Today on Stateside, it’s been four years since the state announced a criminal investigation into the Flint water crisis. We talked to two journalists who covered the crisis about lessons learned on government accountability and public health. Plus, the state of Michigan files suit against some of the biggest names in corporate America over PFAS contamination. We'll hear about how a similar case played out in Minnesota.
Listen to the full show above or find individual segments below.
State of Michigan is suing 17 defendants seeking damages for PFAS contamination
- The state of Michigan is suing 17 defendants seeking damages for PFAS contamination in Michigan. The defendants include industrial giants 3M and DuPont. Michigan Radio’s Steve Carmody filled us in on the details of the lawsuit, which the state announced on Tuesday.
Minnesota's case against 3M could give clues for what's ahead in Michigan suit
- Michigan’s neighbor across the lake, Minnesota, has also sued 3M for PFAS contamination. In 2018, the state settled the case for $850 million. Minnesota Public Radio water issues reporter Kristi Marohn joined Stateside to recap that case and talk about what clues it might offer on what's ahead in Michigan's lawsuit against 3M and other defendants.
What the Flint water crisis taught us about government accountability and public health
- It has been four years since the state of Michigan announced that there would be a criminal investigation into officials involved with the Flint water crisis. Years later, the conversation about public health — and the position of cities in American life — that captured the nation's attention feels oddly unresolved.
- Ron Fonger is a reporter for the Flint Journal and MLive, and Anna Clark is author of the book Poisoned City: Flint’s Water and the American Urban Tragedy. They joined Stateside to look back at the costs of the water crisis, both to the residents impacted by lead-tainted water, and to the taxpayers who paid for years of litigation.
- Actor Jeff Daniels joined Stateside to talk about his new play Roadsigns, which opens Thursday, January 16 at the Purple Rose Theatre in Chelsea. We also discussed his run as Atticus Finch in Aaron Sorkin's stage adaptation of To Kill a Mockingbird on Broadway, and his role in an upcoming mini-series where he will play former FBI Director James Comey.
- Support for arts and culture coverage comes in part from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs.
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