Daily Round-Up Thursday April 24, 2025
Your daily briefing on the most important political stories—national headlines and Flint’s fiercest fights for truth, accountability, and justice.
Flint Housing Commission Sued by Former Director
Ex-director’s probe of Flint housing commissioner led to firing, lawsuit claims (MLIVE) No paywall: Free Link
Former Flint Housing Commission Executive Director Harold Ince Jr. has filed a federal lawsuit claiming he was wrongfully fired in retaliation for investigating board member Geraldine Redmond. Ince alleges violations of his contract, the Open Meetings Act, Whistleblower Protection Act, and his constitutional rights. The internal investigation had found Redmond created a hostile work environment and misused funds. The lawsuit also names the Flint City Council for not acting on Ince’s request to remove board members. Since his termination, Ince says he’s struggled to find work and had to sell his home.
McDonald Rivet “Saves” Saginaw SSA Office???
McDonald Rivet: Saginaw Social Security office will remain open (Midland Daily News)
White House blasts McDonald Rivet over Social Security office claims (ABC12)
Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet secured a commitment from the Trump administration to keep the Saginaw Social Security office open after it was briefly listed for closure.
Ukraine War Updates
Trump criticises Zelensky over refusal to accept Russian control of Crimea (BBC News)
Missile that killed eight in Russian strike on Kyiv was N.Korean, Kyiv source says (Reuters)
Russian strike on Kyiv kills 12 in biggest attack on Ukrainian capital since last summer (AP News)
Russia launched its deadliest attack on Kyiv since last summer, killing 12 and injuring around 90 in an 11-hour missile and drone barrage. The strikes hit multiple residential areas, prompting Ukrainian President Zelenskyy to cut short a trip to South Africa. Trump, in a rare rebuke of Putin, called the attack “not necessary.” The assault came amid faltering peace talks and growing criticism that Russia is undermining diplomatic efforts.
12 States Sue Trump Over Tariffs
A dozen states sue the Trump administration to stop tariff policy (AP News)
Twelve states sued the Trump administration in federal court, calling its tariff policy illegal and economically harmful. The lawsuit argues that Trump overstepped his authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and violated the Constitution by imposing tariffs without Congressional approval.
Trump Admin Knew Freezing Grants Would be Ruled Unlawful
A top EPA attorney warned that the Trump administration’s attempt to freeze and claw back $20 billion in climate grants already awarded could expose the government to billions in damages. Internal emails suggest officials are trying to delay disbursements while searching for justification to recover the funds.
Whitmer Appoints Judge Noah Hood to Supreme Court
Whitmer selects Court of Appeals Judge Noah Hood to fill vacancy on Michigan Supreme Court (Detroit Free Press)
Governor Gretchen Whitmer appointed Judge Noah Hood to the Michigan Supreme Court, filling the vacancy left by Chief Justice Elizabeth Clement. Hood, previously appointed by Whitmer to the Wayne County Circuit Court and Court of Appeals, will serve the remainder of Clement’s term through 2026. His appointment gives Democrats a 6–1 majority on the state’s high court.
VA Employees Asked to Report Anti-Christian Bias
Veterans Affairs asks employees to report 'anti-Christian bias' (Scripps News)
The VA, under Trump’s direction, is asking employees to report anti-Christian bias as part of a new federal task force. Critics say it favors Christianity, risks promoting discrimination, and undermines religious equality.
Trump Rally in Michigan Next Week
Trump to mark 100th day in office with Michigan rally (NBC News)
Trump will hold a rally in Macomb County, Michigan, next week to mark his 100th day in office. It follows a tense Oval Office meeting with Gov. Whitmer, who criticized his tariffs for harming Michigan’s auto industry. The rally will be Trump’s first major public event since taking office.
Another Man Illegally Deported to CECOT Must be Returned
Trump admin must seek return of another man who was improperly deported to El Salvador, judge rules (Politico)
Judge rules the Trump administration violated a 2019 settlement in deporting a man to El Salvador (AP News)
A Trump-appointed judge ruled that the Trump administration illegally deported Cristian, a 20-year-old Venezuelan man, violating a court-approved settlement protecting certain young asylum seekers. Like Kilmar Abrego Garcia, another improperly deported migrant, Cristian was expelled under the Alien Enemies Act without due process. The judge ordered the government to facilitate his return to the U.S. despite DOJ claims that Trump’s war powers override the settlement.
Trans Troop to Resume Receiving Medical care
Pentagon to resume medical care for transgender troops (Politico)
Trump asks Supreme Court to let him enforce transgender military ban for now (CBS News)
The Pentagon will resume medical care for transgender troops, including hormone therapy and surgeries, in compliance with court orders blocking the Trump administration’s attempted ban. Judges ruled there’s no evidence transgender service members harm military readiness. Despite ongoing legal challenges, the Pentagon must uphold protections while the case continues.
County Set to Consolidate Courts
The Genesee County Board of Commissioners and 67th District Court Reach Agreement for Limited District Court Consolidation (Genesee County)
The Genesee County Board of Commissioners and the 67th District Court have approved a Memorandum of Understanding to begin limited consolidation of court facilities. The plan includes closing two locations (Flushing and Mt. Morris), relocating two judges to Central Court in Flint, and creating a new magistrate hearing room.
Flint Awarded School Consolidation Grant
Three Michigan School Districts Will Consolidate, Modernize with Grant Funds (MI DOE)
Flint Community Schools awarded $35.9M grant to build new high school (The Flint Beat)
Flint, Union City, and North Central school districts have been awarded a combined $75 million from the Michigan Department of Education to support school consolidations and infrastructure upgrades. Flint will close four schools and build a new high school, Union City will renovate two schools and demolish a middle school, and North Central will consolidate into one modern facility.
The Trump Admin Girls Are Fighting
Scoop: Musk vs. Bessent dispute erupted into West Wing shouting match (Axios)
Elon Musk and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent got into a heated shouting match in the White House over IRS leadership, escalating tensions within Trump’s administration. Witnesses said the argument, filled with profanity and personal insults, happened near President Trump and foreign dignitaries. The feud reflects growing friction between Musk and top officials over control and policy direction, especially regarding Musk’s influence through the DOGE task force. Ultimately, Bessent prevailed in getting his pick for IRS chief, but the clash deepened internal divisions.
Trump now Selling Trump 2028 Hats
Trump sells ‘Trump 2028’ hats, fueling third-term speculation (Scripps News)
Donald Trump is selling “Trump 2028” merchandise, sparking speculation about a potential third term despite the 22nd Amendment, which bars anyone from being elected president more than twice.
Whisky Leaks Update: Hegseth Installed Signal on Pentagon Computer
Hegseth set up Signal on Pentagon office computer: Report (The Hill)
Pete Hegseth reportedly had the encrypted app Signal installed on a Pentagon computer to bypass communication restrictions in classified areas, raising concerns over potential security breaches.
Judges Blocks K-12 DEI Ban
2 federal judges block Trump's effort to ban DEI from K-12 education (ABC News)
Two federal judges have blocked the Trump administration from enforcing a policy that would strip federal funding from K-12 schools with DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives. Judge Gallagher in Maryland ruled the Education Department likely violated the Administrative Procedure Act by not following proper legal processes. Judge McCafferty in New Hampshire called the policy vague, unconstitutional, and a threat to academic freedom.