Physiologist testifies regarding mental health evaluation of man charged in 2020 Bedford Middle School arson
Clinical physiologist, Dr. Robert Haxter, testified that he conducted a mental health evaluation on Flint and suggested either a guardianship or supervised residence based on the defendant’s autism diagnosis and condition.
Michigan ex-governor loses challenge to Flint water charges
Rick Snyder speaks with reporters after an unsuccessful meeting with road contractors and a union at his office in Lansing, Mich. A judge has rejected a request to dismiss misdemeanor charges against Snyder in the Flint water scandal. Lawyers for Snyder said he worked in Ingham County, not Genesee County, so the indictment was returned in the wrong place. But Judge William Crawford II says prosecutors have flexibility about where to pursue a case. (AP Photo/David Eggert, File)DETROIT – A judge on Thursday rejected a request to dismiss misdemeanor charges against a former Michigan governor in the Flint water scandal. Eight other people face charges in Flint, including two former state health officials who are accused of involuntary manslaughter in nine deaths linked to Legionnaires’ disease.
Lawyers seeking 32% of $641M Flint tainted water settlement
FILE - This Jan. 13, 2021 file photo shows the Flint Water Plant tower in Flint, Mich. Lawyers who negotiated a $641 million settlement for victims of Flint lead-contaminated water are asking a judge to set aside up to 32% for fees and expenses. Rick Snyder’s administration allowed Flint to use the Flint River in 2014-15 without treating the water to reduce corrosion. The Flint water litigation has involved thousands of victims, a raft of state defendants and complex legal issues. Flint switched back to a Detroit regional water agency in fall 2015, when a doctor publicly reported elevated lead levels in children. AdSeparately, Snyder and eight other people are charged with crimes in the Flint water scandal.
Judge needs more time for thorny issues in Flint water case
(AP Photo/Al Goldis, File)FLINT, Mich. – A judge overseeing misdemeanor charges against a former Michigan governor in the Flint water scandal said Tuesday that he's struggling with how to handle an aggressive effort to have the case dismissed. District Judge William Crawford II said he needs more time to research whether prosecutors filed the case in the wrong county as well as other issues. Emergency managers who were appointed by Snyder to run Flint switched the city’s water source to the Flint River in 2014-15 while a new pipeline was being built from Lake Huron. They argue that Snyder worked in Ingham County, not Genesee County, so the indictment returned in Flint should not stand. But if Genesee is not the right county, prosecutors said, then the case should be transferred to Ingham and not be dismissed.
Judge gives preliminary OK to $641M Flint water deal
FILE - In this Jan. 13, 2021 file photo, vehicles drive through downtown Flint, Mich. A judge granted preliminary approval Thursday, Jan. 21, 2021, to a $641 million deal that would benefit Flint residents who were harmed by lead-contaminated water. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya File)DETROIT – A judge granted preliminary approval Thursday to a $641 million deal that would benefit thousands of Flint residents who were harmed by lead-contaminated water. Rick Snyder and regulators in his administration allowed the city to use the Flint River in 2014-15 without treating the water to reduce corrosion. Attorneys representing Flint residents have said 80% of payments will go to people who were under 18 when the river water was used. “At last, the victims of the Flint water crisis no longer have to hope for a day of reckoning," said attorney Corey Stern, who represents 4,000 people.
Flint water charges escalate debate over officials' failures
The Flint Water Plant tower is shown in Flint, Mich., Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2021. Some Flint residents impacted by months of lead-tainted water are looking past expected charges against former Gov. But the charges have escalated a debate over whether state and local officials crossed a line between incompetence and illegality. Ezra L. Tillman Jr., pastor at First Trinity Missionary Baptist Church in Flint, said it's disappointing that Snyder was charged only with misdemeanors. Publicly available documents show Snyder administration officials appeared more concerned with “media responses and public relations" than “public health and carrying out their statutory duties," he said.
Flint water probe brings charges against ex-governor, others
This Jan. 14, 2021 photo provided by the Genesee County Sheriff's Office in Flint, Mich., shows former Michigan Gov. Snyder was charged with two misdemeanor counts willful neglect of duty Jan. 14, 2021 in connection with the Flint water crisis in Flint, Mich. (Genesee County Sheriff's Office via AP)LANSING, Mich. – A new investigation of the Flint water disaster led to charges against nine people, including former Michigan Gov. Authorities said they failed to alert the public about a regional spike in Legionnaires’ when the water system might have lacked enough chlorine to combat bacteria in the river water. “The Flint water crisis is not some relic of the past,” Fadwa Hammoud of the state attorney general’s office told reporters. He’s also accused of lying during an interview with Flint water investigators in 2017.
