Smokers in New York City may soon have fewer places to light up.

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.

Smokers are urged to quit for the sake of their pets. Studies show secondhand smoke is just as dangerous to animals as it is to humans.

Smokers are urged to quit for the sake of their pets. Studies show secondhand smoke is just as dangerous to animals as it is to humans.

A bill now headed to the state Senate floor would make it illegal to smoke inside a car that has a child 10 years old or younger inside. Sen. Darrell Jackson, D-Hopkins, is sponsoring the bill. WJBF News Channel 6’s Capitol reporter, Robert Kittle, has more.

South Carolina lawmakers are considering separate bills that would make it illegal to smoke in a car with a child, but allow handguns to be stowed under the seat.

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.

Thursday was The Great American Smokeout, an annual focus to get smokers to quit, at least for 24 hours. As that was happening, a recent report ranks South Carolina worst in the nation at spending tobacco settlement money on smoking prevention and cessation programs. The Campaign for Smoke-Free Kids report says South Carolina will generate $114 million from the tobacco settlement and cigarette taxes this year, but will spend just $1 million of federal money, and no state money, on prevention programs. WJBF News Channel 6’s Capitol reporter, Robert Kitle, has the story.

Thursday was The Great American Smokeout, an annual focus to get smokers to quit, at least for 24 hours. As that was happening, a recent report ranks South Carolina worst in the nation at spending tobacco settlement money on smoking prevention and cessation programs. The Campaign for Smoke-Free Kids report says South Carolina will generate $114 million from the tobacco settlement and cigarette taxes this year, but will spend just $1 million of federal money, and no state money, on prevention programs. WJBF News Channel 6’s Capitol reporter, Robert Kitle, has the story.

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.

The Centers For Disease Control says fewer Americans are smoking, but it’s still a big health problem in this country.

Stressful times are causing more Americans to light up.

Smoking any amount of cigarettes is bad for your health.