COVID-19 now No. 3 cause of death in US

August 21, 2020 KANKENNEWS

COVID-19 is currently the third-leading cause of death in the U.S., eight months after the first case of coronavirus was confirmed in the country.

The coronavirus is behind only heart disease and cancer among causes of death in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

“COVID is now the No. 3 cause of death in the U.S. — ahead of accidents, injuries, lung disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and many, many other causes,” Thomas Frieden, former director of the CDC, told CNN on Monday.

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The U.S. has confirmed more than 5.4 million cases of COVID-19, leading to at least 170,434 deaths, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.

The country has been recording an average of more than 1,000 COVID-19 deaths per day over the past three weeks, according to New York Times data.

Frieden also told CNN that the rate of death in the U.S. is higher than in several other countries. Last week, Americans were eight times more likely than Europeans to die from the coronavirus.

The news comes as testing has fallen by about an average of 68,000 per day, the COVID Tracking Project has found, and 15 states conducted fewer tests this week than last week.

But more than 30 states still have test positivity rates of more than 5 percent, the World Health Organization’s recommended rate before economic reopenings.

Overnight Energy: Green groups see legal flaws in Trump's Arctic drilling plan | 14 states sue Trump administration over gas transportation rule | Conservation groups push lawmakers for Pendley's removal

August 21, 2020 KANKENNEWS

HAPPY TUESDAY! Welcome to Overnight Energy, The Hill’s roundup of the latest energy and environment news. Please send tips and comments to Rebecca Beitsch at rbeitsch@thehill.com. Follow her on Twitter: @rebeccabeitsch. Reach Rachel Frazin at rfrazin@thehill.com or follow her on Twitter: @RachelFrazin.

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CHILL BABY CHILL: The Trump administration’s effort to open up drilling across more than a million acres in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) faces significant legal hurdles, according to experts who are likely to assist in challenging the newly announced plan.

The Interior Department on Monday finalized plans to move ahead with a longstanding item on the GOP’s wishlist: allowing drilling in the Alaskan wilderness. The move could have dire consequences for polar bears, caribou, birds and other species that live in the coastal area in the northern part of ANWR.

But environmental lawyers argue the Trump administration was lax in conducting the reviews needed to proceed and ignored key requirements established by Congress when it gave the green light for oil exploration in late 2017.

“Congress passed a law that said hold lease sales in the coastal plain, and what the Trump administration has done is take a completely maximalist approach … and in so doing has violated other laws like the National Environmental Policy Act and the Endangered Species Act all designed to protect the resources,” Erik Grafe, deputy managing attorney of Earthjustice’s Alaska office, told The Hill.

The nearly 1.6 million acres that the Trump administration is opening up for drilling are a fraction of the refuge’s 19.3 million acres, but the area is still far beyond Congress’s specification for two lease sales each totaling a minimum of 400,000 acres.

Interior Secretary David Bernhardt said he hopes to hold sales for the 1.6 million acres by the end of next year with another round in 2024.

David Hayes, a deputy Interior secretary during the Obama administration who’s now with New York University’s School of Law, said developing such a large parcel is complicated by another provision of the 2017 GOP tax law that authorized the lease sales: All the infrastructure for drilling — the well pads, the supporting posts for above-ground pipelines, four airstrips — must occupy no more than 2,000 acres.

He doesn’t think the math works.

“That 2,000 acres was never based on evidence. It was a rhetoric invention that took hold in the Congress that you could actually do big oil and gas development in the Arctic for under 2,000 acres,” Hayes said, adding the reality appears to be that “it’s not going to be possible to open up the entire [1.6 million acre] area.”

“That is a clumsy way to try and avoid what appears to be the reality that it’s not going to be possible to open up the entire area,” he added.

But what environmentalists are most upset about — and what is likely to be key to the multiple suits expected on the ANWR decision — is what they see as a lack of rigor from the Trump administration in weighing how oil development will affect wildlife in the area.

Oil exploration requires seismic testing, shooting waves beneath the surface to map where oil lies.

“It failed to adequately analyze the effects to polar bears both on the impact of an oil spill on a species and the impact of seismic activity on a species which could crush dens and kill polar bears and their cubs,” said Kristen Monsell, an attorney with the Center for Biological Diversity.

