"3M Commences $6 Billion Payout to Veterans in Earplug Settlement"

3M is distributing $253 million in payments to over 30,000 U.S. military service members and veterans as part of a $6 billion settlement over allegations that the company's earplugs caused hearing loss. The settlement resolves a five-year legal battle and requires recipients to forfeit future legal claims against 3M. More claimants may opt into the settlement, and 3M will ultimately pay out $5 billion in cash and $1 billion in stock to claimants between 2023 and 2029.