The goal: to develop a unified bargaining strategy against cigarette producers.

That would make it the richest settlement of a state lawsuit against cigarette producers to date.

Some industry spokesmen have raised the possibility that cigarette producers may simply walk away from the table.

Yesterday's decision was the latest legal victory by cigarette producers.

Although cigarette producers plan to sign the agreement on Monday, the plan could face challenges.

A tax hike applies to all cigarette producers, big and small, current and future.

A loss for cigarette producers in Mississippi would be a stunning blow.

The Commission hopes that it will serve as a model for other cigarette producers.

Discussion question: Should cigarette producers be permitted to target teenagers in their advertising?

This exercise, after all, is not about protecting the financial interests of the cigarette producers.