METRO SECTION ⚫ NEWS AROUND METRO FLINT

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BY CHRIS WILLIAMS

CCN Staff Writer

FLINT (CCN) — Flint's Jim Ananich was back in the political spotlight when becoming front page news in Thursday's Detroit News.

Gubernatorial front-runner Jocelyn Benson listed Ananich among her finalists as she narrowed her search for a Lieutenant Governor running mate to the former state Senate Minority Leader from Flint and two others.

(Related story in today's Metro Section)

Benson is 60 points ahead of Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson in Tuesday's Democrat Party primary race.

The current Michigan Secretary of State has led the entire field for all parties since announcing she would run last year, except for a brief period of about 5 weeks when independent Mike Duggan passed her. The former Detroit Mayor ended his campaign in May when Benson went back ahead in the polls.

The 52-year-old Ananich left the State Senate because of term limits in 2023.

He spent a decade in the state legislature, first as a state representative after serving as a Flint City Councilman for one term. He was elected in 2005 to succeed Matt Schlinker as the 7th Ward councilman.

Ananich has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Flint Health Coalition since leaving the legislature and he's also a lecturer at the University of Michigan-Flint on state and local government. 

Ananich and his wife were both teachers from prominent families. Wife Andrea is from the Abdella family and is  a teacher at the Flushing school district. Jim's father was a long-time Flint ombudsman who resigned in 1986 to teach policy science at the University of Michigan-Flint.

The inclusion of Ananich among her finalists as a running mate highlights Benson's effort to bolster support among labor groups and working-class voters in Genesee County and across industrial areas of the state.

His leadership role as Michigan Senate Minority Leader between 2016 and 2023made Ananich a prominent voice in securing state funding and emergency relief for Flint during the city's water crisis.

"Jim Ananich has a proven track record of fighting for working families and bringing real solutions to hard-hit communities," Benson said in a statement. "As we assemble a team to lead Michigan forward, having leaders with deep legislative experience and a commitment to public service is paramount."

Campaign aides declined to publicly name the other two finalists on the short list, noting that final interviews and vetting procedures remain ongoing. 

The Detroit News quoted anonymous sources as saying the other two finalists are  current State Senate Appropriations Chairwoman  Sarah Anthony of Lansing and current Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks from Grand Rapids.

Under Michigan election law, gubernatorial nominees select their running mates who are then formally nominated by party delegates at statewide conventions following the August primary election.

Swanson has not yet named a running mate if he beats Benson at Tuesday's primary.

GOP primary candidates John James and Perry Johnson have also not yet named running mates.

Montrose native Tom Leonard has become a strong supporter of James who is a United State Congressman from Oakland County since suspending his campaign for the GOP nomination last spring. Leonard is a former assistant prosecutor in Genesee County who moved to Dewitt when taking a job at the Michigan Attorney General's office. He was later elected to the State House of Representatives and rose to become Speaker of the House. After leaving his post because of term limits, Leonard twice ran unsuccessfully for Michigan AG before his failed bid for Governor.  

PHOTO CAPTION: Pictured above this story is Jim Ananich of Flint who has been listed among Jocelny Benson's finalists to become her pick for Lieutenant Governor. 

BY GARY ANDERSON

CCN Staff Writer

(CCN) — Here's a look at news briefs around the Metro Flint regional area during recent days:

ARGENTINE TOWNSHIP has a second special meeting in four days scheduled for today (July 21, 2026) to try to name a new Clerk to run the upcoming elections. Former long-time Argentine Township board member, county commissioner and state legislator Joe Graves reflected on what he called a "disappointing day" for his community's history books after attending Friday's special meeting when nothing was decided on a path forward after the resignation of Clerk Gwynne Veeck James. She quit over arguments with Treasurer  Matthew Frederick and Graves called on Frederick to resign for the "goodness of the township because that's the only way James might return.  (See Today's Tri-County News)

A FATAL ACCIDENT took place in Holly where an 80-year-old Macomb County man was killed in an off-road vehicle crash, according to a news release by the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department.  (See Today's Tri-County News)

BY GARY ANDERSON

CCN Staff Writer

FLINT (CCN) —  Troubled Flint City Councilman Leon El-Alamin was arraigned on yet another felony charge in Genesee County 67th District Court. He faces up to 5 years in prison for an election fraud count after signing an affidavit swearing he lives in Flint's 1st Ward. 

