11.   The plaintiffs suing in New York State Supreme Court said the tobacco companies conspired through advertising and other activities to manipulate nicotine levels so smokers would become addicted.

12.   Prosecutors allege the defendants and the companies conspired to funnel money from Swiss banks into socialist pockets through Luxembourg banks and phony companies and foundations.

13.   A Florida jury that already found tobacco companies conspired to sell a dangerous product will begin this week to consider a possible punitive penalty.

14.   The government said last week there was no evidence that companies illegally conspired ahead of the auction.

15.   The Federal Court decision also sets the stage for a federal trial on claims made by the union that Patrick stevedore company conspired unlawfully to fire them.

16.   The government contends cigarette companies conspired to mislead the American public and concealed information.

17.   The government contends that cigarette companies conspired to mislead the American public about the dangers of smoking.

18.   The government said it would check if any companies illegally conspired ahead of the auction.

19.   The jury last summer found the companies fraudulently conspired to make a deadly product that causes cancer, emphysema other illnesses.

20.   The long-anticipated civil lawsuit would allege that the companies conspired to cover up the health risks of smoking.