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Johnson Controls subsidiary Tyco Fire Products to pay $750 mn to settle ‘forever chemicals’ lawsuit

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Johnson Controls subsidiary Tyco Fire Products to pay $750 mn to settle 'forever chemicals' lawsuit

Johnson Controls subsidiary Tyco Fire Products has settled a lawsuit and agreed to pay $750 million to some U.S. public water systems which charged the company of contaminating the water supplies with toxic “forever chemicals’ ‘ which was used in the firefighting foam made by the company.

However, the settlement will have to be approved by the federal judge before it could be utilized by public water systems in cities, towns to remove the contamination of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS.

The settlement and the money which will be paid by the company does not constitute in any way an admission of liability or wrongdoing by Tyco, Johnson Controls which it made clear in its regulatory filing. It also added that a charge for the amount was recorded in the second quarter ended March 31.

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Paul Napoli, an attorney for the water systems said,  “This settlement resolves claims involving contaminated drinking water and provides compensation critical to protecting our nation’s drinking water supplies and upgrading our water treatment infrastructure to deal with this new emerging threat,”

What Is PFAS And Why Is It Dangerous?

PFAS is an acronym for polyfluoralkyl substances which is a class of chemicals which finds wide use in a number of consumer and commercial products, including firefighting foams, non-stick pans and stain-resistant fabrics. However, the chemical has been designated as carcinogenic or a cancer causing substance. The chemicals have also been named as ‘forever chemicals’ because they remain unchanged in the body or nature for infinite periods.

Dozens of companies including Tyco are facing a slew of lawsuits which have been brought by water systems accusing them of contaminating water sources with PFAS pollution in a South Carolina federal court. The lawsuits alleged that the groundwater was polluted with PFAS after it was used in firefighting foams at firehouses and airports across the country. The lawsuits led to settlements which amounted to $11 billion between major chemical companies and U.S. water systems. The most recent settlement was between water systems and Chemours (CC.N),  Corteva (CTVA.N), and DuPont de Nemours (DD.N) last year for $1.19 billion.

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 The latest lawsuit was being heard by U.S. District Judge Richard Gergel in Charleston and he also warned that the lawsuits on companies facing PFAS claims could threaten their very existence. The latest settlement which still needs the nod from Judge Richard Gergel will require Tyco to pay $250 million of the settlement by May, and the remaining $500 million six months after the court gives its preliminary approval.

Also Read: California mother files lawsuit against Tesla after her 2-year-old child starts Model X and runs over her

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Manoj Nair: With a decade of news writing across various media platforms, Manoj is a seasoned professional. His dual role as an English teacher underscores his command over communication. He adeptly covers Politics, Technology, Crypto, and more, reflecting a broad and insightful perspective that engages and informs diverse audiences.

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Chicago Rat Hole Landmark Removed by City Department and Mayor’s Office

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The Chicago Rat Hole Landmark Removed By The City Department and Mayor's Office

On the sidewalks of a Chicago road, there was a space that resembled a rat with a tail; even the crimps and minute deviations in the nails were visible.

Residents started referring to this peculiar landmark as a “rat hole” rather than a pothole. People began throwing coins around it, and the small defect turned into an attraction for both locals and tourists in Chicago.

Visitors often threw coins, took pictures, and created a commotion in the area. Some residents complained to the mayor about the disturbance caused by tourists and onlookers.

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The removal of the rat hole was a collaborative decision between city departments and the mayor’s office. Eventually, the mayor announced that it would be fixed since it was considered a defect.

Paul Sajovec commented,

“It was just a combination of the fact that the sidewalk was uneven and also that people would show up at various times of the day and night and make a lot of noise and create other issues and problems.”

Also Read: What Is The Meaning Behind 241553903, Why Google Shows A Head In A Freezer?

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In January, people even pursued an imprint of the rat in the walkway. The rat hole had gained immense popularity over the past few days, but it was time to say farewell. The rat had touched the hearts of many; it was well-loved, but now it will be fixed and will disappear from the heart of the sidewalk.