Ex.-Michigan Gov. Snyder charged in Flint water crisis
Rick Snyder speaks with reporters during a news conference at his office in Lansing, Mich. Former Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder has been charged with two counts of willful neglect of duty in the Flint water crisis. Rick Snyder was charged Wednesday with willful neglect of duty after an investigation of ruinous decisions that left Flint with lead-contaminated water and a regional outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease. Flint's water, which now comes from a Detroit regional agency, gets good marks, although many distrustful residents still use filters. Separately, the state, Flint, a hospital and an engineering firm have agreed to a $641 million settlement with residents over the water crisis, with $600 million coming from Michigan.
Flint families welcome water crisis charges, seek healing
Ariana Hawk is shown at the Flint River in Flint, Mich., Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2021. The water also was blamed for a deadly outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in the Flint area. Sincere would become the face of the Flint water crisis when a photo of him was selected in 2016 for the cover of Time magazine. While visiting their grandmother’s home in Florida, Sincere was hesitant about the water, Hawk told The Associated Press. “Healing wounds and restoring trust will take decades and long-term resources.”Leon Abdullah El-Alamin said he would like to see Snyder charged with a felony.
Michigan plans to charge ex-Gov. Snyder in Flint water probe
FILE - In this March 21, 2016, file photo, the Flint Water Plant water tower is seen in Flint, Mich. Former Michigan Gov. Snyder apologized for the catastrophe during his 2016 State of the State speech and said government at all levels had failed Flint. By June 2019, the entire Flint water investigation was turned upside down after more than three years and millions of dollars. "When the Flint water crisis hit, he wasn’t assigned by Gov. Separately, the state, Flint, a hospital and an engineering firm have agreed to a $641 million settlement with residents over the water crisis, with $600 million coming from Michigan.
Critics say EPA allowing more time to fix lead-tainted water
Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Andrew Wheeler said Tuesday the new regulation, proposed by the agency in 2019, “requires more replacements than ever before” for aging water systems leaching lead. “It will help ensure that all Americans have access to safe drinking water, regardless of what zip code they live in,” Wheeler said. Changes in the rule include newly requiring utilities to test their water at schools and day-care centers nationwide and requiring water systems to tell the public the location of lead service lines. Wheeler, the EPA administrator, defended the new rules, saying loopholes in the old rule were allowing replacement to drag on much longer than was stipulated. The outgoing Trump administration has said that dealing with lead pipes and improving access to safe drinking water were priorities.
Flint joins $641M deal to settle lawsuits over lead in water
FIL - In this March 21, 2016, file photo the Flint Water Plant water tower is seen in Flint, Mich. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says a proposed $600 million deal between the state of Michigan and Flint residents harmed by lead-tainted water is a step toward making amends. FLINT, Mich. – The Flint City Council on Tuesday signed off on its portion of a $641 million settlement with residents of the poor, majority-Black city who were exposed to lead-tainted water. The city's insurer would kick in $20 million as part of a sweeping deal to settle lawsuits against Flint, the state of Michigan and other parties. Rick Snyder’s administration allowed Flint to use water from the Flint River in 2014-15 without treating it to reduce corrosion.
Man accused of Bedford Middle School fire competent to stand trial
BEDFORD, Va – Nearly one year after the old Bedford Middle School was set on fire, the suspected arsonist appeared in court Wednesday afternoon. Daniel Flint is facing two felony charges of arson and burglary. Daniel Flint is facing two felony charges of arson and burglary. Bedford County Commonwealth’s Attorney Wes Nance says the coronavirus pandemic has caused a setback in court-related issues. Flint’s new preliminary trial date is set for Jan. 25 in Bedford County General District Court.