The Morning Gazette Radio Show complained to State Police on the day after he filed to run and host Mike Killbreath has been consistently reminding listeners that multiple sources and investigations showed that  El-Alamin  clearly lived in Mt. Morris Township. 

He also filed numerous civil actions and personal protection orders using the Mt. Morris Township address while serving on Flint's city council.

He was charged last July with misdemeanor domestic abuse and a felony for assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder by strangulation at the Mt. Morris address listed by Killbreath. 

Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton added a life felony as an habitual offender after the domestic situation. 

El-Alamin  was charged in July of 2025 with misdemeanor domestic abuse and a felony for assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder by strangulation at the Mt. Morris address listed by Killbreath. 

Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton added a life felony as an habitual offender after the domestic situation.

El-Alamin went to prison shortly after high school for 8 to 20 years for selling drugs and a weapons charge.  He changed his name from Leon Wilson to Leon Abdullah El-Alamin after converting to Islam while serving time in state prison.

He started a non-profit known as the M.A.D.E. Institute to help felons returning to society after leaving prison.

El-Alamin was first appointed to the city council after the death of Eric Mays, then won a special election to fill out the term. Leyton said an investigation by State Police talking with neighbors determined he lived in Mt. Morris Township for years, never Flint. 

An ex girlfriend was hospitalized after a beating at a home there and released a social media statement saying El-Alamin had lived there off and on with her for 10 years. 

He lived in the 3rd Ward for 7 months on a tether before getting permission from a judge earlier this year to move to the 3rd Ward to run there while serving in the 1st Ward.

PHOTO CAPTION: PIctured above this story is embattled Flint City Councilman Leon El-Alamin.

BY GARY ANDERSON

CCN Staff Writer

(CCN) — Here's a look at news briefs around the Metro Flint regional area during recent days:

ARGENTINE TOWNSHIP has a second special meeting in four days scheduled for today (July 21, 2026) to try to name a new Clerk to run the upcoming elections. Former long-time Argentine Township board member, county commissioner and state legislator Joe Graves reflected on what he called a "disappointing day" for his community's history books after attending Friday's special meeting when nothing was decided on a path forward after the resignation of Clerk Gwynne Veeck James. She quit over arguments with Treasurer  Matthew Frederick and Graves called on Frederick to resign for the "goodness of the township because that's the only way James might return.  (See Today's Tri-County News)

A FATAL ACCIDENT took place in Holly where an 80-year-old Macomb County man was killed in an off-road vehicle crash, according to a news release by the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department.  (See Today's Tri-County News)

BY CHRIS WILLIAMS

CCN Staff Writer

DURAND (CCN) —  A Durand couple has filed a federal lawsuit against Taco Bell and Taylor Farms after allegedly contracting cyclosporiasis from eating contaminated shredded iceberg lettuce at the Durand Taco Bell on June 30. 

The lawsuit filed in U S District Court's Eastern District claims the Kentucky-based fast-food chain and its lettuce supplier Mexican based Taylor Farms failed at food safety, supplier oversight and contamination prevention which led to thousands becoming sick after being infected by a parasite.

More than 450 more cases were reported Monday in Michigan, according to state officials at the Department of Health Services (DHS). The total infected as of Tuesday morning was 6,571 in Michigan along with 1,644 more in an additional four-state outbreak in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and West Virginia.

The Mexican company initiated a recall on July 17 on all lettuce and salad products sold under eight different brand names at Walmart stores across the USA.

The lawsuit said the Durand couple contracted cyclosporiasis from eating shredded lettuce at the Taco Bell restaurant on East Lansing Road in the City of Durand. They claim in the lawsuit that they were forced to endure "great pain, suffering and inconvenience and may endure the same in the future."

The federal suit says they to seek medical care and were unable to perform some of their daily activities.

Symptoms of cyclosporiasis can take up to two weeks to appear and DHS officials say symptoms typically include frequent diarrhea, cramping, nausea, loss of appetite, fatigue and a low-grade fever that can last from a few days to more than a month.