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Coon Rapids Shooting: One Casualty Reported, Investigation Continues to Find Suspect 

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Coon Rapids Shooting: One Casualty Reported, Investigation Continues to Find Suspect 

A shooting incident reportedly occurred at a YMCA in Coon Rapids, Minnesota.

The crime news was first reported by a social media page, Twin Cities Crime Watch & Information. According to the page, the suspects arrived in a red sedan occupied by four Somalis.

Twin Cities Crime Watch & Information posted,

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“Coon Rapids – SHOOTING at the YMCA, 8950 Springbrook Dr., occurred inside. Suspects in a red sedan, occupied by four Somalis. Partial plate contains JW*25.”

According to Times Now, a statement was received by the Coon Rapids Police Department where it stated that when police were reported, they responded immediately. 

Officers arrived at the scene around 7:58 p.m. on Friday and found one person suffering from gunshot wounds. The victim was immediately transported to a local hospital.

The police shared on their Facebook page,

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“Friday night the Coon Rapids Police Department was dispatched to the Emma B. Howe YMCA on a report of gunshots. Officers arrived at the scene to find one person struck by gunfire. The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment of his injuries. Currently, their condition is unknown.”

‘Shooting Was Not Random’

The police announced that they believe the shooting at the YMCA in Coon Rapids was not random.

Detectives from the Coon Rapids Police Department were present at the scene and actively investigating the matter.

The police have urged the public to provide any information about the incident by calling 763-427-1212.

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As of now, no information is available regarding the person responsible for the shooting, and the circumstances surrounding the incident are still unknown.

Update

The police have revealed the identity of the victim. According to CBS News, the victim is a 16-year-old male.

The YMCA will be under lockdown on Saturday and Sunday, with regular scheduling expected to resume on Monday.

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Also Read: Fairfield Mall Shooting Update: Suspects Caught, Huge Vehicles Found in Beavercreek

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Sachin Sahoo: Bipolar Indian-Origin Man Shot Dead By US Police 

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On April 21, Sachin Sahoo, an Indian-origin man, was shot by a San Antonio police officer. According to the Deccan Herald, when the officers attempted to apprehend Sachin, he struck two officers with his vehicle.

Sachin Sahoo was being pursued in connection with an aggravated assault case.

Originally from Uttar Pradesh, India, Sachin Sahoo was declared dead at the scene.

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Sources from PTI claimed that Sachin Sahoo might have been a naturalized U.S. citizen. As per the preliminary investigation, on April 21, just before 6:30 PM, officers were called to a home in Cheviot Heights, San Antonio.

They were responding to a report of an ‘Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon.’

Upon arrival, the officers discovered a 51-year-old woman who had been deliberately hit by Sachin Sahoo’s vehicle.

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After hitting the woman, Sachin Sahoo fled the scene.

The 51-year-old victim was transported to a nearby hospital and was in critical condition.

Consequently, a felony arrest warrant was issued in the name of Sahoo by the San Antonio Police Detectives.

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Later that evening, neighbors informed the police that Sahoo had returned to his original location.

When two officers arrived at the scene and attempted to make contact, Sachin struck both with his vehicle. One of them shot Sahoo, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

One officer was treated at the scene, while the other was taken to a local hospital.

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Police Chief Bill McManus stated that Sachin’s actions also left his roommate in critical condition. The woman underwent multiple surgeries.

According to Outlook India, when officers approached to arrest Sachin, he “got into his car and managed to squeeze through the police vehicles blocking his driveway.” In the process, he also hit the officers.

Subsequently, another officer stopped Sachin by firing at him.

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About Sachin Sahoo

Leah Goldstein, Sahoo’s ex-wife, revealed that her ex-husband had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and also exhibited symptoms of schizophrenia.

She added, ‘He has suffered for the past ten years with bipolar disorder. He also had symptoms of schizophrenia. He couldn’t understand what was wrong with him.’

In a news report, she said, ‘He would hear voices, hallucinate, and just get stuck in his own mind.’”

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