Minnesota settles lawsuit against e-cigarette maker Juul

@ap.news FILE – Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison acknowledges the crowd after speaking about reproductive rights Oct. 22, 2022, in St. Paul, Minn. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr, File)

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota has announced a settlement in its lawsuit against Juul Labs and tobacco giant Altria. It was the first of thousands of cases against the e-cigarette maker to reach trial. The settlement was announced Monday just ahead of closing arguments. The terms will be kept confidential until formal papers are publicly filed with the court in 30 days. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison says the three weeks of trial showed how Juul and Altria contributed to the youth vaping epidemic. Juul says it has now settled with 48 states and territories, providing over $1 billion to participating states to combat underage use and develop cessation programs,