Jason McLure
@jasonmclure.bsky.social
Business reporter covering the tobacco industry for The Examination. Tips? DM me to connect on Signal or jmclure@theexamination.org
Reposted by Jason McLure
Lord Strathcarron, a UK lawmaker who tried to block an anti-tobacco bill, discussed the legislation with a family member who is “very high up” at British American Tobacco
Extremely British tobacco machinations uncovered by @mattchapman.bsky.social
Extremely British tobacco machinations uncovered by @mattchapman.bsky.social
Lawmaker with family ties to British American Tobacco attempts to stop UK smoking ban
Lord Strathcarron didn’t publicly disclose his family connection even as he adopted the tobacco giant’s position on a “smoke-free generation” bill.
www.theexamination.org
October 27, 2025 at 2:04 PM
Lord Strathcarron, a UK lawmaker who tried to block an anti-tobacco bill, discussed the legislation with a family member who is “very high up” at British American Tobacco
Extremely British tobacco machinations uncovered by @mattchapman.bsky.social
Extremely British tobacco machinations uncovered by @mattchapman.bsky.social
Reposted by Jason McLure
Governments in 21 countries have sued the tobacco industry for the health costs of smoking - and only two have seen any money
New story from @maria-perez.bsky.social breaks down how the tobacco industry has avoided paying up
New story from @maria-perez.bsky.social breaks down how the tobacco industry has avoided paying up
why-most-countries-never-got-a-tobacco-settlement
Governments in the U.S. and Canada went to court and got tobacco companies to pay for smoking-related diseases. Many other lawsuits have failed.
www.theexamination.org
October 22, 2025 at 1:32 PM
Governments in 21 countries have sued the tobacco industry for the health costs of smoking - and only two have seen any money
New story from @maria-perez.bsky.social breaks down how the tobacco industry has avoided paying up
New story from @maria-perez.bsky.social breaks down how the tobacco industry has avoided paying up
Reposted by Jason McLure
More than 20 years ago, U.S. states reached landmark settlements with tobacco companies over the costs of treating smoking-related diseases. Since then, courts worldwide have often rejected similar lawsuits. Here’s why: www.theexamination.org/articles/why...
Smoking costs countries billions in health care. Just two have forced tobacco companies to pay up.
Governments in the U.S. and Canada went to court and got tobacco companies to pay for smoking-related diseases. Many other lawsuits have failed.
www.theexamination.org
October 22, 2025 at 4:06 PM
More than 20 years ago, U.S. states reached landmark settlements with tobacco companies over the costs of treating smoking-related diseases. Since then, courts worldwide have often rejected similar lawsuits. Here’s why: www.theexamination.org/articles/why...
Reposted by Jason McLure
California's crackdown on ultraprocessed foods in schools borrows from several countries
Like Brazil, it singles out UPFs. But like Chile, Mexico & others, it focuses on cutting out junk foods rather than reducing processing overall
My analysis for @theexamination.org newsletter
Like Brazil, it singles out UPFs. But like Chile, Mexico & others, it focuses on cutting out junk foods rather than reducing processing overall
My analysis for @theexamination.org newsletter
California becomes first U.S state to regulate ultra-processed foods in schools
California bans some ultra-processed foods in school meals. Plus, global health updates from across our beats.
mailchi.mp
October 15, 2025 at 1:50 PM
California's crackdown on ultraprocessed foods in schools borrows from several countries
Like Brazil, it singles out UPFs. But like Chile, Mexico & others, it focuses on cutting out junk foods rather than reducing processing overall
My analysis for @theexamination.org newsletter
Like Brazil, it singles out UPFs. But like Chile, Mexico & others, it focuses on cutting out junk foods rather than reducing processing overall
My analysis for @theexamination.org newsletter
Nicotine pouches like Zyn and ALP don't mix well with kids.
Exposure cases from pouches reported to U.S. Poison Centers more than tripled between 2022 and 2024. This year cases are up 92% through August.
Kids under 6 were more than 70% of the exposures.
poisoncenters.org/news-alerts/...
Exposure cases from pouches reported to U.S. Poison Centers more than tripled between 2022 and 2024. This year cases are up 92% through August.
Kids under 6 were more than 70% of the exposures.
poisoncenters.org/news-alerts/...
America's Poison Centers - Health Advisory: Increase in Nicotine Pouch-Related Cases Reported to U.S. Poison Centers
poisoncenters.org
September 18, 2025 at 6:52 PM
Nicotine pouches like Zyn and ALP don't mix well with kids.
Exposure cases from pouches reported to U.S. Poison Centers more than tripled between 2022 and 2024. This year cases are up 92% through August.
