Washington, D.C.

Senate panel votes for new cigarette warning

WASHINGTON — Cigarette packs would bear graphic warnings that illustrate the health risks of smoking under a provision added Wednesday to landmark tobacco legislation pending in a Senate committee.

The warnings would mimic those already used in Canada and elsewhere.

"These warnings convey the truth in no uncertain terms," said Sen. Mike Enzi, R-Wyo. Enzi opposes the overall bill, however, saying that it doesn't do enough to support smoking cessation programs.

The amendment was accepted as part of overall legislation that would give the Food and Drug Administration authority for the first time to regulate cigarettes and other tobacco products. The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee began considering the bill Wednesday but delayed final action until today after losing a quorum.

The bill has broad support in the Senate, where 52 Senators have signed on as co-sponsors. "They recognize that giving FDA authority over tobacco products is essential to effectively addressing the tobacco health crisis," said Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass.

Nevada

Slot players might get new crack at an old video game

LAS VEGAS — Pong, the game that turned pinball wizards into video-game junkies in the '70s, is poised to make a comeback in casinos.

This time, it could help turn the video-game generation on to slot machines.

Bally Technologies is seeking approval for a Pong slot machine where a player's video skill would help determine the payout.

"Ever since we showed it a couple of years ago, there's been a great deal of interest," said David Schultz, director of video games for Bally, which has shown the game at trade shows.

CALIFORNIA

Disney vows to cut smoking in its film productions

SAN DIEGO — Disney is trying to kick the habit.

Responding to pressure from lawmakers and anti-smoking groups, Walt Disney Co. said Wednesday it will do more to discourage depictions of smoking in films made by its Disney, Touchstone and Miramax subsidiaries, and will eventually eliminate them altogether from its Disney-branded films.

It also said it would add anti-smoking public service announcements on any future DVD that contain depictions of smoking, and also plans to work with theater owners to run similar announcements before any film with smoking depictions.

Disney gave no timetable for snuffing out smoking in its films.