INSIDER
Disney set to invest up to $17B in Florida parks now that fight with DeSantis appointees has ended
Read full article: Disney set to invest up to $17B in Florida parks now that fight with DeSantis appointees has endedMonths after Disney and Gov. Ron DeSantis’ appointees agreed to end their legal fight, the two sides are set to approve an agreement that could result in the company investing up to $17 billion into its Florida resort.
Neighbors of Detroit Stellantis plant voice concerns about fumes, pollution in the area
Read full article: Neighbors of Detroit Stellantis plant voice concerns about fumes, pollution in the areaThe massive expansion of the Stellantis plant on Detroit’s east side has sparked concerns about pollution, especially with people living near the plant’s paint shop.
Sunday Read: Details behind parent’s settlement with Rochester Community Schools over firing scandal
Read full article: Sunday Read: Details behind parent’s settlement with Rochester Community Schools over firing scandalA settlement has been reached between Rochester Community Schools and a parent who accused the school board of getting her fired from her job over social media posts that were critical of the district’s pandemic response.
Parent reaches settlement with Rochester Community Schools over firing scandal: What to know
Read full article: Parent reaches settlement with Rochester Community Schools over firing scandal: What to knowA settlement has been reached between Rochester Community Schools and a parent who accused the school board of getting her fired from her job over social media posts that were critical of the district’s pandemic response.
Get Caught Up: University of Michigan reaches $490M settlement over Anderson sex abuse case
Read full article: Get Caught Up: University of Michigan reaches $490M settlement over Anderson sex abuse caseThe University of Michigan has agreed to a $490 million settlement with hundreds of people who say they were sexually assaulted by former sports doctor Robert Anderson.
University of Michigan reaches $490M settlement in Anderson sex abuse case
Read full article: University of Michigan reaches $490M settlement in Anderson sex abuse caseThe University of Michigan has agreed to a $490 million settlement with hundreds of people who say they were sexually assaulted by a former sports doctor at the school.
Nassar victims reach $380 million settlement with USA Gymnastics, U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee
Read full article: Nassar victims reach $380 million settlement with USA Gymnastics, U.S. Olympic and Paralympic CommitteeThe sexual abuse victims of national gymnastics team physician Larry Nassar have reached a settlement.
Northville landfill ordered to pay $750,000 in settlement over reported Clean Air Act violations
Read full article: Northville landfill ordered to pay $750,000 in settlement over reported Clean Air Act violationsArbor Hills Energy will pay a civil penalty of $750,000 to the state of Michigan and the United States.
Emissions facility at Salem Township landfill ordered to pay $750,000 in settlement over reported Clean Air Act violations
Read full article: Emissions facility at Salem Township landfill ordered to pay $750,000 in settlement over reported Clean Air Act violationsArbor Hills Energy will pay a civil penalty of $750,000 to the state of Michigan and the United States.
Landfill gas to energy facility in Salem Township ordered to pay $750,000 in settlement over reported Clean Air Act violations
Read full article: Landfill gas to energy facility in Salem Township ordered to pay $750,000 in settlement over reported Clean Air Act violationsArbor Hills Energy will pay a civil penalty of $750,000 to the state of Michigan and the United States.
Lawyers for victims in Flint water lawsuit make case for more money in settlement
Read full article: Lawyers for victims in Flint water lawsuit make case for more money in settlementOn Monday, lawyers for the residents of Flint got the chance to make their case saying the $650 million settlement with the state over the water crisis just isn’t enough.
Fiat Chrysler agrees to plead guilty, pay $30M in UAW probe
Read full article: Fiat Chrysler agrees to plead guilty, pay $30M in UAW probeDETROIT – Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US has agreed to plead guilty and pay a $30 million fine for a corruption scandal at the union that represents its factory workers, authorities said Wednesday. Al Iacobelli was the head of labor relations at Fiat Chrysler and co-chairman of the UAW-Chrysler National Training Center in Detroit. Training center credit cards paid for more than $30,000 in meals for UAW officials at various restaurants in Southern California, the government said. The government’s investigation began at the training center but stretched to other corrupt acts at the UAW. Fiat Chrysler US is a subsidiary of Stellantis, a company created by the merger of Fiat Chrysler and PSA Peugeot.
