Breaking news - Pontiac & Oak County

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New Pontiac categories at Classified site 

9-15-26

There is currently over 600 local (and Mich) ads posted.

Click to browse new categories (via Classified ads page)

The high rent levels in Pontiac 

9-12-26

Review details here (on Visitor Articles page at bottom)

City trustee’s hidden camera case

8-18-26

West Bloomfield Trustee, Jim Manna (Jibran Manna) has been charged with two felony counts of creating/distributing images of a partially naked person, for 5 years, and with 5 counts of eavesdropping through the installation/use of a device, which carries a 2 year sentence.
It’s alleged his adult step daughters discovered hidden video cameras within the smoke detectors in each of their bedrooms while all living together at the same residence. Investigators also stated that other cameras were located in the bathroom areas of the home.  A cell phone of the trustee contained nude videos taken from the bedroom/bathroom areas. 
Although Mr. Manna is technically innocent until proven guilty; the evidence against him appears to be quite strong. As far as the Township is concerned, the Board does not possess any ability to terminate Mr. Manna due to a lack of legal authority. This unfortunate occurrence has resulted in feelings of disgust and concern amongst residents in the Township.

The following factors collectively contribute to the rising problem of hidden camera recordings

targeting women.

✔  Technological Advancements: Miniaturized and affordable cameras make it easier to hide  recording devices in objects.

✔  Anonymity and Ease of Sharing: The internet and social media platforms facilitate quick, anonymous sharing of info.

✔  Lack of Awareness: Many women are unaware of risks or ways to detect hidden cameras in private or the public.

✔  Inadequate Legal Deterrents: Weak enforcement or lenient penalties in some regions fail     

to deter perpetrators effectively.

✔  Voyeuristic Behavior: Some engage in voyeurism driven by psychological issues or desire for control and exploitation.

✔  Public and Private Space Vulnerabilities: Places like restrooms, changing rooms, hotels, or gyms are often targeted due to lax

surveillance or privacy safeguards which creates a more inviting situation to actors.

✔  Cultural and Social Factors: In certain societies, gender-based power imbalances and objectification contribute to exploitation through such recordings. Yet still, feelings of guilt or embarrasment are factors for the absence in not reporting such incidents.

On August 14th (Friday), Manna was formally indicted. A $100,000 personal surety bond was

established along with a requirement for GPS tracking. In addition to the other conditions;     

he was instructed not to make contact with either of his step daughters while these charges

remain pending.                                                                                                                                              

Admin Comment There's no doubt this has brought on sticky and extremely uncomfortable conditions within this family setting, all for the fulfillment of twisted fantasies and cheap thrills. 

Pontiac school district investigated by the feds

8-6-26

The U.S. Department of Education has initiated a federal investigation into the Pontiac public school system to determine whether or not the school district's methods of collecting data and handling student sexual harassment complaints involving employees have violated Title IX. While the schools investigated by the Department of Education include those located within the cities of Detroit, Taylor, as well as Pontiac; the focus has been placed upon Pontiac. Title IX, which is short-hand for "Education Amendments of 1972" is a federal civil rights statute that prohibits sex based discrimination in any educational program or activity receiving funds from the United States Government. Any institution(s) or individual(s) that violate such regulations may be subject to the loss of their federal funding in addition to having to develop and implement a corrective action plan.

A representative of the local teachers' union stated that the fact that there will be an investigation does not necessarily mean that any wrongdoing occurred, it simply means that the district ensured that all of the appropriate protocol and procedures were followed after they received a Title IX complaint. No employee(s), including teachers, will be involved in the federal investigation. We will continue to follow this situation so we can update you on its conclusion. As of now these are mere accusations however, we feel confident knowing that the Feds have a reputation for conducting thorough investigations prior to taking any actions and we can shrewdly surmise that smoke has been detected. The process will probe for any fire.

Results of Pontiac millages

Staff 8-4-26

Mental waves of relief erupted across Pontiac late today 

August 4, 2026 as each of the important trio of funding

requests were overwhelmingly passed with an extra 

emphasis on, "yes we see the needs and we're stepping

up to do our part towards upholding what's needed."

Great job voters and congratulations Pontiac for standing 

as benefactors in the green light approval of the Library,

Youth Center, and Senior proposals which passed by large

margins of 75% - 80% - 81% in blowout wins, that absolutely

evovles into a win, win for the entire city.

