Current Events in August 2020

The U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Northern District of California has filed a criminal complaint against Joseph Sullivan -- Uber’s former Chief Security Officer -- for allegedly hiding details of a 2016 data breach from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). 

The complaint states that Sullivan was contacted by two hackers who told him that they had accessed and downloaded personal information about 57 million Uber users and drivers. Instead of relaying this information to government officials, regulators say that Sullivan purposely misled the FTC and Uber leadership about the breach and paid the hackers $100,000 in Bitcoin to keep them quiet. 

“Silicon Valley is not the Wild West. We expect corporate citizenship. We expect prompt reporting of criminal conduct. We expect cooperation with our investigations. We will not tolerate corporate cover-ups. We will not tolerate illegal hush money payments,” said U.S. Attorney David L. Anderson.

Payoffs through bug bounty program

Sullivan allegedly became embroiled in this deception after being selected as the Uber official in charge of responding to the FTC’s written questions about a separate breach that Uber experienced in 2014. However, only days before he was scheduled to give sworn testimony about that breach, Sullivan received an email from two hackers who claimed to have infiltrated Uber again in 2016.

After receiving the message, Sullivan allegedly tried to pay the hackers off through Uber’s bug bounty program and demanded that they sign a non-disclosure agreement which falsely claimed that the duo had not taken or stored any of the stolen data. Uber finally came clean about the supposed incident after coming under new management in 2017 and worked with law enforcement officials so that the two hackers could be prosecuted.

The charges against Sullivan include obstruction of justice and misprision of a felony. If convicted on both counts, he could face up to eight years in prison.

“Concealing information about a felony from law enforcement is a crime. While this case is an extreme example of a prolonged attempt to subvert law enforcement, we hope companies stand up and take notice. Do not help criminal hackers cover their tracks. Do not make the problem worse for your customers, and do not cover up criminal attempts to steal people’s personal data,” said FBI deputy special agent Craig D. Fair in a statement.

A new study conducted by researchers from The Endocrine Society explored the effect that anorexia nervosa can have on young women’s height. 

Though the condition is primarily associated with eating habits and maintaining a specific weight, the team’s research shows that it can also have other developmental effects. In some cases, the researchers say the condition could ultimately stunt a young person’s growth. 

“Our findings emphasize the importance of early and intensive intervention aiming at normalization of body weight, which may result in improved growth and allow patients to reach their full height potential,” said researcher Dr. Dalit Modan-Moses.  

How is height affected?

To better understand how anorexia can affect consumers’ height, the researchers analyzed over 250 young women who had been admitted into the hospital for anorexia-related treatments. All of the participants were in their mid-teens at the time of the study. 

The researchers assessed their vitals at three junctures -- at the time they were admitted to the hospital, again when they left the hospital, and a final time in adulthood -- and paid particular attention to their height at each of the three readings. They also evaluated the participants’ parents’ height to get a sense of where their projected height should be in adulthood. 

Ultimately, the researchers were surprised to learn that the participants’ final height measured much smaller than they had anticipated. Prior to the final check-in, the participants’ heights were considered to be in a normal, healthy range. However, their growth had tapered off significantly by the time they reached adulthood. 

The researchers believe that anorexia can have serious effects on the body in more ways than many people may realize. They hope that these findings emphasize the importance of getting treatment as early as possible. 

“We suggest that the height impairment is a marker for other complications of anorexia nervosa affecting the person’s overall health in several aspects: bone health, cognitive function, and problems with pregnancy and childbirth later in life,” said Dr. Modan-Moses. “Early diagnosis and treatment could prevent, or at least reduce, the risk of these complications.” 

Seeking support

For those struggling with anorexia, the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD) offers a wide range of support services, including treatment resources, support groups, and national call help lines, among several others. 

To learn more or to take advantage of these services, visit the group’s site here.

Despite a slow increase in gasoline demand in the last couple of weeks, prices at the pump stayed stable for another week across much of the U.S.

The national average price of regular gas is $2.18 a gallon, just a penny more than last Friday. Prices remain about 42 cents a gallon less than at this time in 2019. The average price of premium gas is $2.79 a gallon, also one cent more than last week. The average price of diesel fuel remains at $2.42 a gallon, the same as a week ago.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that an increase in gasoline demand last week drew gasoline inventories down, but supplies remain plentiful when compared to previous years. Therefore, there should be little impact on prices since the summer driving season is nearly over.

