May 14, 1998 - As the debate over how to spend Minnesota's tobacco settlement heats up, some of the discussion has shifted to the state's co-plaintiff - Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota. The insurer's share of 469-million dollars is now the subject of two class-action lawsuits filed this week. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports.
May 13, 1998 - A coalition of Minnesota health organizations is calling for the state's seven-billion dollar tobacco settlement to be spent on public health. Tobacco foes held a news conference at St. Paul's Mounds Park Academy today, where a group of teens voiced THEIR opinions on how the money should be spent. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports... Minnesota health groups say the settlement dollars would be best invested in anti-smoking efforts, from community grants to research into effective prevention methods. They're calling for creation of a 650-million dollar permanent endowment to fund tobacco reduction programs. American Cancer Society volunteer Arla Johnson says the money should be dedicated to wiping out
May 11, 1998 - In the wake of Minnesota's 7-billion dollar settlement with the tobacco industry, Blue Cross Blue Shield could face its own lawsuit. Some policyholders are considering filing a class-action suit, to force the insurance company to return its share of the settlement to people who paid premiums. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports... Under the terms of Friday's settlement, tobacco companies will pay Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota nearly 470-million dollars over five years. The state's largest health insurer says it will use that money for smoking cessation programs and research into tobacco prevention.
May 11, 1998 - Tobacco companies say one of the reasons they settled Minnesota's tobacco lawsuit was their view that they couldn't get a fair trial here - they argued the jury and judge were biased against them. A statement from RJ Reynolds said the court's rulings favored the state, and, quote, "placed a loaded gun to our head". The judge in Minnesota's tobacco trial found his name in the news nearly every day for the past four months - his every word heavily scrutinized as he presided over what might be the most high-profile case in Minnesota history. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum looks at Kenneth Fitzpatrick's reputation and judicial style.
May 8, 1998 - Attorneys for the state and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota present their closing arguments in Minnesota's tobacco trial today. Five tobacco industry lawyers presented defense arguments yesterday, attacking the state's damage estimate and denying the state's claims. Wall Street has its eyes and ears in the courtroom - analyst David Adelman (AY-dull-man) from Morgan Stanley flew in from New York for closing arguments. Outside the courthouse, he told Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum he thought defense lawyers made persuasive arguments... Wall Street analyst David Adelman, talking with Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum.
May 6, 1998 - The judge presiding over Minnesota's tobacco trial today gave jury instructions that tobacco companies say are grounds for appeal. The case is rapidly winding to a close, despite continuing rumors of an out-of-court settlement. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports... Judge Kenneth Fitzpatrick's instructions to the jury should come as no surprise - they're consistent with his previous rulings. He told jurors when considering damages, they shouldn't take into account any of the state's revenues from cigarette excise taxes. He said they shouldn't consider whether smokers had other risky habits that might have raised health care costs, and said tobacco companies can't use as a defense what individ
May 6, 1998 - As Minnesota's tobacco trial enters its final days, attorneys for the state and Blue Cross Blue Shield have introduced into evidence a final batch of formerly-secret tobacco industry documents. They include research into the smoking motivations of children, and lawyers' memos about smoking and health research. The state contends tobacco companies marketed to underage smokers, and covered up research linking smoking and disease. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports... The state's legal team hinted some of the most incriminating company documents would come in this last group of memos, many of them from the
May 6, 1998 - St. Paul trial attorney Ron Rosenmbaum helps sort through the legal questions on whether the lawyers in the tobacco trial should settle the case, or let the jury decide. Rosenmbaum also answers listener questions. Program begins with MPR reporter Laura McCallum presenting latest from the federal courthouse.
May 5, 1998 - Neither side in Minnesota's tobacco trial will confirm or deny a published report that settlement talks are underway. But many trial observers say the state would be smart to settle with tobacco companies, with the case scheduled to go to the jury later this week. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports.
April 27, 1998 - In Minnesota's tobacco trial, tobacco companies today refuted claims they conspired to violate state antitrust laws. An antitrust expert testified such a conspiracy makes no economic sense. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports... Vanderbilt University economist David Scheffman testified he found no evidence of a tobacco industry conspiracy to suppress competition. The state's antitrust expert, Brandeis economist Adam Jaffe, testified earlier in the trial tobacco companies agreed not to compete to develop safer products, because that would mean admitting their cigarettes were unsafe. But Scheffman said su