New ‘smart vapes’ have built-in video games to attract teens, critics warn

 A new e-cigarette with built-in video games is being illegally sold in New York and other parts of the United States, critics warn.

The disposable “smart vapes” are available in catchy-named flavors like “merry berry” and “cherry pop,” and have built-in, high-definition screens preloaded with multiple games, including ripped-off versions of classics like Tetris and Pac-Man.

They also offer digital prizes as incentives depending on how much a person vapes, and critics caution they’re being used to illegally lure America’s youth into nicotine addiction.

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New disposable e-cigarettes with built-in video games are being illegally sold in New York and other parts of the United States, and critics warn their manufacturers are trying to get teens addicted to nicotine and vaping.VisualProduction – stock.adobe.com

“Banned candy flavors melded with ‘Candy Crush’-type video games is a predatory recipe to get teens hooked,” said New York Association of Convenience Stores President Alison Ritchie, which represents 1,600 stores statewide. 

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Ritchie’s group is warning parents, teachers and law enforcement to be on the lookout for the new vapes, adding many are made in China and that federal and state regulators have done a poor job preventing them from getting into the U.S.

Although the smart vapes are banned in much of the U.S, they can be purchased by anyone over the Internet claiming to be 21 for as little as $17.95 each, including from Texas-based distributor Big D Vapor.

Vapes usually contain nicotine and other chemicals linked to lung disease and other health risks from long-term use.

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This “merry berry”-flavored vaping device includes a game similar to Tetris and two other “retro games.” It can be bought easily on the Internet.primesupplydistro.com

Under state law, it’s illegal to sell flavored tobacco and vaping products, except menthol, mint or wintergreen-flavored. In New York, buyers must be at least 21 years old.

In 2022, 18.7% of New York high schoolers vaped, according to the state Health Department.

Researchers at the University of California, Riverside, sounded the alarm about the next-gen vapes last month in a report warning that “coupling nicotine to existing youth behaviors, such as video gaming and screen time use, could broaden the smart electronic cigarette market to include youth with no prior interest in nicotine products, while also reinforcing nicotine addiction among current users.”

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A Craftbox V-Play 20K Disposable Vape with a built-in gaming system, which can be scored online.Facebook Napolis Vape & Smoke

Last month, Councilwoman Kamillah Hanks (D-Staten Island) introduced a bill to crack down on the sale in NYC of illegal vaping devices disguised as school supplies.

https://nypost.com/2024/08/10/us-news/new-smart-vapes-attract-kids-with-built-in-video-games/

Harris campaign admits Walz ‘misspoke’ on past military career as ‘stolen valor’ criticism grows

 Vice President Harris’ presidential campaign admitted Friday that her running mate, Gov. Tim Walz “misspoke” about his past military service as a growing chorus of critics accuse him of “stolen valor.”

“Governor Walz would never insult or undermine any American’s service to this country — in fact, he thanks Senator Vance for putting his life on the line for our country. It’s the American way,” Team Harris said in a statement to NBC News Friday.

“In making the case for why weapons of war should never be on our streets or in our classrooms, the Governor misspoke. He did handle weapons of war and believes strongly that only military members trained to carry those deadly weapons should have access to them, unlike Donald Trump and JD Vance who prioritize the gun lobby over our children.”

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Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz shaking hands on a blue stage at a campaign rally in Glendale, Arizonavia REUTERS

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Gov. Tim Walz is facing accusations of stolen valor.Getty Images

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Walz had been facing pressure to clarify his military record after a 2018 video surfaced of him touting his career in the National Guard as a reason for increased gun control.

“We can make sure that those weapons of war, that I carried in war, is the only place where those weapons are at,” Walz said in the clip, which was posted to Harris’ own campaign X account on Tuesday.

While Walz served 24 years in the National Guard, he never saw combat in war and infamously retired from his unit shortly before they were deployed to Iraq. Walz said he bolted so he could run for Congress.

Walz has also faced heat from veterans for embellishing his rank. The two-term governor of Minnesota has also long identified himself as a retired Command Sergeant Major — a falsehood as he was demoted when he retired to just a master sergeant.

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Kamala Harris’ campaign admitted that Walz “misposke” about his military record.REUTERS
Sen. JD Vance, former President Donald Trump’s running mate, has looked to capitalize on the issue.

“What bothers me about Tim Walz is this stolen valor garbage. Do not pretend to be something that you’re not,” the Marine veteran said. “I’d be ashamed if I was him and I lied about my military service like he did.”

https://nypost.com/2024/08/10/us-news/harris-campaign-admits-walz-misspoke-about-past-military-career/