialty comfort products producer (Bankr. D. Del.), 259; asset sale agreement reached with MatlinPatterson Global affiliate, 438
– Fontainebleau Las Vegas LLC and affiliates, casino-resort (Bankr. S.D. Fla.), 845
– Foothills Resources Inc. and subsidiaries, independent production and exploitation energy firm (Bankr. D. Del.), 224
– Fortunoff Holdings LLC, department store and specialty retailer (Bankr. S.D.N.Y.), 188; liquidators reach agreement to honor gift cards, 291
– General Growth Properties Inc. and affiliates, publicly traded real estate investment trust (REIT) (Bankr. S.D.N.Y.), 523; filing raises concern re landlord bankruptcies, industry lawyer says, 677; firm can use cash from assets held by special purpose entities, 767; CBMS bankruptcy remote structuring and the recession, Analysis and Perspective, 820
– General Motors Corp. (Bankr. S.D.N.Y.), 752; government provides funding, is reluctant shareholder, Obama says, 754; first day motions approved, 755; dealer performance to be monitored, CFO says, 757; experts agree re emergence, disagree re government role, 758; pension plans, stakeholders intend to continue support, PBGC says, 759; dealers, relief hopes dim, 793; IPO expected in 2010, Treasury official tells Senate panel, 794; GMRA asks court to appoint panel to negotiate retiree benefits, 796; Senate Republicans propose distributing shares to public, 799; Saturn to be sold to Penske Automotive Group, 799; Tex. attorney general files objection to reorganization plan, 836; Saab to be sold to Koenigsegg, Swedish government guarantees funds, 837; state attorneys general object to asset sale, 885
– Gottschalks Inc., regional department store chain (Bankr. D. Del.), 90
– Greenbrier Hotel Corp., four-star resort owner (Bankr. E.D. Va.), 405; union members ratify contracts, 602; case dismissed, Justice Family Group takes control, 724
– Growers Direct Coffee Co., distributor and marketer of whole green-bean coffee, Ch. 7 (Bankr. D. Nev.), 293
– Hallwood Energy LP and affiliates (Bankr. N.D. Tex.), 292
– Hartmarx Corp. and subsidiaries, business, casual, and golf apparel producer and marketer (Bankr. N.D. Ill.), 124; union workers plan sit-in if creditors press for liquidation, 639
– Hayes Lemmerz Intl. and affiliates, automotive component manufacturer (Bankr. D. Del.), 683
– Heller Ehrman LLP, law firm (Bankr. N.D. Cal.), 35; Brobeck trustee seeking funds from former partners now with Heller firm, 396
– Hereford Biofuels Holdings LLC and subsidiaries (Bankr. N.D. Tex.), 158
– Idearc Inc. and affiliates, print, online, and wireless publishing and advertising provider (Bankr. N.D. Tex.), 500
– ILX Resorts Inc. and affiliates, timeshare developer (Bankr. D. Ariz.), 331
– Incentra Solutions Inc. and affiliates, IT services provider (Bankr. D. Del.), 191
– Independencia SA, Brazilian beef and leather producer, Ch. 15 (Bankr. S.D.N.Y.), 331
– Isolagen Inc. and subsidiary, biotechnology firm, DIP financing approved (Bankr. D. Del.), 897
– Journal Register Co. and subsidiaries, print and online publisher (Bankr. S.D.N.Y.), 256
– KP Fashion (Bankr. S.D.N.Y.), 60
– Lehman Bros. Finance AG, Ch. 15 (Bankr. S.D.N.Y.), 361
– LyondellBasell Indus. and European holding company, polymer, petrochemical, and fuel company (Bankr. S.D.N.Y.), 59; second holding company added, 562; nonoperating entities added, 685
– Magna Entertainment Corp. and subsidiaries, horse racetrack owner, DIP financing secured (Bankr. D. Del.), 329
– Mark IV Indus. Inc. and affiliates, automotive systems and components manufacturer (Bankr. S.D.N.Y.), 605
– Masonite Corp. and affiliates, residential and commercial door manufacturer (Bankr. D. Del.), 368
– Merisant Worldwide Inc. and affiliates, tabletop sweetener producer (Bankr. D. Del.), 92
– Meruelo Maddux Properties and subsidiaries, real estate firm (C.D. Cal.), 441
– Metaldyne Corp. and affiliates, auto parts maker (Bankr. S.D.N.Y.), 769
– Midway Games Inc. and U.S. subsidiaries, video game maker (Bankr. D. Del.), 224
– Milacron Inc. and subsidiaries, global plastics-processing technologies and industrial fluids supplier (Bankr. S.D. Ohio), 371; PBGC seeks termination of defined benefit plan (S.D. Ohio), 843
– Morgan & Finnegan LLP, intellectual property law firm (Bankr. S.D.N.Y.), 406
– Muzak Holdings LLC and affiliates, professional sound system, digital signage, drive-thru systems, and commercial television designer and installer (Bankr. D. Del.), 225