Breaking news - Mich, Nat'l & Int'l

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Single dad adopts six children

9-14-26

THEY WERE FIVE SIBLINGS, LIVING IN FOUR DIFFERENT HOMES
ACROSS FOUR CITIES. ONE MAN DECIDED THEY BELONGED TOGETHER.

Lamont already knew their family. He had once fostered their father. And when he
discovered that these five brothers and sisters were growing up apart, he couldn’t
look the other way. So he became a foster parent again—with one mission: Bring all
five children home together. It took nearly two years of paperwork, patience, and
determination. Then, on October 17, 2019, Lamont stood before a judge and adopted
all five siblings at once. His family grew to 12 children that day.

But Lamont didn’t simply give them a house. He gave them something much more
precious: A childhood together. The chance to share birthdays, holidays, inside jokes,
memories, milestones—and the simple comfort of knowing their brothers and sisters
would always be there. Five children who had once been scattered across four cities
finally had one home, one father, and each other. Lamont could have chosen a quieter
life. Instead, he chose five children who needed someone to say: “You don’t have to face
life alone. I’ll take you home.” Sometimes, family isn’t defined by blood. Sometimes, family is the person who refuses to let you be separated.      

Solar power as a solution

9-9-26

Transforming Local Infrastructure

Efficiency and Resilience

Conservation Through Innovation

Economic and Practical Advantages

Halting drug overdose losses  

8-24-26

A significant number of Michiganders (which includes their close family members) are affected non-stop annually by drug overdose deaths and emergencies. The soon to be International Overdose Awareness Day takes place on Aug. 31 and happens to be this campaigns 20th anniversary.

If you didn’t know, you should now become familiar with the super intervention aid called Narcan and why it is vital to have a supply within your possession if you or your friends / family have a substance abuse problem.

WHY IT'S IMPORTANT TO HAVE NARCAN ON HAND

Fast Action: An opioid overdose can cause a person's breathing to slow down or stop completely within minutes. Brain damage or death happens fast.

Bystander Presence: Overdoses frequently happen around family members, friends, or bystanders. Having the medicine nearby means help starts immediately, long before emergency responders can arrive.

Safety: Narcan is safe, non-addictive, and has no harmful effect if the person has not taken opioids.

Reverses Fentanyl: It works against potent synthetic opioids like fentanyl, though a second dose is sometimes required.

GUIDELINES ON HOW TO APPLY NARCAN NASAL SPRAY

Check for Signs of Overdose

The person will not wake up or respond to their name.

Breathing is very slow, shallow, erratic, or has stopped.

Skin, lips, or fingernails turn blue, gray, or pale.

Pupils are very small ("pinpoint").

Rub your knuckles hard on the middle of their chest (the sternum) to see if they respond.

1. Call 911 Immediately

Get emergency medical help on the way right away.

2. Give the Narcan Spray

* Peel open the package and take the device out.

* Place the tip of the nozzle into one nostril until your fingers touch the bottom of the person's

   nose.

* Press the plunger firmly to release the dose into the nose.

3. Monitor and Support

* Watch the person for 2 to 3 minutes.

* If they do not wake up or start breathing normally, give a second dose in the other nostril 

   using a new device.

* If you are trained, start CPR or chest compressions and rescue breathing if they are not

   breathing.

4. Place in the Recovery Position

* If the person begins breathing or wakes up, roll them onto their side (the recovery position) to

   keep their airway clear and prevent choking.

* Stay with them until emergency responders arrive. Narcan wears off in 30 to 90 minutes, and

   the overdose symptoms can return

Narcan is a lifesaving medicine that can stop an overdose from an opioid. As long as Narcan continues to be made available, average Americans will have their chance to save a person’s life who may be experiencing an overdose. Narcan reverses an overdose through restoring a persons normal breathing.

With Narcan widely available across America, family members, friends, and even passersby are able to respond when they see someone going into an overdose. In many cases this response happens before emergency responders get there.

Therefore, supporting Narcan and being knowledgeable about how it works will allow communities to prevent additional overdose deaths, create safer places for people to live, and give individuals recovering from drug addiction some new hope.

Signs of fentanyl overdose 

8-24-26

Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid that is increasingly found as a contaminant in the illicit drug supply, including in powders, liquids, and counterfeit pills made to look like prescription medications.