“Gas prices are stalling, if not decreasing, at the vast majority of pumps,” said Jeanette Casselano, a AAA spokesperson. “We’ve likely seen gasoline prices peak for 2020, barring any major hurricanes.”

Nationwide, AAA reported that 72 percent of all gas stations were selling gas for less than $2.25. Forty-one percent are selling fuel for under $2 a gallon. Compared to last August, the U.S. has 12 million more barrels of gasoline on hand.

In the weeks ahead, oil refineries will begin switching over to winter-grade gasoline blends, which cost less than summertime fuel. Because of that, there should be very little to raise gasoline prices heading into the end of the year.

The states with the most expensive gas

These states currently have the highest prices for regular gas, according to the AAA Fuel Gauge Survey:

• Hawaii ($3.23)

• California ($3.12)

• Washington ($2.81)

• Oregon ($2.66)

• Nevada ($2.66)

• Alaska ($2.53)

• Utah ($2.44)

• Pennsylvania ($2.43)

• Idaho ($2.42)

• Colorado ($2.39)

The states with the cheapest regular gas

The survey found these states currently have the lowest prices for regular gas:

• Mississippi ($1.83)

• Louisiana ($1.85)

• Arkansas ($1.87)

• Texas ($1.87)

• Alabama ($1.87)

• Oklahoma ($1.89)

• Missouri ($1.89)

• Tennessee ($1.90)

• South Carolina ($1.91)

• Kansas ($1.97)

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) is recalling 10,644 model year 2020 GLB250s.

The rear spoiler above the tailgate may not have been welded correctly and may detach from the vehicle.

If the spoiler detaches while the vehicle is being driven, it can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

What to do

MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear spoiler and replace it -- if necessary -- free of charge.

The recall is expected to begin October 13, 2020.

Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at (800) 367-6372.

Spokane Produce of Spokane, Wash., is recalling salsa containing onions.

The products may be contaminated with Salmonella.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

A list of the recalled products, packaged in 15-oz. plastic tubs and institutional size one gallon plastic containers, may be found here.

The recalled products were sold in Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington from May 13, 2020, through August 10, 2020.

What to do

Customers who purchased the recalled the products should not consume them, but discard or return them to the place of purchase.

Consumers with questions may call Spokane Produce at (509) 710-8301 from 10am – 4pm (PST).

If you’re a YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram user, hold on to your personal data, folks, because a gargantuan leak of social media profiles has shown up at the doorstep of these platforms.

According to an incident brought to light by researchers at Comparitech, Hong Kong-based Social Data exposed a database of close to 235 million social media profiles by not setting a password restriction or any other authentication required to access it. The exposed data includes these items from personal profiles:

• Profile and real full name, age, and gender

• Profile photo

• Whether the profile belongs to a business or has advertisements

• Statistics about follower engagement, including: number of followers, engagement rate, follower growth rate, audience gender/age/location, and likes

• Last post timestamp

Based on samples Comparitech collected, it says that about 20 percent of the records also contained either a phone number or email address.

Scraping all it can find

Social Data’s model is anything but consumer-friendly, but at least it’s honest about what it does. In its Terms of Service, it admits that it “scrapes” the data of influencers who “have a presence on the Internet having in excess of a certain amount of followers (decided by the marketer) on various social media platforms.” In other words, let’s say you have 1,523 followers on Instagram and a marketer is looking for people who have at least 1,000, you would be a prime candidate to be scraped.

Web scraping is an old-hat way of automating the copying of data from web pages in bulk. The cost of doing it is relatively inexpensive, and that appeals to marketing firms that can’t afford more aboveboard methods. Social Data swears that it only scrapes what is publicly accessible, but the practice violates Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Youtube terms of use. 

Deep Social was banned from Facebook and Instagram in 2018, but apparently it found a way to worm its way back in. Comparitech says that the wormhole likely came about because automated scraping bots can be difficult to distinguish from normal website visitors. Because of that, social media platforms have a hard time preventing them from accessing user profiles until it’s too late.

Social Data defends itself

A Social Data spokesperson told Comparitech security researcher Bob Diachenko in an email that the data was not “hacked” because it was collected in a legal way. 

