Western Digital not coming to Mundy Township Mega Site
Crain's Business Detroit: Company says 'no" to Governor, stakeholders
The Daily Gazette ⚫ Your No. 1 Local News Source
Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance leader confirms Western Digital not coming to Mega Site in Mundy Twp
BY MIKE KILLBREATH
CCN News Executive Editor
FLINT (CCN) — Western Digital is not coming to Mundy Township.
That was the unofficial word this morning when Metro Flint News/Talk Radio reported in a 10 am special bulletin interrupting regular programming that Crain's Business Detroit reported a story that Western Digital had informed Michigan
BY MIKE KILLBREATH
CCN News Executive Editor
FLINT (CCN) — Western Digital is not coming to Mundy Township.
That was the unofficial word this morning when Metro Flint News/Talk Radio reported in a 10 am special bulletin interrupting regular programming that Crain's Business Detroit reported a story that Western Digital had informed Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and stakeholders in the project that the company would not be coming to the Mega Site bordered by Linden Road, Elms Road, Jennings Road and Maple Road.
Governor Whitmer has not yet issued any comment but it became official when CCN received this e-mail response at about 1:30 pm to our inquiry from Amy Bailey of the Byrum & Fisk law firm who said, "The following information can be attributed to Tyler Rossmaessler, executive director of the Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance: While we are disappointed by this announcement, we remain 100% committed to attracting an
advanced manufacturer to Genesee County and our top-notch team will continue our work to
bring a project to Michigan. The Advanced Manufacturing District of Genesee County is the
best site in North America for an advanced manufacturer to locate, and we will continue our
important work together to attract a job-creating project that will benefit our region and the
entire state for generations to come. We remain convinced that attracting an advanced
manufacturer will create thousands of jobs, help boost and launch small businesses, create
opportunities for young people and help us enhance national security by bringing our supply
chain and jobs back to the U.S."
(Related Story in Today's Metro Section)
PHOTO CAPTION: Pictured above this story is Tyler Rossmaessler who is Executive Director of the Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance.
Michigan Immigration Rights Center warns of ICE raids coming in Swartz Creek, Mundy Twp
Michigan Immigration Rights Center warns of ICE raids coming in Swartz Creek, Mundy Twp
BY MIKE KILLBREATH
CCN News Executive Editor
GENESEE COUNTY (CCN) — The Michigan Immigration Rights Center (MIRC) is urging residents in Mundy Township and the City of Swartz Creek to contact elected officials to protest an agreement allegedly reached by the Metro Police Authority with federal ICE agents.
Mundy Township Supervisor Jennifer
BY MIKE KILLBREATH
CCN News Executive Editor
GENESEE COUNTY (CCN) — The Michigan Immigration Rights Center (MIRC) is urging residents in Mundy Township and the City of Swartz Creek to contact elected officials to protest an agreement allegedly reached by the Metro Police Authority with federal ICE agents.
Mundy Township Supervisor Jennifer Arrand Stainton told CCN that she is not aware of any such agreement and that she learned by text that Swartz Creek Mayor Nate Henry was also unaware of it. Henry has not yet responded to our request for a comment.
Stainton and Henry are listed on the MIRC flyer with their phone numbers and e-mail addresses. So, too, are Mundy Township Clerk Cory Bostwick and Swartz Creek City Clerk Renee Kraft.
Bostwick and Kraft have also not yet responded to our request for a comment.
Metro Police Authority Chief Matt Bade has not responded to any requests for comments from CCN since last summer.
He was sent a letter about this matter and has not yet responded.
The MIRC's Facebook page alerted illegal immigrants that the Metro Police Authority has entered into a "287(g) agreement with ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations" to participate in the task force model being pushed across the nation by President Donald Trump on his crackdown on illegal immigrants.
MIRC statistics show that ICE agents had detained 57,861 illegal immigrants under Trump's second administration as of June 29. MIRC contends that 71% have no previous criminal convictions
PHOTO CAPTION: Pictured above is a post making the rounds on social media about an alleged deal between federal ICE agents and the Metro Police Authority.
Flint Councilwoman reports local elected official deserves to be 'locked up' for beating girlfriend
© Crusader Communications Network Inc.
BY MIKE KILLBREATH
CCN News Executive Editor
FLINT (CCN) — A local elected official is being accused of beating his girlfriend, according to Flint City Councilwoman Tonya Burns. She represents the city's 6th Ward.
She did not name the elected official or say what position he holds in local government but
© Crusader Communications Network Inc.
BY MIKE KILLBREATH
CCN News Executive Editor
FLINT (CCN) — A local elected official is being accused of beating his girlfriend, according to Flint City Councilwoman Tonya Burns. She represents the city's 6th Ward.
