Although many people suggest that life was easier in the past without all those gadgets, I think that the dramatic technical progress in the past decade provided a whole new world of pleasant options for web users. For instance, now we are able to communicate with our friends from other countries; we can check our bank accounts via e-banking services; we are able to pay bills from home and, one of the most pleasant things, is that now we can buy ... Jump to full article >>

After a marathon session of debates and amendments on Friday, city aldermen approved a bill banning smoking in most bars and restaurants. The bill, approved 20-7, would ban indoor smoking — with several key exceptions — contingent on St. Louis County voters approving a similar ban on the Nov. 3 ballot. That vote, in effect, will decide the smoking ban issue for much of the region. The plan passed at City Hall, like the county version, exempt ... Jump to full article >>

The state Supreme Court has issued a ruling that would allow the state to collect higher taxes on cigarettes sold by Osage Nation tobacco stores. However, the Oklahoma Tax Commission said Monday that it already has a new deal with the Osage Nation requiring it to pay a tax of 66 cents per pack. The state tax on cigarettes is $1.03, but tribal stores pay lower rates, ranging from 6 cents per pack for those along Oklahoma’s borders to 86 cents p ... Jump to full article >>

The only thing surprising about Topeka City Councilwoman Deborah Swank’s proposal to ban smoking in public places is that it’s taken so long for someone to bring the issue once again to the council agenda. Several communities across the state have enacted smoking bans since the council last addressed the subject, and, realistically, it was only a matter of time before someone on the council suggested Topeka join the list, which now i ... Jump to full article >>