“Please, note that the negative connotation that the data has been hacked implies that the information was obtained surreptitiously. This is simply not true, all of the data is available freely to ANYONE with Internet access,” the spokesperson said.

“I would appreciate it if you could ensure that this is made clear,” the spokesperson continued in their email to Diachenko. “Anyone could phish or contact any person that indicates telephone and email on his social network profile description in the same way even without the existence of the database. […] Social networks themselves expose the data to outsiders – that is their business – open public networks and profiles. Those users who do not wish to provide information, make their accounts private. [sic]”

Coronavirus (COVID-19) tally as compiled by Johns Hopkins University. (Previous numbers in parentheses.)

Total U.S. confirmed cases: 5,540,022 (5,494,239)

Total U.S. deaths: 173,415 (172,048)

Total global cases: 22,473,382 (22,194,929)

Total global deaths: 789,103 (782,228)

Consumers’ COVID-19 caution is holding the economy in check

The minutes from the last Federal Reserve meeting show that policymakers are concerned about the economic damage caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19). Officials fear that it might take years to recover, and consumer behavior in the wake of the pandemic may be part of the reason why that’s the case. 

A new study by the University of Southern California (USC) Center for the Digital Future shows that most Americans are not comfortable resuming daily life outside the home, and a quarter say they will do nothing in public until a vaccine is found.

The study, conducted in June, found that other than grocery shopping, most people are uncomfortable being in public right now. Only 41 percent would see a doctor for a non-urgent appointment, and only 39 percent would shop in a retail store. Only 11 percent would be willing to take an airline flight.

Unemployment claims are growing again

The Labor Department reports that initial claims for unemployment benefits totaled 1.1 million last week, a disappointment after claims had dipped below the 1 million mark during the previous week.

The surprising increase came as Federal Reserve policymakers worried about the coronavirus’ impact on the economy, especially since Congress has been unable to reach a compromise on extending relief, which expired at the end of July.

Economists point out that it has now been four weeks since the extra $600 a week in unemployment benefits ran out. Democrats have pushed for maintaining the full amount while Republicans have advocated for about a third of that.

Colleges are tacking on COVID-19 fees

If college costs weren’t high enough already, students returning to campus this fall are facing new fees to pay colleges’ costs of dealing with the coronavirus pandemic. The fees pay for everything from extra cleaning to administering COVID-19 tests.

CNBC’s round-up of the extra charges found students at Merrimack College in North Andover, Massachusetts will pay a “COVID-19 mitigation fee” of $950 a year. Out-of-state students at the University of Michigan will see fees go up across the board, including a $50 “health and safety fee.” Even then, colleges may still be looking for money.

“A significant number of colleges will not be able to come out of this academic year financially soluble,” said Hafeez Lakhani, founder and president of Lakhani Coaching. “The equation simply doesn’t balance.”

Growing doubts about school safety

A survey led by researchers from several universities found that nearly two-thirds of Americans do not believe it is safe for K-12 students to return to school this year. Only 31 percent of participants in the nationwide survey believed returning to school is very safe or somewhat safe.

The survey also found significant demographic variations in answers. Women, people with lower incomes, non-whites, and Democrats were less likely to consider sending their children back to school this fall.

“Across the U.S., schools and parents are debating whether to choose face-to-face, online or hybrid learning for K-12 students this fall,” said co-author Katherine Ognyanova, an assistant professor of communication at Rutgers University. “Each option has benefits and risks as both community health and quality education hang in the balance. Given the high uncertainty and regional differences, decisions are likely best made locally on a case-by-case basis.”

Taco Bell changing restaurant design for COVID-19

New Taco Bell restaurants will look a little different from current ones. The Yum! Brands franchise expects that lasting changes will be brought about by COVID-19, so new restaurants will feature two drive-thru lanes. Customers will also be encouraged to place orders ahead of time.

"With demand for our drive-thru at an all-time high, we know adapting to meet our consumers rapidly changing needs has never been more important," said Taco Bell President, Global COO, Mike Grams. "The Taco Bell Go Mobile restaurant concept is not only an evolved physical footprint but a completely synchronized digital experience centered around streamlining guest access points. For the first time, our guests will have the ability to choose the pick-up experience that best fits their needs, all while never leaving the comfort of their cars."

