Gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand said he would support increasing pediatric cancer research funding, raising taxes on tobacco and nicotine products and ensuring access to cancer-preventing vaccines — but warned advocates Tuesday these actions will require GOP support. Sand, a Democrat who currently serves as Iowa state auditor, met with organizers and volunteers with the American […]
Smoking
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Report: Iowa’s rate of new lung cancer cases ‘significantly higher’ than national average
Iowans are used to reports on cancer rates containing bad news for the state. Annual reports from the Iowa Cancer Registry and the National Cancer Institute have documented Iowa’s remarkably high rate of new cancers. Only tobacco-heavy Kentucky has a higher rate of new cases. Now, a report from the American Lung Association (ALA) published […]
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North Liberty bans smoking and vaping in all city parks
The North Liberty City Council voted unanimously on Tuesday to ban the use of nicotine and tobacco products at city parks, trails, ponds and ballfields. North Liberty’s 20 parks include the 50-year-old Beaver Kreek Park, the Gooselake designated wetland area, Red Fern Dog Park and the 37-acre Penn Meadows Park, which features nine softball and […]
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‘I want to know that I’m healthy’: Two local students on starting — and quitting — vaping
Although e-cigarettes were allegedly created to help adults give up their smoking habits, they quickly became a starter pack for young people to consume nicotine. With flavors such as watermelon, mango and mint, e-cigarette suppliers have been accused of enticing young people with their product.
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Cedar Rapids City Council considering restrictions on smoking in city parks
On Tuesday, the Cedar Rapids City Council will consider taking introducing restrictions smoking in the city’s parks. It would not be a total ban, like the one passed by Iowa City in last year that prohibited the use of smokeless tobacco, smoking or vaping in all city parks.
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City officials move to ban e-cigarettes in public spaces
E-cigarette users in Iowa City may soon find themselves lumped in with traditional tobacco smokers under new guidelines proposed by the city council. The Iowa City Council passed its first consideration of an ordinance amendment that would ban the use of electronic cigarettes in public spaces, but not without some trepidation. The council, which voted […]
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Tobacco Bowl to close after 25 years
The Tobacco Bowl will soon shut its doors, owner Tommy Connolly said. The decision to close the business, which has stood resilient despite a slew of local smoking bans, comes after 25 years of business in downtown Iowa City. Connolly plans to open up a pizza parlor and video arcade in the Tobacco Bowl’s place, […]