The lawsuit was filed on the same day that a similar lawsuit was filed by a Texas man and U.S. Army veteran who was allegedly sickened and hospitalized, after eating at a Taco Bell in Youngstown, Ohio.

BY ANA JONES

CCN Staff Writer

FLINT (CCN) — CCN has learned that former Michigan Senate Minority Leader Jim Ananich of Flint resigned today (Aug. 1, 2026) as Chairman of the Michigan Gaming Control Board.

The news was confirmed by changes reflected on the state of Michigan's  web site listing of officials.

The development comes after Friday's Detroit News story was confirmed by an official at Michigan gubernatorial front runner Jocelyn Benson's campaign office that Ananich is a finalist to be her running mate if she wins the Democrat primary on Tuesday. 

(See related story on today's front page)

Ananich has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Flint Health Coalition since leaving the legislature and he's also a lecturer at the University of Michigan-Flint on state and local government. 

Ananich served in both the State House of Representatives and in the State Senate during a decade as a state legislator in Lansing.

He served one term as the 7th Ward councilman before that on the Flint City Council.

BY ANA JONES

CCN Staff Writer

SWARTZ CREEK (CCN) — Swartz Creek's school board rejected a $40 million offer Tuesday from the Flint and Genesee Economic Alliance to buy Morrish Elementary.

The non-profit group wants to obtain the school building because it's in a southern corner of a nearly 1,400 acre site where they have been trying to attract an advanced manufacturing plant with more than $261 million worth of state funding given to them since 2024.

They have yet to find a buyer but have cleared most of the site by buying up homes and chopping down trees. 

Trustees Carrie Germaine and Andrea Fick voted to accept the offer despite strong community sentiment against it.

Mundy Township Supervisor Jennifer Arrand Stainton praised the decision after urging a "no" vote on the offer.

Mundy Township Trustee Leah Davis also praised them for rejecting the offer.

They were the only Mundy Township board members who attended Tuesday's special meeting of the school board to join public speakers opposing the idea except for two speakers out nearly a few dozen.

 This was the second time school board members have rejected a $40 million offer but this one was revised to pay all the money up front and extend a two-year lease for the building while a new school was constructed.

Realtor Winn Cooper delivered the revised offer last month and the Tuesday special meeting was called to give him answer for his client by a deadline he imposed to accept the deal.

 Trustees Ken Angle, Kim Winter and Autumn Henry again voted against selling along with Vice President Jenny Wolgast and President Chuck Melki. 

The Flint and Genesee Economic Alliance is an arm of the Flint-based non-profit led by President & CEO Tim Herman known as the Flint and Genesee Group. 

They have until May of 2028 to find a buyer or the state will take the property. 

BY ANA JONES

CCN Staff Writer

FLINT (CCN) — Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson has now released a statement about the continued Monday protests outside the Genesee County Jail. 

The protests are being led by Treyci Rudder who appeared last week on The Morning Gazette Radio and then on independent journalist Dave Bondy's podcast. She is demanding answers about her daughter passing away while in the jail.

Rudder claims 22 victims have died at the Genesee County Jail during Sheriff Swanson's regime which began in early 2020 when appointed to the position. He won a four-year term later in 2020 and was then re-elected by a landslide vote in 2024. He began running for Governor about three months after his re-election. 

Swanson's statement on social media about Rudder's Monday protests read, "After 34 years, my heart still breaks for any family who suffers loss inside the Genesee County Jail and within the county. The jail houses more than 500 people who are medically critical. More than 90 percent are addicted or co-addicted and more than half suffer from mental illness. We take our job serious and work every day to keep those under my responsibility safe and protected."

Th national average for inmate deaths in county jail faciities around the USA is 7.8 per 1,000 inmates annually.

Rudder suggests being so far above the national average is a reason to call for a state or federal investigtion.

She published a list online citing names and dates of deaths thathave occurred at the jail during Sheriff Swanson's tenure.

"Many of them were never reported in the media because they were hiding them," she told CCN.

She also told The Morning Gazette Radio that Sheriff Sanson has never responded to her questions about what happened to her daughter..

Darnell Crown, a candidate for Flint City Council, stood with Rudder at one of her protests. He's taking aim at winning the 7th Ward seat held by current Flint City Council President Candice Mushatt.

