Top Legal Headlines

Vermont legalizes gay marriage with veto override

By DAVE GRAM Associated Press Writer MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) - Vermont, which invented civil unions, on Tuesday became a pioneer again as the first state to legalize gay marriage through a legislature's vote, suggesting growing popular acceptance of the idea.

Democrat wins Rahm Emanuel's Ill. Congress seat

By DEANNA BELLANDI Associated Press Writer CHICAGO (AP) - Democrat Mike Quigley knows that for at least a little while he'll be known as the guy who replaced Rahm Emanuel, President Barack Obama's chief of staff, in Congress.

Low-key Harley lover running Stevens investigation

By NEDRA PICKLER Associated Press Writer WASHINGTON (AP) - The investigation into whether prosecutors broke the law in pursuing their case against former Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens is being led by a Harley-riding attorney known for his low-key style and experience on both sides of criminal law.

Report: Treasury may extend TARP to life insurers

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) - The U.S. Treasury Department plans to extend the Troubled Asset Relief Program to certain life insurers, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal. The announcement is expected within the next several days, The Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the matter.

SEC is floating options to limit short sales

By MARCY GORDON AP Business Writer WASHINGTON (AP) - Federal regulators are floating several options for reining in the practice of short-selling stocks, as investors, corporations and lawmakers clamor for restrictions on moves they say gutted vulnerable companies and worsened the market's downward spiral.