Vermont lawmakers have snuffed out a proposed $1-a-pack boost in the state tax on cigarettes.

Republicans in Washington state made a second attempt to establish the option of lump sum settlements to workers compensation.

Florida has won a $76 million circuit court judgment against the former owners of Aires Insurance Co. that folded in 2002.

Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels has signed a bill restricting teacher collective bargaining agreements. It's the first piece of Daniels' sweeping education agenda to become law.

A major Illinois employee union has objected to the Illinois treasurer opening the door to making workers contribute more money to their pensions.

A group of eight moderate House Democrats unveiled a proposal Tuesday to reform the state's workers' compensation system, keeping the thorny issue of settlements but making several changes to a broader Senate measure.

A property and casualty unit of bailed-out insurer American International Group Inc. is transferring potential asbestos liabilities to a subsidiary of Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Inc. to reduce its risk.

Missouri Secretary of State Robin Carnahan says brokerage firm A.G. Edwards has reached a $755,000 settlement with the state of Missouri.