Federal judge gives $641 million Flint water deal preliminary approval
Read full article: Federal judge gives $641 million Flint water deal preliminary approvalFLINT, Mich. – Residents of Flint are one step closer to receiving money and resources for the pain and chaos caused by the Flint water crisis. A federal judge granted preliminary approval Thursday to a $641 million deal that would benefit Flint residents who were harmed by the water. The decision opens to the doors for the next step and an opportunity for the people of Flint to collect damages. As the court considers a final ruling in this settlement, we will continue to keep our focus on healing this embattled city. Michigan Attorney General Dana NesselFormer Flint mayor Karen Weaver said the settlment is a step in the right direction, but it’s not enough.
Judge gives preliminary OK to $641M Flint water deal
Read full article: Judge gives preliminary OK to $641M Flint water dealThe 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. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)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. 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.
6 years after it started, Michigan reaches $600M settlement for Flint water crisis lawsuits
Read full article: 6 years after it started, Michigan reaches $600M settlement for Flint water crisis lawsuitsFILE - In this March 21, 2016, file photo, the Flint Water Plant water tower is seen in Flint, Mich. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio, File)FLINT, Mich. – The Michigan Attorney General’s Office announced a preliminary $600 million settlement in lawsuits related to the Flint Water Crisis on Thursday, more than six years after the crisis started. Past contributions include a settlement agreement whereby $97 million was made available to replace all of the city’s lead service lines in its water system. To date, the state has spent more than $409 million in response to the Flint water emergency. Researchers with Virginia Tech University reported in summer 2015 that samples of Flint water had abnormally high lead levels.
UAW, US Attorney reach settlement to reform union after corruption scandal
Read full article: UAW, US Attorney reach settlement to reform union after corruption scandalDETROIT – The United Auto Workers and the U.S. attorney’s office in Detroit said they reached a settlement following a federal corruption investigation that’s stretched on for years. The goal of the settlement is to reform the union in the wake of a bribery and embezzlement scandal. The deal includes federal oversight for years to come and a critical vote by the rank and file. Federal authorities did not issue fines or penalties against the union, saying it would take away from members. UAW President Rory Gamble said while a dark chapter is now closed, he’s still disappointed by officials who stole from union members.
Paramedics who wrongly declared Southfield woman dead can regain licenses
Read full article: Paramedics who wrongly declared Southfield woman dead can regain licensesDETROIT – Michigan authorities have agreed to reinstate the licenses of two Metro Detroit paramedics if they pass a national exam after a young woman declared dead on their watch was discovered to be alive at a funeral home. The condition is part of a settlement with Michael Storms and Scott Rickard of the Southfield Fire Department, according to state health department documents released to The Associated Press. PREVIOUS:The state suspended the paramedic licenses held by Storms and Rickard, who also serve as Southfield firefighters. The state health department recently reached agreements with the men to drop the license suspensions. The AP sought to interview Michigan EMS manager Sabrina Kerr about the agreements with the paramedics but a spokesman declined.
Warren mayor vetoes city council’s vote to reject marijuana settlement proposal
Read full article: Warren mayor vetoes city council’s vote to reject marijuana settlement proposalWARREN, Mich. – Days after the Warren City Council voted 5-2 to reject a marijuana settlement proposal, Mayor Jim Fouts has vetoed that vote. The proposal would have granted 28 licenses for medical marijuana provisional centers in Warren. Previous coverage:“Several members of the previous city council were fed by greed and corruption and charted a course behind closed doors at the direction of the mayor and the legal advice of city attorney Vinson.” Councilman Jonathan Lafferty said during Tuesday’s meeting. The city found itself in legal trouble after a Macomb County judge ruled that its marijuana licensing process under the former city council was done in secret and violated the Open Meetings Act. The current city council was presented with the settlement earlier this month to grant 28 new licenses in lieu of the original 15 licenses.