Read more on the likely legal challenges to ANWR drilling here.

STOP THE TRAIN BEFORE IT LEAVES THE STATION: Fourteen states and Washington, D.C., are suing the Trump administration over a new rule that would allow for the transportation of liquefied natural gas (LNG) by rail, citing health and safety risks.

The rule, finalized this year by the Transportation Department and Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), would allow for the fuel to be transported on rail tank cars. Previously, a special permit was needed for such transport.

The lawsuit filed Tuesday did not lay out legal arguments, but the Democratic state and city attorneys general bringing the suit said in a joint statement they plan to argue that the PHMSA failed to evaluate the rule’s environmental impacts and that the rule does not contain enough safety requirements.

“Californians who live, work, or go to school near train routes are not interested in being specimens in a crash-test laboratory for the Trump Administration,” California Attorney General Xavier BecerraXavier BecerraOvernight Energy: Green groups see legal flaws in Trump’s Arctic drilling plan | 14 states sue Trump administration over gas transportation rule | Conservation groups push lawmakers for Pendley’s removal 14 states sue Trump administration over gas transportation rule Hillicon Valley: Trump administration cracks down further against Huawei chip production, affiliate groups | California ruling against Uber, Lyft threatens to upend gig economy MORE (D) said in the statement.

“We’re going to court because our families expect our government to put their safety first, not put them in harm’s way. If only the Trump Administration spent as much time trying to solve our current public health crisis as it does creating new public health hazards,” Becerra added.

A PHMSA spokesperson declined to comment.

The administration has determined that transporting liquefied natural gas by rail is a “safe alternative,” but environmentalists have expressed skepticism.

Cheney calls pardoning Snowden 'unconscionable' after Trump says he's considering it

August 21, 2020 KANKENNEWS

Rep. Liz CheneyElizabeth (Liz) Lynn CheneyCheney calls pardoning Snowden ‘unconscionable’ after Trump says he’s considering it Has Congress captured Russia policy? GOP leaders go into attack mode against Harris MORE (R-Wyo.) said on Sunday that pardoning former National Security Agency (NSA) contractor and whistleblower Edward Snowden “would be unconscionable” after President TrumpDonald John TrumpBiden’s lead over Trump narrows in new national poll Biden faces hurdles in bid to mend ties with US allies Cheney calls pardoning Snowden ‘unconscionable’ after Trump says he’s considering it MORE said he was considering the idea at a recent press conference.

“Edward Snowden is a traitor. He is responsible for the largest and most damaging release of classified info in US history. He handed over US secrets to Russian and Chinese intelligence putting our troops and our nation at risk,” Cheney, the No. 3 Republican in the House, tweeted on Sunday afternoon, adding; “Pardoning him would be unconscionable.”

A day before Cheney’s comments, Trump said at a press conference at his golf club in New Jersey that he was looking at pardoning the former NSA contractor, who was charged with espionage in 2013 after he released classified documents related to U.S. surveillance programs.

“I’m going to look at it,” Trump said at the news conference. “I’m not that aware of the Snowden situation, but I’m going to start looking at it.”

“It seems to be a split decision. There are many people who think that he should be somehow treated differently and other people think he did very bad things,” he continued.

Earlier this week, Trump also told the New York Post that he’s been thinking of allowing Snowden, who is currently in Russia, to return to the U.S. without facing time behind bars.

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“Snowden is one of the people they talk about. They talk about numerous people, but he is certainly one of the people that they do talk about,” the president told the paper.

“I guess the DOJ [Department of Justice] is looking to extradite him right now? … It’s certainly something I could look at. Many people are on his side, I will say that. I don’t know him, never met him. But many people are on his side,” he also said.

His recent remarks come a little more than seven years after Trump said he thought Snowden was “a terrible threat” and “traitor” in an interview in 2013, while then-President Obama was in office.

“This guy is really doing damage to this country, and he’s also making us look like dopes. We can’t allow this guy to go out there and give out all our secrets and also embarrass us at every level. We should get him back and get him back now,” he added then.