– Nanogen Inc. and affiliates, molecular and rapid diagnostic products developer (Bankr. D. Del.), 725
– NexPak Corp. and affiliates, multimedia packaging manufacturer, marketer, and distributor (Bankr. D. Del.), 527
– Noble Intl. Ltd. and affiliates, automobile components producer and supplier (Bankr. E.D. Mich.), 528
– Nortel Networks Corp. and subsidiaries in US and Canada, communications provider (Bankr. D. Del.), 89
– Nova Biosource Fuels Inc. and subsidiaries, biodiesel refiner and marketer (Bankr. D. Del.), 467
– Opus South Corp. and subsidiaries, design-build development firm (Bankr. D. Del.), 563
– Peanut Corp. of America, peanut processing company and maker of peanut butter for bulk distribution, Ch. 7 (Bankr. W.D. Va.), 259
– Penn Specialty Chemicals Inc., Ch. 7 (Bankr. D. Del.), 9
– PetroRig I Pte Ltd. and affiliates, ultra deep water semi submersible harsh environment drilling rig construction firm (Bankr. S.D.N.Y.), 727
– Philadelphia Newspapers LLC, print and online publisher (Bankr. E.D. Pa.), 255
– Polaroid Corp. and affiliates, consumer electronics firm (Bankr. D. Minn.), 9
– Primus Telecommunications Group Inc. and affiliates (Bankr. D. Del.), 369
– Qimonda Richmond LLC and Qimonda North America Corp., memory chip designer, manufacturer, and retailer (Bankr. D. Del.), 293
– Recycled Paper Greetings Inc., greeting card producer (Bankr. D. Del.), 60
– R.H. Donnelly Corp. and affiliates, consumer and business-to-business local commercial search firm, agreement reached with creditors (Bankr. D. Del.), 770
– Ritz Camera Centers Inc., photography and boating retailer (Bankr. D. Del.), 256
– Royce Intl. Investment Co., real estate developer (Bankr. C.D. Cal.), 159
– Saab Automobile AB files for reorganization through Swedish court process after General Motors ends support, 257
– Samsun Logix Corp., shipping and trading firm, Ch. 15 (Bankr. S.D.N.Y.), 372
– Saratoga Resources Inc. and subsidiary, independent exploration and production company (Bankr. W.D. La.), 501
– Scantek Medical Inc., breast cancer detector device producer/distributor (Bankr. D.N.J.), 37
– Sheldon Good & Co. and affiliates, real estate auction firm (Bankr. S.D.N.Y.), 606
– Silicon Graphics Inc. and affiliates, high-performance server, visualization, and storage solutions provider (Bankr. S.D.N.Y.), 501
– Silver State Bancorp (Bankr. D. Nev.), 61
– Six Flags Inc. and affiliates, amusement park operator (Bankr. D. Del.), 844
– S&K Famous Brands Inc., menswear retailer (Bankr. E.D. Va.), 226
– Smurfit-Stone Container Corp. and subsidiaries, integrated containerboard and corrugated packaging producer (Bankr. D. Del.), 123; debtor-in-possession financial approved, 255
– Spansion Inc. and affiliates, flash memory solutions provider (Bankr. D. Del.), 330
– Special Devices Inc., automotive occupant protection systems product manufacturer (Bankr. D. Del.), 10
– Spectrum Brands and subsidiaries, consumer products supplier (Bankr. W.D. Tex.), 188
– Strategic Resource Acquisition Corp. and subsidiary, mining firm (Bankr. M.D. Tenn.), 159
– Sun-Times Media Group Inc. and affiliates, newspaper and online site operator (Bankr. D. Del.), 465
– TallyGenicom LP, quality printing solutions provider (Bankr. D. Del.), 159
– Tarragon Corp. and affiliates, residential real estate developer (Bankr. D.N.J.), 92
– Telemetrix Inc. and Convey Communications Inc., wireless communication operators (Bankr. D. Colo.), 10
– The Kirk Corp., home builder (Bankr. N.D. Ill.), 684
– The Parent Co. and subsidiaries, eCommerce and eContent provider for families (Bankr. D. Del.), 37
– Thiele Manufacturing LLC dump truck bed and body builder (Bankr. W.D. Pa.), 10
– Thornburg Mortgage Inc. and affiliates, real estate investment trust (Bankr. D. Md.), 643
– Transmeridian Exploration Inc., oil production holding company (Bankr. S.D. Tex.), 440
– Tronox Inc. and subsidiaries, titanium dioxide pigment producer and marketer (Bankr. S.D.N.Y.), 93
– Trump Entertainment Resorts Inc. and subsidiaries (Bankr. D.N.J.), 223
– TXCO Resources Inc. and subsidiaries, independent oil and gas enterprise (Bankr. W.D. Tex.), 726
– U.S. Shipping Partners LP and affiliates, long-haul marine transportation services provider for petroleum and other chemical products (Bankr. S.D.N.Y.), 607
– Visteon Corp. and affiliates, global automotive components supplier (Bankr. D. Del.), 770
– WL Homes LLC and affiliates, private high volume home builder (Bankr. D. Del.), 294
– Young Broadcasting Inc. and affiliates, television station owner (Bankr. S.D.N.Y.), 260

