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By GENE JOHNSON The Associated Press SEATTLE (AP) A judge has essentially put the Northwest chapter of the American Lung Association out of business.

King County Superior Court Judge Regina Cahan (KAY'-han) said Monday that the association would probably win its claim that the regional affiliate breached its contract.

The chapter got into hot water for giving its Seattle headquarters and $600,000 to a different charity.

The judge's order forbids the chapter and the new charity from using American Lung Association donor lists and from spending money except for legal fees. They can't even use the word "lung" in their names anymore.

The chapter carried out the American Lung Association's mission in Alaska, Washington and Idaho.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 01-05-09 1927CST | save this article / add to your favorites list