Kids under 6 were more than 70% of the exposures.
poisoncenters.org/news-alerts/...
Exposure cases from pouches reported to U.S. Poison Centers more than tripled between 2022 and 2024. This year cases are up 92% through August.
Kids under 6 were more than 70% of the exposures.
poisoncenters.org/news-alerts/...
Companies like Outlaw Dip sell oral pouches made with a chemical remarkably similar to nicotine. "Don't be a quitter, be an outlaw," it says.
"These products were intentionally designed to bypass regulation," says one cancer researcher.
www.theexamination.org/articles/nic...
"These products were intentionally designed to bypass regulation," says one cancer researcher.
www.theexamination.org/articles/nic...
‘Nicotine-free’ vapes and pouches promise a buzz without the downsides. Health concerns remain.
Outlaw Dip, Spree Bar and other nicotine alternatives aren’t regulated in many countries. Researchers warn about health risks and misleading marketing.
www.theexamination.org
September 18, 2025 at 1:42 PM
Companies like Outlaw Dip sell oral pouches made with a chemical remarkably similar to nicotine. "Don't be a quitter, be an outlaw," it says.
"These products were intentionally designed to bypass regulation," says one cancer researcher.
www.theexamination.org/articles/nic...
"These products were intentionally designed to bypass regulation," says one cancer researcher.
www.theexamination.org/articles/nic...
Reposted by Jason McLure
Spots are filling up for our pre-conference #GIJC25 event! Join us for a packed day of discussions, workshops, and networking with investigative health reporters from across the world. You won't want to miss out.
🚨 More info and how to register: gijc2025.org/pre-conferen...
🚨 More info and how to register: gijc2025.org/pre-conferen...
Pre-Conference Day Events
Before the 2025 Global Investigative Journalism Conference officially kicks off, GIJC25 will host a focused day of high-impact workshops and special gatherings led by top investigative journalists and...
gijc2025.org
September 12, 2025 at 2:26 PM
Spots are filling up for our pre-conference #GIJC25 event! Join us for a packed day of discussions, workshops, and networking with investigative health reporters from across the world. You won't want to miss out.
🚨 More info and how to register: gijc2025.org/pre-conferen...
🚨 More info and how to register: gijc2025.org/pre-conferen...
Companies partly or wholly owned by a government make most of the world's cigarettes. Our look at what this means for public health:
www.youtube.com/shorts/KUNQH...
www.youtube.com/shorts/KUNQH...
The public-health dilemma of state-owned tobacco companies
YouTube video by The Examination
www.youtube.com
September 4, 2025 at 6:35 PM
Companies partly or wholly owned by a government make most of the world's cigarettes. Our look at what this means for public health:
www.youtube.com/shorts/KUNQH...
www.youtube.com/shorts/KUNQH...
Many governments want people to quit smoking. Some also want them to buy cigarettes.
More on the thorny issues raised by state-ownership of tobacco companies:
www.theexamination.org/articles/whe...
More on the thorny issues raised by state-ownership of tobacco companies:
www.theexamination.org/articles/whe...
When governments own tobacco companies, who watches out for your health?
At least 17 countries have a stake in the tobacco industry, making them responsible for a product that is a leading cause of preventable death.
www.theexamination.org
August 28, 2025 at 1:16 PM
Many governments want people to quit smoking. Some also want them to buy cigarettes.
More on the thorny issues raised by state-ownership of tobacco companies:
www.theexamination.org/articles/whe...
More on the thorny issues raised by state-ownership of tobacco companies:
www.theexamination.org/articles/whe...
Thanks to @radiofreeasiapr.bsky.social for showcasing @theexamination.org investigation showing in-law of ex-Lao leader Bounnhang Vorachit earned $28 million from Laos tobacco privatization.
Interview (Lao subtitles): www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjW1...
Docs: www.documentcloud.org/projects/221...
Interview (Lao subtitles): www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjW1...
Docs: www.documentcloud.org/projects/221...
How Imperial Brands’ Laos Deal Paid Politician’s Relative and Capped Cigarette Taxes
YouTube video by The Examination
www.youtube.com
July 2, 2025 at 5:59 PM
Thanks to @radiofreeasiapr.bsky.social for showcasing @theexamination.org investigation showing in-law of ex-Lao leader Bounnhang Vorachit earned $28 million from Laos tobacco privatization.
Interview (Lao subtitles): www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjW1...
Docs: www.documentcloud.org/projects/221...
Interview (Lao subtitles): www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjW1...
Docs: www.documentcloud.org/projects/221...