The Difficulty of Detection

It is not possible to see, smell, or taste fentanyl contamination. Because a lethal dose can be as small as two milligrams—roughly the size of a few grains of salt—it can be distributed unevenly within a substance, a phenomenon often called the "chocolate chip cookie effect". This means one part of a substance might test negative while another part contains a fatal amount.

Harm Reduction Tools

Public health organizations often highlight fentanyl test strips (FTS) as a harm reduction tool designed to detect the presence of fentanyl and some of its analogs. While these strips can identify the presence of the drug, they have limitations:

-No Purity Data: They do not indicate the quantity or potency of the fentanyl present.

-Limited Scope: They may not detect all newly engineered synthetic opioid analogs.

-Test Errors: High concentrations of certain stimulants can sometimes cause inaccurate results.

For these reasons, health authorities emphasize that a negative test result does not guarantee a substance is safe to consume.

Recognizing Symptoms of Exposure

If someone is exposed to a substance contaminated with fentanyl, they may experience severe opioid-related symptoms.

Recognizing signs is critical for urgent intervention:

-Pinpoint pupils.

-Extremely slow or shallow breathing.

-Loss of consciousness or extreme drowsiness.

-Cold, clammy skin or blue-tinted lips and fingernails.

f an overdose is suspected, it is vital to call emergency services immediately. Many jurisdictions provide access to naloxone (Narcan), a medication that can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. For comprehensive safety information and guidance, consult resources from the CDC or local public health departments.

This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional.

Kids and addictive online platforms

8-19-26

Everyday children are drawn and locked into addictive platforms which are actually engineered to keep them preoccupied and craving more. Kids are becoming more deeply immersed in these digital environments that captures their attention through  constant notifications, rewards, and interactive features. This can lead to excessive screen time, affecting children's mental health, sleep patterns, and social interactions. They are attracted to and hooked through specific software mechanics that target developing brains.

Addictive Design Features

♦  Infinite Scrolling: Feeds load continuously so users never reach a natural stopping point.          

♦  Variable Rewards: Likes, notifications, and streaks trigger unpredictable bursts of dopamine.  

♦   Algorithmic Feeds: Content customizes rapidly based on viewing duration to max play time.

Impact on Children

♦  Brain Development: Prefrontal cortices are still growing, which limits self-control against persuasive design.

♦  Mental Health: Prolonged use correlates with spikes in anxiety, depression, sleep disruption, and the danger of  social isolation.

♦  Safety Risks: Extended time online increases exposure to cyberbullying, inappropriate material, and predatory contacts.

Legal and Public Health Response                                                                                           

♦  State attorneys general and landmark court cases argue that tech companies deliberately engineer these loops to hook young users for profit.                                                                                  

♦  Medical experts increasingly treat excessive platform use as a public health concern requiring tighter age limits and active parental boundaries

Parents, educators, and policymakers are increasingly concerned about the impact of these platforms on young users and are seeking ways to promote healthier digital habits and safeguard children's well-being in an

increasingly connected world.

Attacks on Mich. and other states water supply is serious

8-3-26

Cyberattacks have taken place on local water systems in at least seven states, which represents one of the largest numbers of cyberattacks on critical utilities in recent history.
Initially, approximately 30 reports of cyberattacks took place in Minnesota; this was followed by 9 additional cyberattack reports in Michigan over the weekend. Each report involved either water or waste systems in their respective states. 
"Indications suggest disruptions to services rather than attempts to receive financial compensation or create an identifiable public impact. This is about disrupting services," stated John Israel, Minnesota's Chief Information Security Officer. 
Although officials in each state indicate that their systems continue to function and provide safe water services, the individual(s) responsible for these cyberattacks remain unidentified. 
A federal advisory indicates that there is a high likelihood that these cyberattacks were performed by Iran. 
Federal cyber authorities (FBI) indicated that they believe that foreign actors will attempt to disrupt water facility operations. As local utility plants do not typically have sufficient funding to protect themselves against such threats, and have limited IT staffs utilizing older equipment. 
"I am the City Administrator for Maple Plain, MN. We're a very small town. It doesn't happen to small towns...right? ...As the day progressed we found out that some of the systems had been impacted." Stated Jacob Schillander, City Administrator for Maple Plain, MN. 
The potential damage caused by the cyberattacks could ultimately affect you through reduced water pressure, or untreated ground-water reaching areas where it should not reach. Additionally, the treatment process itself can potentially be manipulated, including temporarily disabling the ability to deliver clean drinking water to customers. Hospitals and Fire Departments would likely feel the most severe effects of temporary disruptions. 
At present (Monday), there is no evidence indicating that any contaminated drinking water has resulted from the cyberattacks in the affected states. 
President Donald Trump downplayed the severity of the attacks. In addition, on Friday, President Trump made allegations based upon unproven information regarding the source of the attacks against Minnesota, specifically alleging that Democratic Officials within the State of Minnesota were responsible. 
If Iranian involvement in the cyber-attacks exists, experts indicate that this situation presents a terrorist threat against U.S. Military Installations, many of which utilize civilian-based water supply sources. 
Nick Anderson, Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency, informed Scripps News that his organization is requesting all Critical Infrastructure Owners and Operators to immediately disconnect Publicly Exposed Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and Other Operational Technology from the Internet as soon as practical.”

