Current:Home > ScamsMichigan mayor dismissed from lawsuit over city’s handling of lead in water -Profound Wealth Insights
Michigan mayor dismissed from lawsuit over city’s handling of lead in water
View
Date:2025-04-14 11:43:50
BENTON HARBOR, Mich. (AP) — An appeals court on Wednesday dismissed a Michigan mayor from a lawsuit that accuses local officials of mismanaging problems with lead-contaminated water.
The court reversed a decision by a federal judge and said Benton Harbor Mayor Marcus Muhammad has governmental immunity.
“Although we recognize that the response to Benton Harbor’s water crisis was far from perfect, the complaint does not provide any statement or action by Muhammad that would indicate that he had acted with deliberate indifference in causing or dealing with the crisis,” the three-judge panel said.
For three straight years, tests of Benton Harbor’s water system revealed lead levels in water that were too high. Lead can be especially harmful to young children, stunting their development and lowering IQ scores.
The lawsuit accused Muhammad of violating residents’ rights to bodily integrity by not doing enough to protect residents. In 2021, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said the city for more than a year had failed to warn residents and the local health department about lead. It ordered changes at the water plant.
The situation is different today. Lead pipes have been replaced in the city of 9,000 people, and lead levels in water have not exceeded federal guidelines.
Experts said an aging water system, fewer users and other issues caused lead to leach from pipes in Benton Harbor. Water flows from Lake Michigan to a treatment plant.
The lawsuit will continue against Benton Harbor’s former water plant director, the appeals court said.
veryGood! (577)
Related
- What do we know about the mysterious drones reported flying over New Jersey?
- Bill would let Atlantic City casinos keep smoking with some more restrictions
- First-ever February tornadoes in Wisconsin caused $2.4M in damages
- Jim Clyburn to step down from House Democratic leadership
- Rams vs. 49ers highlights: LA wins rainy defensive struggle in key divisional game
- Alabama Senate votes to change archives oversight after LGBTQ+ lecture
- Convicted New York killer freed on a technicality: Judge says he was held at the wrong prison
- Missouri high court says Planned Parenthood can receive funding; cites failed appeal by state
- Person accused of accosting Rep. Nancy Mace at Capitol pleads not guilty to assault charge
- How Gigi Hadid and Bradley Cooper Spent Their First Valentine's Day Together
Ranking
- Sonya Massey's father decries possible release of former deputy charged with her death
- San Francisco 49ers fire defensive coordinator Steve Wilks three days after Super Bowl 58 loss
- Pistons' Isaiah Stewart arrested, facing suspension after punching Suns' Drew Eubanks
- John Oliver on 'Last Week Tonight' return, Trump 2024 and the episode that hasn't aged well
- Former Danish minister for Greenland discusses Trump's push to acquire island
- Say Yes To These 15 Dresses That Will Keep You Feeling Cute & Comfy Even When You're Bloated
- Judge denies requests to limit evidence ahead of armorer’s trial in fatal ‘Rust’ shooting
- Why Travis Kelce Is Spending Valentine’s Day Without Taylor Swift at Chiefs Super Bowl Parade
Recommendation
Man can't find second winning lottery ticket, sues over $394 million jackpot, lawsuit says
Could a shark have impregnated a stingray at a North Carolina aquarium? What one expert says
'Bridgerton' Season 3 teaser: Penelope confronts 'cruel' Colin, gets a new suitor
Ranking NFL free agency's top 25 players in 2024: Chiefs' Chris Jones stands above rest
Buckingham Palace staff under investigation for 'bar brawl'
Multiple endangered whales have died on the nation's coasts since December. Group says 'we should be raising alarms'
Megan Fox Reacts to Critics Over Double Date Photo With Machine Gun Kelly, Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift
Mardi Gras and Carnival celebrations fill the streets — see the most spectacular costumes of 2024