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

See BANKING
– FDIC

See FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION (FDIC)

FOOD

See also RESTAURANTS
– Archway Cookies granted permission to convert Ch. 11 case to Ch. 7 (Bankr. D. Del.), 89; unsecured creditors file adversary proceeding for fraud, 153
– Chapter 7 filings

– – Growers Direct Coffee Co., distributor and marketer of whole green-bean coffee (Bankr. D. Nev.), 293
– – Peanut Corp. of America, peanut processing company and maker of peanut butter for bulk distribution (Bankr. W.D. Va.), 259

– Chapter 11 filings

– – ARG Enterprises Inc. and affiliates, restaurant operator (Bankr. D. Del.), 125
– – BI-LO LLC and affiliates, supermarket operator (Bankr. D.S.C.), 440
– – Bruno's Supermarkets LLC (Bankr. N.D. Ala.), 189; motion to reject collective bargaining agreements filed, 328; asset sale to Southern Family Markets approved, 641
– – Constar Intl. Inc. and subsidiaries, plastic food and beverage container producer (Bankr. D. Del.), 36
– – Merisant Worldwide Inc. and affiliates, tabletop sweetener producer (Bankr. D. Del.), 92

– Hale-Halsell Co. did not violate WARN Act with quick layoff of 200 workers, summary judgment proper (10th Cir.), 154
– Independencia SA, Brazilian beef and leather producer files for Ch. 15 protection (Bankr. S.D.N.Y.), 331
– Interstate Bakeries Corp. emerges from Ch. 11 protection (Bankr. W.D. Mo.), 187
– Parmalat collapse, investor suit to hold Deloitte liable for audits by subsidiary may proceed (S.D.N.Y.), 185; trustee suits against Bank of America and Deloitte properly dismissed (2d Cir.), 253; reconsideration denied, 289
– Pilgrim's Pride Corp.