Breaking news - Important funraisers

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Girls dance academy fundraiser                            8-31-26

Let’s try this again DFDA SKATE NIGHT WARE YOUR FAVORITE JERSEY!!!!!

Help for domestic violence victims

8-9-26

CALLING ALL BUSINESSES, VENDORS & COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS!

D’House of Angels is preparing for our Rebirth Gala on October 3, 2026, and we are looking for amazing businesses, vendors, entrepreneurs, and organizations to help us create beautiful VIP Swag Bags for our special guests!

ITEMS WE’D LOVE TO INCLUDE:

• Gift cards & certificates

• Beauty & skincare products

• Candles & self-care items

• Jewelry & accessories

• Wellness products

• Branded promotional items

• Coupons & special offers

• Snacks & treats

• Small gifts or keepsakes

• Business cards and promotional materials

• Products from local entrepreneurs

Your donation makes you part of something bigger. You’re not just filling a swag bag—you’re helping us create an unforgettable evening centered around survival, healing, empowerment, and rebirth.

Rebirth Gala — October 3, 2026

Detroit, Michigan

VIP guests will receive an exclusive swag bag filled with donated gifts and goodies!

Contact D’House of Angels at 586-350-6569

Support Survivors. Promote Your Business. Be Part of the Rebirth.

Breaking news - Community support requested

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Pontiac 

Number of articles {2}

DAILY LIVING / COMMUNITY

Free job & career training

9-3-26

Girls hair and high class training

8-7-26

Pontiac

Number of articles {3}

CIVIC / BUSINESS / SCHOOLS

Construction Apprentiship program and employment opportunity 

9-5-26

Kids turned into gentlemen - one mans vision 

8-30-26

A teacher at an elementary school in South Carolina noticed boys growing up without fathers at home and decided to step in. He created "The Gentlemen's Club," where young boys learn to dress up, shake hands, and make eye contact — with extra jackets and ties on hand for any boy who can't afford them. A small classroom initiative turning into the kind of mentorship that shapes a lifetime. See More >

City council creates new unit to aid children

8-12-26

After several tragic events involving children in the City of Pontiac, City Officials developed a new unit to investigate crimes involving children. Children's Protective Services (CPS), in Oakland County, was unable to act upon warning signs due to an extremely high case load.

City council has established a special task force called the CARE Unit to identify and investigate child abuse and/or neglect quicker. They approved the addition of two detectives from the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department (who provide law enforcement service) that will respond to and investigate child abuse/neglect complaints. This approval comes at a time of rising crime rates against Pontiac children (over 4,800 reports made in 2025). 

Crime rates regarding abuse to children have increased approximately 39 percent from last year and city officials said that while these numbers do show an alarming rise in the number 

of children being abused or neglected, they believe that now is the time to assign full-time detective staff to address what they see as a need for dedicated investigative efforts to focus

on identifying and investigating crimes committed against children.

Detectives assigned to the CARE Unit will look into each situation of potential child abuse or neglect, whether it involves possible evidence, a complaint filed by someone or if a member of the public calls reporting something suspicious. All of this is done so that no victims fall through the cracks. It is expected that the CARE Unit will begin operations by October 1st of this year.