Around the nation

• Connecticut: After coronavirus outbreaks shut down the University of North Carolina and Notre Dame, officials at the University of Connecticut are playing hardball. They’ve expelled several students from their dorms after videos on social media showed them partying in crowded dorm rooms without masks.

• Texas: Some faculty members at Sam Houston State University are expressing concern for their safety after school officials ruled that they must provide in-class instructions if that’s what students want. “As faculty, we are paid to teach in person,” a memo from the provost said.

• Massachusetts: State health officials have mandated that all children attending public education institutions in the state this fall must get vaccinated against the flu. The move is viewed as a way to mitigate respiratory illnesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Instacart has announced that it will provide its shoppers with new COVID-19 telehealth services, including virtual medical appointments and screenings. The company is rolling out the program nationwide following a pilot program in Washington D.C. and Pennsylvania earlier this year.

Consumers who use Instacart can take an online assessment if they are showing symptoms of COVID-19. If the results appear to indicate possible infection, the shopper can set up a telemedicine consultation with a Doctor On Demand clinician who can determine whether or not a COVID-19 screening should take place. 

If a COVID-19 test comes back positive, Instacart shoppers will be “eligible to receive up to 14 days of extended pay to provide financial support during their recovery,” the company said. The program will last until the end of 2020. 

"It is critical that everyone has access to high-quality care in this difficult time, not just for their own health and safety, but for the health and safety of their families and broader community," Hill Ferguson, CEO of Doctor On Demand, said in a statement. "Instacart shoppers are providing an essential service for communities nationwide, and we are pleased to expand our partnership to ensure these shoppers on the front lines can quickly and cost-effectively access care, no matter where they are located."

Responding to the health crisis

The on-demand delivery platform is also implementing new health and safety policies. Starting next week, shoppers and users will see safety reminders in the app. 

Shoppers will be reminded to wear face masks in stores and when they come in contact with customers, and customers will be reminded to do the same. 

"As cases of COVID-19 continue to rise across North America, we're taking additional steps to create a safe experience for customers and shoppers,” said Nilam Ganenthiran, president of Instacart. “Beginning today, we're rolling out a new policy asking both shoppers and customers to wear a face mask. We believe the simple act of wearing a face mask can help save lives and keep our loved ones, neighbors, and others in our communities safe."

The company added that nearly 450,000 health and safety kits have gone out to its shoppers. The free kits include masks, forehead thermometers, and hand sanitizer. 

In the early stages of the pandemic, Instacart shoppers staged a walkout to protest the company's lack of response to the health crisis. Shoppers said the company’s safety measures were inadequate and demanded the distribution of items like hand sanitizer. 

Travel is starting to pick back up, and some consumers might be looking to break up their long stay at home during the pandemic with a trip or vacation. But if they’re looking to book a stay at an Airbnb location, they better not be thinking of throwing any wild parties. 

Airbnb announced on Thursday that it is implementing a global party ban on all parties and events at Airbnb listings due to health concerns linked to COVID-19. In a blog post, officials said the ban applies to all future bookings on the platform and will remain in effect until further notice.

“Instituting a global ban on parties and events is in the best interest of public health,” the company stated.

Shutting down gatherings

A ban on parties isn’t exactly something new for Airbnb. The company says that unauthorized parties were never allowed at its listed properties. A substantial majority of consumers who list their properties on the platform already ban parties under their “House Rules.”

Airbnb says its decision is a response to shifting public health mandates across the U.S. Officials say users in some areas that have shut down establishments like bars, clubs, and pubs have acted against their better judgment by holding gatherings at listed locations.

“Some have chosen to take bar and club behavior to homes, sometimes rented through our platform. We think such conduct is incredibly irresponsible -- we do not want that type of business, and anyone engaged in or allowing that behavior does not belong on our platform,” the company said.

As part of the ban, Airbnb is prohibiting parties on all future bookings and capping the number of people at each listing to a maximum of 16. The company says it will be informing all guests about the new rules and may pursue legal action against those who violate its policy. 

The ban itself has not yet taken effect, but the company says it will be rolled out “in the near future.” The company also notes that it’s limit of 16 people per listing does not override any local health restrictions.

While researchers continue to identify risk factors associated with preterm births, a new study is exploring the risks that mothers could face when they deliver early. 

According to researchers, there could be a link between premature childbirth and early death. Their study revealed that mothers who delivered prematurely were at an increased risk of dying prematurely. 