She did not name the elected official or say what position he holds in local government but told media members on Friday (July 11, 2025) that the man is "dangerous" and Councilwoman Burns said she visited the victim in the hospital and reported that he "badly and viciously beat" her.
Councilwoman Burns said during a press conference about another matter that the woman told her how beatings have been going on for three years. Councilwoman Burns also said that an assault rifle was found at his home by police and admitted to CCN that there was a police report made about the case.
The story was first reported on the CCN News Break at 3:30 pm Friday after the press conference held at Flint City Hall by Burns and city council colleague Jerri Winfrey-Carter of the 5th Ward. The incident was the lead story on Metro Flint News/Talk Radio's CCN News Final later that evening at 11:30 pm. A link to a podcast replay of the CCN News Final is presented above.
An updated story aired on Saturday's CCN News Final.
Multiple individuals at the press conference told CCN that they suspected that the man serves on the Flint City Council after Councilwoman Burns answered a question from CCN about comments a day earlier during a press conference by 2nd Ward Flint City Councilwoman Dr. Ladel Lewis. Burns was asked for her reaction to Dr. Lewis saying she and two other colleagues on the council were working during their month-long vacation from city council meetings but excused 1st Ward Councilman Leon El-Alamin from not being there because he was fighting blight by "out mowing lawns in the 1st Ward."
Councilwoman Burns snapped how that wasn't true and assured that Councilman El-Alamin was not mowing lawns because he was dealing with another situation. She also said she didn't attend the Dr. Lewis-led press conference because she was "not invited" but that she wouldn't have gone because it is illegal for more than two city council members to meet to talk about city business. The Flint City Charter restricts such gatherings without posting the proper notice to the public as reported on Friday by The Morning Gazette Radio Show which airs weekdays at 8 am on Metro Flint News/Talk Radio
Councilman El-Alamin did not respond to CCN's repeated requests for comment. He has been invited to appear on Monday's program for The Morning Gazette Radio Show to respond to all the allegations. Numerous sources have confirmed the physical altercation happened and all said El-Alamin does not live in Flint but lives in Mt Morris.
Lying on an affidavit to get on the ballot with a signature to verify your address is a felony.
The Morning Gazette Radio Show has previously reported evidence to verify this and it was among 12 cases across Genesee County that were taken months ago to the Michigan State Police post on Corunna Road in Flint Township. Three currently serve on the Flint City Council and one (former 8th Ward Councilman Allan Griggs) previously served under a fake home address until voted out of office in his re-election bid when where he lived became a key campaign issue.
Then Post Commander Lt. Brantley of the Flint Township State Police post on Corunna Road refused to investigate the 12 serving illegally in various elected offices across the county because she said Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton refused to file charges previously when a warrant request to arrest Griggs was made by State Police in 2022.
Griggs did not comment to CCN at the time. When Chief Deputy Prosecutor John Potbury was told by CCN that then Flint City Clerk Inez Brown had been quoted as saying she "never would have certified Griggs to be on the ballot for re-election" if she had known State Police issued a warrant request, Potbury agreed for his office to "take another look" at the Griggs case if State Police sent the warrant request again.
Lt. Brantley said, "David Leyton won't issue indictments for murder. We already wasted manpower (on the Griggs case) so I'm not taking a look at any of it. He won't charge his Democrat friends."
Lt. Brantley was later fired for allegedly supplying answers to a sergeant's exam to certain troopers there to get promotions. Leyton later was the subject of a Detroit News story when saying murder charges were not pursued in numerous cases because State Police troopers were known liars he could not put on the witness stand.
The address controversy and latest domestic incident (if true as sources ay it is) are not the only scandals El-Alamin has been involved in since being appointed to replace Eric Mays in March 2023, then winning a subsequent special election fill out the remaining time on the term.
He has also been under fire for thousands in city dollars going to his non-profit while serving on the city council.
A podcast by former Flint Mayor Dr. Karen Weaver exposed a video of El-Alamin appearing at the home of a rental tenant and former employee to evict her. He and another man broke into the home while the woman's child was inside, home alone. Doorbell ringer camera video show El-Alamin standing on the porch with a large gun
El-Alamin is a convicted felon and told WJRT ABC -12 that he had obtained permission to carry a gun again. Weaver exposed on video eviction proceedings filed in court against the tenant which show his address a Mt Morris home where CCN has obtained video of El-Alamin apparently living there by parking his vehicle there at night on every occasion where film was captured. He also uses a Flint city trash receptible with Mayor Neeley's name on it in the Mt. Morris Township neighborhood.
Multiple sources have told CCN that El-Amin is not currently lodged at the Genesee County Jail, if there was indeed a domestic issue as sources say.
Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson has not yet responded to our request to confirm if the Flint councilman is in jail, or if any other local elected officials are currently lodged there.
