On Aug. 17, 2006, after a nine-month trial and decades of evidence, the nation’s largest cigarette manufacturers were found liable under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act for engaging in a decades long conspiracy to deceive the American people about the health risks and addictiveness of their products. Sharon Y. Eubanks, who was lead attorney on the case, weighs in on the importance of continuing to protect public health today.

In a disappointing move in July, San Francisco passed an ordinance to permit indoor cannabis hospitality venues in the city, allowing retail spaces to transform into cafes and entertainment lounges where indoor smoking and vaping are completely legalized. Read more: ANR's statement 

BE ON ALERT: Further help to the field is available at our Marijuana and Secondhand Smoke Office Hours. If you are a smokefree advocate in a local coalition, or a partner in public health, be on the lookout for smokefree exemptions for cigar or cannabis lounges/bars coming to your locality. Attend our monthly meetings for Cigar Secondhand Smoke or Marijuana to learn more. We are on break for August, but mark your calendar for September!

August is Make a Will Month. Do you know the biggest mistake in making estate plans? Hint: It's NOT having a will! Planning your estate is an essential step in securing your wishes and ensuring that the people and causes you care about are protected. Together, we can continue to make strides toward a future where everyone can breathe a little deeper and safer.

American Society of Heating Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), has reaffirmed their Position Document on ETS (ETS=Environmental Tobacco Smoke, now known as secondhand smoke). The quiet steadfast leadership of ASHRAE on the issue of smokefree indoor air has made a significant impact. Despite intense pressure from Big Tobacco and its allies, ASHRAE has maintained its Position Document, which has been referenced by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), and more.

To this day, the ventilation myth pervades legislative discussions to distract from the real solution of 100% smokefree air, and ASHRAE’s statement continues to be relevant and persuasive.

#ANR50 Our latest stories have featured coalitions and the story of true grassroots activism supporting smokefree policies around the country. We're especially happy to present the story of Savannah, Georgia, who traversed complicated ground to make for a healthier community. 

Do you have a story to share? Click below for a form to upload your personal note, photos, or video. Rather talk to a real live person? Give Heidi a call at 510-841-3032 or email her (or just hit reply to this email)!

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