#ExpertSpotlight: 10th anniversary of Flint, MI, water crisis beginning

Apr 24, 2024

2 min

The 10th anniversary of the Flint, MI water crisis marks a pivotal moment in environmental justice and public health awareness. This event matters deeply to the public as it sheds light on systemic failures in infrastructure management, government accountability, and the disproportionate impacts of environmental hazards on marginalized communities. Here are several sub-topics that could be of interest to a broad audience:

Health Impacts and Long-term Consequences: Explore the lingering health effects on residents exposed to lead-contaminated water, including neurological disorders, developmental delays, and mental health challenges.
Government Response and Accountability: Investigate the role of local, state, and federal authorities in addressing the crisis, including accountability measures taken against officials responsible for the negligence and mismanagement.
Community Resilience and Activism: Highlight the resilience of Flint residents and grassroots organizations in advocating for clean water access, demanding justice, and implementing community-led solutions.
Infrastructure Challenges Nationwide: Examine the broader implications of Flint's water crisis on infrastructure investment, maintenance, and regulation across the United States, particularly in aging urban areas.
Policy Reforms and Prevention Efforts: Discuss policy reforms enacted post-crisis to prevent similar incidents, such as improvements in water quality testing, infrastructure upgrades, and measures to ensure environmental justice.
Legacy of Environmental Injustice: Analyze the broader socio-economic factors contributing to environmental injustices like the Flint water crisis, including racial disparities in access to clean water and the intersectionality of poverty and environmental hazards.

This anniversary presents an opportunity for journalists to revisit the ongoing repercussions of the Flint water crisis, amplify the voices of affected communities, and advocate for sustainable solutions to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Connect with an Expert about the Flint, MI water crisis:

To search our full list of experts visit www.expertfile.com

Gerald Kauffman

Project Director, Water Resources Center, Institute for Public Administration; Assistant Professor, Biden School of Public Policy and Administration · University of Delaware

Viviane Yargeau

Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering · McGill University

Jared L. Cohon

University Professor · Carnegie Mellon University

Joe Brown

Assistant Professor, Environmental Engineering · Georgia Tech - COE

For journalists with questions or looking to cover the streaming wars, here is a select list of experts.

Photo Credit: Bruno Guerrero

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Sep 9, 2026

2 min

25 Years Later: How 9/11 Changed the World

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Sep 3, 2026

2 min

More Than a Long Weekend: Why Labor Day Still Matters in America

For millions of Americans, Labor Day means the unofficial end of summer , a final long weekend before schools are back in full swing and the fall routine takes over. But behind the barbecues, travel and end-of-summer sales is a holiday rooted in the history of American workers and the transformation of the workplace. Observed on the first Monday in September, Labor Day recognizes the social and economic achievements of American workers. Its origins date to the labor movement of the late 19th century, with the first Labor Day celebration held in New York City on September 5, 1882. In 1894, it became a federal holiday. More than 130 years later, Labor Day remains an opportunity to look at the role work plays in American life, particularly at a time when the workplace itself is undergoing enormous change. Artificial intelligence and automation are reshaping jobs and industries. Remote and hybrid work have changed where and how millions of people work. Employers continue to navigate workforce shortages, recruitment and retention, while workers are reconsidering expectations around compensation, flexibility, benefits and work-life balance. Labor Day can also open the door to broader conversations about the American labor movement, organized labor, workplace protections, wages and the economic contribution of workers. For journalists, that makes the holiday much more than a date on the calendar. It's a timely opportunity to explore both how work in America has changed and where it is heading next. Experts across economics, business, labor relations, history, human resources, public policy and emerging technology can provide valuable perspective on Labor Day and the changing American workplace. Journalists covering Labor Day and looking for expert perspective on the history of the holiday, labor and employment, workplace trends, organized labor, artificial intelligence and the future of work can connect with experts directly through ExpertFile profiles below:

Jul 30, 2026

2 min

Who Owns the World Cup?

A plan to sell minority stakes in the commercial business surrounding FIFA competitions has triggered a major confrontation with European soccer. UEFA and its 55 national associations have reportedly agreed to boycott FIFA competitions while the proposal remains active. The dispute touches on sports governance, private investment, legal authority, media rights and the growing commercialization of the World Cup. Writing a story around this unprecedented event? Connect with leading experts below for insight and commentary. Matthew Robinson — University of Delaware Robinson specializes in international sports governance, sport diplomacy and global sport development. His work is particularly relevant to the power struggle between FIFA, UEFA and national associations—and what a coordinated European boycott could mean for FIFA’s authority. Thomas Smith — Emory University’s Goizueta Business School Smith studies sports economics, finance and the business of entertainment. He can provide insight into the financial thinking behind FIFA’s proposal, including the trade-off between receiving capital now and sharing future World Cup revenues. Tim Derdenger — Carnegie Mellon University’s Tepper School of Business Derdenger studies sports markets, sponsorship and the commercialization of major sporting events. His research is relevant to the potential effects on broadcast value, sponsors, fan interest and the overall World Cup brand. Klaas Baks — Emory University’s Goizueta Business School Baks specializes in private equity, alternative investments, mergers and acquisitions and business valuation. His expertise can help explain how investors might value FIFA’s commercial assets and what they would typically expect from a minority investment. Andrew Brandt — Villanova University Brandt’s expertise spans sports law and sports business. That experience is relevant to questions about FIFA’s authority over its members, the legal consequences of a boycott and the potential impact on players, sponsors, broadcasters and host countries. Tim DeSchriver — University of Delaware DeSchriver researches sport finance, economics and marketing. His work can help frame the broader financial question: Is FIFA unlocking the value of its competitions, or giving up a share of long-term revenue in exchange for immediate funding? Reach out to these experts now for your next story. All inquiries are monitored to ensure time-sensitive request and deadlines are met. For more FIFA and WorldCup information visit our World Cup Expert Hubs.

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