This page is part of Flint Beat’s work focused on solutions journalism. Our solutions stories investigate, explain, and offer a critical and clear-eyed view of how people are trying to solve Flint’s biggest problems. These stories feature evidence-based and rigorous reporting that explores what local and national leaders are doing to create better and more equitable communities.
Genesee County Jail to host town hall with candidates in upcoming elections
Flint, MI– For the first time ever, the Genesee County Jail is hosting a town hall ahead of the upcoming election to allow incarcerated people to learn about their candidates before they vote. Sheriff Chris Swanson said that of the 622 people in jail, only 17 have been sentenced. That means the other 605, roughly…
Initiative proposes street outreach as a fix for drug overdoses, violence
Flint, MI– Every morning, seven days a week, Michael Bolton loads his stash of Narcan into his car, and drives into Flint neighborhoods, offering it to anyone who will take it. Narcan is a common brand name for Naloxone, a medication used for the emergency treatment of a known or suspected opioid overdose. With a…
Genesee County Jail overcrowded, most inmates unsentenced. What can be done?
Flint, MI– The Genesee County Jail is on their 22nd consecutive day of being overcrowded, and only 4% of the jail’s population has been sentenced. According to Captain Jason Gould from the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department, the inmate count on July 29 was 610. Only 25 of those people have sentences. After about two weeks…
Residents step up to clean city neighborhoods – Meet the Flint Litter Killers
Flint, MI— For Chad Schlosser, the days of leisurely strolls through Flint, empty-handed, are over. If he doesn’t have a bucket and a grabber with him, why bother? His eyes have been trained to spot trash—a skill that would haunt him on an aimless walk without his gear, but one that has helped keep his…
Black people no longer disproportionately affected by COVID-19 in Flint, health officials say
Flint, MI— If you’re Black living in the United States you’re 2.8 times more likely to die from COVID-19 compared to White and non-Hispanic persons. You’re also 1.4 times more likely to contract the virus and 3.7 times more likely to be hospitalized, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Since the onset…
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