Duckworth blasts Trump as 'coward in chief'

August 21, 2020 KANKENNEWS

Sen. Tammy DuckworthLadda (Tammy) Tammy DuckworthDuckworth blasts Trump as ‘coward in chief’ Stephen, Ayesha Curry endorse Biden The Hill’s Convention Report: Biden’s big night | Steve Bannon’s fall | Pelosi weighs in on Mass. Senate primary MORE (D-Ill.) on Thursday night ripped President TrumpDonald John TrumpFive takeaways from the Democratic National Convention What we’ll remember from the 2020 Biden convention Chris Wallace labels Biden’s acceptance speech ‘enormously effective’ MORE‘s handling of the U.S. military, nicknaming him the “coward in chief.”

Americans “have a coward in chief who won’t stand up to Vladimir PutinVladimir Vladimirovich PutinThe nine biggest Democratic National Convention moments that got everyone talking Duckworth blasts Trump as ‘coward in chief’ Host Julia Louis-Dreyfus opens final night of convention with shots at Trump, Pence, Fox News MORE, read his daily intelligence briefings or even publicly admonish adversaries for reportedly putting bounties on our troops heads,” Duckworth said during the virtual Democratic convention, referencing reports last month that Russia had paid Taliban-linked fighters to target U.S. troops in Afghanistan.

Duckworth, a veteran who lost both legs in the Iraq war, contrasted Trump with former Vice President Joe BidenJoe BidenFive takeaways from the Democratic National Convention What we’ll remember from the 2020 Biden convention Chris Wallace labels Biden’s acceptance speech ‘enormously effective’ MORE, the party’s presumptive nominee, saying Biden would “never let tyrants manipulate him like a puppet.”

“He would never pervert our military to stroke his own ego … or threaten them against Americans peacefully exercising their constitutional rights,” Duckworth added.

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In the midst of nationwide protests sparked by the death of George Floyd, a black man killed when a white police officer kneeled on his neck, Trump floated sending active-duty troops into U.S. cities sparking fierce backlash from Democrats as well as some Republicans.

“Unlike Trump, Joe Biden has common decency. …Donald Trump doesn’t deserve to call himself commander-in-chief for another four minutes — let alone another four years,” Duckworth added.

Duckworth, who was under consideration to be Biden’s vice presidential pick, has previously criticized Trump on military-related issues including calling him “Cadet Bone Spurs,” in an apparent reference to his draft deferments.

Pence dismisses QAnon conspiracy theory 'out of hand'

August 21, 2020 KANKENNEWS

Vice President Pence said Friday that he has no knowledge of the QAnon conspiracy theory and that he dismisses it “out of hand.”

Pence was pressed in a pair of news interviews Friday morning on the conspiracy theory after President TrumpDonald John TrumpFive takeaways from the Democratic National Convention What we’ll remember from the 2020 Biden convention Chris Wallace labels Biden’s acceptance speech ‘enormously effective’ MORE earlier this week complimented its followers by saying they “love our country.”

“I don’t know anything about that conspiracy theory,” Pence told “CBS This Morning” host Tony Dokoupil when asked if he or Trump actually believed in QAnon.

Pence went on to criticize the media for devoting coverage to the conspiracy theory instead of focusing on the message laid out by Democrats at their convention and the upcoming November election.

Dokoupil continued to press Pence, accusing him of “adding oxygen” to the conspiracy theory by not denouncing it as false.

“I don’t know anything about that conspiracy theory. I don’t know anything about QAnon, and I dismiss it out of hand,” Pence replied.

In a subsequent interview on CNN, Pence disputed the notion that Trump had seemingly “embraced” the conspiracy theory with his remarks at a press briefing on Wednesday.

“You said the president seemed to embrace it. I didn’t hear that,” Pence told CNN’s John Berman on “New Day.” “I heard the president talk about he appreciates people that support him.”

Pence again said he knew nothing of the conspiracy theory and added, “We dismiss conspiracy theories around here out of hand.”

QAnon is a far-right conspiracy theory whose followers believe that an underground cabal of Satanic worshipers who run child sex trafficking rings are in control of the “deep state” government and that Trump and his allies are working to expose them.

The movement, which began on the fringes of the internet, has grown extensively in recent months and has garnered support from some GOP congressional candidates. The FBI labeled the loose collection of individuals a domestic terror threat in 2019, saying it had the potential to drive individuals to commit acts of violence.