Risks of preterm birth 

To better understand how premature deliveries could affect mothers’ longevity, the researchers analyzed data on over two million women who gave birth over the course of more than 40 years. 

The researchers learned that those who gave birth prior to their scheduled due dates were at an increased risk of death. While the risk persisted over the long-term, it was highest in the first decade following childbirth. 

When compared to women who delivered at full-term, mothers who gave birth prematurely were more than two times as likely to suffer an early death. The study also revealed that the risk for death remained 1.5 times more likely even up to 44 years after giving birth. 

Better health care in the future

Of the more than two million women involved in this study, 3.5 percent died prematurely following a preterm childbirth, which the researchers attribute to over 2,600 early deaths. 

While the researchers took each woman’s personal health history -- and family health history -- into consideration, there didn’t appear to be any link between genetic risks and mothers’ health outcomes. This is particularly interesting because many of the deaths were linked to conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer -- most of which tend to run in families and can be traced back to relatives. However, for the women involved in the study, no such history existed. 

The researchers hope that these findings can be effective in improving the quality of health care for women in the future. While each case is unique, it’s important that women who deliver preterm are closely monitored not just immediately after giving birth, but for years to come. 

“Women who deliver prematurely need long-term clinical follow-up for detection and treatment of chronic disorders associated with early mortality,” the researchers wrote. 

Bagged peaches sold at ALDI stores are being investigated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for possible salmonella contamination. 

Health officials said Thursday that the peaches are the likely source of 68 salmonella infections reported across 9 states. The peaches were sold under the Wawona brand name in clear plastic bags at ALDI stores in 16 states. 

The FDA is advising consumers, restaurants, and retailers not to eat, sell, or serve Wawona-brand bagged peaches from ALDI stores.

“Consumers who purchased Wawona-brand bagged peaches from ALDI stores from June 1, 2020 to present and may still have them in their house should not eat the peaches and should throw them away,” the FDA said in a release. 

The agency added that consumers who froze the peaches in question should also throw them away. 

Illnesses reported

The FDA said salmonella infections were reported in Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Wisconsin.

"FDA's traceback investigation is ongoing to determine the full scope of product distribution and source of contamination," the agency said.

In light of the health risk, ALDI has recalled all Wawona-brand bagged peaches shipped to Connecticut, Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, Wisconsin, and West Virginia.

In addition to throwing away the peaches, the FDA recommends cleaning and sanitizing any surfaces that the peaches came into contact with to prevent cross-contamination. This includes cutting boards, knives, storage bins, countertops, and refrigerators.

Symptoms of salmonella include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, fever, chills, and headaches, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These symptoms can last between four and seven days. Consumers who have experienced any of these symptoms should call their health care provider right away.

With more and more pregnant women struggling with high blood pressure, researchers from the Mayo Clinic explored the long-term effects of hypertension in a new study. 

The experts found that women who experience high blood pressure during pregnancy could be at an increased risk of experiencing more severe symptoms during menopause. 

“We already know that women with high blood pressure during pregnancy or those who experience menopause symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats have a higher risk of developing heart disease,” said researcher Dr. Stephanie Faubion. “Our research discovered that women who experienced high blood pressure during pregnancy were much more likely to experience bothersome menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes and night sweats during menopause.” 

Uncovering the link between the symptoms

To better understand the link between hypertension during pregnancy and more severe symptoms during menopause, the researchers had over 2,600 women between the ages of 40 and 65 complete surveys that asked questions about a wide range of symptoms. The participants reported on their health and related symptoms during pregnancy, as well as what their experiences were like with menopause. 

The researchers learned that women who experienced more severe menopause symptoms -- like extreme hot flashes or night sweats -- were the same women who had high blood pressure during pregnancy. Despite such a strong link between the two conditions, it’s still unclear to the researchers why this trend has emerged. 

Reducing the risk for heart disease

The researchers explained that the biggest concern for those with more severe menopause symptoms is developing other health issues, like cardiovascular disease. Recent studies have highlighted how intense hot flashes can be an indicator of heart health concerns. 

The researchers hope that these findings inspire medical professionals to closely monitor women showing any combination of these symptoms, as they could be a sign of a more serious health condition. 

