Mayor Photo Op stoops to new low in City of Flint
Phone call from Heaven with point of order from Eric Mays!
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Prosecutor Leyton announces 'no charges' against Metro PD in officer-involved shooting in Davison Twp.
BY MIKE KILLBREATH
CCN News Executive Editor
DAVISON TWP. (CCN) — Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton held a press conference Tuesday (April 1, 2025) at his Flint office to announce he has cleared a Metro Police Authority member in a Davison Towship shooting.
The officer-involved shooting incident happened on Feb. 27 when Prosecutor David
BY MIKE KILLBREATH
CCN News Executive Editor
DAVISON TWP. (CCN) — Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton held a press conference Tuesday (April 1, 2025) at his Flint office to announce he has cleared a Metro Police Authority member in a Davison Towship shooting.
The officer-involved shooting incident happened on Feb. 27 when Prosecutor David Leyton said a sergeant at the Metro PD, Blake Hiben, opened fire on a suspect who fled on foot after crashing his car on Henderson Road in Davison Township.
Leyton said the 39 year old victim from Garden City, Robert Nowotny, sped away after officers tried to arrest him on an outstanding warrant at the corner of Hill Road and Torrey Road. Leyton said that when the suspect crashed and exited his vehicle, he fired first at officers from neighboring departments who were assisting.
Metro PD Chief Matt Bade said Hiben used his training to react to the situation when returning fire.
Hiben has been with Metro PD since it was formed in 2017. Nowotny has been charged on felony counts for attempted murder as well as fleeing and eluding a police officer. He faces up to life in prison.
Body cam video captured how two Metro PD officers approached Nowotny's vehicle after it was pulled over for a loud exhaust and after Chief Bade said there was a nine, one one call about a suspicious van driving slowly with its lights off through the neighborhood at the corner of Linden Road and Hill Road. Here is audio of the initial exchange before Nowotny sped away.
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When discovering there was a warrant for Nowotny's arrest, he was asked to get out of his vehicle and that's when he sped away.
The chase went from the corner of Hill and Torrey, to Bristol Road through the City of Burton into Davison Township with sparks flying after Nowotny blew a tire but continued on despite the flat before his Chrysler Town & Country van caught fire and crashed. Leyton said a significant amount of ammunition in the back seat exploded when the vehicle caught fire.
No local media had reported how the suspect was shot by an officer. We had an initial report the next morning with Davison Township Police Chief Jay Rendon saying his department assisted with setting up road blocks but referring us to Metro PD for comments and Burton Police Chief Brian Ross confirming his officers assisted in the wild chase but also telling us all details needed to come from Metro PD. Chief Bade did not respond then to our request for comment at the time or to confirm multiple social media reports about gunfire. View Newspapers published a story a week later, mentioning an exchange of gunfire but reported no details about Nowotny being shot or arrested. The Flint Journal, MLive and other local TV and radio stations did not air a story about the initial wild chase.
PHOTO CAPTION: Pictured above this story is
State Board of Education President Dr. Pamela Pugh says latest Trump cuts to hurt C-A and Flint schools
State Board of Education President Dr. Pamela Pugh says latest Trump cuts to hurt C-A and Flint schools
BY MIKE KILLBREATH
CCN News Executive Editor
LANSING CCN) — Dr. Pamela Pugh, Flint's former Chief Health Adviser under the administration of former Mayor Dr. Karen Weaver, has announced that students in Flint community schools will be hit especially hard by the Trump administration's announcement on Friday (March 28, 2025) about cuts to the
BY MIKE KILLBREATH
CCN News Executive Editor
LANSING CCN) — Dr. Pamela Pugh, Flint's former Chief Health Adviser under the administration of former Mayor Dr. Karen Weaver, has announced that students in Flint community schools will be hit especially hard by the Trump administration's announcement on Friday (March 28, 2025) about cuts to the $79 billion budget of the federal department of education. Trump has said he wants to close the federal department entirely.
In the meantime, he and Doge leader Elon Musk took a huge swipe at clawing back funds granted to school districts across the country as part of grants approved under the Biden administration's Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations and American Rescue Plan, known as ARPA.
The Flint school district has not yet used about $20 million of nearly $100 million in funds granted from Arpa, and may now never see the rest of that money after Friday's news.
Dr. Pugh, who is President of the Michigan Department of Education, revealed via a press release that a communication from U.S. Department of Education Secretary Linda McMahon announced that the deadline for reimbursement requests for Arpa funds had been changed to the same date, Friday, March 28, at 5 p.m. when the letter arrived. Prior to the change, she said the deadline had been March 28, 2026, with districts across the country, including in Michigan, having been approved to submit delayed requests for late reimbursement of their pre-approved projects. She said poor districts such as Flint, Benton Harbor and Saginaw will be hit especially hard by Friday's announcement from Washington.