Trump, asked about QAnon on Wednesday at a press briefing, said he wasn’t very familiar with the movement but that he believed its supporters “love our country.”

“I don’t know much about the movement other than I understand they like me very much, which I appreciate. But I don’t know much about the movement,” the president told reporters.

“These are people that don’t like seeing what’s going on in places like Portland and places like Chicago and other cities and states,” Trump said, mischaracterizing what the conspiracy theory focuses on by referencing recent protests.

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“I’ve heard these are people that love our country and they just don’t like seeing it. I don’t know really anything about it other than they do supposedly like me. And they also would like to see problems in these areas … go away.”

When a reporter tried to explain the specifics of the QAnon conspiracy theory, Trump said he wasn’t aware of it but said it wouldn’t be bad thing if he could “help save the world from problems.”

Trump’s remarks have generated scrutiny, with Sen. Ben SasseBenjamin (Ben) Eric SasseChina’s Confucius Institute designated as a foreign mission of Beijing Big Ten conference officially cancels fall football season due to coronavirus Ex-NFL receiver Rep. Anthony Gonzalez: Big Ten skipping football season could be ‘catastrophic’ for athletes MORE (R-Neb.) criticizing Trump for not disavowing QAnon supporters in his remarks.

“QAnon is nuts—and real leaders call conspiracy theories conspiracy theories,” Sasse, who has been critical of the president at times, told The Washington Post Thursday. “If Democrats take the Senate, blow up the filibuster, and pack the Supreme Court–garbage like this will be a big part of why they won.”

House Republican Conference Chairwoman Liz CheneyElizabeth (Liz) Lynn CheneyHillicon Valley: Trump weighs in on QAnon for first time | Uber, Lyft granted temporary respite | Susan Rice raises concerns about Russian hacking Liz Cheney condemns QAnon conspiracy Cynthia Lummis wins GOP Senate primary in Wyoming MORE (Wyo.) also condemned the QAnon conspiracy theory as a “dangerous lunacy that should have no place in American politics.”

North Korea's Kim admits five-year economic plan has been 'seriously delayed'

August 21, 2020 KANKENNEWS

North Korean leader Kim Jong UnKim Jong UnNorth Korea’s Kim admits five-year economic plan has been ‘seriously delayed’ Trump dismisses forthcoming Woodward book as ‘fake’ New Bob Woodward book will include details of 25 personal letters between Trump and Kim Jong Un MORE on Wednesday admitted that his five-year plan to boost the country’s economy is falling behind as the ruling Workers’ Party schedules a rare congressional session in January to map out a new plan forward.

The Workers’ Party said in a statement run on state media Thursday, “the economy has not been improved in the face of sustained severe internal and external situations and unexpected manifold challenges, with the result that the goals to be attained for national economic growth have been seriously delayed and the people’s living standards have not been improved remarkably.”

The announcement appeared to be a recognition that U.S.-led sanctions, the coronavirus pandemic and a series of devastating floods have taken a toll on the country’s already beleaguered economy.

The Workers’ Party decided that it will convene a January congressional session “after analyzing and reviewing the experience and lessons gained in the work of the past five years” in order to “set forth a correct line of struggle and strategic and tactical policies on the basis of the new requirements of our developing revolution and the prevailing situation.”

Kim announced his first five-year plan in 2016 with the goal of boosting his country’s power supply and agricultural and manufacturing production, though recognized at the Wednesday meeting that the plan had fallen short.

The economic struggles are believed to be in part due to the coronavirus pandemic, which led to a lockdown that curtailed trade with China, Pyongyang’s chief economic partner.

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South Korea’s spy agency also told lawmakers that Kim had been delegating some of his powers to some senior advisers amid the crunch, according to The Associated Press.

Kim has already begun to rejigger his senior staffing, dismissing his premier after examining his government’s economic policies.

The report from state media did not include any remarks from Kim regarding nuclear diplomacy, which collapsed after two summits with President TrumpDonald John TrumpFive takeaways from the Democratic National Convention What we’ll remember from the 2020 Biden convention Chris Wallace labels Biden’s acceptance speech ‘enormously effective’ MORE over disagreements over sanctions relief and the denuclearization process.

