Good morning, Flint.

Rising pet food and vet costs have forced many long-time pet owners to surrender their pets and put local shelters near full capacity.

Genesee County Animal Control will offer a free vaccine clinic this fall—shelter leaders ask residents to adopt, foster, or volunteer to help ease the strain.

Long-awaited updates are underway at the Automotive Pioneer Statue Plaza in Downtown Flint as Back to the Bricks and Curbco work to renew historic pavers by removing and preserving them before replacing the surface with stamped concrete—families who bought commemorative pavers will receive their original bricks once the work is complete. New landscaping and plans for seating and expanded recognition of automotive pioneers will enhance the plaza in the coming years.

Flint police reported that a suspect faces first-degree murder charges after a 14-year-old girl was killed at her home in March when an argument with her boyfriend led to gunshots heard by her mother over FaceTime while she was driving from work — authorities continue to investigate the case.

Today, nearly every pregnant woman in Flint joined a baby parade to celebrate Rx Kids, a program that gives new mothers $1,500 before delivery plus $500 each month for up to 12 months to help pay for baby and household needs — the program, launched in 2024 with state, local and philanthropic funds, is set to expand to more Michigan areas this fall — lawmakers and supporters say it could serve as a model for helping families nationwide.

Flint Police Department will hold its second annual S.A.P.P.H.I.R.E.S. conference from Aug.

12th to Aug. 16th to discuss sexual assault prevention and survivor support. The event will feature speakers such as Claressa Shields and Mayor Sheldon Neeley (with additional voices including Chief Terence Green, Sergeant Mona Patterson, Michelle Harrell, and Tia Cole).

Genesee County government employees were excited after a ribbon cutting on July 31 for a $40-million renovated office tower in downtown Flint — they will begin moving into the former Citizens Bank building soon.

Rx Kids, a Flint program that gives new mothers up to $7,500 during their baby’s first year, celebrated its two-year anniversary today with a parade at Applewood Estate—backed by state, local, and philanthropic funds.

The program is set to expand in parts of Michigan in the coming months to help ease child care costs.

Tattoo City Beard & Mustache Competition

Aug 8-10 — Wyndham Flint MI/Grand Blanc/Bishop Airport Hotel & Conference Ctr — Entry fee varies — Show off your best beard and mustache in this spirited contest.

Beatles vs. Elvis - A Musical Showdown

7:30-9 p.m. — FIM Whiting Auditorium — Cost info not provided — Witness the legendary battle of rock n’ roll icons in an unforgettable musical showdown.

Buicks on the Bricks

10 a.m. - 5 p.m. — Dort-Durant Carriage Factory — Free entry — Showcase of collectible Buicks in the birthplace of General Motors with food and fun for all.

The Ally Challenge

All day — Warwick Hills Golf & Country — Entry fee applies — Experience high-level golf with top professionals during the PGA TOUR Champions event.

Women in the Lead: Nosey Parker with Special Guest Audrey Dupuis

7 PM - 1 AM — FIM Capitol Theatre — Check website for ticket info — Experience an evening of rising Michigan talent and live music under the stars.

Skies Over Michigan

3:00 p.m. — Longway Planetarium — Cost not specified — Experience the wonders of the night sky at this educational event.