The State Board of Education President said, “As a public health professional for many years, it is a particular affront to me that the U.S. Department of Education would walk back its commitment to projects that protect the health and safety of our students—including for schools in communities such as Flint, Pontiac, and Benton Harbor that were hit especially hard by COVID-19. These federally funded projects are important to students and staff in our districts in Michigan and across the country. To cancel funding approval on no notice and to tell districts that they may apply for a second approval from the U.S. Department of Education to access these funds, with different criteria, has nothing to do with service to schoolchildren."
State Superintendent Dr. Michael F. Rice also issued a statement within Dr. Push's press release, saying, "Walking back a federal commitment to pandemic relief funds to improve the air quality, healthfulness, and safety of schools coming out of the pandemic is unacceptable. Michigan’s children stand to lose more than $40 million. Twenty-seven districts across the state have preapproved financial obligations that met criteria set by the U.S. Department of Education for extending the districts’ deadlines to request reimbursement of these funds. Instead, Secretary McMahon and the Trump Administration abruptly withdrew approval. These funds were approved to be spent on projects including heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, boilers, and windows. The 27 districts entered contracts with the understanding that their preapproved projects would be reimbursed by the federal government. A change in administrations should not void previous commitments. Without the promised March 2026 date for federal reimbursement requests, districts may be forced to reduce instructional expenditures for students, diminish savings, or both to honor these contracts."
State Rep Cynthia Neeley of Flint also issued a statement about the cuts yesterday in Lansing. She said the Trump administration and DOGE coordinator Elon Musk have removed nearly $42 million in pre-approved project reimbursements among 27 Michigan school districts. She said these school districts slated to be reimbursed for projects that improved infrastructure include the Flint Carman-Ainsworth Community School District as well as Flint Community Schools. The figures, according to Rep Neeley, are more than $230,000 for Carman-Ainsworth and more than $15 for the Flint district.
She issued a statement which said, "Two school districts in my community will be affected by this terrible decision. Out of the 27 districts, Flint City School District will be out at the highest rate comparatively to any other district. This is very unfortunate. While billionaire buddies are running the White House, they are putting schools into millions of dollars of debt by yanking away promised reimbursements. That is some shady behavior. I’m fired up about this because all people deserve an education, including schools that have proper air conditioning, heating and windows. These upgrades were needed and the federal government made a commitment, and they broke that commitment, which will hurt our students. I am terribly disappointed with these decisions."
PHOTO CAPTION: Pictured above this photo is State Board of Education President Dr. Pamela Pugh, former Chief Health Advisor in the City of Flint.
Signature Chop House owner releases statement about last week's incident in Flushing
More violence in Flint? Body reported on social media as being found in vacant lot near Civic Park area
Signature Chop House owner releases statement about last week's incident in Flushing
BY MIKE KILLBREATH
CCN News Executive Editor
FLUSHING (CCN) — A massive police response at a Flushing bar / restaurant to a St. Patrick's Day incident triggered lots of social media concerns about the new owners there.
They had an incident where Flushing poli
Signature Chop House owner releases statement about last week's incident in Flushing
BY MIKE KILLBREATH
CCN News Executive Editor
FLUSHING (CCN) — A massive police response at a Flushing bar / restaurant to a St. Patrick's Day incident triggered lots of social media concerns about the new owners there.
They had an incident where Flushing police called for back-up from numerous area police agencies.
Gus Tylor of Signature Showcase released a statement last night (March 23,2025) on social media with a statement on the Facebook page of Signature Chop House.
The statement read: "Dear Valued Customers and Community Members, we would like to address the recent incident that occurred outside our restaurant. First and foremost, we want to assure you that this kind of behavior is not reflective of our establishment or our commitment to providing a safe and welcoming environment for our guests. The altercation stemmed from the closing of an event booked by an outside party, which was arranged prior to our ownership. We are currently working closely with the Flushing Police Department to ensure that all necessary measures are taken to prevent such incidents in the future. In response to this situation, we will be implementing an age limit for all comedy shows and concerts moving forward. Our priority is to foster a positive community atmosphere where everyone feels safe and respected. Thank you all for your continued support as we strive to create a great environment for our community."
Photos and videos showed police cruisers from multiple agencies lined up around Signature Chop House with many comments alleging that four people had been shot and killed there.
The Morning Gazette Radio Show on Metro Flint News/Talk Radio confirmed the next morning that nobody had been killed and there were no guns used in the incident, according to authorities.
