A federal appeals court has largely endorsed a landmark ruling that found cigarette makers deceived the public for decades about the heath hazards of smoking. The U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington on Friday upheld the major elements of a 2006 ruling that found the nation’s top tobacco companies guilty of fraud and violating racketeering laws.

Some South Carolina lawmakers are sparking debate with a new bill that would ban “toy-like” novelty lighters. They claim the lighters are dangerous because they encourage children to play with fire. News Channel Six’s Joy Howe is hot on the trail. Also, let us know in our web poll if you think the novelty lighters should be banned.

The cost of lighting up has gone way up. The federal tax on cigarettes hiked up 259 percent, Wednesday…from 39 cents to $1.01. ABC News’ Diana Alvear has more.

A cigarette tax increase of 50 cents a pack to cover a new SC state health insurance program is expected to sail through hearings.

It’s the lowest in the nation! Could this be the year South Carolina finally raises the cigarette tax? Lawmakers have been trying for years, and even got it passed in the House and Senate, last year, only to have it vetoed by the Governor. But, supporters say the bill the House will be working off of this year is much different. South Carolina is one of just 6 states who have not raised their cigarette tax since 1999, or earlier. In fact, South Carolina’s 7-cent tax has not been increased since 1977. WJBF News Channel 6’s Capitol reporter, Robert Kittle, shows you why this year could be different.

A House panel is expected to approve Wednesday sweeping tobacco regulation that would put the bill on pace for House passage far earlier in the congressional session than in the last Congress. The House Energy and Commerce Committee vote, expected Wednesday afternoon or evening, would give the Food and Drug Administration the power to police the tobacco industry.

Deputy Michael Arrington, of Grovetown, was arrested Thursday morning at the Richmond County jail. Richmond County Sheriff Ronnie Strength says, as recently as Thursday morning, Arrington sold marijuana to an inmate.

A new federal study shows Kentucky and West Virginia - where people traditionally smoke the most - have the highest death rates from smoking.

A new federal study shows Kentucky and West Virginia - where people traditionally smoke the most - have the highest death rates from smoking.

There is a call for a tobacco tax hike. It comes as Georgia wrestles with a budget shortfall expected to top $2 billion for the current fiscal year. Count on WJBF News Channel 6’s Renita Crawford for reaction from the proposed legislation.

A local hospital is now a smoke-free campus and to get the change in motion, hospital leaders invited a well-known tobacco company figure to help with the move. Count on our Fraendy Clervaud…he has the story.

According to Lt. Michael Frank, the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) has arrested three Barnwell men, who early Tuesday morning smashed the front door of a convenience store with a large rock, and then carried away nearly 70 cartons of cigarettes from 3 Way Food Store, at 2260 Pine Log Road, in Warrenville, South Carolina.