Overnight Health Care: Fauci says he does not see US mandating COVID-19 vaccine | WHO warns against 'nationalism' in coronavirus fight

August 21, 2020 KANKENNEWS

Welcome to Tuesday’s Overnight Health Care.

President TrumpDonald John TrumpThe Memo: Democrats pitch Biden as the back-to-normal candidate Obama congratulates Biden on formal nomination Jill Biden gives personal portrait of husband Joe MORE’s response to COVID-19 was front and center in the kickoff to the Democratic National Convention this week; Anthony FauciAnthony FauciLiz Cheney wins Wyoming GOP primary in reelection bid Overnight Health Care: Fauci says he does not see US mandating COVID-19 vaccine | WHO warns against ‘nationalism’ in coronavirus fight Fauci says he does not see US mandating COVID-19 vaccination for general public MORE said it’s unlikely the U.S. will mandate coronavirus vaccinations; and West Virginia will sue CVS and Walmart for allegedly aiding the opioid epidemic.

Let’s start with Fauci:

Fauci says he does not see US mandating COVID-19 vaccine for general public

Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious diseases expert, said Tuesday he doesn’t see the U.S. mandating a COVID-19 vaccine.

“I don’t think you’ll ever see a mandating of vaccine particularly for the general public,” Fauci said during a livestreamed interview with Healthline.

Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, noted that some workplaces, particularly those in health care fields, might prevent employees from coming to work or interacting with patients if they haven’t been vaccinated for the flu.

Schools generally require students be vaccinated for measles and other infectious diseases before they are allowed to attend classes.

But Fauci said he’d “be pretty surprised if you mandated it for any element of the general public.”

Why it matters: Few serious health experts have floated the idea of mandating COVID-19 vaccines. It would be a first in American history and would very likely backfire. Instead, experts have tried to think of other ways to address vaccine hesitancy through culturally sensitive outreach and messaging and combating misleading claims on social media.

Read more here.

Speaking of vaccines… WHO warns against ‘nationalism’ in coronavirus fight

The World Health Organization (WHO) is warning countries that hoarding supplies and an eventual coronavirus vaccine will prolong the global epidemic at a steep cost to poor and developing nations.

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Speaking to reporters Tuesday, Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said his agency is developing plans to distribute the vaccine equitably across the globe, once the science shows that a potential vaccine candidate is both effective at generating an immune response and is safe in humans.

“We need to prevent vaccine nationalism,” Tedros said. “Sharing finite supplies strategically and globally is actually in each country’s national interest. No one is safe until everyone is safe.”

Since the beginning of the pandemic, countries hoarding supplies of protective and medical equipment has contributed to snags in the global supply chain. Now public health experts are warning that the same supply chain failures could hinder the manufacture and distribution of the drugs needed to bring the pandemic to an end.

Read more here.

West Virginia sues CVS, Walmart for aiding opioid epidemic

West Virginia’s attorney general filed lawsuits Tuesday against Walmart and CVS, alleging the companies helped create the state’s devastating opioid epidemic.

Attorney General Patrick Morrisey (R) said in separate lawsuits that the companies should remediate what has become a public health and financial crisis.

The companies “reaped billions of dollars in revenues while causing immense harm to the State of West Virginia and its residents,” the lawsuit states.

The lawsuits allege Walmart and CVS filled suspicious orders of opioids that were of unusual size and frequency, and then distributed those drugs to retail pharmacies.

Not the first: West Virginia filed similar lawsuits in June against Rite-Aid and Walgreens. More than 3,000 states, local governments and Native American tribes have sued manufacturers, distributors and pharmacies, blaming them for contributing to the opioid epidemic.

Read more here.

COVID-19 in spotlight at Democratic convention

The Democratic National Convention kicked off last night, with no shortage of criticisms lobbed at President Trump’s COVID-19 response.

The daughter of one of Trump‘s 2016 supporters who later died from the disease blistered the president during a speech.

Kristin Urquiza, who previously penned an obituary criticizing Arizona Gov. Doug DuceyDoug DuceyOvernight Health Care: Fauci says he does not see US mandating COVID-19 vaccine | WHO warns against ‘nationalism’ in coronavirus fight Trump seeks boost in Arizona by focusing on immigration Latino PAC debuts ad with Democratic convention standout Kristin Urquiza MORE (R) following her father’s death, said Monday that her father told her before his death that he felt “betrayed” by the president due to his handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

“His only preexisting condition was trusting Donald Trump,” Urquiza said.