Councilman El-Alamin is listed on a web site known as Muslims for American Progress as the founder and executive director of Flint's M.A.D.E. Institute which is described as a non-profit that serves formerly incarcerated individuals and at-risk youth.
El-Alamin was appointed to the 1st Ward seat in a 5-3 vote by council members after Mays passed away in February 2020. He was later elected by residents in a special election. The council selected him with three hours to spare before the 30-day deadline to make a decisoin on the required appointment mandated by the Flint City Charter. The city council subsequently failed to meet their legal requirements with hundreds of 4-4 votes on a replacement after former 3rd Ward Councilman Quincy Murphy passed away in late September 2024. They are also in violation of the charter by not picking a new President and Vice President by midnight on the first Monday of 2025.
El-Alamin has consistently voted with Mayor Neeley's supporters on the council who have included Lewis, Councilwoman Candice Mushatt of the 7th Ward and Councilwoman Judy Priestlly of the 4th Ward.
The late Murphy also voted on supporting items within Neeley's agenda. His death has left the council deadlocked ever since on important issues.
Friday's press conference by Burns was to respond to a Michigan Court of Appeals decision on Wednesday (July 9, 2025) that overturned a decision to dismiss a lawsuit filed in 2021 by her and the late Councilman Mays.
Mays told CCN at the time: "It was wrong for Mayor Neeley to go around the council and appoint a committee to meet in secret and decide how to hand out almost $100 million in ARPA funds without input for the public, or even doing it in public. We all know he has a 5-vote rubber stamp to improve handing out millions to his friends. We are going to court to try to put him in prison."
Burns alleged at Friday's press conference that thousands in city funds have gone to El-Alamin since he was appointed to the council to support the Mayor's agenda. "It took us 10 months to get the (bank account) check register to find that out. He has received more than a million dollars in grants."
Federal ARPA grants were steered to non-profits for council members Dr. Lewis and Mushatt, and has told CCN in the past that Ashley Capital used a non-profit organization to steer illegal gifts to the non-profits of Dr. Lewis and Murphy in violation of the city charter and state law. Public records indicate Dr. Lewis formed a non-profit for Sarvis Park and received $1,500 from Ashley Capital which later received millions of dollars in tax breaks by the city council for a development at the old Buick City site. Public records show Murphy received $15,000 with a notation in a bottom corner of the check saying it was for a lawn mower. Murphy admitted at a council meeting when confronted by Mays that he took it. He said he was also given thousands in cash to pass out hundred dollar bills to poor kids in his neighborhood.
Murphy shocked residents by saying it was legal because others did it and they showed him how to do it. Taking money from vendors with business before a government body is a felony and dozens of politicians across the state are in prison for doing it. CCN has never been able to confirm widespread rumors that public corruption in Flint is under investigation by the FBI.
Campaign finance records show Mayor Neeley also received significant donations from Ashley Capital.
National activist Jedidiah Brown of Chicago accused Councilwoman Priestly of getting a new kitchen as a bribe to vote for Ashley Capital's tax breaks. She did not respond to CCN's request for a comment about the allegation aired by Brown on his YouTube video podcast that attracts thousands of viewers from across the USA for fighting public corruption.
State court records indicate that El-Alamin was arrested under a former name a few years after graduating from a Flint high school and he was sentenced to 8-12 years in prison by a Genesee County judge on drugs and weapons charges. He obtained an early release at age 30 and started the non-profit organization.
During interviews for the vacant seat in 2020, CCN archives reveal that he told council members:
“Since I came home in 2010, I have transformed my life. I’m feeling super excited. I’m ready to continue the work we’ve already been doing in the ward, me and my team, expanding that, unifying the community as much as I can.”
Although Burns said there was a police report on the alleged domestic abuse incident, Flint Police Chief Terrence Greene has not responded to CCN in person at the police station or by phone or-e-mail since at least Feb. 5, 2020.
It was on Feb. 5, 2020 when Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley cut off press releases from his office to CCN after The Morning Gazette Radio Show on Metro Flint News/Talk Radio aired a story about allegations by the late former 1st Ward City Councilman Mays that Neeley's former Deputy Chief of Staff (DuVarl Murdock) "beat me up at a bar." Mays called at 7 am on Feb. 6, 2020 after spending the night in the hospital from injuries he said were suffered during the beating by Murdock after a city council meeting at a Flint bar. Mayor Neeley and his staff didn't respond to a request for comment before The Morning Gazette Radio Show went on the air that day at 8 am. A report aired about the incident and Mays talked about it during an interview.
The story then went viral across the state by appearing on wire services after making headlines with Detroit's various TV stations, radio stations and newspapers.