– – Debtor-in-possession financing, chicken processing plant and prepared-foods facilities operator receives approval (Bankr. N.D. Tex.), 35
– – Workers file ERISA class action re lost stock investments (E.D. Tex.), 85

– Wolverine Proctor & Schwartz trustee settlement with PBGC approved (Bankr. D. Mass.), 636

FORECLOSURES

– Assistance program, Obama announces plan, 211
– Cal. lenders must stop proceedings under new law, 272
– Congressional Outlook 2009, Special Report, 135; 139
– Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, suspension of activities extended until end of Jan., 67
– Fed releases prevention policy initiative, 164
– Foreclosed owners, Tex. attorney general and Countrywide set up modification program (Tex. Dist. Ct.), 235
– Ill. lawmakers back grace period for homeowners facing foreclosure, 102
– Judicial modification of mortgages needed to address crisis, conferees say, 15; state attorneys general urge amendments to allow, 39; further developments, see LEGISLATION, FEDERAL, HR 200, HR 1106, S 61
– Mitigation plan would standardize asset values and make mortgage workouts routine, HUD Secretary says, 267
– Moratorium on home foreclosures, Ohio House passes, 738
– Mortgage contract provision saying borrower must pay lender legal fees to stall action proper (Ohio), 272
– Mortgage holders, most state laws favor, report says, 306
– Prevention effort impeded by lack of hard mortgage data, report says, 341; modification guidelines, Treasury releases, 342; second liens, guidance to be issued, Treasury says, 508; modification program to be expanded, 690
– Prevention legislation

See LEGISLATION, FEDERAL, S 896

– Prime loans show increase, federal regulators report, 475
– Rescue scams

– – Deceiving homeowners, operators settle charges (N.D. Ill.), 619
– – Federal and state agencies launch coordinated effort to combat, 474; FTC seeks comment on how to draft rules, 777; N.Y. attorney general issues subpoenas re violation of state consumer protection laws, 814; comment period extended, News Brief, 816
– – FinCEN made referrals to law enforcement agencies, Geithner says, 691
– – Fla. attorney general closes Tampa firm under new fraud law, 236

– Tax consequences, Analysis and Perspective, 274

FORFEITURE

– Accounting fraud, jewelry firm CEO sentenced, forfeiture ordered (E.D.N.Y.), 641

FRAUD

– Accounting scheme, jewelry firm CEO sentenced, forfeiture ordered (E.D.N.Y.), 641
– Commodity forward agreement may qualify as swap agreement exempt from trustee avoidance powers (4th Cir.), 251
– Corporate insider sentence and restitution affirmed (7th Cir.), 152
– Creditor judgment, fraudulent transfer to defeat (U.S., rev sought), 486; (rev den), 706
– Debt collection, complaints rising in weak economy, officials say, 346
– Financial fraud, FDIC chief calls for federal and state crackdown, 303
– Homestead exemption, conversion of nonexempt assets to exempt assets on eve of bankruptcy, fraud not shown (B.A.P. 8th Cir.), 13
– Mortgage, commodity, and securities fraud, legal tools and funding to combat

See LEGISLATION, FEDERAL, HR 1748, S 386

– Property taxes and expenses, transfer after payment voidable (B.A.P. 8th Cir.), Case in Brief, 411
– Qwest Communications Intl. execs face suit by investment companies that opted out of settlement (D. Colo.), 186
– Refco litigation trustee lacks standing to bring suit against alleged aiders and abettors (S.D.N.Y.), 601
– Res judicata (U.S., rev sought), 386; (rev den), 628
– Reserve Mgmt. Co. faces charges re redemption requests (Mass. Sec. Div.), 85
– Revenue recognition scheme, solar power execs agree to fine (D.D.C.), 366
– Securities

– – Noncompliance with registration requirements, disregard of bankruptcy plan (U.S., rev sought), 579; (rev den), 784
– – Racial and ethnic targeting, SEC official urges better education, 619

– Trust property, debtor disclaimer in not fraudulent transfer (9th Cir.), 228
– Williams Cos. properly granted summary judgment on fraud claims (10th Cir.), 290

FREDDIE MAC

See GOVERNMENT-SPONSORED ENTERPRISES (GSEs)

FREEDOM OF SPEECH

– BAPCPA debt relief agency restrictions

– – Advice to consumers, limit violates free speech rights of lawyers (U.S., rev grant), 804
– – Free speech rights of lawyers not violated (5th Cir.), 38; (U.S., rev sought), 486
– – Free speech rights of lawyers violated (U.S., rev sought), 386; related case (rev sought), 514

FTC

See FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION (FTC)