FDA and DOJ pledge more cooperation on illegal e-cigarettes

WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal health regulators and law enforcement officials are vowing to work more closely to stop sales of illegal electronic cigarettes, including those from China. The Food and Drug Administration said it would launch a new task force on this issue with the Department of Justice, U.S. Postal Service and other agencies. Thousands of unauthorized vaping products flow into the U.S. from overseas, including major brands like Elf Bar, the most popular e-cigarette among underage teens last year. None of the products have received U.S. authorization for adults. The announcement comes two days before a Senate hearing scrutinizing the lack of government action on the issue.

Poll: Majority of Black Americans believe US institutions are conspiring against them

WASHINGTON (AP) — Most Black Americans say that they’ve experienced racial discrimination regularly or from time to time and that such experiences inform how they view major U.S. institutions like policing, the political system and the media. That’s according to a study from the Pew Research Center released Monday. The study seeks to highlight Black Americans’ unique relationship with discrimination and the country’s documented racist history against Black people as possible explanations for why Black Americans hold conspiratorial views about major U.S. institutions. Pew’s study draws from a poll of Black Americans conducted last September. Study authors say views are unlikely to have shifted since the respondents were surveyed.

An investment firm has taken a $1.9 billion stake in Southwest Airlines

DALLAS (AP) — Activist shareholder Elliott Investment Management has taken a $1.9 billion stake in Southwest Airlines and wants to get rid of the CEO. The investment firm alleged that Southwest failed to keep up with other airlines and suffers from outdated technology and operations. In a letter to Southwest’s board, the firm said that Southwest’s “stubborn unwillingness to evolve” is causing deeply disappointing financial results. The airline’s shares have lost more than 50% in the last three years. Southwest says it’s confident that CEO Robert Jordan and Executive Chairman Gary Kelly can carry out plans to improve returns for shareholders. Shares in the airline rose 8% in afternoon trading on Monday.

Ga. Republican convicted in riot walks out during congressional primary debate

ATLANTA (AP) — A Georgia congressional candidate convicted for illegally demonstrating inside the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, has walked out of a televised debate with a fellow Republican. Chuck Hand tells reporters he left Sunday’s debate because he believed his opponents were unfairly attacking his wife. Hand and Wayne Johnson are competing for the GOP nomination in southwest Georgia’s 2nd Congressional District in a June 18 runoff. Johnson says he believes Hand’s exit shows that Johnson is the better choice for voters. The winner will take on 16-term Democratic incumbent Rep. Sanford Bishop. Early in-person voting begins Monday ahead of the June 18 election day.