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Juul suspends U.S. advertising as it names new CEO

Photo: Eva Hambach/AFP/Getty Images

Vaping startup Juul announced Wednesday that it would suspend all broadcast, print and digital advertising of its products in the U.S.

The big picture: The move comes alongside the ouster of CEO Kevin Burns. He will step aside immediately for K.C. Crosthwaite, who previously served as tobacco giant Altria's chief growth officer.

  • The company said that Crosthwaite and Juul's leadership team will "continue a broad review of the company's practices and policies to ensure alignment with its aim of responsible leadership within the industry."
  • It also said that it would cease its lobbying efforts against the Trump administration's plan to ban flavored e-cigarettes.
  • The company has faced criticism for its campaigns that characterize vaping as a safer alternative to traditional smoking.

The state of play: The move comes after a 9th person died in the U.S. from a vaping-related illness earlier this week.

  • The CDC reported there are 530 possible cases of severe respiratory illnesses among people who vaped nicotine or cannabis products in 38 states and 1 territory as of earlier this month.
  • But, according to CDC Principal Deputy Director Anne Schuchat's testimony on Tuesday, "hundreds" of new cases have been reported over the past week.

Go deeper: U.S. investigates fatality from vaping as lung-related illnesses rise

Go deeper

Alayna Treene, author of Sneak Peek
1 hour ago - Politics & Policy

Stalemate over filibuster freezes Congress

Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Mitch McConnell's inability to quickly strike a deal on a power-sharing agreement in the new 50-50 Congress is slowing down everything from the confirmation of President Biden's nominees to Donald Trump's impeachment trial.

Why it matters: Whatever final stance Schumer takes on the stalemate, which largely comes down to Democrats wanting to use the legislative filibuster as leverage over Republicans, will be a signal of the level of hardball we should expect Democrats to play with Republicans in the new Senate.

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Dave Lawler, author of World
1 hour ago - World

Biden opts for five-year extension of New START nuclear treaty with Russia

Putin at a military parade. Photo: Valya Egorshin/NurPhoto via Getty

President Biden will seek a five-year extension of the New START nuclear arms control pact with Russia before it expires on Feb. 5, senior officials told the Washington Post.

Why it matters: The 2010 treaty is the last remaining constraint on the arsenals of the world's two nuclear superpowers, limiting the number of deployed nuclear warheads and the bombers, missiles and submarines which can deliver them.

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Sara Fischer, author of Media Trends
Updated 2 hours ago - Technology

Facebook refers Trump ban to independent Oversight Board for review

Photo: Alex Edelman/AFP via Getty Images

Facebook's independent Oversight Board has accepted a referral from the platform to review its decision to indefinitely suspend former President Trump.

Why it matters: While Trump critics largely praised the company's decision to remove the then-president's account for potential incitement of violence, many world leaders and free speech advocates pushed back on the decision, arguing it sets a dangerous precedent for free speech moving forward.

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