A deal between Imperial Brands and the Laos government capped cigarette taxes for 25 years AND paid millions to a family member of the country's then-prime minister.
Read the story:
www.theexamination.org/articles/how...
View the documents:
www.documentcloud.org/projects/221...
Read the story:
www.theexamination.org/articles/how...
View the documents:
www.documentcloud.org/projects/221...
Imperial Brands / Laos Tobacco
Documents obtained as part of an investigation of a 25-year contract between Imperial Brands and the government of Laos that capped cigarette taxes and paid millions to an in-law of the prime minister...
www.documentcloud.org
June 26, 2025 at 6:44 PM
A deal between Imperial Brands and the Laos government capped cigarette taxes for 25 years AND paid millions to a family member of the country's then-prime minister.
Read the story:
www.theexamination.org/articles/how...
View the documents:
www.documentcloud.org/projects/221...
Read the story:
www.theexamination.org/articles/how...
View the documents:
www.documentcloud.org/projects/221...
Reposted by Jason McLure
A secret deal by tobacco giant Imperial Brands delivered millions to an in-law of Laos's former president for a 25-year tax freeze.
This arrangement has kept cigarette prices among the world's lowest.
Story by grantee @jasonmclure.bsky.social for @theexamination.org. bit.ly/40ad76A
This arrangement has kept cigarette prices among the world's lowest.
Story by grantee @jasonmclure.bsky.social for @theexamination.org. bit.ly/40ad76A
How Imperial Brands’ Confidential Contract Kept Cigarette Prices Low in Laos — While Secretly Enriching a Political Insider
The deal delivered millions to an in-law of the former president, Bounnhang Vorachit, while blocking tobacco tax hikes for 25 years. A confidential contract between tobacco giant Imperial Brands and.....
pulitzercenter.org
June 19, 2025 at 9:37 PM
A secret deal by tobacco giant Imperial Brands delivered millions to an in-law of Laos's former president for a 25-year tax freeze.
This arrangement has kept cigarette prices among the world's lowest.
Story by grantee @jasonmclure.bsky.social for @theexamination.org. bit.ly/40ad76A
This arrangement has kept cigarette prices among the world's lowest.
Story by grantee @jasonmclure.bsky.social for @theexamination.org. bit.ly/40ad76A
A tobacco giant took over a state monopoly in Asia.
Cigarette taxes got capped at one of the lowest levels in the world.
An ex-president’s relative secretly got millions.
Our latest:
www.theexamination.org/articles/how...
Cigarette taxes got capped at one of the lowest levels in the world.
An ex-president’s relative secretly got millions.
Our latest:
www.theexamination.org/articles/how...
Imperial Brands' confidential deal with Lao government — low cigarette prices and enriched insiders
The deal delivered millions to an in-law of the former president, Bounnhang Vorachit, while blocking tobacco tax hikes for 25 years.
www.theexamination.org
June 17, 2025 at 1:06 PM
A tobacco giant took over a state monopoly in Asia.
Cigarette taxes got capped at one of the lowest levels in the world.
An ex-president’s relative secretly got millions.
Our latest:
www.theexamination.org/articles/how...
Cigarette taxes got capped at one of the lowest levels in the world.
An ex-president’s relative secretly got millions.
Our latest:
www.theexamination.org/articles/how...
Reposted by Jason McLure
We're hiring!
@theexamination.org is growing and looking to fill three crucial editor roles:
- Interim Managing Editor
- Data Editor
- News Editor
Making this a thread because these are great opportunities...
www.theexamination.org/about/jobs
@theexamination.org is growing and looking to fill three crucial editor roles:
- Interim Managing Editor
- Data Editor
- News Editor
Making this a thread because these are great opportunities...
www.theexamination.org/about/jobs
Jobs
We investigate corporate behavior that threatens the health of communities around the world. See our reporting on tobacco, food, polluters and more.
www.theexamination.org
June 5, 2025 at 3:09 PM
We're hiring!
@theexamination.org is growing and looking to fill three crucial editor roles:
- Interim Managing Editor
- Data Editor
- News Editor
Making this a thread because these are great opportunities...
www.theexamination.org/about/jobs
@theexamination.org is growing and looking to fill three crucial editor roles:
- Interim Managing Editor
- Data Editor
- News Editor
Making this a thread because these are great opportunities...
www.theexamination.org/about/jobs
Reposted by Jason McLure
Phillip Morris + a British lord + a trip to Switzerland = a new proposal to water down the UK's anti-smoking law
My colleague's @theexamination.org scoop this weekend, in partnership with @theguardian.com 👇
My colleague's @theexamination.org scoop this weekend, in partnership with @theguardian.com 👇
Lobbying 101. Give a lawmaker a freebie trip and then a few weeks later they propose a favourable law change on your behalf www.theguardian.com/business/202...
