Seven years into the Flint Water Crisis, one thing we know is that justice and compensation come slow. But the past few weeks brought notable developments in the biggest public health story in Michigan this generation.
First, nine public officials – including former Gov. Rick Snyder – were charged with crimes with their role in the crisis, which was triggered when the water source for the city was switched to the pollution-ridden Flint River in 2014.
Second, a federal judge granted approval for a proposed settlement of $641 million to go forward on behalf of victims of the water crisis: Families of people who died from Legionnaires’ disease, and residents who suffered health effects from drinking or using the water.
Ron Fonger, the reporter for The Flint Journal who has covered the crisis from its inception, broke down developments in both stories for the latest episode of “Behind the Headlines,” an MLive podcast. He was joined by Roberto Acosta, news leader for The Journal, who discusses how the news staff works to stay abreast of both complex, developing stories.
The charges of willful neglect of duty against Snyder, said Fonger, may seem minor because they are misdemeanors. But there is a large question at the root of it, he notes.
“The governor – all through the water crisis and when the river (water) was being used and the city was in charge of water quality – his primary excuse was, ‘I didn’t know.’ Even though people all around him were talking about problems with Flint water.
“The prosecution is saying, ‘You had a duty to seek out that information,’ and that doesn’t bode well for the governor. If you knew, that’s wrong; but if you didn’t know, that’s a problem, also.”
To hear the entire conversation with Fonger and Acosta, click on the play button above. For other episodes of “Behind the Headlines,” listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or other streaming services.
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January 30, 2021 at 06:00AM
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Nine officials charged, and $641 million to dole out: Hear the latest on the Flint Water Crisis - MLive.com
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