41.   The states are seeking to recoup billions of dollars in tax money spent treating sick smokers.

42.   The tobacco industry has consistently prevailed over complaints brought by sick smokers over the years.

43.   The settlement to repay money spent treating sick smokers and to fund anti-smoking efforts was expected.

44.   The state sued the tobacco industry to recover taxpayer money spent on treating sick smokers, the third state to reach a settlement of such a suit.

45.   The states argued that they had spent billions of dollars caring for sick smokers.

46.   Thirty-four states attorneys general have sued the tobacco industry for money spent treating sick smokers.

47.   Tobacco companies want protection from future class action lawsuits in exchange for helping pay for treatment of sick smokers and anti-teen-smoking programs.

48.   Tobacco shares had reached record highs recently on hopes for a settlement of all litigation by states and other plaintiffs trying to recover costs of treating sick smokers.

49.   U.S. cigarette makers agreed to the payout to settle lawsuits by states seeking to recover the costs of treating sick smokers.

50.   U.S. cigarette makers agreed to the payout to settle lawsuits by states seeking to recover costs of treating sick smokers.