Free Talk Live

Ten dollars for a pack of cigarettes? It might soon become a reality in many stores in New York City. The cigarette tax in New York would jump $1.60 a pack under a tentative deal struck between Governor David Paterson and state government leaders.

If ever there was something that worked too well, the cigarette tax might be it. A new study published by the Congressional Budget Office shows that any additional money the state obtains by raising cigarette taxes will eventually be outweighed by the increased use of entitlement programs such as Medicare or Social Security. In other words, a healthier population lives longer and uses more of the government's money.

SFO banned electronic cigarettes earlier this month and now the city is in the first stages of banning them. The plan is to fold them into the current smoking ordinance, saying that anything that looks, feels or functions like a cigarette is a cigarette and has to be banned from public places.

WASHINGTON — A US law banning the selling of so-called "light" or "mild" cigarettes took effect Tuesday, but some anti-tobacco groups say the makers are sidestepping the rules by using color-coding packaging.

The packaging says, "Your Marlboro Lights pack is changing. But your cigarette stays the same. In the future, ask for 'Marlboro in the gold pack."

Dozens were arrested at the first Occupy Des Moines event Sunday night, including a former Iowa state representative and a 14-year-old girl. All but one of them have pleaded not guilty, and some are now asking how much the state's governor knew beforehand.

Congress on Wednesday sent President Obama a bill that bans the mailing of cigarettes, a measure that would bring the full weight of the federal government down on the Seneca Nation's huge tax-free tobacco trade that New York State has been fighting for years.

A Florida vapor spent a few days in the hospital after suffering facial burns when his electronic cigarette spontaneously ejected the battery. Given the current battle e-cigarettes are facing in numerous state legislatures, this could become a serious setback for the industry.

The state unveiled new technology Monday that allows it to virtually inspect big rigs as they cruise down the highway and, if they're found unsafe, flag them for a full evaluation.

Truckers found by the system to have violated safety standards can be fined or have their rigs put out of commission.

It's for "the children," I suppose. Some people are trying to teach children that cigars, pipes, and cigarettes never existed. Thus, otherwise historic photos Winston Churchill, Clement Hurd, and others, are appearing ... sans cigar or cigarette.