Cleveland (an ASPiRE city) is considering an ordinance to prohibit the sale of menthol cigarettes and other flavored tobacco products. Cleveland Public Health Director Dr. David Margolius said Cleveland has the highest smoking rate in the nation at 35%, well above the national average of 12%. “Most smokers, in Cleveland specifically, want to quit,” Margolius said. “There’s research showing that across the country and right here in Cleveland. It’s really hard to quit when cigarettes, and especially flavored products, are in your face all the time.” He said a flavor prohibition could save thousands of lives. A similar measure passed by the Columbus City Council will take effect on Jan. 1, 2024. Read a news report about the Cleveland proposal.