A 5th Ward candidate, DeWaun Robison who is the Flint chapter President of Black Lives Matter, promoted one rally on his social media but canceled his appearance. He has not said why he didn't participate.

No elected officials and no other candidates have offered support except one out-of-town state legislator, according to what she told The Morning Gazette Radio. "I reached out to all of them by e-mail because this issue needs attention," Ridder said.

PHOTO CAPTION: Pictured above this story is a recemt gathering of protesttors outside the Genesee County Jail.

BY MIKE KILLBREATH

CCN Executive Editor

FLINT (CCN) — Flint's 6th Ward City Councilwoman Tonya Burns made a terse statement on social media earlier today (Dec. 29, 2025) about a resident who was critical of the elected official earlier this month on a Facebook post.

Councilwoman Burns went on the Facebook page of Flint community activist Art Woodson and issued the statement about the woman who recently blasted Burns on social media over involving her in the criminal case and address controversy of 1st Ward Flint City Councilman Leon El-Alamin.

Woodson made a post asking how El-Alamin continues to serve on Flint's council (See related story on today's front page) despite so much evidence showing he lives in Mt Morris Township. (See another related story on today's front page)

He's also out on bail, awaiting a criminal trial on March 11 for allegedly beating up his former girlfriend who has told police and made statements on social media and to Councilwoman Burns that she lived off and on with El-Alamin for the past 10 years at the Sherman Avenue address in Mt. Morris Township where police say the alleged beating incident took place.

Rolland Sizemore, an attorney representing El-Alamin, asked a judge last week to allow his client to be able to return to that Sherman Avenue address because he said the ex-girlfriend has not been there in weeks.

Councilwoman Burns said the house there has had three recent fires and nobody can live there now. She said the tether on El-Alamin's ankle is registered to an address in the 6th Ward.

Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton has charged El-Alamin with misdemeanor domestic violence and a felony for Assault with Intent to do Great Bodily Harm Less Than Murder by Strangulation. He faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000, or both, if convicted on the  felony count. He's also a convicted felon on parole after being arrested shortly after high school on drug and weapons charges.

El-Alamin started a non-profit after his parole to help felons return to society after being released from prison. Councilwoman Burns, and others, have questioned how El-Alamin (who went to prison as Leon Wilson) has received more than a million dollars in grants since joining the Flint City Council as a strong supporter of Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley.

Prosecutor Leyton's Chief Deputy Prosecutor John Potbury has not yet returned a telephone call asking for clarification on El-Alamin's bond status, tether restrictions or why the city councilman has not been charged for not living in Flint's 1st Ward. Candidates sign under penalty of perjury about their address when filing to run for office.

Woodson announced in a recent Facebook Live video that "we need to turn the heat up" on getting El-Alamin arrested for not living in the 1st Ward. His most recent post repeated the nearly month-old post by Lori Rogers that drew no reaction when the Flint resident initially posted it on her own Facebook page.

 Rogers is a convicted sex offender, according to court records.

Councilwoman Burns said in her post on the community activist's Facebook page: "She needs to take her misplaced aggression and place it with Councilman Leon El-Alamin. He has included her residential address in 10 PPO’s, Friend of the Court documents, District and Circuit Court documents. If it took her to get brave enough to admit he doesn’t live there then she needs to go to the City Clerk with a signed affidavit stating he doesn’t live there.  If she’s not having or had a relationship with her she also needs to tell him to stop putting that information in public court documents. And if that’s not enough she needs to tell the person Leon El-Alamin who stated his visitation at her residence with his minor child is putting her in a predicament. And if that’s not enough, she needs to tell him that since he (Leon El-Alamin) was charged with a felony less than murder but with strangulation to keep his damn hands off of women. And yes I saw the bruise marks as I was at the hospital with her and her mother as well as the multiple recordings of the abuse."

The statement by Rogers came after a story by a local social media news source that calls itself 810 Media.

