Star Scientific Inc. announced that its trial counsel has filed a motion for judgment as a matter of law and in the alternative, for a new trial, with the U.S. District Court in Maryland.

The deal is expected to close within six months after the approval of the Colombian antitrust regulator.

Philip Morris on Buying Spree Share Philip Morris International entered into an agreement to acquire 100% of the shares of privately owned Colombian cigarette manufacturer Productora Tabacalera de Colombia, Protabaco Ltda.

Theo W. Folz, president and chief executive officer of Altadis U.S.A. Inc., is retiring from the cigar business after more than 45 years in the industry.

Continuing its acquisition spree, tobacco giant Philip Morris International Inc that owns the Marlboro brand, has entered into an agreement to purchase 100-per cent stake in Columbian cigarette producer Productora Tabacalera de Colombia, Protabaco Ltd.

NEW YORK-- --Investment Grade Municipal Income Fund Inc. , a closed-end management investment company normally investing substantially all of its assets in a diversified - NEW YORK-- --Strategic Global Income Fund, Inc.

Altria Group Inc. reports its second-quarter results on Wednesday. The following is a summary of key developments and analyst opinion related to the period.

The former chief compliance officer at a Connecticut securities company has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit securities fraud and wire fraud.

Altria Group, Inc. July 22, 2009 9:00 am ET Executives Cliff Fleet - VP, IR for Altria Client Services Mike Szymanczyk - Chairman and CEO Dave Beran - EVP and CFO Analysts Christine Farkas - Banc of America Judy Hong - Goldman Sachs Chris Growe - Stifel Nicolaus David Adelman - Morgan Stanley Chris Burritt - Bloomberg News Nik Modi - UBS Thilo ...

A glance at the tax package tentatively agreed to Wednesday by North Carolina House and Senate Democrats that would raise $982 million during the 2009-10 fiscal year, with the amount raised by each provision: - 1 percentage point increase in sales tax, raising rate most consumers pay to 7.75 percent: $803.5 million.