Dave Bondy
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The mainstream media has neglected its duty in reporting the University of Georgia student murder properly
Media fails to focus on suspect's illegal immigration status
February 26, 2024
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The media has not adequately addressed the tragic case involving the murder of a college student in Georgia, allegedly committed by an individual who entered the country illegally. This lack of comprehensive coverage highlights a significant oversight in reporting on issues of critical public concern.

Since the beginning of Joe Biden's term as president, the United States has seen an influx of approximately 7.3 million undocumented immigrants, raising significant concerns about border security and its implications for national safety.

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This issue is increasingly becoming a focal point as the 2024 Presidential Election approaches, even surpassing concerns about the economy and the country's involvement in conflicts overseas.

The Biden administration's dismissal of these concerns as extremist views contrasts sharply with the tangible impact on the daily lives of many Americans.

Among the underreported consequences of this immigration policy is the tragic case of Laken Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student from Georgia, whose death has largely been ignored by major media outlets.

This lack of attention is attributed to the perpetrator being an undocumented immigrant, a narrative that doesn't align with the current administration's stance on immigration.

Laken Riley, studying nursing at Augusta University, was found deceased after she went missing during a jog, a victim of blunt force trauma. The suspect, 26-year-old Jose Antonio Ibarra from Venezuela, was apprehended in connection with her murder. His brother, Diego, was also detained on unrelated charges that highlight issues with immigration enforcement.

Take a look at the below headline from CNN. CNN updated this story on Sunday, February 25 and failed to highlight the suspect was an illegal immigrant.

The community and the University of Georgia have expressed deep sorrow over Riley's untimely death, praising her character and academic achievements. The authorities believe Ibarra acted alone, with no evidence suggesting he had any prior connection to Riley or an extensive criminal history, despite previous legal issues related to illegal entry into the U.S.

The case underscores broader concerns about the current immigration policies and their enforcement, as Ibarra's ability to remain in the U.S. after prior arrests points to systemic issues. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has criticized the federal administration for its border policies in light of such incidents.

Despite the gravity of Riley's murder and its potential as a high-profile case, it has not received significant media coverage, contrasting with other high-profile cases in recent years. This has led to criticisms of the media and the administration for their handling of immigration issues and the perceived downplaying of crimes involving undocumented immigrants.

Instead of focusing on the issue of illegal immigration and how it was directly impacted on this case, the Associated Press published a story about how jogging can be dangerous for women. No mention of the suspect’s illegal immigration.

Border Patrol's arrest statistics reveal a concerning number of criminal non-citizens, including those with violent crime convictions, yet these figures and cases like Riley's murder receive limited attention, highlighting a disconnect between media coverage and the reality of immigration-related challenges.

Newsweek published a story with the headline, “MAGA demands death penalty for migrant arrested over killing of Laken Riley.”

I believe that regardless of political leanings, a significant number of Americans might support the imposition of the death penalty in this particular case.

Monday morning I went onto nbcnews.com and could not find this story on their home page. This is a perfect example of the mainstream media attempting to set a narrative. The narrative of this story is to avoid it altogether.

I do give credit to FOX5 in Atlanta, Georgia for covering the story properly.

The television station published and aired numerous stories that went into detail about the background of the suspect.

This is not an isolated case. Illegal immigrants have been committing crimes against Americans in growing numbers.

Oakland County, Michigan Sheriff Michael Bouchard called in September of 2023 for tighter border security as his office works with multiple agencies to intercept the efforts of "transnational gangs" involved in "high-end burglaries," prowling across Oakland county and throughout the nation.

 

 

At a press conference, the sheriff outlined the ongoing investigation into a series of burglaries that have significantly impacted Michigan's second-largest county, causing extensive financial loss estimated in the "hundreds and hundreds of thousands of dollars." While the sheriff did not provide specifics on arrests or other investigative details, he mentioned that officials have identified certain patterns or "specific threads" related to the incidents.

Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard details what authorities have learned about "transnational gangs" involved in "high-end burglaries" across the county on Friday, Sept. 29, 2023.

"These are transnational gangs that are involved in this that come from South America, looking to do burglaries and violate our communities, not just in Oakland County but across America," Bouchard said. "It's criminality at its organized crime best in terms of that's how it functions. They work together, and they're here for a specific purpose."


Tammy Nobles, the mother of 20-year-old Kayla Hamilton who was autistic and tragically raped and murdered in 2022, has filed a $100 million lawsuit against the U.S. federal government.

She alleges that the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Health and Human Services failed to prevent an MS-13 gang member from El Salvador, who is accused of her daughter's murder, from entering the U.S. due to insufficient background checks.

Nobles testified before a House panel, emphasizing that her concern is about safety, not politics, and expressed her determination to bring awareness to border security issues.

The lawsuit claims that the suspect, a 17-year-old from El Salvador, was known to be a gang member and could have been easily identified and barred from entry with proper vetting. The suspect, who was living with Hamilton, was arrested after DNA evidence linked him to the crime. Nobles and her attorney argue that this case highlights a broader failure by federal agencies to protect U.S. citizens.

The Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Health and Human Services have expressed sympathy but have not commented on the ongoing litigation. The case has also sparked criticism from some members of Congress regarding the current administration's border policies.


The mainstream media often crafts narratives that seem politically driven, which in my view, overlooks the nuanced and real-world consequences of illegal immigration. This oversight underscores the vital role of independent journalists who operate free from corporate influence, ensuring a diversity of perspectives and stories are shared with the public.

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DTE Says St. Clair County Crossed the Line on Solar Farm Regulations
DTE claims local officials are overstepping and threatening major solar projects.

PORT HURON, Mich. — DTE Electric Company filed a lawsuit against St. Clair County, its Board of Commissioners, and Health Department on July 3, 2025, challenging new regulations on solar farms and battery storage projects.

The suit, filed in St. Clair County Circuit Court, claims the rules are illegal and violate state laws promoting renewable energy.

The dispute centers on Public Act 233 (PA 233), a 2023 Michigan law that sets uniform standards for large-scale wind, solar, and energy storage projects. PA 233 allows the Michigan Public Service Commission to oversee permitting unless local ordinances match its standards.

Support my independent journalism by signing up to my free newsletter. Also, if you aren’t already consider becoming a paid subscriber for less than $1 per week. I rely on all of you to keep this work going.

 

 

DTE argues the county’s regulations exceed these standards and conflict with the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act.

St. Clair County’s regulations, adopted May 1, 2025, require solar and battery storage facilities to obtain Health Department approval before construction. They limit noise to 45 decibels at non-participating property lines, stricter than PA 233’s 55-decibel cap, and prohibit tonal noise.

I talked to Dr. Remington Nevin in February about this issue. Watch below:

Facilities must be visually screened from roads and adjacent properties using fencing, berms, or vegetation.

The rules also mandate a decommissioning plan with financial assurance of at least $100,000 per megawatt, adjusted for inflation, compared to PA 233’s more flexible requirements. A $25,000 nonrefundable fee is required for each application, covering review costs.

The regulations stem from a November 2024 memorandum by Dr. Remington Nevin, the county Health Department’s medical director. Nevin cited potential public health risks from solar farms, including noise, visual pollution, and environmental hazards from improper decommissioning. He argued rural residents are a “particularly vulnerable population group” needing extra protection.

DTE, Michigan’s largest electric utility, is developing solar and energy storage projects in St. Clair County. In August 2024, the company presented plans to the Greenwood Township Planning Commission, advocating for ordinances aligned with PA 233.

DTE claims the county’s rules hinder these projects and its property interests.

The lawsuit argues the Health Department lacks authority to regulate land use, a power reserved for counties, townships, cities, or villages under the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act. Since all St. Clair County townships have their own zoning ordinances, DTE says the county cannot impose additional rules.

The suit also claims PA 233 preempts stricter local regulations.

On April 4, 2025, the Health Department announced a public hearing for April 16 to discuss the proposed rules. DTE submitted a letter on April 14, arguing the regulations were preempted and arbitrary.

The Health Department adopted the rules on April 25, and the Board of Commissioners approved them with immediate effect, citing public health concerns.

DTE seeks a court order declaring the regulations invalid and unenforceable. The company argues they undermine Michigan’s clean energy goals, targeting 80% clean energy by 2035 and 100% by 2040.

St. Clair County’s legal counsel, Gary Fletcher, said the county will defend the regulations, citing authority under the Michigan Public Health Code.

The Health Department referred questions to the county. Attempts to reach St. Clair County for further comment were made, but no response was received by press time. DTE’s attorneys, from Warner Norcross + Judd LLP, declined to comment.

A court hearing is expected later this year.

Read full Article
post photo preview
DTE Says St. Clair County Crossed the Line on Solar Farm Regulations
DTE claims local officials are overstepping and threatening major solar projects.

PORT HURON, Mich. — DTE Electric Company filed a lawsuit against St. Clair County, its Board of Commissioners, and Health Department on July 3, 2025, challenging new regulations on solar farms and battery storage projects.

The suit, filed in St. Clair County Circuit Court, claims the rules are illegal and violate state laws promoting renewable energy.

The dispute centers on Public Act 233 (PA 233), a 2023 Michigan law that sets uniform standards for large-scale wind, solar, and energy storage projects. PA 233 allows the Michigan Public Service Commission to oversee permitting unless local ordinances match its standards.

Support my independent journalism by signing up to my free newsletter. Also, if you aren’t already consider becoming a paid subscriber for less than $1 per week. I rely on all of you to keep this work going.

 

 

DTE argues the county’s regulations exceed these standards and conflict with the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act.

St. Clair County’s regulations, adopted May 1, 2025, require solar and battery storage facilities to obtain Health Department approval before construction. They limit noise to 45 decibels at non-participating property lines, stricter than PA 233’s 55-decibel cap, and prohibit tonal noise.

I talked to Dr. Remington Nevin in February about this issue. 

Facilities must be visually screened from roads and adjacent properties using fencing, berms, or vegetation.

