Jaimi Dowdell

Companies responsible for cleaning up some of the worst pollution in the U.S. have found an unlikely ally in a federal health agency meant to protect people from environmental hazards at highly contaminated sites, a Reuters investigation found.

Boeing and dozens of other companies have granted “conservation easements” on some of the most contaminated land in the U.S. Companies can save millions on cleanups with these deals, arguing that no one will ever live there.

Sacred Heart Community Service thought it was prepared for the pain the growing COVID-19 pandemic would cause in San Jose, California. The nonprofit, which has long helped those struggling to pay rent or keep the lights on, rallied donors and helped set up an $11 million (£8.82 million) fund that would offer up to $4,000 a month to eligible households.

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Paula Lawlor was sifting through piles of internal General Motors Co documents in a hotel room outside of Los Angeles when she hit pay dirt: Company records showing that GM knew for years that stronger roofs on its vehicles could save lives.

Plaintiff attorneys portray themselves as champions of court transparency, but their interests often perpetuate a system that hides life-saving information.