Jun 14, 2017

Head of Michigan health dept. charged over Flint crisis

Carlos Osorio / AP

Nick Lyon, the head of Michigan's health department, was charged with involuntary manslaughter today for his role in the Flint water contamination scandal, becoming the highest-ranking state official to be charged thus far, per the AP.

The accusation: Lyon didn't tell the public about an outbreak of Legionnaire's disease, a bacterial pneumonia often linked with poor water quality, in Flint at the time of its water crisis.

Refresh your memory: The city of Flint changed its water source to the Flint River in 2014. The high levels of chemicals in the untreated water caused lead from plumbing systems to leach into the water supply.

Go deeper

Dave Lawler
31 mins ago - World

Macron visits Beirut promising a "new political pact" for Lebanon

Macron visits the hard-hit Gemmayzeh neighborhood. Photo: AFP via Getty Images

French President Emmanuel Macron walked through the blast-damaged streets of Beirut on Thursday, swarmed by people chanting for the fall of Lebanon's government and pleading for international aid.

Why it matters: Lebanon is at a breaking point. Its economy was collapsing and its government hardly functioning — all before a massive explosion destroyed swathes of the capital city, including its vital port.

Go deeper (1 min. read)Arrow
Kendall Baker
36 mins ago - Sports

The PGA Championship is golf's first major in over a year

Photo: Gary Kellner/PGA of America via Getty Images

The 2020 PGA Championship tees off Thursday at San Francisco's TPC Harding Park, which is hosting its first-ever major.

Why it matters: It's the first major in more than a year — and the first of seven majors in the next 12 months. Though there won't be any fans in attendance, the excitement is palpable.

Go deeper (1 min. read)Arrow
Dion Rabouin
48 mins ago - Economy & Business

July's jobs report could be an inflection point for the coronavirus recovery

Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios

Even if Friday's jobs report shows a big number, it is becoming clear hiring slowed and likely even reversed course in July and real-time indicators suggest the employment situation worsened into August.

Driving the news: Payroll processor ADP's monthly jobs report showed private companies added 167,000 jobs last month, well below the 1.2 million expected by economists and far below June's 4.8 million jobs added.

Go deeper (1 min. read)Arrow