The rules also mandate a decommissioning plan with financial assurance of at least $100,000 per megawatt, adjusted for inflation, compared to PA 233’s more flexible requirements. A $25,000 nonrefundable fee is required for each application, covering review costs.

The regulations stem from a November 2024 memorandum by Dr. Remington Nevin, the county Health Department’s medical director. Nevin cited potential public health risks from solar farms, including noise, visual pollution, and environmental hazards from improper decommissioning. He argued rural residents are a “particularly vulnerable population group” needing extra protection.

 

 

DTE, Michigan’s largest electric utility, is developing solar and energy storage projects in St. Clair County. In August 2024, the company presented plans to the Greenwood Township Planning Commission, advocating for ordinances aligned with PA 233.

DTE claims the county’s rules hinder these projects and its property interests.

The lawsuit argues the Health Department lacks authority to regulate land use, a power reserved for counties, townships, cities, or villages under the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act. Since all St. Clair County townships have their own zoning ordinances, DTE says the county cannot impose additional rules.

The suit also claims PA 233 preempts stricter local regulations.

On April 4, 2025, the Health Department announced a public hearing for April 16 to discuss the proposed rules. DTE submitted a letter on April 14, arguing the regulations were preempted and arbitrary.

The Health Department adopted the rules on April 25, and the Board of Commissioners approved them with immediate effect, citing public health concerns.

DTE seeks a court order declaring the regulations invalid and unenforceable. The company argues they undermine Michigan’s clean energy goals, targeting 80% clean energy by 2035 and 100% by 2040.

St. Clair County’s legal counsel, Gary Fletcher, said the county will defend the regulations, citing authority under the Michigan Public Health Code.

The Health Department referred questions to the county. Attempts to reach St. Clair County for further comment were made, but no response was received by press time. DTE’s attorneys, from Warner Norcross + Judd LLP, declined to comment.

A court hearing is expected later this year.

Read full Article
post photo preview
DTE Says St. Clair County Crossed the Line on Solar Farm Regulations
DTE claims local officials are overstepping and threatening major solar projects.

PORT HURON, Mich. — DTE Electric Company filed a lawsuit against St. Clair County, its Board of Commissioners, and Health Department on July 3, 2025, challenging new regulations on solar farms and battery storage projects.

The suit, filed in St. Clair County Circuit Court, claims the rules are illegal and violate state laws promoting renewable energy.

The dispute centers on Public Act 233 (PA 233), a 2023 Michigan law that sets uniform standards for large-scale wind, solar, and energy storage projects. PA 233 allows the Michigan Public Service Commission to oversee permitting unless local ordinances match its standards.

Support my independent journalism by signing up to my free newsletter. Also, if you aren’t already consider becoming a paid subscriber for less than $1 per week. I rely on all of you to keep this work going.

 

 

DTE argues the county’s regulations exceed these standards and conflict with the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act.

St. Clair County’s regulations, adopted May 1, 2025, require solar and battery storage facilities to obtain Health Department approval before construction. They limit noise to 45 decibels at non-participating property lines, stricter than PA 233’s 55-decibel cap, and prohibit tonal noise.

I talked to Dr. Remington Nevin in February about this issue. Watch below:

Facilities must be visually screened from roads and adjacent properties using fencing, berms, or vegetation.

The rules also mandate a decommissioning plan with financial assurance of at least $100,000 per megawatt, adjusted for inflation, compared to PA 233’s more flexible requirements. A $25,000 nonrefundable fee is required for each application, covering review costs.

The regulations stem from a November 2024 memorandum by Dr. Remington Nevin, the county Health Department’s medical director. Nevin cited potential public health risks from solar farms, including noise, visual pollution, and environmental hazards from improper decommissioning. He argued rural residents are a “particularly vulnerable population group” needing extra protection.

DTE, Michigan’s largest electric utility, is developing solar and energy storage projects in St. Clair County. In August 2024, the company presented plans to the Greenwood Township Planning Commission, advocating for ordinances aligned with PA 233.

DTE claims the county’s rules hinder these projects and its property interests.

The lawsuit argues the Health Department lacks authority to regulate land use, a power reserved for counties, townships, cities, or villages under the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act. Since all St. Clair County townships have their own zoning ordinances, DTE says the county cannot impose additional rules.

The suit also claims PA 233 preempts stricter local regulations.

On April 4, 2025, the Health Department announced a public hearing for April 16 to discuss the proposed rules. DTE submitted a letter on April 14, arguing the regulations were preempted and arbitrary.

The Health Department adopted the rules on April 25, and the Board of Commissioners approved them with immediate effect, citing public health concerns.

DTE seeks a court order declaring the regulations invalid and unenforceable. The company argues they undermine Michigan’s clean energy goals, targeting 80% clean energy by 2035 and 100% by 2040.

St. Clair County’s legal counsel, Gary Fletcher, said the county will defend the regulations, citing authority under the Michigan Public Health Code.

The Health Department referred questions to the county. Attempts to reach St. Clair County for further comment were made, but no response was received by press time. DTE’s attorneys, from Warner Norcross + Judd LLP, declined to comment.

A court hearing is expected later this year.

Read full Article
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