The lawsuit is the latest effort to force the government to ban menthols, which are disproportionately used by Black smokers and young people. It comes amid growing concerns from advocates that the federal plan could be derailed by election-year politics.
Smoking
The FDA has been officially exploring the possibility of a menthol ban for more than a decade. In July 2013, the FDA requested comments on preliminary research, data and evaluations with regard to the regulation of menthol.
Candy-flavored e-cigarettes and other sweetened tobacco products threaten to create a new generation of addicted users, warns a new report by five prominent public health organizations.
The Chicago City Council passes a ban to regulate e-cigarettes as tobacco products. Carol Marin and her panel of aldermen weigh in on this issue, and get the latest from inside City Hall. View graphics on e-cigarette sales across the United States, and read an interview with a local doctor about the health risks and benefits.
Need tips on how to stay healthy in 2012? Dr. Terry Mason, Chief Medical Officer for Cook County Health & Hospitals System, joins us with several health recommendations for Chicagoans. Got any questions for Dr. Mason? Ask them here. Please also join us for a live web chat during and after the segment.
Aldermen propose new taxes on cigar and pipe smokers, as well as higher fees for loading and valet zones. The goal: staving off cuts to libraries, the 911 center and mental health facilities. Elizabeth Brackett reports.