“Donald Trump may not have caused the coronavirus, but his dishonesty and his his irresponsible actions made it so much worse,” she added.

Read more here.

What we’re watching for tonight:

We’re likely to hear more virus talk tonight at the convention, with speeches from Senate Minority Leader Charles SchumerChuck SchumerBiden compares relationship with Harris to one with Obama: We trust each other The Hill’s Convention Report: Democrats gear up for Day Two of convention Progressive Bowman endorses Markey ahead of Massachusetts primary MORE (D-N.Y.) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez (D-N.Y.).

But keep an eye on Ady Barkan.

Barkan is a progressive activist who has become a champion of Medicare for All after his terminal diagnosis of ALS in 2016. Biden doesn’t support Medicare for All, but Barkan endorsed him anyway.

In past interviews, Barkan has said that if Biden wins, progressives should push him on their priorities. Barkan has said he wants progressives to understand that even though they may disagree with Biden, they shouldn’t let that stand in the way of voting President Trump out of office. His speech tonight could be memorable.

What we’re reading

Flu season will be a test run for the U.S.’s biggest-ever vaccine campaign (Bloomberg)

The myth of Andrew CuomoAndrew CuomoOvernight Health Care: Fauci says he does not see US mandating COVID-19 vaccine | WHO warns against ‘nationalism’ in coronavirus fight The Hill’s 12:30 Report: Sights and sounds from night 1 of Dem’s virtual convention Andrew Cuomo penning new book on coronavirus response MORE (The Atlantic)

Isolation, disruption and confusion: coping with dementia during a pandemic (Kaiser Health News)

Cellphone apps designed to track covid-19 spread struggle worldwide amid privacy concerns (Washington Post)

State by state

Cellphone data shows how Las Vegas is ‘gambling with lives’ across the country (ProPublica)

Tulsa health department director describes ‘rough year’ of long days, death threats (Tulsa Public Radio)

Georgia Gov. reopened state while health care workers needed millions of masks and gowns (Kaiser Health News)

Op-eds in The Hill

The great gamble of COVID-19 vaccine development

Mayors, it’s time to step up

For a COVID-19 vaccine to succeed, look to behavioral research

Michigan agrees to $600M settlement with Flint residents

August 21, 2020 KANKENNEWS

The state of Michigan has reached a preliminary $600 million agreement with Flint residents after lead levels in their drinking water spiked following a switch in water sources.

Nearly 80 percent of the funds will be given to children in Flint, the majority being routed to those under 6 at first exposure — the highest risk group for the damaging effects of lead poisoning. Another nearly 20 percent will go to the city’s adult residents.

The agreement, one of many legal battles fought by residents since lead-tainted water began flowing through their pipes in 2014, follows 18 months of negotiations.

“The residents of Flint were victims of horrendous decisions by the state, its employees, and other defendants that have resulted in tragic and devastating consequences,” Ted Leopold, one of the court-appointed interim co-lead counsels for city residents, said in a statement.

“This public health disaster was the product of a complete disregard for the health and well-being of ordinary citizens. While we can never undo the damage that occurred to the citizens and community of Flint, we are pleased that today we were able to secure a measure of justice for the proposed class and the Flint community, and will continue to seek justice against the remaining defendants.”

Michigan Gov. Gretchen WhitmerGretchen WhitmerOvernight Health Care: Fauci says he does not see US mandating COVID-19 vaccine | WHO warns against ‘nationalism’ in coronavirus fight The Hill’s 12:30 Report: Sights and sounds from night 1 of Dem’s virtual convention The Memo: Michelle Obama shines, scorching Trump MORE (D) acknowledged that the settlement “may not completely provide all that Flint needs.”

“Many will still feel justifiable frustration with a system and structure that at times is not adequate to fully address what has happened to people in Flint over the last six years. We hear and respect those voices and understand that healing Flint will take a long time, but our ongoing efforts and today’s settlement announcement are important steps in helping all of us move forward,” she said in a statement.