“We know medical providers have historically done a lousy job identifying and following women with histories of high blood pressure disorders during pregnancy, despite knowing that they have a higher heart disease risk,” Dr. Faubion said. “This study is another reminder that these women are different. It is important that they not only receive education with regard to what they may experience during menopause, but also that they undergo routine screenings and counseling on how they can reduce their risk for heart disease.” 

Over the last four months, millions of Americans have been working from home. Anecdotal evidence has indicated that the virtual workplace has worked pretty well so far.

There’s new data suggesting that, from the employees’ point of view, the experience has been overwhelmingly positive. A survey by KPMG, a business advisory firm, found that 79 percent of U.S. workers at organizations with more than 1,000 employees believe the quality of their work has improved over the last four months.

Seventy percent said the quality of their work has improved while 67 percent indicate their work-life balance has gotten better. Eighty-four percent are also satisfied with their employer's response to the pandemic.

"American workers have demonstrated remarkable resiliency under the pressures of COVID-19 and against the backdrop of events signifying racial inequality," said Lisa Massman, KPMG's human capital advisory leader. 

A big unknown

The virtual workplace was one big unknown when the corporate world was thrust into it in late March, almost overnight. But productivity technology, such as services offered by Zoom and Slack, has enabled co-workers to interact with managers and one another almost as though they were in the same office.

The survey found that employees like the system so well that 55 percent would like to have the flexibility to continue working remotely at least part of the time. One byproduct also appears to be a boost in morale that is aiding employee retention. 

More than three-quarters of remote workers expressed the desire to remain with their current organization, in part because management has made them feel valued during the lockdown. As a result, KPMG believes corporations may be in no hurry to bring employees back to the office once the pandemic finally ends.

"Companies worldwide enabled remote workforces nearly overnight, and what started as an extraordinary pilot is now considered permanent in many organizations' operating models," said Joe Parente, KPMG's Consulting leader. "As a result, there should be a new focus on improving employee connectivity, better understanding of what drives positive worker experiences and overall, reshaping and rethinking how work gets done."

Room for improvement

Even though employees are happier, employers are more focused on efficiency and making sure that work gets done at the same rate as before. Massman says that may require some bold thinking.

"Organizations must design a new model of work for tomorrow, by presenting new approaches for teams to effectively work from home, leveraging technology and innovative ways to increase collaboration, and fostering an environment of inclusion and belonging - to build a more loyal, productive and sustainable workforce," she said.

After five years, the state of Michigan is reportedly prepared to offer a $600 million settlement to the city of Flint to resolve the state’s civil responsibility for a water crisis caused by lead contamination.

The Wall Street Journal cites sources familiar with the issue as saying the state will announce the settlement within days.

The water crisis captured headlines in 2015 after water tests began to show abnormally high levels of lead in the city’s drinking water. Investigations followed, and it was eventually determined that state-appointed officials helped the Michigan city change the source of its water supply to save money.

But the investigation also showed that the new water source required treatment that it did not receive. As a result, investigators said lead leached from old pipes into the water coming into residents’ homes.

Lead levels in children doubled

Medical tests on the city’s children showed a spike in the presence of lead in their blood, rising from 2.4 percent to 4.9 percent. The city’s low-income neighborhoods appeared to be the hardest hit.

The Journal report says most of the money from the settlement -- about 80 percent -- will go to Flint residents who were under 18 between April 25, 2014, and July 31, 2016. It’s estimated that the number could be as low as 7,500 and as high as 20,000. Thousands of older residents may also be eligible.

Health officials around the country point to the Flint water crisis as only the tip of a dangerous iceberg. A 2019 report by corrosion experts identified America’s aging water infrastructure as a pressing and costly threat to public health. The researchers urged water utilities in the U.S. to take immediate action.

The threat of corrosion

The report from NACE International, a nonprofit association that specializes in the study of corrosion, enlisted more than 1,300 corrosion experts to compile the report. It said corrosion in water lines that provide drinking water to millions of American homes is exposing consumers to unhealthy levels of lead and other contaminants.

The Flint settlement, should it be announced, would likely not be the end of the legal liability story. Many residents of the city have filed lawsuits against a number of public and private entities that are accused of being negligent in protecting the city’s drinking water.

To resolve the immediate crisis, Flint switched back to getting its water supply from Detroit and began replacing its antiquated lead service lines.