FBI investigates robocalls warning voters to 'stay home'
TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. – Voters across the U.S. received anonymous robocalls in the days and weeks before Election Day urging them to “stay safe and stay home” — an ominous warning that election experts said could be an effort to scare voters into sitting out the election. The FBI is investigating calls that seek to discourage people from voting, a senior official at the Department of Homeland Security told reporters Tuesday. The brief calls, which featured a computerized female voice, made no mention of the election. Stay safe and stay home.”Whoever created the robocalls used sophisticated tactics, routing the calls in a way that masked their identity and location, Quilici said. Nessel filed charges Oct. 1 against two political operatives accused of orchestrating a series of robocalls “aimed at suppressing the vote” in the general election.
EXPLAINER: What's happening with Election Day 'robocalls'?
WASHINGTON – Election officials in a handful of states are warning voters to disregard “robocalls” urging them to stay home rather than go to the polls. One series of them appears to have gone out around the country and doesn't reference the election. Our voters and our poll workers will be kept safe,” Nebraska Secretary of State Robert Evnen tweeted. If you have not already voted, today is the day!” said a tweet from the Kansas secretary of state’s office, which is overseen by Secretary of State Scott Schwab, a Republican. Gretchen Whitmer says her office has received reports of an “unknown party” purposely spreading misinformation in Flint in an attempt to confuse voters.
Hospitals competing for nurses as US coronavirus cases surge
FENTON, Mich. – As the coronavirus pandemic surges across the nation and infections and hospitalizations rise, medical administrators are scrambling to find enough nursing help — especially in rural areas and at small hospitals. And health systems are turning to short-term travel nurses to help fill the gaps. Aspirus recently was able to hire 18 nurses from outside agencies, and may need more if the surge continues. Greg Abbott recently announced he was sending 75 nurses and respiratory therapists to El Paso to help handle the city’s surge. Travel nurses say the need at small hospitals tends to be greater than at larger facilities.
Obama: Trump failed to take pandemic, presidency seriously
Throughout the day, Trump and Biden, both septuagenarians, threw stinging barbs at one another that at moments verged into schoolyard taunt territory. “In other words, if one of these maniacs come along and they say we’re gonna end fracking, we’re gonna destroy the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania," Trump said in announcing his memorandum. I love Joe Biden, and he will be a great president," Obama said Saturday. Trump told Pennsylvania voters that his administration has done “an incredible job” dealing with the pandemic. “We’re gonna beat this virus and get it under control and the first step to doing that is beating Donald Trump," Biden said.
Reports: Michigan reaches $600M deal in Flint water crisis
State environmental regulators advised Flint not to apply corrosion controls to the water, which was contaminated by lead from aging pipes. Researchers with Virginia Tech University reported in summer 2015 that samples of Flint water had abnormally high lead levels. Rick Snyder eventually acknowledged the problem, accepted the resignation of his environmental chief and pledged to aid the city, which resumed using Detroit water. Under the deal, the state would establish a $600 million fund and Flint residents could file claims for compensation. The amount awarded per applicant would be based on how badly they were harmed, the attorney told AP.
Whitmer: $600M Flint water deal a step toward making amends
LANSING, Mich. A proposed $600 million deal between the state of Michigan and residents of the impoverished, majority-Black city of Flint who were harmed by lead-tainted water is a step toward making amends for a disaster that upended life in the city, Gov. More than two years of negotiations between the state and attorneys representing thousands of Flint residents produced an agreement to create a fund from which victims will be able to seek payments. The proposed deal announced Thursday would need to be approved by U.S. District Judge Judith Levy, who is overseeing lawsuits against the state. Residents of the city with a population of nearly 100,000 people used bottled water quickly began complaining that the water was discolored and had a bad taste and smell. They blamed it for rashes, hair loss and other health concerns, but local and state officials insisted it was safe.
16-year-old locked in barn rescued from human trafficking: sheriff
FLINT, Mich. – Several missing Michigan children were found Friday, according to the Genesee County Sheriff. One of them was a 16-year-old girl who was locked in a barn. Sheriff Chris Swanson said the barn was surrounded by barbed wire and it appears the girl was a victim of human trafficking. Seven four-man times spread out across Genesee County, about 70 miles northwest of Detroit, to look for the children. The suspect in the case was arrested and is awaiting arraignment at the Genesee County Jail.
