Tobacco investors say a dedicated customer base, the potential for international expansion and industry consolidation make cigarette makers a good buy. They may head lower as Altria, which makes Marlboro cigarettes, distributes 1.5 billion Kraft shares, spurring investors who favor tobacco to sell the stock. Kraft, based in Northfield, Illinois, faces rising prices for grains used in cereals, and competition from stores selling cheaper private-label cheeses. March 30 (Bloomberg) -- Shares...

But a big gap has opened between the governor's plans for higher education and legislative budget writers, who want to cut about $400 million from his proposed spending on operations and construction. Also outstanding are proposals to raise money for school construction and raise the corporate minimum tax to fully pay for preschool Head Start. Still to do: End battles over raising tobacco taxes and the corporate minimum tax and cutting estate taxes. Both to operate state universities and...

Agriculture officials said the main reason is because the national demand for corn is so high right now; thanks, in part, to the growing popularity of ethanol. While tobacco is still king, Stancil also plans to grow more corn this year than ever before. Agriculture officials said the popularity of ethanol is increasing the demand for corn nationwide. The price is up is the main reason there's going to be more corn planted and I think that's mainly due to ethanol. Many North Carolina...

Kessler, who sanctioned cigarette makers last year for violating U. In August, the court ruled the company could no longer sell brands that were marketed using health messages such as light or low tar in the U. Altria said Friday that "the district court's order clarifying its earlier decision on two legal issues is contrary to the law. In November, the court stayed portions of the restrictions until an appeal on the case is heard. The companies look forward to presenting their arguments...

The budget would require lawmakers who want additional tax cuts to provide more money for government programs such as Medicare, children's health or farm subsidies. The outcome of the vote remained uncertain until antiwar representatives in the Democratic caucus decided to support continued funding for the war as long as a deadline for ending it was included. The legislation would require the replacement of all demolished public housing units and give displaced public housing tenants an...