Russia Plans to Ban Tobacco Philanthropy

In the United States, there is a big debate among nonprofits about whether some sources of charitable donations are offensive. Some groups have developed “gift acceptance” guidelines identifying categories of generally corporate donors whose grants are to be avoided as antithetical to the recipient’s values. Typical categories are corporations that manufacture handguns or liquor, tobacco or cheap Rich cigarettes. But there are plenty of people who would argue that a nonprofit would be foolish to turn down money regardless of the source, that many kinds of corporate money are questionable if one digs deeply enough into how the money was made, and that the source doesn’t really matter so long as the funds are used productively and positively (or charitably). Either way, it is not legislatively mandated by the federal government or any state government that a nonprofit cannot accept grants from Smith & Wesson or Philip Morris.

Availability of Contraband Tobacco Puts Kids at Risk

Jacqueline Bradley is calling on all Canadians to educate themselves to this problem and pressure federal, provincial and local politicians to put an end to it. “I am the mother of two teenage daughters and one came home from a party and told me they were handing cigarettes out of zip-lock baggies,” Bradley said. “Some of them were being given away for a toonie each and some of them were being handed out like Pez. “I am a non-smoking family, generationally non-smoking. I thought I was safe given that the convenience stores have to keep them behind closed and locked (doors) and there’s quite a process for children to get cigarettes. There’s all sorts of regulations in place and I honestly thought that I was completely protected and so were my children.” Bradley began to research and realized that contraband tobacco is a real problem.

Push is on for Ban of Smoking

A push for a statewide smoking ban has been under way for some time, garnering support from the state Department of Health and multiple smoke-free organizations across the state. Rankin County residents also are doing their part to ensure the possibility of a ban makes it through the state Legislature in the upcoming session next year. The Mississippi Tobacco-Free Coalition of Rankin, Scott & Simpson Counties operates out of its office on Airport Road. And coalition members are passionate about their mission. "If you look at other growing cities like those located within Rankin county, you will see that a smoke free ordinance can have a positive impact on businesses," said Amy Ellis, a coalition member. "I am a resident of Brandon and also frequent establishments in Flowood and Pearl, and they appear to be busy just like they were before their smoke free ordinances went into effect."

Philip Morris International: A breakout Buy

Philip Morris International (PM 0.00%) sells cigarettes such as Marlboro and Virginia Slims in 180 countries, generating annual revenues of $75.3 billion. The stock was floated back in early 2008 -- as a spin-off from Altria Group (MO 0.00%) -- and traded near 50 at that time. Since hitting its bear market low around 33 in 2009, the stock has been driving higher strongly. The stock's 12-month performance shows the issue appreciating 29% versus a 1% gain for the S&P 500 index. Its momentum indicator is strongly bullish. And the accumulation-distrib​ution line compliments the price action of the stock. That indicates good buying supporting the breakout.

Sweeping Smoking Ban for Papua New Guinea

The government in Papua New Guinea is to introduce sweeping measures to outlaw smoking in public places.The new laws are expected to face widespread community opposition in a country where tobacco consumption is a national pastime. A recent survey found more than 70 percent of households in Papua New Guinea contained at least one smoker, while another study showed more than half of children aged between 13 and 15 smoke. Health advocates have despaired at such alarming statistics, especially among teenagers. But, now the government is to intervene. Smoking in public will be outlawed and manufacturers will also be stopped from making packets of tobacco containing five cigarettes, which experts say are most popular among the poor and the young.