Poll: Pandemic hurting Americans' finances in disparate ways
As the coronavirus pandemic drags on, a new poll finds it is having different effects on Americans economic well-being. For some, the virus has meant lost income or struggles to pay bills on time particularly among Hispanic, Black and younger Americans. Meanwhile, the survey also finds about a third of Americans say their investments were negatively impacted during the pandemic. By contrast, Americans without a degree were more likely to have delayed paying bills 26%, compared with 10% of college graduates. Younger Americans were more likely to have lost a job, put themselves at risk of exposure or delayed paying bills, while more older Americans lost investments.
Woman arraigned in killing of security guard over virus mask
Sharmel L. Teague, 45, of Flint, was arraigned Tuesday, May 5, 2020 in 67th Distirct Court on first-degree murder and felony firearm charges. Sharmel Teague, 45, was arraigned via video Tuesday in district court, according to the Genesee County prosecutor's office. Larry Teague and Bishop have yet to be arrested and were believed to be on the run, prosecutor David Leyton said. Two men later came to the store, and one of them shot Munerlyn in the back of the head. Witnesses identified Bishop as the man who shot Munerlyn, according to Leyton.
Flint Mayor Karen Weaver loses reelection bid
Incumbent Flint, Michigan, Mayor Karen Weaver, who led the city as it gained national attention over its devastating water crisis, lost her bid for reelection November 7, 2019, according to official results from the Genesee County clerk's office. FLINT, Michigan (CNN) - Incumbent Flint, Michigan, Mayor Karen Weaver, who led the city as it gained national attention over its devastating water crisis, lost her bid for reelection Tuesday, according to official results from the Genesee County clerk's office. Michigan Democratic state Rep. Sheldon Neeley defeated Weaver in a close race with 7,082 votes to Weaver's 6,877, according to the county clerk's office. Weaver who became the city's first female mayor in 2015, has not conceded, telling The Flint Journal on Tuesday she "would not rule out a recount." In 2016, a federal lawsuit alleged Weaver directed an employee to divert potential donations from a charity for water crisis victims toward "Karenabout Flint," a fund sharing a name with her campaign fund.
Thieves pick 7,000 pounds of apples off trees in Michigan orchard
Jeff T. Green/Getty(CNN) - Apple thieves snuck onto a Michigan family farm and stole more than 3 tons of fruit right off of the trees. Spicer Orchards is a popular fall destination near Flint, where families come to pick their own apples and enjoy cider, donuts and other treats. Rowe said the theft happened at a secondary orchard, where they grow apples for cider and to sell in their market. It would normally take a two- or three-person crew a couple of days to pick that many apples. "They must have had a trained crew to pick the apples in that short of a time period," she said.
Greta Thunberg isn't alone. Meet some other young activists
(CNN) - Greta Thunberg has become a household name since she began her climate strikes in 2018, inspiring thousands of students to walk out of class and demand action on the climate crisis. Around the globe, young people are sounding the alarm on climate change and environmental issues by organizing rallies and confronting policymakers. In her home state of Minnesota, Hirsi is focused on advocating for groups that are disproportionately affected by climate change. Six years later, at the age of 14, Peltier is fighting for water conservation and indigenous water rights. The self-described "future president" came to fame in March 2016 when she wrote a letter to then-President Barack Obama about the Flint water crisis.
Lead in Newark's water has mom worried 5-year-old 'being poisoned'
Though human skin does not absorb lead from water, Thomas fears Bryce could accidentally ingest the water that flows into the family's home while playing. A truck from the city's emergency management office delivered pallets of bottled water on sweltering Wednesday afternoon. referring to an incident one day earlier when city officials did not distribute bottled water that had an expired best-by date. Tappins was with Lorraine Macklin, 68, who hauled away two packages of bottled water in a mini shopping cart. "We declared a public health emergency after significant denial and dismissal, but once we knew there were problems, everybody got bottled water.
HSBC chief steps down after 18 months on the job
Dan Kitwood/Getty ImagesLONDON (CNN) - HSBC chief John Flint is stepping down after less than two years on the job. The bank said in a statement that Flint resigned by mutual agreement, adding that change is needed to meet "the increasingly complex and challenging global environment" HSBC faces. Flint joined the bank in 1989 and spent the first 14 years of his career with HSBC in Asia expanding the bank's global markets business. In a statement, Flint, 51, said that it was a privilege to spend his entire career with HSBC. The bank said Flint will stop carrying out his day-to-day duties immediately, but will remain available to assist HSBC with the transition.