OLYMPIA - Washington Attorney General Christine Gregoire and State Health Officer Dr. Maxine Hayes today warned consumers about Internet sites that are using the public’s fear of anthrax to sell antibiotics without a physician’s prescription.

"It is hard to believe but some online companies are attempting to use the anthrax attacks as an opportunity to make a fast buck," Gregoire said. "Consumers must be aware that their health and pocketbooks are at risk."

OLYMPIA, July 11, 1996, Based on a review of the U.S. Supreme Court and 9th Circuit decisions, the Attorney General's Office has told Shelton-area legislators that planned public prayer at high school commencement programs would violate the state constitution.  

State Senator Brad Owen and State Representatives Peggy Johnson and Tim Sheldon asked the AG's Office for the opinion because the Shelton School District was contemplating a change to its policy regarding religious -related activities.  

SEATTLE - February 8, 1999 - The Attorney General's Office today filed a lawsuit against Sunscapes Travel, a Bellevue company which advertised widely over the Internet and specialized in Hawaiian vacations, for failing to deliver more than $67,000 in travel services.

“This company left consumers holding the bag,” said Attorney General Christine Gregoire. “Without warning, refunds or apologies, this company closed down its web site and virtually disappeared.”

July 3, 1996 - The Attorney General's Office has filed a petition with the U.S. Supreme Court to appeal the 9th Circuit ruling that limited the application of Washington's ban on assisted suicide.  

Secretary of State Sam Reed and Attorney General Christine Gregoire today released their annual financial report on paid solicitors who ask Washingtonians to support charity.

October 1, 1996 - OLYMPIA -- State Attorney General Christine Gregoire said today she is pleased the U.S. Supreme Court decided to hear both Washington's and New York's assisted suicide cases in tandem.

"Assisted suicide is a watershed issue with national public policy implications," said Gregoire. "Understanding this, the Court appropriately decided to hear the full range of legal issues involved in both cases."

November 13, 1996 - OLYMPIA - State Attorney General Christine Gregoire plans to appeal Wednesday's Thurston County Superior Court ruling which rejects a major part of the state's case against three O.K. Boys Ranch administrators charged with multiple counts of second-degree criminal mistreatment of children.  

OLYMPIA -- The Attorney General's Office today announced that the federal court in Seattle has approved a settlement with two major Seattle hotels that ends a three-year antitrust investigation relating to the operation and management by Starwood Hotels of the two large convention hotels in downtown Seattle. The settlement agreement includes requirements for insuring competitive bidding for large events.

SEATTLE - December 19, 1996---Mazda Motor of America, Inc. today agreed to reform its national auto leasing advertisements and pay $857,500 to Washington and 23 other states.  

The multi-state agreement prevents Mazda from misrepresenting the amount of up-front lease costs, including the amount "down," the "downpayment" or the "capitalized cost reduction."  

OLYMPIA -- The Attorney General's Office and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) have filed consent orders that will change the way some Yakima physicians negotiate with private insurance plans over reimbursement rates for physician services.

The settlement is with a physicians' group called Surgical Specialists of Yakima (SSY), which has approximately 24 physician members, including nine of the 11 general surgeons in the greater Yakima area.