Oakand County

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GENERAL / PROGRAMS / CRIME & SAFETY

Student offer of $1000 mini grant 

9-7-26

Amazon drones are stirring up problems

8-3-26

Amazon thinks using drones can offer an entirely new means for delivering packages.      

About 4 years ago Amazon started testing in the United States with a promise that it will deliver all of its customers’ packages to them via drones within 30 minutes. The Prime Air service was first offered in Metro Detroit, MI in November of 2025. There locations opened in Hazel Park and Pontiac. The small 5 pound drones (have a maximum speed of 73 mph. 

Actually, Amazon is praised by some local residents for using drones to deliver packages; but others are frustrated by constant drone noises that disrupt their daily routines with issues of privacy concerns too. Amazon is expanding its drone-delivery services across the country and the complaints from residents plus government officials is growing.

This issue isn't limited to Michigan. Many residents of US  cities currenly have access to Amazon drone drop off services.

Citizens who feel affected need to take action aggressively toward this issue since this is just the beginning. With millions upon millions of people shopping on Amazon daily, it suggests that thousands upon thousands of drones will be flying in our skies in the very near future.

Citizens can email Amazon or even contact the FAA to report any complaints. or fears (your concerns are both legitimate and important). If you experience any problem with Amazon drones you should send an email to amazondronefeedback@amazon.com. If you happen to experience a hazardous incident involving a drone that caused damage to vehicles or property, or creates real threats to your safety, please visit https://hotline.faa.gov.

Oakland County

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BUSINESS / POLITICS / COURT HOUSE

5 Oakland County areas reject millage renewals

8-16-26

The August 4th election results have caused a disaster for five Oakland county communities as voters rejected renewal of their millage requests. Millages supporting fire and emergency services were defeated in Brandon Township, Highland Township, Orion Township, and Waterford Township. Voters in Brandon Township, Independence Township, Orion Township, and Waterford Township voted against renewing millages that support law enforcement operations. Voters in Independence township also rejected a millage request to fund School Resource Officers. Some of the millage requests were designed to recover lost revenue due to roll backs as a result of the voter approved Headlee Amendment of 1978 which limits annual increases in property taxes through an inflation adjusted rollback of millage rates.

The outcome concerning these five communities means they will face challenges in funding essential services that rely on these millages. The rejection reflects voter concerns about tax increases or budget priorities, impacting local government operations and community programs. Officials in the affected areas will need to explore alternative funding solutions or make adjustments to services to address the shortfall caused by the failed renewals.

Residents financially supporting essential millages is crucial because these funds directly impact vital community services such as schools, public safety, libraries, and infrastructure maintenance. Millages provide stable, local funding that ensures these services can operate effectively and meet the community's needs. Without adequate financial support from residents, essential programs may face cuts or reduced quality, affecting overall quality of life and safety. Supporting millages also promotes community growth and sustainability by maintaining and improving public resources that benefit everyone. These are dramatic life altering delima’s other area’s would rather avoid. For many within these locales, hoping for the best and preparing for the worst sounds like a plan.

Region

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MEDIA SCOPE

The 2026 student cell phone ban in Michigan

8-11-26

Governor of Michigan, Gretchen Whitmer, signed into law a series of bipartisan bills that will reduce “phone distraction” in classrooms and improve “student concentration.” The bill requires all public school districts to develop “action plans,” which will  help to prevent students from using their devices during classes. However, there will be exemptions for emergencies and academic purposes which is a practical solution for needed exceptions along this newly chartered corridor to eliminate this huge distraction.

Banning cell phone use for students during classes is crucial to maintaining a focused and productive learning environment. Cell phones often cause distractions that interrupt both the student's concentration and the overall classroom flow. Without the constant temptation to check messages or social media, students can engage more deeply with the lesson, improving comprehension and retention. Additionally, banning phones helps reduce cheating during exams and encourages face-to-face interaction, fostering better communication skills. Overall, restricting cell phone use supports academic success and creates a more respectful and attentive classroom atmosphere.

The positive results of law enforcement cracking down on distracted drivers demonstrate how effective strict rules and enforcement can be in promoting safer behaviors. The goal for students is similar: by banning cell phone use during classes, we aim to achieve improved focus, fewer distractions, and better academic outcomes among active youth. Just as reducing distracted driving enhances safety on the roads, limiting phone distractions in classrooms fosters a more attentive and productive learning environment for young people.

Region

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POLITICS / BUSINESS

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