The Buffalo News reported today that the Town of Amherst last Monday became the first Erie County municipality to pass a law that would prohibit drivers from composing, reading or sending a text message while behind the wheel. Violators face a $150 fine for each offense. It also reported that the Cattaraugus County Legislature passed a similar law in June. Niagara County and Erie County legislatures are expected to vote on similar proposed laws in the coming weeks.

New Cigarette Warnings Hoped To Be More Effective
Despite the objection of the corporations which promote cigarettes, the US is joining many countries which provide graphic warnings.
Various studies showed that current warnings had lost their power and effectiveness. The new warnings will be larger, taking up half of the cigarette pack and they will be