RICK SNYDER

The deal makes money available to every Flint child who was exposed to the water, every adult who can show an injury, certain business owners and anyone who paid water bills.

A judge in Michigan has approved a $626 million settlement for Flint residents and others who were exposed to lead-contaminated water.

The only Michigan official fired in the Flint water disaster wants to be reinstated and get years of back pay after a criminal case against her fizzled into a misdemeanor that was ultimately erased. Liane Shekter Smith and the state's environment department are meeting privately this week with an arbitrator, more than five years after then-Gov. Rick Snyder dismissed her in 2016, attorneys said. Shekter Smith was head of Michigan's drinking water office when Flint, with the state's OK, used the Flint River for water in 2014-15, a catastrophic step that contaminated the system with lead.

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.

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.

While the state has swung back to Democrats since Trump's narrow 2016 win, choosing President Joe Biden by more than 150,000 votes, Michigan's Republican Party has taken a hard right turn. Ad“All these things were a catalyst,” said Ken Sikkema, a former Michigan GOP Senate leader whose Grand Rapids district lost 5,000 jobs with three plant closures just before the 2008 crash. “Forces of nature take over at that point, and those forces were definitely tilting right, extreme far-right," said Venable, who was state Republican Party chief of staff in 2010. AdNodding to the emerging right wing, Michigan GOP fundraiser Ron Weiser invited Maddock to share the ticket for his bid to become state party chair. All the while, Michigan's GOP leadership has for the first time in memory bestowed legitimacy on its state's militia, long relegated to the shadows.

(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.

(AP Photo/Carlos Osorio, File)TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. – Michigan's environmental agency said Friday it has approved construction of an underground tunnel to house a replacement for a controversial oil pipeline in a channel linking two of the Great Lakes. AdThe project requires permits from the state Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. “We have issued permits designed to ensure that if a tunnel is constructed, it will be in strict compliance with relevant statutes and adhere to stringent protections against impacts to the Great Lakes,” Clark said. State officials emphasized the tunnel project was a separate legal matter from the dispute over the existing pipeline, which was laid in 1953. It has taken steps to prevent future anchor strikes and says the tunnel project would eliminate that danger.

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. "Litigation has its benefits but also its limitations, and the preliminary approval of this settlement does not affect or preclude other avenues of redress." Preliminary approval triggers a monthslong process during which Flint residents can object and pursue their own claims, Levy said. 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.

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.

Attorneys for Snyder are telling prosecutors that the Flint water case should be dismissed because he was charged in the wrong county. (67th District Court in Flint via AP)LANSING, Mich. – Attorneys for former Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder are striking back, telling prosecutors Tuesday that the Flint water case should be dismissed because he was charged in the wrong county. Snyder,” Lennon told the judge. Snyder was one of nine people charged in a new investigation of the Flint water crisis, including former state health department director Nick Lyon.

Former Michigan Governor Rick Snyder and 8 others charged in 2014 Flint water crisis Nine current and former Michigan city and state officials have been charged in connection with the Flint water crisis. They have all been arraigned and are waiting for their day in court. Michigan Solicitor General Fadwa Hammoud joined CBSN to explain the charges and give insight into why it took nearly 7 years to bring these charges to the defendants.

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 Mayor Sheldon Neeley called charges against former Michigan Governor Rick Snyder a "step in the right direction" to restoring confidence in elected officials. Snyder and eight others are facing charges related to the Flint water crisis. The charges show "no one is above the law," Neeley told CBSN anchor Tanya Rivero on Thursday. A 2016 outbreak of Legionnaires' disease that killed at least 12 people has been attributed to the water crisis, which began in 2014. "Today's charges do nothing to bring justice to the people of Flint," Lennon said in a statement Thursday.

Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley backs charging ex-Michigan governor over water crisis Former Michigan Governor Rick Snyder has pleaded not guilty to two misdemeanor counts of willful neglect of duty in connection to the 2014 Flint water crisis. Snyder faces up to one year in prison or a fine of up to $1,000. Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley joins CBSN to discuss the charges and efforts to help residents in his city.

Officials announce outcome of Flint water crisis investigation Michigan officials have announced the outcome of the criminal investigation into the Flint water crisis. Former Michigan Governor Rick Snyder is being charged with two counts of willful neglect of duty.

Former Michigan Governor Rick Snyder is being charged with two counts of willful neglect of duty stemming from the Flint water crisis, according to online court documents. Brian Lennon, an attorney representing Snyder, told CBS News, "We believe there is no evidence to support any criminal charges against Governor Snyder." Representatives for Rich Baird, a former aid to Snyder, also confirmed they were told to expect charges. The charges against Lyon and several other officials were abruptly dropped in 2019 and a new investigation began under Governor Gretchen Whitmer. The crisis began in 2014, when the city of Flint switched its water source from treated water from Detroit to the Flint River in an effort to save money.

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.

Former Michigan Governor Rick Snyder is being charged with two counts of willful neglect of duty stemming from the Flint water crisis, according to online court documents. Brian Lennon, an attorney representing Snyder, told CBS News, "We believe there is no evidence to support any criminal charges against Governor Snyder." Jamie White, an attorney representing Croft, told CBS News on Tuesday they were told to expect charges, but were not informed what the charges would be. The charges against Lyon and several other officials were abruptly dropped in 2019 and a new investigation began under Governor Gretchen Whitmer. The crisis began in 2014, when the city of Flint switched its water source from treated water from Detroit to the Flint River in an effort to save money.