Her statement earlier this month on Dec. 2 said: "So, not everyone knows my background. Also, not everyone deserves to know my story. They already have their minds made up about me and that's fine. It is what it is. But let me set the record straight on this since people want to take a title and run with it. Leon DOES NOT and NEVER has lived at this address!!! That man is strictly my landlord! We are no couple and definitely no partners in crime. So Tonya Burns, Ms councilwoman.... you can keep my name out of your mouth! You are suppose to be someone trying to build up the community, yet here you are dragging a citizen through the mud because of your personal vendetta against another council member. Whatever legal issues El-alamin has going on I have absolutely NOTHING to do with it! I am just a tenant and a resident of your POS city. It is good to know that as a council person you would rather take a person's background and use it against them before finding out the facts. Because of all this I have had the cops and CPS knocking at my door. There are NO children in this house and NEVER will be!!! The sad part is that she already knew all of this and yet, still decided to throw me into this mess. She knew it because she decided to post the receipts from the rent I paid all over Facebook. She sent cops to my house asking questions about Leon. You had enough evidence to show what you needed to show, but yet you support throwing me under the bus over my background for what? Because if you did your homework l, you would know that I am not a menace. I literally work and come home. I am literally just working on me. Needless to say, JUST LEAVE ME THE F*** ALONE!!! I DON'T BOTHER ANYONE!!!" 

The Daily Gazette has learned that Rogers also told CPS workers and Flint police that El-Alamin is her landlord and that she has never lived at her home with him. Police visited on the day after his first court appearance when the grandmother of El-Alamin's child heard him to tell a judge that he lived at the address where Rogers lives. The grandmother complained to authorities because she did not want the child there since Rogers is on the state sex offender list and can't be around children.

.  Councilman El-Alamin has not issued any comments to The Daily Gazette since the July 10 incident when CCN first exclusively reported the incident before charges were handed down.

PHOTO CAPTION: Pictured above this story is Flint City Councilwoman Tonya Burns of the 6th Ward.

(CCN) — Here's a look at news briefs around the Metro Flint regional area during recent days:

LAST TUESDAY WAS SCOTT BEDNARSKI'S last day in the office at Burton's Bentley High School. He officially retired today after 25 years with the district as a teacher, coach, athletic director, assistant principal and principal.  (See Today's Burton Banner)  

THE OWOSSO ARGUS PRESS reports that city of Owosso crews have cleared what city officials have described as a homeless encampment in Rosevear Park, an eight-acre natural area in the southeast corner of the city.  (See Today's West Valley Press)  

FUNERAL SERVICES were held last Wednesday (July 8,  2026) for long-time political consultant Don Wright of Flint Township.  Wright was a well known political activist and long-time aide to multi-millionaire businessman Don Williamson.  Funeral services are at 1 pm at Bristol Road Church of the Nazarene in Flint Township.  (See Today's Genesee Valley Press)  

FLINT MAYOR SHELDON NEELEY  held a press conference with boosters of a cancer research initiative in his city. Community activist Arthur Woodson pushed for years to get federal funding for the project and says the Mayor didn't invite him.  (See Today's Genesee Valley Press)    

CHARLES FERRELL has been named by the Flint Kearsley school district officials as the new Assistant Principal at Armstrong Middle School. Ferrell is a Kearsley graduate who left a Cadillac position to return to his alma matar. (See Today's Genesee Valley Press)  

 A 42-YEAR-OLD MT. MORRIS man could be spending the rest of his life in prison after being conviction in a Genesee County court room. Christopher Dennis Gruno was found guilty of seven felonies including possession of methamphetamine, resisting and obstructing police and related firearm charges. Gruno was also convicted as a habitual offender fourth offense to be facing a possible life term on top of his other felony convictions. (See Today's Genesee Valley Press)  

FATAL CRASH: Three M-15 corridor residents were involved in a weekend crash in Birch Run Township that killed one of them. The Michigan State Police is reporting that a 22-year-old man from Columbiaville died. (See Today's M-15 Connection)

A PROCLAMATION honoring the life of Mexican community leader David Arceo will be presented at Monday's (Feb. 2, 2026) meeting of the Flint Township Board of Trustees. (See Today's Genesee Valley Press)  

MICHAEL DOAN, Executive Director of Flint's Brighter Futures for America, posted a tribute to Martin Luther King on Facebook and said his dream reminds us that progress is built through service, unity and the belief that we all have a role to play. Doan added, "His life reminds us that when God places a vision on your heart, it's our responsibility to act, standing for justice, unity and compassion even when it's not easy. I'm incredibly thankful for the journey and what's unfolding. I'll be making a big announcement later today, and I truly believe this next step is divinely aligned." Brighter Futures for America did a fundraiser last year to help inner city young people with school supplies. Doan is a Flint businessman who has twice made unsuccessful runs for the 4th Ward Flint City Council seat. He has also hinted at thinking about a run for Mayor in his city but his big announcement ruled it out for this year. He also said he won't be running again for city council. (See Today's North County Tribune)  