Mayor Neeley's office responded after the first Detroit media report by sending out a press release blasting the behavior of Mays who said the press release was "political" and "nothing but lies." Mays said he was justified in making that statment after State Police asked for a warrant from Prosecutor Leyton's office.
PHOTO CAPTION: Pictured above this story is a photo of Flint City Councilman Leon El-Almin.
More woes for Jedidiah Brown: National activist on bond here arrested in Harvey, Illinois
BY MIKE KILLBREATH
CCN News Executive Editor
HARVEY, ILLINOIS (CCN) — Social media posts are saying national activist Jedidiah Brown has been arrested.
He's on bond here in Flint for an arrest related to a march with a casket from Flint to the home of Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley.
The Daily Gazette has not yet confirmed the widespread reports
BY MIKE KILLBREATH
CCN News Executive Editor
HARVEY, ILLINOIS (CCN) — Social media posts are saying national activist Jedidiah Brown has been arrested.
He's on bond here in Flint for an arrest related to a march with a casket from Flint to the home of Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley.
The Daily Gazette has not yet confirmed the widespread reports on social media.
Officials at the Harvey Police Department have not yet responded to our request for a comment.
PHOTO CAPTION: Pictured above is national activist Jedidiah Brown during a Flint march with a casket. He is on bond in Flint after an arrest for the casket march. Widespread social media reports sayhe was arrested again this week in Harvey, Illinois where an altercation took place.
Famous Flintstone back in NBA with United Wholesale Mortgage boss and ex-MSU teammate Ishiba's Suns
Famous Flintstone back in NBA with United Wholesale Mortgage boss and ex-MSU teammate Ishiba's Suns
BY MIKE KILLBREATH
CCN News Executive Editor
PHOENIX (CCN) — The most famous Flintstone basketball star of all is back in the NBA!
The story was reported as breaking news Friday (July 11, 2025) by The Morning Gazette Radio Show which airs weekdays at 8 am on Metro Flint News/Talk Radio.
Arizona Sports 98.7 FM Radio in Phoenix first reported t
BY MIKE KILLBREATH
CCN News Executive Editor
PHOENIX (CCN) — The most famous Flintstone basketball star of all is back in the NBA!
The story was reported as breaking news Friday (July 11, 2025) by The Morning Gazette Radio Show which airs weekdays at 8 am on Metro Flint News/Talk Radio.
Arizona Sports 98.7 FM Radio in Phoenix first reported the news that Mateen Cleaves has been hired for the coaching staff of the Phoenix Suns.
The Suns are owned by Mat Ishbia who was a college teammate of Cleaves on the 2000 national championship team at Michigan State. He now works for Ishibia at United Wholesale Mortgage which made Ishibia into a mult millionaire.
Cleaves has not yet issued a statement.
Ishbia added Cleaves to his company in 2019 as a leadership development coach and he was promoted in 2021 to be the leader of the leadership development team.
Cleaves capped off a four-year career in East Lansing as the greatest point guard at MSU since Magic Johnson in the 1979 national championship season by earning All-American honors when leading the rush to the national title in 2000.
He was the No. 1 draft choice of the Detroit Pistons in the summer of 2000.
Cleaves spent six seasons in the NBA with the Pistons, Sacramenton Kings, Cleveland Cavaliers and Seattle SuperSonics.
He was a college basketball analyst for several years after his NBA career with CBS and worked on the pre-game shows, halftime show and post-game shows of broadcasts for the Detroit Pistons on the old Fox Detroit Sports Network, now Fan Duel Sports Network.
PHOTO CAPTION: Pictured above is Mateen Cleaves who has joined the coaching staff of the NBA's Phoenix Suns wo are owned by is former MSU teammate, Mat Ishiba.
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:
Letter from volunteer coach needs to be read by many little league parents
LIFE STYLES SECTION:
Genesee County partners to put on annual Armed Forces Resource Rally at Atwood Stadium in Flint
MovieGuide: How Ben-Hur Movie Paved the Way for the Renaissance of Christian Movies
Daily Encouragement by Jim Reid: Don't repeat same old mistakes
LOCAL BUSINESS SECTION:
LaFontaine Automotive Group celebrates official grand opening of LaFontaine Ford in Mundy Township
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
WEST VALLEY VOICE
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
GENESEE VALLEY PRESS
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
THE BURTON BANNER
Police reveal leads on baggies with racist flyers dropped across Burton at end of driveways
Wild car chase by Metro Police Authority goes through Burton, ends in Davison area
NORTH COUNTY TRIBUNE
Mott Foundation donates $10 million to refurbish, re-open old Beecher High School building
Podcasts of Shows on Metro Flint News/Talk Radio
Morning Gazette Radio Show
Morning Gazette Radio Show
Among 320 Statewide Members
