Miami Rep. Diaz-Balart Fought Cigar Regulations Days After Taking Tobacco Cash

Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart sure loves cigars. He enjoys them so much that, at a February 14 federal budget hearing, the GOP congressman railed against the Food and Drug Administration's plans to add new regulations on the cigar industry, claiming the rules were needlessly "burdensome" and unfair.

Two US lawmakers voice concerns over Philip Morris tobacco trials

Two Democratic U.S. senators said they have fresh concerns over clinical trials conducted by Philip Morris International Inc as it seeks U.S. clearance to market its iQOS electronic tobacco product as less risky than cigarettes, according to statements both senators provided to Reuters. FILE PHOTO: A man uses a Philip Morris iQOS e-cigarette in Tokyo, Japan May 12, 2017.

Former Lt. Gov Bill Bolling hopes Bob McDonnella s true legacy wona t fade

A bi-partisan group of former attorney generals, and long-time supporters, celebrated Monday's Supreme Court decision to throw out the conviction of former governor Bob McDonnell. McDonnell said the support of friends and family has helped him in the days that followed his 2014 conviction on 11 counts involving federal corruption; Maureen was found guilty on nine counts.

High court nixes European suit against R.J. Reynolds

The Supreme Court ruled Monday that the European Union can't pursue a lawsuit accusing tobacco giant R.J Reynolds of taking part in a global money-laundering scheme that sponsored cigarette-smuggling in Europe. In a 4-3 ruling, the justices said the EU has no right to sue in U.S. courts because federal racketeering laws don't allow recovery for injuries occurring outside the United States.