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.

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.

Former Michigan governor among several officials to face charges for Flint crisis Former Michigan Governor Rick Snyder is among several former officials expected to face criminal charges in the Flint water crisis. Residents say they are hopeful for convictions but remain skeptical. Adriana Diaz has the latest developments.

Former Michigan Governor Rick Snyder and others in his administration are expected to be charged for their role in the Flint water crisis, sources confirmed to CBS News. Since 2014, at least 15 current or former state and city officials and staff have been indicted in connection to the water crisis. "It is outrageous to think any criminal charges would be filed against Governor Snyder," said attorney Brian Lennon. The crisis began in 2014, when the city of Flint switched its water source from treated water from Detroit to the Flint River in an effort to save money. In August 2020, the state of Michigan announced a preliminary $600 million settlement for families affected by the water crisis.

Michigan plans to charge former governor in Flint water scandal Former Michigan Governor Rick Snyder is expected to face charges in the Flint water scandal, sources tell CBS News.

Former Michigan Governor Rick Snyder and others in his administration are expected to be charged for their role in the Flint water crisis, sources confirmed to CBS News. Since 2014, at least 15 current or former state and city officials and staff have been indicted in connection to the water crisis. A spokeswoman from the Michigan attorney general's office told CBS News that she could not comment on an ongoing investigation, but added investigators were "working diligently." But Flint officials assured them that the water was safe, a lie that physicians estimate exposed over 14,000 children in Flint to lead. In August 2020, the state of Michigan announced a preliminary $600 million settlement for families affected by the water crisis.

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.

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.

In just five years, Joan L. Larsen has gone from a little-known University of Michigan legal scholar to a prominent federal appeals court judge and now a candidate for the high court. For Trump, picking Larsen could give him a boost in the critical battleground state of Michigan, where she has raised her two children, advanced her career and won election to the state Supreme Court. At 52, Larsen would be a candidate who could serve on the high court for three decades or longer. Rick Snyder appointed her to fill a vacancy on the state Supreme Court in September 2015, praising her as a “superb attorney” who had experience in government, academia and private practice. She said that Scalia taught her “that the law governs, not personal interest.”Larsen is married to University of Michigan law professor Adam Pritchard.

FILE - In this Jan. 23, 2018, file photo Michigan Gov. (AP Photo/Al Goldis, File)LANSING, Mich. Former Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder backed Joe Biden for president on Thursday, becoming the latest high-profile Republican to support the Democratic nominee over President Donald Trump. Snyder did not endorse a candidate in that race, when Trump became the first Republican to win Michigan in 28 years. Christine Todd Whitman, who endorsed Biden at the recent Democratic National Convention along with former Ohio Gov.

Rick Snyder to encase a new segment of its Line 5 in the proposed tunnel. "I have consistently stated that Enbridge's pipelines in the Straits need to be shut down as soon as possible because they present an unacceptable risk to the Great Lakes," Nessel said. The pipelines are part of Enbridge's Line 5, which carries 23 million gallons (87 million liters) of crude oil and propane daily between Superior, Wisconsin, and Sarnia, Ontario. We believe the Straits tunnel is the best way to protect the community and the Great Lakes while safely meeting Michigan's energy needs." Enbridge insists the dual pipes, which have been in place since 1953, are in sound condition and could operate indefinitely.

Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder is back in Flint to meet with officials about the water crisis Friday. He testified Thursday before a House panel. Some members of Congress are calling for Snyder and the head of the EPA to resign over the lead contamination. Adriana Diaz reports.

Michigan Governor Rick Snyder and EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy were the targets of relentless bipartisan criticism during a Congressional hearing Thursday about the Flint water crisis. CBS News Correspondent Adriana Diaz joins CBSN with the latest details.

Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder testifies before Congress Thursday about lead contamination in Flint’s drinking water. But a new investigation by the USA Today Network is raising questions about tap water nationwide. The report identified nearly 2,000 water systems used by six million people where excessive levels of lead were detected in the past four years. Adriana Diaz reports from Sebring, Ohio, a village that has been struggling with tainted water problems for months.

Red flags were popping up in Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder’s inbox for months about the polluted drinking water in Flint, long before the lead contamination problems became public. Dean Reynolds reports.

Gov. Rick Snyder is under fire over newly released e-mails about the lead water crisis in Flint. Under pressure, Snyder's office voluntarily made public hundreds of pages of documents Wednesday. In one e-mail, his chief of staff writes of the toxic water: "I can't figure out why the state is responsible." In an interview with Scott Pelley, Snyder couldn’t recount the current lead levels in the contaminated water. Tests have shown dozens of children with elevated lead levels. Adriana Diaz reports.

Sarah Palin stumps with Donald Trump after endorsing the billionaire businessman, Michigan Governor Rick Snyder opens up about the water crisis in Flint, and more of the stories you're clicking on.

Michigan Governor Rick Snyder uses his State of the State address to talk about the lead contamination in Flint's water supply, Sarah Palin endorses Donald Trump, and more of the stories you're clicking on.

Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder says it's not unfair of his critics to say the Flint water crisis is his Hurricane Katrina, but he’s rejecting calls to step down. The dangerous water contamination led to protests Monday outside Snyder's home. Flint's water has been poisoned with lead for months. Adriana Diaz reports.