WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court has rejected appeals by the Obama administration and the nation’s largest tobacco companies to get involved in a legal fight about the dangers of cigarette smoking that has stretched more than 10 years. The court’s action, issued without comment Monday, leaves in place court rulings that the tobacco industry illegally concealed the dangers of smoking for decades. But it also prevents the administratio ... Jump to full article >>

Public health advocates accuse Yushchenko of doing tobacco industry’s bidding. Ukrainian President Victor Yushchenko, citing concern for the tobacco industry and fears of cigarette smuggling, on Nov. 11 vetoed legislation that would have hiked the excise tax on tobacco products by 36 percent. Public health advocates called a news conference on Nov. 12 to criticize Yushchenko and note that price increases are the most effective way to reduce s ... Jump to full article >>