DALE WEIGHILL of Flint Township has been named as the new Chairman of the Genesee County Board of Commissioners. He becomes the first openly gay person to be elected as Chairman. He was a Flint city councilman before taking a job as a Vice President at Mott Community College, and later returning to politics on the county board. He succeeds Delrico Lloyd of Flint as the board's chairman.  (See Today's Genesee Valley Press)  

ELECTED AS VICE CHAIR of the county board was Gary Goetzinger of Burton. He becomes the second Republican in a row as Vice Chair after Fenton's Shawn Shumaker was named to that post a year ago. Shumaker was only the second Republican elected as Vice Chairman of the county board this century. (See Today's Burton Banner)

A VIDEO HAS GONE VIRAL on social media of a man in a City of Flint Police Department uniform being awakened by Mt. Morris Township police officers and climbing out of the vehicle in what appeared to be a drunken state. He was reported sleeping in the back seat on the morning after Christmas in the parking lot of Discount Tire on Pierson Road. (See today's Editor's Notebook in the Viewpoints Section)

ROAD RAGE has landed a 36-year-old Clio man a six-count felony arrest after pulling a gun on a Livingston County family and ramming into their vehicle on I-75 in  Vienna Township. Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson announced the arrest in a press conference. (See Today's County Line Press)

A CANDIDATE FOR JUDGE has made it official that he is the first to declare he wants the Genesee County 67th District Court seat being vacated by Mark McCabe of Fenton. Judge McCabe must step down because state law does not allow judges to seek re-election after reaching age 70. K.C. Baran of Fenton is the first to throw his hat into the ring to replace him  (See Today's Tri-County News)

AN UPDATE ON THE HOLLY HOTEL construction project was posted by owners  Chrissy and George Kutlenios on social media, and they say "quiet" does not translate into "stopped" on their project to make repairs from the 2022 fire and ensuing court battle with the owner of a neighboring empty lot. The restaurant is currently up for sale.    (See Today's Tri-County News)

BY ANA JONES

CCN Staff Writer

NOVI (CCN) —  Five people from the Metro Flint regional area were named Sunday to the Libertarian Party ticket for the November ballot in Michigan.

Picked as their candidate for Governor at the convention in Novi was Grand Blanc Township truck driver Anthony Hudson. 

He quit the Republican Party race for their nomination in February when police reports were filed against him by local party leaders who accused him of threatening them. They also removed him as a party delegate but the Burton Police Department and State Police didn't bring charges after Hudson produced a recording of the telephone conversations to clear his name. 

He quit the party and began seeking the Libertarian nomination, becoming the first local name at the top of the ticket since the late 1800's.

The closest since then was John Cherry Jr. of Clio as the Lieutenant Governor a quarter century ago when Jennifer Granholm won the first of two terms as Governor. 

Three former Flint Mayors were elected in the late 1800's when running atop the ticket. They were William Fenton as a Lieutenant Governor and two as Governor — William Crapo and Josiah.

Businessman and podcaster Jason Dye of Flint was selected at the Libertarian Convention as the Attorney General candidate, Carressa Mia Pettis to oppose incumbent Congresswoman Kristen McDonald Rivett of Saginaw, Mundy Township Supervisor Jennifer Arrand Stainton to oppose incumbent state legislator Cynthia Neeley of Flint and Deanna Lynn Martin of Davison to oppose incumbent state rep David Martin of Davison.

BY ANA JONES

CCN Staff Writer

FLINT (CCN) — Water prices could be going up for residents in the City of Flint. 

The Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) is raising rates on dozens of municipal customers around southeast Michigan, including the City of Flint.

GLWA's board of directors heard public comments and protests Thursday (Feb. 25, 2026) for 2 1/2 hours in Detroit before voting to approve a 5.8% increase on water rates for municipalities and a 4.2% percent increase on sewer rates. 

