This report uses retail scanner data on e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches sold from January 2019 through December 2024 at brick-and-mortar retailers like convenience stores, gas stations, mass merchandisers, dollar stores and military commissaries. It also uses behavioral data from the Tobacco Epidemic Evaluation Network (TEEN+) Study, a nationally representative, address-based, longitudinal cohort of youth and young adults. Specifically, this report includes data from TEEN+ Wave 5, fielded from August to December 2024. This report additionally describes the impact of state and local flavored tobacco restrictions, including a case study on California’s law, covering implementation, enforcement and the early success of the statewide law.

Lung screenings can detect the possibility of cancer and lung disease at an early stage, when it’s most treatable. Nebraska Cancer Specialists’ lung screening program provides a comprehensive, personalized experience for patients, combining a low-dose CT scan of the lungs along with a detailed plan outlined by a certified lung health navigator. This is a no-cost event and is open to the public; however, registration is required to reserve an appointment time. To register, complete the form found here. If you have questions, call (402) 334-4773.

Appointment dates available from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on:

• Feb 12, 2026
• May 14, 2026
• Aug 13, 2026
• Nov 12, 2026

Risk Factors for lung cancer may include:

• Current smoker or have quit smoking in the past 15 years
• Certain environmental exposures throughout your lifetime, such as secondhand smoke, asbestos, lead, pesticides, and fertilizers
• Having smoked one pack a day for 20 years, or two packs a day for 10 years
• A family history of lung cancer

The Nebraska Department of Revenue (DOR) has posted the Contraband Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) Guidance and Penalty Schedule to its website. DOR began enforcement of the Nebraska Directory of Certified Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems Manufacturers on January 1, 2026.

• Tobacco Education and Advocacy of the Midlands (T.E.A.M.): A comprehensive tobacco-free city-owned spaces policy was passed on November 17 in Plattsmouth, making Plattsmouth the largest city in Cass County to adopt such a policy, when the city council voted 6-1 to adopt Resolution 25-012. This policy follows similar policies enacted in Eagle, Elmwood, Greenwood, Louisville, Manley, Murray, and Weeping Water. Gretna and Springfield in neighboring Sarpy County also have comprehensive policies. 
• Santee Sioux Nation: In December 2025, Santee Sioux Health Clinic was awarded a $5,000 grant to develop and purchase tobacco-free signage through the American Nonsmokers’ Rights Foundation Tribal Program – Reclaim Sacred Tobacco program.

• FDA authorized six nicotine pouch products made by Helix Innovations LLC and sold under the on! PLUS brand, the first decisions made under a new pilot program designed to increase review efficiency for nicotine pouch products. The authorized products come in tobacco and mint flavors and varying nicotine levels.
• FDA has issued a Federal Register notice announcing a roundtable discussion with small ENDS manufacturers on premarket application submissions, set to take place on Feb.10 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. ET. The discussion aims to solicit input on premarket tobacco product application (PMTA) submissions for ENDS products. Event details can be found here.
• On January 20, 2026, FDA posted meeting materials in preparation for the virtual Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee (TPSAC) meeting to discuss modified risk tobacco product (MRTP) applications submitted by Swedish Match USA, Inc. for 20 ZYN nicotine pouch products.

Denise, age 66, never smoked cigarettes, but her husband Brian H. smoked for most of his life. He had his first heart attack from smoking when he was 35 years old. Denise took responsibility for everything in their lives, from coordinating Brian’s medical care to managing their household. She eventually quit her job to care for Brian full-time.

In the 30+ years that followed, Brian had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart bypass surgery, a heart transplant, lung cancer, and part of his lung removed because he smoked. Denise was by Brian’s side through every doctor’s appointment, scan, surgery, and recovery.

Being a caregiver to her husband could be “all-consuming,” Denise said. To relieve stress and avoid burning out, Denise learned to take care of herself. She went out for walks or to the gym to exercise. Her advice for other caregivers is to take time for themselves: “Find at least an hour and do what you want, otherwise you’ll go crazy.”

Although it was a difficult experience, Denise said that caring for Brian through his illnesses brought the couple closer together. “We were soulmates,” Denise said. “We were meant to be together.” Brian died at age 68 after suffering from smoking-related health problems for more than 30 years.