NPR's Debbie Elliott reports that a tobacco company, the Liggett Group Inc., has agreed to a settlmenment of a major class-action lawsuit. The settlement marks the first time a tobacco company has broken ranks with the industry to settle a major lawsuit individually. As part of the settlement, the company agreed to pay up to $50 million over 25 years for smoking-cessation efforts. The company also agreed to accept restrictions aimed at reducing smoking by young people. The company is also negotiating to settle lawsuits by states attempting to recover medical costs from smoking-related illnesses.
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