Despite all the ups and downs the airline industry has faced recently, JetBlue has decided to offer consumers a little perk. The airline and Goldman Sachs are joining forces to allow travelers to use MarcusPay -- Goldman Sachs’ instant credit, buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) plan -- to pay for retail purchases over time at the point-of-sale.

The new arrangement expands on an earlier deal to provide MarcusPay as a BNPL option for JetBlue Vacations packages of hotels and airfare. JetBlue customers can apply for a MarcusPay loan from the payment page on jetblue.com or at jetbluevacations.com. It will also be available in the coming weeks on the JetBlue mobile app.

How it works

MarcusPay can be used for trips that cost between $750 and $10,000. There are several available loan options for customers, and there’s no upfront deposit required. There are also no fees that come with the loan, and the interest rate will be fixed. Neither JetBlue or Goldman Sachs published a rate specific to this program, but MarcusPay’s current APRs run from from 10.99 percent to 25.99 percent with a payoff option of 12 or 18 months. 

While the interest rates aren’t exactly prize winners, JetBlue and Goldman Sachs think that removing some of the hassle and added cost of planning a vacation will play well in the uncertain financial environment brought on by the pandemic.

“MarcusPay gives customers a smart alternative to financing large purchases,” said Elisabeth Kozack, head of Consumer Lending Partnerships at Marcus by Goldman Sachs. “JetBlue is a terrific partner for MarcusPay. They remain focused on delivering against their customers’ needs and providing transparency, which helps them deliver a differentiated customer experience for travelers.”

BNPL plays well in the coronavirus crisis

Not that the pandemic needs thanking, but the fact of the matter is that U.S. consumer spending has been in a tailspin since COVID-19 came to town. However, PYMTS Buy Now Pay Later Tracker indicates that BNPL options could be a way to get consumers spending money again. 

“The concept (of BNPL) is to not only make transactions affordable, but seamless,” explained PYMTS.

“These arrangements can also allow customers to purchase more or costlier items than they could otherwise, thereby helping merchants. Shoppers can feel more at ease, too, replacing a broken refrigerator or washing machine that conked out right after a consumer lost a job.” 

General Motors is recalling 5,141 model year 2020 Chevrolet Corvettes.

The release button located inside the front trunk compartment may not function after the vehicle has been shut off for ten minutes.

If a person climbs inside the front trunk compartment and closes the lid, he may be trapped inside, posing the risk of injury.

What to do

GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the software in the vehicle's Body Control Module (BCM) to allow the release switch to always work free of charge.

Owners also may allow the vehicle to be remedied via an Over-The-Air software update.

The recall is expected to begin September 21, 2020.

Owners may contact GM customer service at (866) 522-9559. GM's number for this recall is N202309350.

Freshouse IIof Salisbury, N.C., is recalling Valencia oranges, lemons, limes, organic limes and Red B Potatoes.

The products may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

A list of the recalled products shipped directly to retailer distribution centers in North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Virginia, and to wholesalers in Maryland and North Carolina May be found here.

What to do

Customers who purchased the recalled products should not consume them, but discard or return them to the place of purchase for a refund.

Consumers with questions may contact the firm at (631) 369-7150, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. (ET), or by email at customerservice@freshouse.com.

Hasbro of Pawtucket, R.I., is recalling 52,900 Super Soaker XP 20s and Super Soaker XP 30s.

The decorative sticker on the water tank of the water blaster toys contain levels of lead in the ink that exceed the federal lead content ban. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects.

No incidents or injuries are reported.

This recall involves the Super Soaker XP20 (E6286) which is a green and orange hand-held water blaster, and the XP 30 (E6289) which is an orange and blue hand-held water blaster.

“Nerf Super Soaker” and the model number are printed on the sticker on the side of the water blaster.

The Super Soakers, manufactured in India, were sold at Target from March 2020, to July 2020, for about $8 (XP 20) and $13 (XP 30).

What to do

Consumers should immediately take the recalled toy away from children and contact Hasbro for instructions on how to return the product and receive a full refund.

Consumers will be asked to unscrew the tank from the blaster and return the tank to the manufacturer using a postage prepaid label, for a full refund.

Consumers may contact Hasbro at (888) 664-3323 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (ET) Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. (ET) on Fridays, or by email at SuperSoakerRecall@Hasbro.com or online at https://shop.hasbro.com/en-us and click on “MORE INFO” near the middle of the page for more information.