Michigan approves more funds for Flint
LANSING, Mich. – Michigan lawmakers directed another $28 million on Thursday to address Flint’s lead-contaminated water supply, allocating money for bottled water, medical assessments and other costs for the financially struggling city.
The quick and unanimous approval by the House and Senate came just over a week after the funding was proposed by Gov. Rick Snyder, who is expected to sign it quickly.
“We obviously have a number of issues that we have to deal with, whether it’s infrastructure, whether it’s folks having to pay for water that obviously is undrinkable,” said Senate Minority Leader Jim Ananich, D-Flint. “But the most important I think right now ... is to start the focus on the assessment and the providing of services.”
This is the second round of funding enacted since the crisis was confirmed in the fall, bringing the total allocated to nearly $39 million.
Snyder has promised to put forward more funding for Flint in his upcoming annual budget proposal when he also will detail plans for a one-time $575 million surplus but has not said how much.
Woman suspected of aiding jail escapees
SANTA ANA, Calif. – A woman who taught English classes at a Southern California jail was arrested Thursday on suspicion of helping three inmates, including an alleged killer, escape the lockup, and the men are believed to be riding around in a stolen van.
Nooshafarin Ravaghi, 44, of Lake Forest, was arrested nearly a week after the men – one an alleged killer – cut their way through steel bars, climbed through plumbing tunnels, made their way to the roof, cut razor wire and, using rope made of braided bedsheets, rappelled four stories to freedom from the roof of the Orange County Central Men’s Jail.
Ravaghi was taken into custody about an hour before the arrest was announced Thursday afternoon and remained jailed. It was unclear whether she had an attorney.
Associated Press