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Flint residents began complaining about water quality issues shortly after the city switched its water source in April 2014, but city and state officials denied any problems until studies from Virginia Tech University researchers and Hurley Medical Center in Flint showed high lead levels in both water and children’s blood. Lead exposure has been tied to brain damage.

Criminal and civil cases have accused Michigan and Flint officials of being responsible for the crisis, but broader suits against other officials and agencies have been slowly proceeding.

The new settlement, which still must be approved by the court, is open to any Flint resident who consumed the tainted water for at least 21 days of the month any time after April of 2014. There were roughly 100,000 city residents during the time of exposure, including about 30,000 minors.

“Because the amount to be paid to each claimant will in part depend upon how many filed claims are verified, the precise amount to be paid to each claimant will not be known until the claims process is completed,” a summary of the settlement said, noting that those who can show they had elevated blood lead levels may receive larger payments.

Residents who accept compensation will waive their right to sue the state, its agencies, and current and former employees, but residents may also opt out if they prefer to pursue their own litigation.

The settlement includes special set asides, including $12 million for the city’s schools to provide extra assistance for students struggling after lead exposure.

It also sets aside $35 million in a trust for children, whose parents don’t apply for the settlement now, to do so on their own behalf once they reach adulthood.

“We’re very proud of that feature and it’s going to be very beneficial to many of the children,” Michael Pitt, another one of the plaintiff’s lawyers, said on a call with reporters.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel (D) said that she hopes the settlement can be a “step forward” in the healing process.

“Flint residents have endured more than most, and to draw out the legal back-and-forth even longer would have achieved nothing but continued hardship. This settlement focuses on the children and the future of Flint, and the State will do all it can to make this a step forward in the healing process for one of Michigan’s most resilient cities,” Nessel said in a statement.

“Ultimately, by reaching this agreement, I hope we can begin the process of closing one of the most difficult chapters in our state’s history.”

But many of the other cases against the state and federal government remain.

The Supreme Court in January ruled cases against state and local officials could proceed, and case filed by residents against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is also active.

Emails released in the case show an EPA employee had urged state and federal officials to take action.

Plaintiffs have argued that the EPA failed to use its authority under the Clean Water Act to address the health risks from the water or the inaction from other officials. Federal attorneys argue the EPA should be immune from the suit because Michigan law would not hold private individuals liable in similar circumstances.

“Stay with us because the battle is not over,” Trachelle Young, another lawyer for city residents, told reporters on Thursday.

–This report was updated at 12:20 p.m.

Biden says he has 'short list' of potential women for VP pick

August 21, 2020 KANKENNEWS

Former Vice President Joe BidenJoe BidenHillicon Valley: Biden calls on Facebook to change political speech rules | Dems demand hearings after Georgia election chaos | Microsoft stops selling facial recognition tech to police Trump finalizing executive order calling on police to use ‘force with compassion’ The Hill’s Campaign Report: Biden campaign goes on offensive against Facebook MORE suggested Tuesday that he is keeping a running list of potential vice presidential picks that includes more than a dozen women.

“There is a short list meaning somewhere between – there’s about 12 and 15 women who I think would be qualified to be president tomorrow,” Biden said during an appearance on ABC’s “The View.”

“I think we’re going to narrow to 11,” he added. “We’re going to start vetting soon.”

“We are going to start vetting soon and there is a shortlist,” Joe Biden tells @TheView on female VP picks, adding they plan to narrow the list down to “about 11.”

Biden adds that he doesn’t “want to start to name people and then raise expectations.” https://t.co/VJfYAT2rJf pic.twitter.com/Vh2AuI9tJ4

— ABC News (@ABC) March 24, 2020

Biden’s remarks came more than a week after he vowed to choose a woman as his running mate should he clinch the Democratic presidential nomination.

He’s made clear in the past that he has his own criteria for choosing a running mate, insisting it’s important to choose someone with whom he is “simpatico” — a point he reiterated Tuesday.

“I just need to make sure that whomever I pick — assuming I’m the nominee, which is not the case yet — that that person is simpatico with where I want to take the nation in terms of domestic and foreign policy,” he said. “And I think there are a number of women who are in that category.”

