High court weighs states’ liability in medical leave case

WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court wrestled Wednesday with how a federal law that grants workers time off for family and medical reasons applies to state government workers in a case that could affect millions of them.

The case argued before the high court was brought by a Maryland state employee who says he was wrongly fired for trying to take a 10-day medical leave to deal with hypertension and diabetes. But Daniel Coleman’s damage suit against state officials for a reported $1.1 million was thrown out.

The 1993 Family and Medical Leave Act gives employees like Coleman the right to take up to three months of unpaid medical leave in certain circumstances. But the state of Maryland and Coleman disagree about the remedy workers should have if a state violates the part of the law that lets employees take leave for their own health issue.

Coleman argues that he and some 5 million state workers like him should be able to sue for money damages in such an instance. Maryland and 26 other states disagree. They acknowledge they’re bound by the Family and Medical Leave Act and must grant time off. But the states say that unlike private employers, states are protected by the Constitution from monetary damage suits that could drain a state’s finances.

Europe, weak earnings contribute to dip in Dow

NEW YORK — The Dow Jones industrial average crept lower Wednesday as Europe edged closer to a recession that would hurt corporate profits in the U.S. The first earnings reports from American companies didn’t add much encouragement.

Germany reported that its economy, the largest in Europe, shrank slightly at the end of last year. And the European Union revised its figures for economic growth in the third quarter to 0.1 percent, its slowest pace in more than two years.

The United States depends on Europe to buy about 20 percent of its exports.

The Dow dropped 13.02 points, or 0.1 percent, to close at 12,449.45 in another day of light trading.

The S&P 500 gained 0.4 of a point to 1,292.48. The Nasdaq composite index rose 8.26, or 0.3 percent, to 2,710.76. The Nasdaq has gained 4 percent this year, the most of the major indexes. 

Renovated hotel to become a Doubletree by Hilton

SOUTH PORTLAND — The hotel across the street from the Maine Mall has been undergoing renovations and is changing its affiliation.

The hotel, with two circular buildings, is now a Wyndham hotel. It will become a Doubletree by Hilton hotel by the end of the month.

The renovations, expected to cost about $3.7 million, included a change to the exterior, which was originally all glass. The exterior features new textures and colors, a press release issued by the hotel said.

The hotel’s restaurant, Blue Wave Grill, is also being redone, and room upgrades include high-bandwidth wi-fi, new TVs and bedding and new heating and cooling units.

The fitness room is also being redesigned and a lounge for Hilton Honors members is being added.

– Staff and wire services