Flushing City Councilman Joe Karlichek, who served as Mayor for the past four years before not seeking re-election but instead losing last August in the primary to Democrat Genesee County Commissioner Dale Weighill, issued a statement from Flushing City Police Chief Steve Colosky that said: "The City of Flushing is aware of an incident at Signature Chop House on the evening of March 17, 2025. The situation occurred when a fight broke out in the City of Flint and continued into the City of Flushing. City of Flushing officers were given a very short window of advanced warning of this situation and were able to call in back-up from several different agencies before the fight escalated into a more serious event. There were no injuries, no guns or gun shots fired, and to date no complaints from those involved filed, therefore, no arrests have been made."
Numerous comments on social media have since called on Flushing city leaders to shut down the new restaurant because of loud noise, too much traffic and other concerns.
Many of them urged residents who want to see the restaurant closed to attend the next Flushing City Council meeting on Monday, April 14 at 6:30 pm.
One woman said she went so far as to speak with Flushing's City Manager about the situation, posting: "I visited the City of Flushing offices ... and spoke to our City Manager Michelle King concerning (the) disturbance at Signature Chop House. She assured me that the council and our police are working on a resolution to this problem. There have been no shootings at this location as of yet. They understand the (community's) concern and are concerned also for the welfare and safety of our senior community living near this location. City Council meetings are held on the second Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. So next meeting will be Monday, April 14, 2025. I hope that residents of not only the City of Flushing but also the townships, Clayton and Mt. Morris townships, and relatives to any of the residents of the senior residences will attend this meeting and make your concerns known. Complaining on Facebook is not going to solve this problem, it's a place to turn with frustration but your presence at a council meeting will speak louder."
More violence in Flint? Body reported on social media as being found in vacant lot near Civic Park area
More violence in Flint? Body reported on social media as being found in vacant lot near Civic Park area
FLINT (CCN) — Social media comments on Facebook indicate that another body has been discovered n the City of Flint.
This one was discovered sometime before an hour ago when reported on social media at about 10:30 am in the Civic Park area of the city's north end.
No reports from authorities yet if foul play is suspected or if the body found
FLINT (CCN) — Social media comments on Facebook indicate that another body has been discovered n the City of Flint.
This one was discovered sometime before an hour ago when reported on social media at about 10:30 am in the Civic Park area of the city's north end.
No reports from authorities yet if foul play is suspected or if the body found was that of a deceased individual.
Am ambulance was on the scene with a police cruiser on Proctor Street and Genesee.
State police crime lab technicians were reported at a Davison apartment complex on Tuesday (Mach 25, 2025) afternoon, and Davison Township Police Chief Jay Rendon told The Daily Gazette that a search warrant was being served there as part of an investigation into a weekend shooting in Flint.
Shooting violence over the past week in Flint has made the short span among the worst stretch in city history for murders.
PHOTO CAPTION: Pictured above is a photo posted on social media by a citizen who reported a body found in a vacant lot in north Flint.
Two victims in latest City of Flint shooting are cousins of boxing champ Claressa Shields; one died
Two victims in latest City of Flint shooting are cousins of boxing champ Claressa Shields; one died
BY GARY JACKSON
CCN Staff Writer
FLINT (CCN) — There was another shooting in the City of Flint during another deadly weekend of violence.
Boxing world champion Claressa Shields of Flint announced the latest incident on social media with a Facebook post that the latest violence had touched her family, saying her two little cousins were amon
BY GARY JACKSON
CCN Staff Writer
FLINT (CCN) — There was another shooting in the City of Flint during another deadly weekend of violence.
Boxing world champion Claressa Shields of Flint announced the latest incident on social media with a Facebook post that the latest violence had touched her family, saying her two little cousins were among the latest shooting victims.
She confirmed tht one had died.
No details from authorities yet from the shooting at the Richert Manor apartment complex on Court Street in Flint.
However, Fox 2 TV in Detroit reported that the Michigan State Police confirmed 23-year-old Keviance Williams of Flint died at the scene.
Multiple sources say he is a cousin to Shields who is a women's pro boxing champion who won two Olympic gold medals for Team USA.
The 4 am shooting early Sunday left an 18-year-old victim in critical condition at a local hospital while State Police said a third man, 23, was hospitalized with non life-threatening injuries from his gunshot wound.
Flint Major Case Unit detectives are investigating the latest shooting.
Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-422-JAIL or Michigan State Police at (810) 280-0063..