Michigan AG, The Home Depot agree on 2014 data breach settlement
Read full article: Michigan AG, The Home Depot agree on 2014 data breach settlementThe data breach exposed the payment card information of about 40 million consumers nationwide. Michigan will receive more than $300,000 through this settlement. In addition to the $17.5 million total payment to the states, The Home Depot provided compensation to consumers through a separate 2016 settlement in a class-action lawsuit. Besides the financial settlements, The Home Depot also agreed to implement and maintain a series of data security practices designed to strengthen its information security program and safeguard the personal information of consumers. “Businesses that collect or maintain sensitive personal information must take certain measures to ensure that material is secure and protected from unlawful use or disclosure,” Nessel said.
University of Michigan paying $9.25M to abuse victims in probe of provost
Read full article: University of Michigan paying $9.25M to abuse victims in probe of provostANN ARBOR, Mich. – The University of Michigan said Wednesday it will pay $9.25 million to eight women who reported emotional or sexual abuse by a man who became the school’s chief academic officer. "We thank them for their courage and we apologize to each one of them and to all survivors," the university said. Martin Philbert spent 25 years at the university, rising from toxicology professor to dean of the School of Public Health and then provost in 2017, a job that paid $570,000 a year. "The University of Michigan failed on many levels as this individual advanced through the administrative ranks,” the university said. The report said the provost search committee wasn’t aware, although a member apparently was familiar with some allegations “but did not think about it.”
Fraser sinkhole: $12.5 million settlement announced in case
Read full article: Fraser sinkhole: $12.5 million settlement announced in caseFRASER, Mich. – Macomb County Public Works Commissioner Candice Miller announced a $12.5 million settlement for a lot where a home was condemned and demolished because of a 2016 sinkhole in Fraser. It is the largest settlement ever acquired by Macomb County. Overall, 23 homes had to be evacuated -- three condemned including two damaged so badly, they had to be demolished. Neighbors John and Helen Finegen said they are happy to finally find some closure in the situation and thanked the commissioner. What they’ve done, they’ve done a good job,” said John Finegen.
Settlement reached for 2016 Fraser sinkhole case
Read full article: Settlement reached for 2016 Fraser sinkhole caseFRASER, Mich. – Macomb County Public Works commissioner Candice Miller will announce a settlement in the Fraser sinkhole case on Tuesday involving three contractors. A sinkhole developed on Christmas Eve in 2016. Nearly two dozen homes were evacuated and three houses later were condemned. At the time, the collapse threatened to dump raw sewage into thousands of basements in the county through the broken pipe. However, the companies argued that that wasn’t the case and they shouldn’t be held responsible.
Former figure skater Adam Schmidt reaches settlement with ice arena in Richard Callaghan sex abuse case
Read full article: Former figure skater Adam Schmidt reaches settlement with ice arena in Richard Callaghan sex abuse caseROCHESTER, Mich. – Former figure skater Adam Schmidt has reached a $1.75 million settlement with Onyx Ice Arena, according to Schmidt. Last year, Schmidt filed a lawsuit alleging that longtime U.S. figure skating coach Richard Callaghan sexually abused him for two years. Schmidt trained with Callaghan at the Detroit Skating Club in Bloomfield Township and the Onyx Ice Arena in Rochester. READ: Adam Schmidt speaks about allegations of sexual abuse by U.S. figure skating coach Richard CallaghanCallaghan was banned for life by the U.S. Center for SafeSport, a watchdog for U.S. Olympic sports organizations. Callaghan has denied the allegations and Onyx did not admit any wrongdoing.
