Judge blocks New York City soda ban

The New York State Supreme Court struck down Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s ban on large sugary soft drinks in food service establishments just a day before it was set to go into effect. Justice Milton Tingling called the ban “fraught with arbitrary and capricious consequences,” echoing criticism that the rule’s ban on most soft drinks but not beverages made with at least 50 percent milk—such as sugary flavored lattes and other café drinks—was subjective and unfair. Bloomberg said he expected court challenges, and he will appeal the decision. “Anytime you adopt a groundbreaking policy, special interests will sue," Bloomberg said in a press conference. "That's America."