INSIDE TODAY'S EDITION
Guide to Today's Edition of The Daily Gazette & About Our News & Sports Team at CCN
Our team of journalists and editors are passionate about their work and committed to delivering the highest standards of journalism. We believe in the power of storytelling and investigative work.
Crusader Communications Network Inc. (CCN) operates The Daily Gazette, FAME NEWSPAPERS, CCN Radio, CCN TV, Metro Flint News/Talk Radio and My AM
Our team of journalists and editors are passionate about their work and committed to delivering the highest standards of journalism. We believe in the power of storytelling and investigative work.
Crusader Communications Network Inc. (CCN) operates The Daily Gazette, FAME NEWSPAPERS, CCN Radio, CCN TV, Metro Flint News/Talk Radio and My AM Advantage.
This online daily newspaper is best read from a laptop or PC but does utilize mobile optimization for smart phones and tablets.
Here's a quick peek at other headlines inside today's edition of The Daily Gazette:
METRO SECTION:
SPORTS SECTION:
LIFE STYLES SECTION:
Former popular local radio personality Wally Kennedy passes away at Philadelphia home
Crim Festival of Races issues Facebook post honoring Clio's 'Drubbler'
Local entertainer, talented musician, teacher Dave Kimber of Burton passes away
LOCAL BUSINESS SECTION:
Nobody talking despite rumors flying about sale of Genesee Valley Center in Flint Twp.
Jonanne Fabrics closing 300 stores including in Burton at Courtland Center, Flint Twp on Miller Road
Long-time owners of BJ's Bar in Burton announce sale of iconic bar with dancing sandwiches mural
VIEWPOINTS SECTION:
METRO FLINT NEWS/TALK RADIO:
Weekday & Weekend Line-up of Programs
MY AM ADVANTAGE
Guide to headlines inside today's edition can be found under the photo below of Garlan Gilchrist II running for Governor of Michigan in 2026
State & National Business Section
FAME NEWSPAPERS
LOCAL EDITIONS:
GRAND BLAN PRESS
Read, Sing, Talk, Write, Play coming to Genesee District Library branches; Grand Blanc
Wild car chase by Metro Police Authority goes through Burton, ends in Davison area
Dispute over paying Mundy Twp Deputy Supervisor Dave Huffman goes to Department of Labor
Two proposed appointments to Flint City Council committees before City Special Affairs on Monday
Dave Huffman sworn in as new Deputy Supervisor in Mundy Twp as fireworks continue there
Mundy Twp board may consider ending ambulance contract over death in Flint
Mott Foundation donates $10 million to refurbish, re-open old Beecher High School building
Wild car chase by Metro Police Authority goes through Burton, ends in Davison area
Mott Foundation donates $10 million to refurbish, re-open old Beecher High School building
Coach Terry Warner eyes 2nd title in 3 years as Mott softball boss after MCCAA sweep Tuesday in Port Huron
PORT HURON (CCN) — The Lady Bears of Mott Community College are alone atop the Michigan Community College Athletic Association's Eastern Conference. Coach Terry Warner led his second team to a championship a year ago and is now eyeing a repeat with a 9-1 record after Tuesday's doubleheader sweep in Port Huron over St. Clari CC. (See Stor
PORT HURON (CCN) — The Lady Bears of Mott Community College are alone atop the Michigan Community College Athletic Association's Eastern Conference. Coach Terry Warner led his second team to a championship a year ago and is now eyeing a repeat with a 9-1 record after Tuesday's doubleheader sweep in Port Huron over St. Clari CC. (See Story in Sports Section)
MORE SPORTS SECTION STORIES:
LOCAL SPORTS SECTION HEADLINES:
New Senior A hockey franchise announced for 810 Sports Complex on Elms Road in Clayton Twp.
