Chewing tobacco — like the Yankees’ starting lineup — is a relic of the past. And while New York’s aging superstars might still be able to pull together a winning season, it’s past time for Major League Baseball to ban this dangerous habit from the diamond. About a third of major leaguers still chew. But with every passing season, baseball’s tolerance for tobacco use, and the disgusting spectacle of grown men spitting on the field l ... Jump to full article >>

Kids across DeSoto County will encourage others to kick butts today as part of an annual awareness event to fight tobacco use. Hundreds of events are planned across the nation, including in DeSoto County and elsewhere in Mississippi, for the 16th annual Kick Butts Day. Sponsored by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, the event encourages tobacco companies to stop targeting youth with marketing for cigarettes and other tobacco products. Organizer ... Jump to full article >>

Raleigh, NC — Two North Carolina lawmakers have filed a bill that, if passed, would increase the state’s cigarette tax by $1. Rep. Jennifer Weiss (D-Wake) and Sen. William Purcell (D-Scotland) said the tax could generate about $300 million in new revenue for North Carolina, which is the nation’s top tobacco-producing state. But Purcell told WFMY News 2 money isn’t his main goal. He wants to prevent teens from smoking. If ... Jump to full article >>

Colorado ranks 27th in the nation in funding programs to prevent kids from smoking and help smokers quit, according to a national report released today by a coalition of public health organizations. Colorado currently spends $7 million a year on tobacco prevention and cessation programs, which is 12.9 percent of the $54.4 million recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Other key findings for Colorado include: ... Jump to full article >>

Health advocates say Kentucky’s bleak budget has one bright spot — it funds a long-sought program to help people on Medicaid stop smoking,Lawmakers allocated $1.5 million a year for the next two fiscal years that, combined with additional federal matching money, will give Medicaid officials about $11 million for the program. “We’re thrilled it finally got the funding,” said Amy Barkley of the Campaign for Tobacco Fr ... Jump to full article >>