The agreement must now go before Congress and other government agencies for final approval. A background report by Charles Krause is followed by a panel discussion lead by Paul Solman. A RealAudio version of this NewsHour segment is available. A background report on the agreement reached between tobacco manufacturers and state attorneys general.
Experts debate the future of the tobacco industry.
A background report on the tobacco industry's decision to settle. Smoking cigarettes is addictive and can cause cancer, admits the Liggett Group. A report about selling cigarettes to teens and new government rules to prevent under-age smoking. FDA Commissioner David Kessler discusses his contentious term as commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration. Browse the Online NewsHour's coverage of health issues .