Declarations

Article

The Big One

“This announcement means that California’s world-class earthquake early warning system will be a standard function on every Android phone — giving millions precious seconds to drop, cover and hold on when the big one hits.”

— Gov. Gavin Newsom was encouraged that the state’s earthquake early warnings will be a standard feature on all Android phones, bypassing the need for users to download the state’s MyShake app in order to receive alerts.

Adapting to a New Normal

“As New York begins re-opening, new cutting edge and innovative solutions will be needed to adapt the New York marketplace to a new normal due to COVID-19.”

— New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) Superintendent Linda Lacewell said in a DFS press release announcing FastForward, a new program launched by DFS to support innovators seeking to deliver new solutions in financial services, fintech, insurtech and healthtech for New Yorkers in the COVID-19 era.

The First Time

“We’ve never forecast up to 25 named storms, so this is the first time.”

— Gerry Bell, U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA’s) lead hurricane season forecaster, said in a conference call with reporters that the agency has increased this year’s prediction of the number of named tropical storms by 16. The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season, which began on June 1, by early August had already produced nine named tropical storms, two of which reached hurricane strength.

Texas’ COVID Fight

“Renewing this Disaster Declaration will provide communities with the resources they need to respond to COVID-19. … I urge Texans to remain vigilant in our fight against this virus. Everyone must do their part to slow the spread of COVID-19 by wearing a mask, practicing social distancing, and washing your hands frequently and thoroughly.”

— Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, in a prepared statement, said the renewal of the statewide disaster declaration related to the coronavirus would allow a better response to the coronavirus pandemic. State health officials on Aug. 7 reported 481,483 people with the virus that has left at least 8,343 dead. The true number of cases in Texas is likely higher because many people have not been tested, and studies suggest people can be infected and not feel sick.

Malfeasance Allegations

“Plaintiffs in this case raise some of the most disturbing allegations of malfeasance by government actors in Michigan’s history.”

— Michigan Supreme Court Justice Richard Bernstein in an opinion ruling that Flint residents whose health and homes were harmed by lead-contaminated water could proceed with a lawsuit against public officials related to the crisis. The lawsuit names then-Gov. Rick Snyder, two former Flint government managers appointed by Snyder and public agencies that repeatedly assured the public that the water was safe. The court’s opinion was a key procedural step in long-running litigation that now will return to the Court of Claims.

Unqualified Immunity

“The Constitution says everyone is entitled to equal protection of the law — even at the hands of law enforcement. Over the decades, however, judges have invented a legal doctrine to protect law enforcement officers from having to face any consequences for wrongdoing. The doctrine is called ‘qualified immunity.’ In real life, it operates like absolute immunity.”

— U.S. District Court Judge Carlton Reeves on his dismissal of a lawsuit against a white Mississippi police officer who he said was racially motivated to pull him over at a traffic stop and search his car.