Sports programs this week on Metro Flint News/Talk Radio
Baseball honors keep coming for Mott Bears; Michael Jockwig named 'Pitcher of the Week'
Latrelle Holmes stepping away from referee duty after 28 years of service on local courts
FEATURED "SPORTS THOUGHTS" COLUMN
Executive Editor Mike Killbreath:
TODAY'S "SPORTS THOUGHTS" COLUMN
ON LOCAL SPORTS SECTION
Executive Editor Mike Killbreath:
RECENT "SPORTS THOUGHTS" COLUMNS
Executive Editor Mike Killbreath:
Dramatic victories en route to winning it all bring back fond memories for Powers hockey fans
Tiger Woods chats about Stevie Wonder's golf game; Stevie makes bet
Flintstone flavor to MHSAA March Madness Division 1 tournament led by Flint Carman-Ainsworth
MY AM ADVANTAGE SPORTS SECTION
LOCAL PREP SPORTS SECTION
Hartland dethrones Rockford to win first prep state championship in girls' gymnastics
Letter from volunteer coach needs to be read by many little league parents
Flint After Dark podcast host launches fundraiser for second mural to honor late Flint Councilman Eric Mays
Flint After Dark podcast host launches fundraiser for second mural to honor late Flint Councilman Eric Mays
Story in Today's Metro Section
OTHER STORIES INSIDE METRO SECTION:
Lapeer County Commissioner from Columbiaville faces 5-year felony for alleged fake address
Thetford Twp mobile home park makes plea deal to accept criminal conviction, sell property
Vassar man identified as shooter in murder-suicide in Auburn Hills hotel near Great Lakes Cross
Story in Today's Metro Section
OTHER STORIES INSIDE METRO SECTION:
Lapeer County Commissioner from Columbiaville faces 5-year felony for alleged fake address
Thetford Twp mobile home park makes plea deal to accept criminal conviction, sell property
Livingston County Sheriff looking for tips in shooting of 25-year-old Flint man in Fowlerville
Genesee Twp man dies shortly after becoming inmate at Genesee County Jail; toxicology report ordered
Flint's Hurley pediatrician Dr. Mona Hanna named among USA Today's Women of the Year honorees
Clio man's sexual assault convictions against under-age girl upheld by Michigan Court of Appeals
Fire set by arsonists at old Flint Central High School building on Crapo Street
Campaign 2026 Special Section
A Special Section known as "Campaign 2026" was launched today inside My AM Advantage as the race for Governor in Michigan added a name on Thursday (March 6, 2027) as the Detroit Free Press revealed that Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II filed earlier in the week to form a committee to run despite state election records not showing it online. (See Campaign 2026)
Inside My AM Advantage
MY AM ADVANTAGE
Here is a guide to headlines inside today's edition:
CAMPAIGN 2026 — My AM Advantage
Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist files for Governor, sources confirm for Free Press, Detroit News
STATE NEWS — My AM Advantage
FBI announces arrest of 7 Detroit men on large-scale drug operation busted in City of Detroit
MY AM ADVANTAGE
Here is a guide to headlines inside today's edition:
CAMPAIGN 2026 — My AM Advantage
Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist files for Governor, sources confirm for Free Press, Detroit News
STATE NEWS — My AM Advantage
FBI announces arrest of 7 Detroit men on large-scale drug operation busted in City of Detroit
Public News Services reports Line 5 contractor donated $1 million to Trump campaign for President
New Consumer Financial Protection Bureau leader drops lawsuit on alleged Rocket Mortgage kickbacks
Trump administration's cuts may impact Univerity of Michigan, according to e-mail by UM leaders
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel joins AFL-CIO's lawsuit to stop federal job cuts
Michigan Ag leader gets opportunity to address congressional committee on his views
Two Democrats in Michigan's congressional delegation shine on environmental scorecard
Group warns livestock manure making Michigan's Great Lakes not so great
NATION & WORLD — My AM Advantage
The Onion buys Infowars in bankruptcy court for Sandy Hook victims to 'silence' Alex Jones
CIA official arrested for leaking secrets about Israel's scheduled retaliatory strikes on Iran
Kentucky judge shot dead by local Sheriff after argument inside courthouse
STATE & NATIONAL BUSINESS
SECTION — My AM Advantage
More than 400 show up near UM-Flint in Downtwon Flint for International Women's Day event to protest Trump
More than 400 show up near UM-Flint in Downtwon Flint for International Women's Day event to protest Trump
FLINT (CCN) — Newly-elected U.S. Senator Ellisa Slotkin of Holly and State Board of Education President Pamela Pugh were the keynote speakers Saturday during an International Women's Day event in Downtown Flint.
More than 400 people showed up at Wilson Park on Kearsley Street, near the UM-Flint campus.
Easterari Photography presents a galle
FLINT (CCN) — Newly-elected U.S. Senator Ellisa Slotkin of Holly and State Board of Education President Pamela Pugh were the keynote speakers Saturday during an International Women's Day event in Downtown Flint.
More than 400 people showed up at Wilson Park on Kearsley Street, near the UM-Flint campus.
Easterari Photography presents a gallery of photos from the event inside today's Viewpoints Section.
Also inside today's Viewpoints Section:
GEORGE MOSS: Today's Democrat Party continues turning history upside down
MARTY EMBRY: From basketball court to kitchen one journey Marty Embry would do all over again
Podcasts of Shows on Metro Flint News/Talk Radio
Morning Gazette Radio Show
Morning Gazette Radio Show
Among 320 Statewide Members