Tory peer proposed delay on heated tobacco ban after Philip Morris visit
Industry giant paid for Lord Vaizey’s trip to Switzerland before he tabled amendment to tobacco and vapes bill
www.theguardian.com
June 2, 2025 at 1:29 PM
Phillip Morris + a British lord + a trip to Switzerland = a new proposal to water down the UK's anti-smoking law
My colleague's @theexamination.org scoop this weekend, in partnership with @theguardian.com 👇
My colleague's @theexamination.org scoop this weekend, in partnership with @theguardian.com 👇
Reposted by Jason McLure
The Philippines is chairing the World Health Assembly for the first time – but public health organizations are calling on @who.int to revoke its role over ties between Filipino officials and tobacco giant Phillip Morris International. #WHA78 🧵
www.theexamination.org/articles/how...
www.theexamination.org/articles/how...
How industry capture of Filipino officials helped deadlock global tobacco control negotiations
A presidential agenda, pro-industry proposals and a probe — documents reveal Big Tobacco’s influence in the Philippines and on the international stage.
www.theexamination.org
May 21, 2025 at 6:58 PM
The Philippines is chairing the World Health Assembly for the first time – but public health organizations are calling on @who.int to revoke its role over ties between Filipino officials and tobacco giant Phillip Morris International. #WHA78 🧵
www.theexamination.org/articles/how...
www.theexamination.org/articles/how...
Reposted by Jason McLure
Our new investigation with @nytimes.com shows how – by intertwining science and salesmanship – one researcher has fueled misleading claims about the health benefits of maple syrup, with the help of industry funding.
www.theexamination.org/articles/a-s...
www.theexamination.org/articles/a-s...
A scientist is paid to study maple syrup. He’s also paid to promote it.
Funded by the maple industry, a researcher has exaggerated his findings to suggest that syrup could help prevent serious diseases.
www.theexamination.org
April 15, 2025 at 7:10 PM
Our new investigation with @nytimes.com shows how – by intertwining science and salesmanship – one researcher has fueled misleading claims about the health benefits of maple syrup, with the help of industry funding.
www.theexamination.org/articles/a-s...
www.theexamination.org/articles/a-s...
New study contradicts claims vaping is displacing teen cigarette use. theconversation.com/the-tobacco-...
The tobacco lobby claims vaping is displacing youth smoking – a close look at the evidence tells another story
A 2020 study is frequently cited as evidence that vaping reduces youth smoking rates. But the research is flawed. Vaping might be a gateway for teens to start smoking.
theconversation.com
March 21, 2025 at 2:47 PM
New study contradicts claims vaping is displacing teen cigarette use. theconversation.com/the-tobacco-...
Opioids alert! Prescriptions for tapentadol have surpassed those for oxycodone.
Yet drug company Grünenthal and others have made misleading claims about its addictiveness - echoing a strategy that Purdue Pharma and other opioid makers used to hook millions.
www.theexamination.org/articles/gru...
Yet drug company Grünenthal and others have made misleading claims about its addictiveness - echoing a strategy that Purdue Pharma and other opioid makers used to hook millions.
www.theexamination.org/articles/gru...
Grünenthal pushed its latest opioid as a safer option. People around the world got hooked.
Fueled by misleading marketing claims, the German drugmaker’s painkiller tapentadol is on the rise.
www.theexamination.org
March 20, 2025 at 3:06 PM
Opioids alert! Prescriptions for tapentadol have surpassed those for oxycodone.
Yet drug company Grünenthal and others have made misleading claims about its addictiveness - echoing a strategy that Purdue Pharma and other opioid makers used to hook millions.
www.theexamination.org/articles/gru...
Yet drug company Grünenthal and others have made misleading claims about its addictiveness - echoing a strategy that Purdue Pharma and other opioid makers used to hook millions.
www.theexamination.org/articles/gru...
Reposted by Jason McLure
Well that’s a headline I did not except to see. Ever.
March 18, 2025 at 1:10 AM
Well that’s a headline I did not except to see. Ever.
Reposted by Jason McLure
NEW: FDA food safety scientists stopped clams contaminated with PFAS from entering America.
Then they were fired by DOGE.
Our latest story reveals how FDA cutbacks are endangering America’s food safety
www.theexamination.org/articles/tru...
Then they were fired by DOGE.
Our latest story reveals how FDA cutbacks are endangering America’s food safety
www.theexamination.org/articles/tru...
