Arlington, Virginia Is America’s Fittest City — And Oklahoma City The Least

USA Today: American Fitness Index: Arlington, Virginia, No. 1; Oklahoma City Last
Americans were shut out of gyms and other indoor exercise venues for much of last year as COVID-19 raged and leaders locked down group gatherings. The annual ranking of the fittest U.S. cities released Tuesday shows Americans’ options to stay physically fit during the pandemic hinged on geography. Those who lived in communities with walkable neighborhoods, trails and bike paths had more ways to stay active and stave off high blood pressure, obesity or heart disease. The American College of Sports Medicine and the Anthem Foundation publishes the annual American Fitness Index ranking the nation’s 100 most populous cities by 34 variables of personal health behaviors, outcomes and community indicators such as air quality and walkability. The report aims to evaluate a community’s strengths and resources to bolster healthy living and barriers that prevent people from staying fit. (Alltucker, 7/13)

In updates from Michigan, North Carolina, Florida and Texas —

AP: 'Some Crumbs': Critics Urge Rejection Of $641M Flint Deal
A federal judge listened Tuesday to Flint residents who were victims of the city’s lead-contaminated water, a step in determining whether she should sign off on a $641 million deal that would settle claims against the state of Michigan. More than a dozen people without lawyers signed up to speak, all in opposition. Thousands more are represented by attorneys who negotiated the settlement with Michigan and other parties and urged approval a day earlier. (White, 7/13)

North Carolina Health News: N.C Environmental Management Commission Directs DEQ To Investigate 1,4 Dioxane Discharge 
The North Carolina Environmental Management Commission wants additional investigation of a large discharge of the likely carcinogen 1,4 dioxane that was detected on June 30 at a Greensboro wastewater treatment plant. The commission voted Tuesday to direct the state Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Water Resources to investigate the discharge, which resulted in elevated levels of the contaminant reaching downstream Pittsboro’s drinking water supply. (Barnes, 7/14)

The Washington Post: Florida Gov. DeSantis Sells Anti-Fauci Merchandise As Doctor Draws Republican Ire 
“Don’t Fauci My Florida,” read drink koozies and T-shirts that Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’s campaign team rolled out just as his state sees some of the highest coronavirus hospitalizations, new infections and deaths per capita in the country. It’s the latest example of Republicans running on their opposition to virus-fueled shutdowns and mask mandates. A pandemic hero to some and villain to others, Fauci has become a high-profile target. (Knowles, 7/13)

Dallas Morning News: Abortion Providers Sue To Stop Texas’ ‘Heartbeat Bill’ From Being Implemented
A group of abortion providers, doctors and clergy members filed a federal lawsuit on Tuesday, seeking to stop to implementation of Texas’ strict six-week anti-abortion law from taking effect later this year. Senate Bill 8, which was signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott in May and takes effect in September, outlaws abortions once a fetal heartbeat is detected — roughly six weeks into pregnancy and before many women know they are pregnant. According to the Center for Reproductive Rights, at least 85% of abortions in Texas are performed after six weeks. (Williams, 7/13)

In updates from Vermont and New York —

Burlington Free Press: Potentially Harmful Cyanobacteria 'Blooms' Close Burlington Beaches
Floating colonies of potentially harmful cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, prompted Burlington officials to close all of the city's public beaches to swimming Monday. The alert, issued by the Department of Parks, Recreation and Waterfront, remains in effect at least until mid-morning Tuesday. Boaters, although at far less risk than swimmers from waterborne illness, should avoid contact with any soupy-thick "blooms" of cyanobacteria they might encounter, the department posted on its website. (Banner Baird, 7/13)

The New York Times: N.Y.C.’s Plan To Move Homeless People From Hotels Is Blocked By A Judge
New York City’s plan to move 8,000 homeless people out of hotels and into barracks-style shelters was disrupted on Tuesday when a federal judge ruled that officials were not adequately considering the health of those being moved. The ruling blocks the city from transferring anyone with a disability to another site until evaluating whether it meets their needs. Because the city does not know who might qualify for such so-called reasonable accommodations, the entire program must pause for at least a week, said Joshua Goldfein, a staff lawyer for the Legal Aid Society, which filed a legal challenge to the moves. (Newman, 7/13)

In updates from California and Montana —

CalMatters: 'Menstrual Equity' Bill Would Require CA Colleges To Provide Period Products
A bill pending in the Legislature would require California’s public universities, community colleges and secondary schools to provide free menstrual products on campus. Students pushing for the bill say they are trying to break through taboos surrounding a matter of basic hygiene, and that many low-income students suffer from “period poverty,” in which they are unable to afford the pads and tampons they need. (Forschen, 7/13)

Montana Free Press: Frustration Builds In Border Towns As ‘Temporary’ Closure Drags On
While the country and Montana emerge from the pandemic and the economic downturn it created, recovery in the Eureka area has been stunted by the ongoing border closure. And while American tourists are flooding the nearby Flathead Valley, filling short-term rentals and visiting Glacier National Park in record numbers — the northern part of Lincoln County is considerably quieter. (Franz, 7/9)