Review: “Poisoned democracy, poisoned water,” activists’ impact — themes of new Flint book
By Harold C. Ford “The lesson learned from the battle over the river was that the hardheaded resolve of even a small group of people could move mountains.” … from Flint Fights Back, Environmental Justice and Democracy in the Flint Water Crisis,by Benjamin J. Pauli, The MIT Press, 2019 A wonderful photo is conspicuously positioned at the front of Benjamin Pauli’s new book on Flint’s water crisis, in which a water justice activist is...
Commentary: Fix the roads? Who gets the money?
By Paul Rozycki Gov. Whitmer is continuing her statewide campaign to garner support for a 45 cent gas tax increase, which would be used to “fix the damn roads.” It remains to be seen whether or not she will get what she wants. Most public opinion polls show little support for the large increase. Republicans in the legislature have already called the proposal a “non-starter,” and it seems to have little chance of success in Lansing....
News Brief: Genesee Health Plan to offer bus passes, Your Ride vouchers through Rotary grant
A $1,000 grant from the Rotary Club of Greater Flint Sunrise can go a long way in helping students and families in Flint get access to needed resources. The recent award to the Genesee Health Plan’s “Riding Above Barriers” programs will provide MTA bus passes and Your Ride vouchers to families within the Flint Community School District. The program will help reduce transportation barriers and improve access to...
MCC Culinary Arts Institute opens June 7, featuring celebrity chef Carla Hall
By Darlene Carey Opportunities for culinary arts students and downtown dining take a leap forward June 7 with the grand opening of the Mott Community College Culinary Arts Institute, in a renovated historic building at the corner of Saginaw and Second streets downtown. After a public ribbon cutting ceremony at noon, the doors officially open from 1 to 3 p.m. The public will be invited to tour the historic F.W. Woolworth building at...
News Brief: Eighth graders invited to open house, school year prep Thursday at Southwestern
Eighth grade students and their families from Flint and surrounding areas are invited to prepare for the upcoming school year at “Journey Into 2020,” an open house from 4-6 p.m. Thursday, May 30 at Southwestern Classical Academy, 1420 W. 12th St., Flint. According to a release from the Flint Community School district, the school is “focused on higher expectations—for students, teachers, families and staff—in year ahead,”...
News Brief: Aspiring photographers offered chance to network, learn from pros
Three award-winning commercial photographers will be available to network and talk with aspiring photographers from 6 to 7:30 p.m. June 13 at Foster Coffee Company at the Ferris Wheel, 615 S. Saginaw St. in downtown Flint. Khalid Ibrahim, Leigh Ann Cobb and Marek Dziekonski will share stories about how they entered their field, why they love what they do, and offer insights on furthering creative careers, according to Heather Kale,...