Honda reaches $85 million settlement over Takata airbags
Read full article: Honda reaches $85 million settlement over Takata airbagsNEW YORK Honda has reached an $85 million settlement with multiple states over allegations that it hid safety failures in the airbags of certain Honda and Acura vehicles sold in the U.S. The settlement was announced by James Tuesday, but involved attorneys general from 48 states. Honda has recalled approximately 12.9 million Honda and Acura vehicles equipped with the defective inflators since 2008. Under a separate class action settlement, Honda customers are entitled to restitution for damages or injuries that occurred as a result of the defective airbags. More: Takata airbags coverage
Settlement imminent in class action lawsuit over Flint water crisis
Read full article: Settlement imminent in class action lawsuit over Flint water crisisFLINT, Mich. A settlement is imminent in a class action lawsuit over the Flint water crisis. Details about the settlement are expected to be released sometime this week. Sources tell Local 4 the settlement is for around $600 million. The settlement would pay claims seeking damages for lead poisoning that followed after the city switched its water supply from Detroit to Flint. READ: Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha speaks out about impact of COVID-19 crisis on children in Flint
Reports: Michigan reaches $600M deal in Flint water crisis
Read full article: Reports: Michigan reaches $600M deal in Flint water crisisState 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.
Marathon agrees to $80K fine, $280K community investment after 2019 broken pipe dilemma
Read full article: Marathon agrees to $80K fine, $280K community investment after 2019 broken pipe dilemmaThe event behind all this came in 2019, when a broken pipe spewed fumes and sent residents scrambling for fresh air. READ: Detroit Marathon oil refinery hit with violation notice from state environmental groupThe state levied about $80,000 in fines on top of the cash that Marathon will be spending in the neighborhood. On Feb. 2, 2019 the polar vortex helped split a major Marathon refinery pipe. We feel this is a win win, it brings the dollars back into the community. READ: Enough is enough: People living near Marathon Refinery want out
Bayer paying up to $10.9B to settle Monsanto weedkiller case
Read full article: Bayer paying up to $10.9B to settle Monsanto weedkiller caseBayer said it was also paying up $1.22 billion to settle two additional areas of intense litigation, one involving toxic chemical PCB in water, and one involving dicamba, another weedkiller. The company said the settlement over Roundup, which is made by its Monsanto subsidiary, involves about 125,000 filed and unfiled claims. In August, a California jury ordered Monsanto to pay $86.7 million to a couple claiming that Roundup Ready caused their cancers. Claimants will be required to provide proof their crop yields were damaged by dicamba, Bayer said. The company said it expects contributions from co-defendant BASF toward the dicamba settlement.
How the landmark Right to Read ruling will affect more than Detroit schools
Read full article: How the landmark Right to Read ruling will affect more than Detroit schoolsDETROIT Michigans governor has agreed to ask lawmakers to provide $94.4 million to Detroits public schools as part of a lawsuit settlement. The state also will provide $280,000 to be shared by the seven students named as plaintiffs in the lawsuit. READ MORE: Michigan governor to ask lawmakers for $94.4M as part of Detroit schools literacy lawsuit settlementBack in 2018, a federal court ruled in Snyders favor. Simmons likened the case to Brown v. Board of Education, the landmark decision that led to the desegregation of schools. And if schools are not held accountable to teaching students to read, why would we even have them?
Michigan governor to ask lawmakers for $94.4M as part of Detroit schools literacy lawsuit settlement
Read full article: Michigan governor to ask lawmakers for $94.4M as part of Detroit schools literacy lawsuit settlementDETROIT – Michigan’s governor has agreed to ask lawmakers to provide $94.4 million to Detroit’s public schools as part of a lawsuit settlement. The settlement comes just weeks after a federal appeals court issued a groundbreaking decision recognizing a constitutional right to education and literacy. READ MORE: State of Michigan settles right to education lawsuit involving former Detroit studentsGov. Gretchen Whitmer said Thursday that she will ask the state to pay for literacy-related programs and other initiatives. That money is to be used for a high-quality literacy program or other ways to further their education.
State of Michigan settles right to education lawsuit involving former Detroit students
Read full article: State of Michigan settles right to education lawsuit involving former Detroit studentsDETROIT – The state of Michigan has announced a settlement in a lawsuit filed by former Detroit schoolchildren, weeks after a federal appeals court issued a groundbreaking decision recognizing a constitutional right to education and literacy. Gretchen Whitmer and the plaintiffs announced the agreement early Thursday. They say the settlement “will help secure the right of access to literacy for students in Detroit who faced obstacles they never should have faced.”Details of the agreement will be released later Thursday. The Republican-led Legislature recently asked the full 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to set aside the 2-1 ruling.