Dec 11, 2019

Buttigieg says he doubts his consulting work led to insurer's layoffs

Pete Buttigieg. Photo: Win McNamee/Getty Images

Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg told MSNBC's "'The Rachel Maddow Show" Tuesday night that he doubts his McKinsey & Company consulting work with health insurer client Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan led to layoffs after he left.

Why it matters: The Southbend mayor has faced scrutiny from other 2020 candidates and liberal activists in recent weeks over his work for McKinsey & Company.

A ProPublica report this month, headlined "How McKinsey helped the Trump administration detain and deport immigrants," raised further concerns about the company. Buttigieg says he "never worked on a project" inconsistent with his values.

The big picture: With McKinsey's permission, Buttigieg released his client list Tuesday evening from his time working at the company, from 2007 to 2010, as part of a larger push for transparency.

Go deeper: Podcast: Mayor Pete's McKinsey problem

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Alison Snyder, Eileen Drage O'Reilly

32 mins ago - Science

The long journey to herd immunity

Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios

The sought-after state of herd immunity — in which widespread outbreaks are prevented because enough people in a community are immune to a disease — is complicated by open questions about the effectiveness of a future vaccine and how COVID-19 spreads.

Why it matters: Unless a sufficient level of immunity is achieved in the population, the coronavirus could circulate indefinitely and potentially flare up as future outbreaks.

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Ursula Perano

35 mins ago - Politics & Policy

Judge rules all three defendants in shooting of Ahmaud Arbery will stand trial

Photo: Sean Rayford/Getty Images

A judge ruled on Thursday that all three men charged in the death of Ahmaud Arbery, a 25-year-old black man who was shot and killed in February Glynn County, Georgia, will stand trial, AP reports.

Why it matters: The video of Arbery's death was among several catalysts in the mass protests against racial injustice that have unfurled across the country and world over the past week and a half.

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Axios

58 mins ago - Politics & Policy

Remembering George Floyd

Photo: Kerem Yucel/AFP via Getty Images

With politicians, clergy and law enforcement in attendance on Thursday in Minneapolis, the family of George Floyd demanded recognition for his life well lived.

Why it matters: Floyd has become the latest symbol of police brutality after he was killed last week when a police officer held a knee to his neck.

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