The City of Flint is the only municipality within our coverage area on the Detroit system. All other local municipalities use the KWA pipe line or use wells for their drinking water supply.

The out-county communities outside the City of Flint use the KWA pipe line for water or have wells for their water supply. 

One former Flint City Councilman (Wantwaz Davis) and one current city councilwoman (5th Ward City Councilwoman Tonya Burns) are speaking out as they say water rate hikes from Detroit will likely be passed on soon to their city. 

Davis, running to return to the 5th Ward seat he held before losing the 2017 race and moving out of the city to Otisville, tells CCN that a technicality could possibly cause the contract with GLWA to be voided.  "When reviewing the contract signed after my time on the council, I noticed one area where it said the contract was signed in 2017 and that did not happen," he said. "That incorrect date might be a technicality but I believe it can void the contract."

If Flint could get out of a 30-year agreement, Davis isn't sure it can help.

"After the council I was part of said no to 30 years on a Detroit system that continued raising rates and raising rates, the new council sold part of the pipe line to the KWA. I'm not sure how hard it would be now  to tap into the KWA or if it's possible."

Councilwoman Burns said in a statement: "Today GLWA voted unanimously... to raise water/sewer rates which will affect all Flint residents. In addition to that approval, this administration sent a request for a 'Revolving Loan' (DWSRF) for the Torrey Road Booster Station and the replacement of the Northwestern Transmission Main. If this application-loan is approved by the State, then Flint will automatically be given a financial manager that will notify Flint of how much Flint water rates will be raised to secure the loan to fix these two projects which are a part of the Administrative Consent Order and mandated that Flint must fix. The final approval to accept these loans will come before the Flint City Council in the coming months which would be technically two rate increases. The (ACO) has all the projects that were to be fixed with the WIIN Funds and funds with the water utility that both have been grossly mismanaged. This administration is stating the loans if approved may be forgiven but the interest rate increase to secure the loan will not be reversed."

Former Flint school board President Michael Clack, who is running for State Representative, applauded Flint residents for showing up at the meeting in Detroit and for voicing concerns by their participating in a Zoom hook-up.

"But to vote unanimously, they had their minds made up before going in that meeting," Clack said.

Clack also criticized current state rep Cynthia Neeley and her husband, Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley, for not speaking on behalf of residents. 

"I don't think they were there and I didn't see them on the Zoom," he said. "We elected them to represent us. Where were they?"

Mayor Neeley posted a Zoom ID and password on the city's web site, urging citizens to speak up.

Flint City Council President Candice Mushott earlier urged residents at Monday's (Feb. 23, 2026) council meeting to attend the meeting or watch on Zoom before Mayor Neeley's administration posted a notice on the city's web site. 

Councilwoman Burns said prior to Thursday's meeting in Detroit:  "Flint Residents already pay one of the highest rates in the United States."

The city marks up water more than 600% after buying it from GLWA. A federal government statute  does not allow it to happen, according to Morning Gazette Radio Show host Mike Killbreath.

He said on Wednesday's program that federal law requires that water dollars can be used only for  upgrading drinking water, wastewater and storm water infrastructure including lead pipe replacement. Eligible projects cover treatment facilities, piping repairs, land acquisition for projects and emergency repairs. It also funds testing for contaminants, particularly in schools.

"Flint residents should be outraged and their local politicians should be stopping this illegal practice," Killbreath said.

BY ANA JONES

CCN Staff Writer

ATLANTA (CCN) — A former Flint Board of Education President has ended her silence.

From her new home in Atlanta, Georgia — Dr. Danielle Green issued a statement on social media Sunday to blast what she called "corrupt" local politicians.

"Flint is my home," Dr. Green said. "It sickens me what the corrupt politicians have done to this city."

Morning Gazette Radio Show host Mike Killbreath delivered the first local media report about her statement on his Monday (Feb. 16, 2026) morning program.  He also revealed that the former school board leader will sit down this week to be a guest on his show.

He told his listeners: "She promises to tell all."

Dr. Green left Flint for Atlanta after the Detroit Free Press and other media reported that she accepted a plea bargain deal after reportedly slamming a fellow school board member's head against a table. The story made news headlines around the globe, even becoming a topic of conversation on ABC TV's popular morning show, The View.

