The Air Products v. Airgas trial returned to "public" mode this afternoon with the testimony of Airgas COO Michael Molinini, who discussed the commercial gas business, and Airgas' competitors.

Prosecution witness Sheriff Detective Ben Hagglund showed to the jury on Tuesday a .22 calibre handgun allegedly belonging to Michael Oakes. Detective Hagglund did not observe threading on the pistol that would allow it to accept a silencer.

Airgas CEO Peter McCausland took the stand Tuesday afternoon in Airgas v. Air Products. Mr. McCausland testified that he never asked whether the offer on the table was Air Products' "best and final," and he did convey that Airgas was essentially not for sale.

Lee M. Thomas, Airgas board member and chairman of the Airgas Governance and Compensation committee, explained why Airgas rejected Air Products' original and subsequent offer. Air Products v. Airgas is being webcast live by CVN.

Engle-progeny tobacco defendants R.J. Reynolds and Philip Morris extended their recent winning streak with a defense verdict today in Warrick v. R.J. Reynolds.