Biden also said that he has at least four black women in mind as potential Supreme Court justice nominees, though he did name any of them.

Exactly whom Biden is eyeing as a potential running mate is still unclear, though there are a handful of names that have drawn speculation, including Sens. Amy KlobucharAmy KlobucharHillicon Valley: Biden calls on Facebook to change political speech rules | Dems demand hearings after Georgia election chaos | Microsoft stops selling facial recognition tech to police Democrats demand Republican leaders examine election challenges after Georgia voting chaos Harris grapples with defund the police movement amid veep talk MORE (D-Minn.) and Kamala HarrisKamala Devi HarrisRand Paul introduces bill to end no-knock warrants The Hill’s Campaign Report: Biden campaign goes on offensive against Facebook McEnany says Juneteenth is a very ‘meaningful’ day to Trump MORE (D-Calif.), as well as Rep. Val DemingsValdez (Val) Venita DemingsHillicon Valley: Biden calls on Facebook to change political speech rules | Dems demand hearings after Georgia election chaos | Microsoft stops selling facial recognition tech to police The Hill’s Coronavirus Report: Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas says country needs to rethink what ‘policing’ means; US cases surpass 2 million with no end to pandemic in sight Democrats press Intel chief for answers on foreign efforts to exploit US racial tensions MORE (D-Fla.) and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D).

Biden hasn’t won the 1,991 delegates he needs to secure the Democratic presidential nomination, though he has built a nearly insurmountable delegate lead over his only remaining rival, Sen. Bernie SandersBernie SandersThe Hill’s 12:30 Report: Milley apologizes for church photo-op Harris grapples with defund the police movement amid veep talk Biden courts younger voters — who have been a weakness MORE (I-Vt.).

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The pace of the nominating contest has slowed in recent weeks as the coronavirus outbreak has prompted candidates to cancel in-person campaign events and state officials to postpone scheduled primary elections.

But there are signs that Biden is beginning to act like the presumptive Democratic nominee. In addition to beginning his search for a running mate, he is planning to deliver briefings on the coronavirus to act as countermessaging to President TrumpDonald John TrumpSenate advances public lands bill in late-night vote Warren, Democrats urge Trump to back down from veto threat over changing Confederate-named bases Esper orders ‘After Action Review’ of National Guard’s role in protests MORE’s daily briefings on the crisis.

Biden says he will wear a mask in public

August 21, 2020 KANKENNEWS

Former Vice President Joe BidenJoe BidenHillicon Valley: Biden calls on Facebook to change political speech rules | Dems demand hearings after Georgia election chaos | Microsoft stops selling facial recognition tech to police Trump finalizing executive order calling on police to use ‘force with compassion’ The Hill’s Campaign Report: Biden campaign goes on offensive against Facebook MORE, the leading Democratic presidential candidate, said Sunday that he will wear a mask in public as recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

“I think it’s important to follow the science, listen to the experts, do what they tell you,” Biden said on ABC’s “This Week.”

President TrumpDonald John TrumpSenate advances public lands bill in late-night vote Warren, Democrats urge Trump to back down from veto threat over changing Confederate-named bases Esper orders ‘After Action Review’ of National Guard’s role in protests MORE on Friday announced the CDC recommendation but said he himself would not be wearing a mask.

“He may not like how he looks in a mask, but the truth of the matter is follow the science,” Biden said, referring to Trump.

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“Yes,” Joe Biden says when asked if he will following the CDC recommendation by wearing a mask in public.

Biden adds that President Trump “may not like how he looks in a mask,” but “you should follow the science.” https://t.co/IWEd5ppDTB pic.twitter.com/ooBnYneDQM

— This Week (@ThisWeekABC) April 5, 2020

Biden said he will be wearing a mask if he goes out in public, adding that he hasn’t gone to “commercial places” recently.

Announcing the new recommendation, Trump said it’s “going to be really a voluntary thing.”

“You can do it. You don’t have to do it. I’m choosing not to do it, but some people may want to do it, and that’s OK,” he said.

The CDC has previously said that healthy people did not need to wear masks because it would not protect them from contracting the disease. The recommendation was changed after new research released indicated it can help asymptomatic people from knowingly spreading the virus to others.

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Biden says he will wear a mask in public