Dr. Green has never talked to any reporters about the situation and Killbreath told CCN, "All ofyou at our Daily Gazette will need to tune in to my radio show for this one. No advance tips about what she plans to reveal. She said this entire episode has been hard for her and that being around her grandchildren in Atlanta helped her cope with how she says this entire incident ruined her life. She admits being near suicide at times."

This was Green's statement on Facebook:

 "All I could do was shake my head. Trustee Rutherford is clearly standing alone — and I know what that feels like because I’ve been there.

"The Board President is abusing her position she continues to conduct herself as a dictator for personal gain. She doesn’t even pretend to be a personal of good moral standing. Publicly calling people “retarded,” bragging about being a so-called “six-figure woman,” all while claiming to serve a community facing serious challenges — it’s disgraceful.  Just look at the facts: declining test scores, falling enrollment, severe budget restraints, hundreds of thousands of ESSER and Title funds sent back to the federal government, school closures, staffing deficiencies, and lawsuits stemming from bullying and harassment by board members. This is what happens when you build a team of cowards whose only mission is to silence those unwilling to tolerate corruption. 

"Nobody in this community cares about her alleged six-figure salary — except perhaps the co-conspirators who benefit from the deception and alleged kickbacks.  Let’s talk about the pattern: A daycare shut down for serious health and safety violations. A position in FCS supposedly teaching children to read, despite evident literacy struggles displayed during board meetings. A PhD from an institution with an address listed as an empty lot.

"Fundraising for the deaths of board members’ family members with questions about where the money went. And now, collective alignment with individuals whose only apparent goal is relevance at any cost.  As for the investigation she suggested — it’s laughable. 

"As a professional con artist liar and manipulator she knows exactly what she's doing..... do not be fooled. She will either get her buddies and herself to vote down the investigation or manipulate the results as she has done in the past.   The community doesn't need anymore apologies from elected officials who continue to come in to rob, kill, steal and destroy. Resign and turn yourself in.   My prayer is and will always be that God steps in and eliminates the racist bigot, cowards and coons for the greater good of education, the children and community. "

PHOTO CAPTION: Pictured above this photo is former Flint Board of Education President Danielle Green.

BY ANA JONES

CCN Staff Writer

FLINT (CCN) — It took 62 rounds of voting over multiple meetings but the Flint City Council finally has a new President.

Candice Mushatt, a first-term councilwoman, was selected when two council members switched their votes to favor her.

Switching his vote to elect the 7th Ward council representative was Dennis Pfeiffer of the 8th Ward who had previously voted for Jerri Winfrey-Carter of the 5th Ward or Jonathan Jarrett of the 9th Ward. 

Mushatt was first appointed to the council by a 5-2 vote after Allie Herkenroder resigned in early 2023.

She later won a special election in August 2023 to fill the remaining time left on Herkenroder's term which expires later this year in November. She beat Ann Marie Arbor by a slim 869-815 vote to win the seat and was selected as Vice President of the council when Dr. Ladel Lewis was voted in as the President.

Dr. Lewis served in the top position in 2024 but the council had dozens of deadlocked votes when it came time to elect 2025 leadership. 

When LaShawn Johnson won the 3rd Ward special election in August to break the 4-4 tie voting, she cast her ballot for Dr. Lewis who served out the remaining 2025 portion of the term as President.

Instead of voting to re-elect Dr. Lewis as she did in September, Mushatt voted for herself to leave Dr. Lewis again one vote short of taking the top job.

Mushatt told fellow council members after the vote: "Thank you for your vote of confidence in me, giving me the opportunity to serve as the President."

In addition to Councilmen Pfeiffer, Mushatt was supported by Councilwoman Johnson, Councilman Leon El-Alamin of the 1st Ward and Councilwoman Judy Priestly of the 3rd Ward.

Mushatt worked as a legislative staff member under current Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley while her served in the State House of Representatives, then worked as Communications Director under Dr. Karen Weaver's administration as Flint Mayor.

She said when campaigning to fill out the term, "I have committed my life to ensuring residents are informed and see a change in real time."

She now works as Director of the Flint Community Water Lab which is a non-profit organization that gets funding from the City of Flint.

PHOTO CAPTION: Pictured above this story is newly-elected Flint City Councilwoman Candace Mushott of the 6th Ward.