BLOWING SMOKE...opening tobacco arguments out

Grants | Legacy Digitization | Topics | Education | Health & Wellness |
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Attorneys for tobacco companies are expected to finish their opening arguments this morning in Minnesota's landmark tobacco trial. The state's attorney told jurors yesterday the tobacco industry deceived the public about the dangers of smoking and put profits before health. The State and Blue Cross Blue Shield are suing the industry for nearly two-billion dollars in smoking-related health care costs. Minnesota public radio's Elizabeth Stawicki reports: The state's attorney Mike Ciresi told jurors minnesota's case comes down to what the industry knew about the dangers of smoking; when it knew it and what it did about it. He stood at a podium, spoke deliberately for about two hours and never veered far from his notes. The courtroom was packed with attorneys, public officials such as the attorney general and the u-s attorney and local and national media including the wall street journal and the LA times.

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Digitization made possible by the State of Minnesota Legacy Amendment’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund, approved by voters in 2008.

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