The Year in Preview

Tobacco: Although the tobacco companies put their worst legal fear behind them when they reached a $206-billion litigation settlement with state attorneys general in November, they still face dozens of private class-action suits on behalf of smokers and health-care payers. Also, there will be pitched battles in every state legislature to divide the spoils of the settlement with attorneys general. Anti-smoking groups want funds earmarked for tobacco-control programs. Other groups seek tax relief and public works programs.