In Michigan, protesters are increasing demands for Governor Rick Snyder’s arrest, following the announcement that federal prosecutors have opened an investigation into lead contamination in the drinking water, which causes permanent health impacts including memory loss and developmental impairment. The contamination began after an unelected emergency manager appointed by Governor Snyder switched the city’s water source to the long-polluted Flint River in a bid to save money. Researchers at Virginia Tech who have been testing Flint water say the city could have corrected the problem by better treating the water at a cost of as little as $100 a day. Michigan Governor Rick Snyder declared a state of emergency for Flint Wednesday, after learning of the federal probe. Many are now calling for criminal action against Governor Snyder himself, accusing him of knowing about the problem far earlier and refusing to take action. Newly released emails show Snyder’s chief of staff, Dennis Muchmore, alerted Governor Snyder of the contamination problem more than six months ago, saying Flint residents are “concerned and rightfully so about the lead level studies they are receiving. These folks are scared and worried about the health impacts and they are basically getting blown off by us (as a state we’re just not sympathizing with their plight).” On Wednesday, celebrity singer Cher joined the chorus of people calling for Snyder’s arrest to her nearly 3 million followers, tweeting: “Gov. of Michigan is a Murderer… #JailforRick.”