Lawyers’ large cut of the $626-million settlement is justified by the years of difficult, good work on the case, a judge said Friday. Critics argue that’s too much, and that more of the money should go directly to Flint residents.
Flint water crisis
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Judge approves $626 million settlement in Flint water crisis
The settlement is a landmark in the tragedy, but a judge has yet to decide how much of the payout lawyers will keep. That’s a big sticking point.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Check this Michigan map for childhood lead levels in your community
The percentage of Michigan children with elevated blood lead levels has been falling for decades, but the toxic metal continues to inflict an uneven toll in Michigan cities, from Detroit to Grand Rapids.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Why are so many Michigan water systems finding lead? They're looking harder
New rules, imposed after Flint, forced public water providers to look harder for lead leaching into drinking water. Violations of state lead standards are up nearly 50 percent, with new urgency to remove lead from water lines.
Posted inGuest Commentary
Opinion | We must ensure Michigan schools provide safe drinking water
Until Michigan’s lead pipes are replaced, schools should install lead filters to protect our children. Bills now in the Legislature would ensure that.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan announces 18-month goal to remove Benton Harbor lead water lines
The state’s stepped-up timeline follows pressure from local water activists who argue state and local government officials have been too slow to respond to lead-tainted water that has plagued the city for years.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
In Benton Harbor, residents’ complaints of lead-tainted water carry echoes
Dangerously high lead levels have appeared in water tests in this low-income, majority Black community since 2018. Residents and activists say they fear the problem dates back longer, with Flint’s crisis as a backdrop.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
In echo of Flint, some Chicagoans wary of lead water pipe replacement
It seemed like a good deal: The city offered free replacement of lead water lines to residents. But mistrust of the government, particularly in immigrant communities, and unclear messaging has made the operation a hard sell.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
How much should lawyers make in the Flint water crisis settlement?
Lawyers want a sizable cut of the proposed $641 million deal, noting the risks they took and millions of dollars of expenses in litigating the class action. The debate highlights continued conflict over what justice looks like for battered Flint residents.
Posted inGuest Commentary
Opinion | Accountability a must for the governor who neglected Flint
Rick Snyder’s attorneys argue that “neglecting a city is not a crime.” That should scare all of us.