Cigarette Tax

Lawyers are expected back at the negotiating table Monday to try to work out a deal to lower a $12 billion appeal bond that cigarette-maker Philip Morris has been ordered to pay.

Philip Morris says the bond is too high and will bankrupt the company.

A judge says progress was made Friday during negotiations.

Lawyers for Philip Morris and plaintiffs in a class-action lawsuit met for two hours behind closed doors at Madison County Circuit Court.

A spokeswoman for plaintiffs' attorney Stephen Tillery says talks will resume at 9 a.m. Monday.

Talks have ended for the day.

Judge Nicholas Byron last month ordered Philip Morris to pay $10.1 billion for misleading smokers into believing light cigarettes were less harmful than regular brands.