Trump administration cuts threaten already-strained food safety system
Experts say the FDA’s watchdog for America’s food supply is uniquely vulnerable to ongoing federal cutbacks – which could make the system even more reliant on companies policing themselves.
www.theexamination.org
March 17, 2025 at 2:58 PM
NEW: FDA food safety scientists stopped clams contaminated with PFAS from entering America.
Then they were fired by DOGE.
Our latest story reveals how FDA cutbacks are endangering America’s food safety
www.theexamination.org/articles/tru...
Then they were fired by DOGE.
Our latest story reveals how FDA cutbacks are endangering America’s food safety
www.theexamination.org/articles/tru...
Reposted by Jason McLure
NEW: The fossil fuel industry and its allies are seeking to roll back workers’ freedom to choose socially conscious "ESG" retirement plans
Trump's Energy Secretary Chris Wright has played a key role
For @theexamination.org & @gristnews.bsky.social
www.theexamination.org/articles/tru...
Trump's Energy Secretary Chris Wright has played a key role
For @theexamination.org & @gristnews.bsky.social
www.theexamination.org/articles/tru...
Trump’s energy secretary pushed legal attack on green investing
Former fracking company CEO Chris Wright played a key role in efforts to roll back workers’ choices in socially conscious ESG investing.
www.theexamination.org
March 4, 2025 at 2:15 PM
NEW: The fossil fuel industry and its allies are seeking to roll back workers’ freedom to choose socially conscious "ESG" retirement plans
Trump's Energy Secretary Chris Wright has played a key role
For @theexamination.org & @gristnews.bsky.social
www.theexamination.org/articles/tru...
Trump's Energy Secretary Chris Wright has played a key role
For @theexamination.org & @gristnews.bsky.social
www.theexamination.org/articles/tru...
Overwhelmed federal agency regulating America's deadliest consumer products loses 8% of staff after DOGE:
www.theexamination.org/articles/mas...
www.theexamination.org/articles/mas...
Mass firings hit US tobacco regulators overwhelmed with thousands of new products
The FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products, which is not taxpayer-funded, oversees an industry whose products kill nearly half a million Americans each year.
www.theexamination.org
February 28, 2025 at 6:53 PM
Overwhelmed federal agency regulating America's deadliest consumer products loses 8% of staff after DOGE:
www.theexamination.org/articles/mas...
www.theexamination.org/articles/mas...
Reposted by Jason McLure
Do you have $$ in a retirement plan that considers ESG, and want to talk about why it matters to you?
I'm a reporter working on a story about legal attacks on ESG investing, and would love to hear from you. Reply and I'll be in touch, and share to help spread the word
#climate #climatesolutions
I'm a reporter working on a story about legal attacks on ESG investing, and would love to hear from you. Reply and I'll be in touch, and share to help spread the word
#climate #climatesolutions
February 14, 2025 at 3:11 PM
Do you have $$ in a retirement plan that considers ESG, and want to talk about why it matters to you?
I'm a reporter working on a story about legal attacks on ESG investing, and would love to hear from you. Reply and I'll be in touch, and share to help spread the word
#climate #climatesolutions
I'm a reporter working on a story about legal attacks on ESG investing, and would love to hear from you. Reply and I'll be in touch, and share to help spread the word
#climate #climatesolutions
Reposted by Jason McLure
Join @sashachavkin.bsky.social on Feb. 11 at 4:00pmGMT for the @pulitzercenter.bsky.social webinar, "How To Investigate Green Finance."
What To Expect:
🟢 Practical techniques for analyzing financial records
🟢 Tips for using open-source intelligence in reporting
& more❕
👉 Register: bit.ly/3CvRiG9 💡
What To Expect:
🟢 Practical techniques for analyzing financial records
🟢 Tips for using open-source intelligence in reporting
& more❕
👉 Register: bit.ly/3CvRiG9 💡
How To Investigate Green Finance
Join investigative journalists Bruna Bronoski, Alexander Abdelilah, and Sasha Chavkin for an in-depth discussion on investigating "green finance" schemes. Hosted by the Pulitzer Center, this event wil...
bit.ly
February 10, 2025 at 5:39 PM
Join @sashachavkin.bsky.social on Feb. 11 at 4:00pmGMT for the @pulitzercenter.bsky.social webinar, "How To Investigate Green Finance."
What To Expect:
🟢 Practical techniques for analyzing financial records
🟢 Tips for using open-source intelligence in reporting
& more❕
👉 Register: bit.ly/3CvRiG9 💡
What To Expect:
🟢 Practical techniques for analyzing financial records
🟢 Tips for using open-source intelligence in reporting
& more❕
👉 Register: bit.ly/3CvRiG9 💡