Three things for February 7
1. AP cites irregularities as the Iowa Democratic caucus goes without a declared winner
After the events of the Iowa caucus on Monday and subsequent delay of results until later this week, the Associated Press has declined to declare a winning candidate.
The Democratic National Committee released 62% of precinct voting results on Tuesday, and nearly all precincts reported their results by late Thursday evening.
The caucus was delayed by quality control checks amid disruption caused by technical issues in a phone app meant to streamline the caucus process.
A recanvass — where worksheets and reporting forms from the caucus would be audited by hand — has since been called for by Tom Perez, chairman of the Democratic National Committee.
2. National monument blasted during border wall construction process
Contractors have begun to blast portions of the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument in southern Arizona this week in order to make room for the U.S.-Mexico border wall.
The monument is managed by the National Park Service and covers over 500 square miles. It is the only location in the U.S where the wild organ pipe cactus grows.
The controlled blasting through a mountain in the monument’s premises “will continue intermittently for the rest of the month,” according to Customs and Border Protection.
3. Wuhan coronavirus whistleblower dies
Li Wenliang, a 34-year-old doctor who worked at Wuhan Central Hospital in China, died Friday morning.
Wenliang was among the first doctors who attempted to alert the Chinese public of the coronavirus outbreak in December, but was reprimanded by local police for attempting to do so.
Chinese media initally reported Wenliang dead while he was still in critical condition.
Mourning his death, medical staff and Chinese citizens have been angered by Wenliang’s treatment from police.
