Dave Bondy
Politics • Culture • News
News they don't want you to see
Wednesday October 8, 2024
October 09, 2024
post photo preview

Thank you so much for being here. If you can become a paid subscriber, you'll help keep my independent journalism free for everyone. If not, that's okay—I know times are tough. Your support in any form means the world to me!

 

 

 
 

SALEM, Ore. (KATU) — The Oregon DMV announced that more potential non-citizens were accidentally registered to vote by mistake.

The DMV released an "after-action report" at 3 p.m. Monday at Governor Tina Kotek’s request.

It reveals that 1,561 potential non-citizens were registered to vote through the DMV.

Last month, that number was believed to be just over 1,200.

Also, the agency says that its own policy stated that a birth certificate from the U.S. Territory of American Samoa was acceptable proof of citizenship, when in fact, it is not.

The DMV report says that the root of these issues lies in the agency's leadership and not staffers in field offices. Click here to read more.

 

CHICAGO, IL - Average spending per student in Chicago Public Schools has soared in recent years. In Fiscal Year 2022, instructional and operational spending per student came in at $15,274 and $24,132, respectively. In FY2018, those figures were $10,314 and $15,878, representing increases of 48% and 52%.

That dramatic increase in spending per student has not improved academic outcomes. In 2018, 25.1% of CPS 11th graders achieved or exceeded proficiency in reading on the SAT. For mathematics, 25.1% achieved or exceeded proficiency. By 2022, the numbers of students achieving or exceeding proficiency dropped to 21.0% in reading and to 20.5% in mathematics.

Instructional spending only includes activities directly related to interactions between students and teachers or the teaching of students. Operational spending includes instructional spending plus nearly all costs for overall operations in the school district.

The percentage of students who are “partially meeting,” proficiency standards on the SAT has increased as the number of students achieving proficiency has decreased. In 2018, only 33.6% and 43.2% of students partially met proficiency in ELA and math. By 2022, those figures had risen to 40.1% and 55.3%. Click here to read more.

 

BOSTON, MASS - U.S. hospitals charged nearly $120 million over five years for sex-change procedures performed on around 14,000 children, according to new data compiled by medical watchdog Do No Harm.

The first-of-its-kind database, which logs sex-change procedures given to children nationwide between 2019 and 2023, catalogs a total of 5,747 minors who underwent sex-change surgeries, along with 8,579 who obtained puberty blockers or cross sex hormones.

Do No Harm believes the problem is likely even bigger than the data shows. The numbers, which are drawn from insurance claims data across all 50 states, do not include self-pay, charity payments, internal Veterans Affairs claims or patients covered by Kaiser Health Plans.

To create its dataset, the watchdog group matched gender-related diagnosis codes with codes for procedures related to gender transitions, such as body modification surgeries, cross sex hormones and puberty blockers. Click here to read more.

Share

 

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF - Vice President Kamala Harris said in a Monday interview with 60 Minutes that she owns a Glock pistol, but she advocated and currently advocates for gun control measures that would ban or heavily restrict the very pistol she owns.

Despite Harris’ ownership, she advocated for Proposition H, a total handgun ban in San Francisco in 2005 when she was district attorney for the city, and currently backs bans on “high-capacity” magazines and “assault weapons,” according to her campaign website. Glocks can accept magazines that hold well over 10 rounds. If Harris owned a standard issue magazine for a large range of Glock’s pistol offerings, it could land her a misdemeanor and up to a year in prison in her home state, according to the California Penal Code.

The magazine capacity on many Glock pistols would not only be banned under her past legislative records and potentially be banned under her current proposals, but would be designated as “unsafe” under California law since Glocks do not have the required loaded chamber indicator and magazine disconnect, according to The Reload. Click here to read more.

Do you need your furnace checked on or any other HVAC services in Michigan? I only trust Bigfoot Pro Services.

 

Although the Federal Emergency Management Agency told Congress last month that it had $4 billion in its Disaster Relief Fund, officials also warned that the Fund could have a shortfall of $6 billion by year’s end, a situation FEMA says could deteriorate in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

While FEMA is expected to ask Congress for new money, budget experts note a surprising fact: FEMA is currently sitting on untapped reserves appropriated for past disasters stretching back decades. 

An August report from the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General noted that in 2022, FEMA “estimated that 847 disaster declarations with approximately $73 billion in unliquidated funds remained open.” 

Drilling down on that data, the OIG found that $8.3 billion of that total was for disasters declared in 2012 or earlier.

Such developments are part of a larger pattern in which FEMA failed to close out specific grant programs “within a certain timeframe, known as the period of performance (POP),” according to the IG report. Those projects now represent billions in unliquidated appropriations that could potentially be returned to the DRF (Disaster Relief Fund).” Click here to read more.

community logo
Join the Dave Bondy Community
To read more articles like this, sign up and join my community today
0
What else you may like…
Videos
Posts
Articles
Neighbors helping neighbors in Kerr County, Texas

I spoke with Janice Riley, who lives just two miles from the deadly flooding in Kerr County, Texas.

Janice is stepping up to help her neighbors in the wake of the flooding. If you’d like to support relief efforts, visit the Kerr County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page for a list of reputable organizations accepting donations.

00:11:54
Some people are blaming the Trump administration for the flooding.
00:01:35
Despite Gunfire and a High-Speed Chase, Police Say New Michigan Laws Stopped Them from Jailing Seventeen-Year-Old

GRAND BLANC, Mich. — A 17-year-old suspect was released Friday following a high-speed police chase that ended with a handgun being thrown from the vehicle and discharging into the car, according to law enforcement officials.

The pursuit occurred June 27 and involved multiple agencies, including the Michigan State Police, Genesee County Sheriff's Department, and police from the cities of Grand Blanc, Flint, Burton, and Davison Township.

Authorities say the juvenile attempted to discard a handgun from the moving vehicle. The firearm discharged into the interior of the car during the attempt. No injuries were reported, and the suspect was taken into custody—but later released.

Law enforcement officials say the release was due to changes in state law. In October 2021, Michigan enacted a “Raise the Age” law that reclassified 17-year-olds as juveniles, meaning they could no longer be lodged in adult county jails. Previously, the suspect would have been held in the Genesee County Jail.

In ...

00:01:54
When I worked at a local tv station my news director tried to get one of the meteorologists to make the red on the screen look darker during severe weather. He thought that would bring in better ratings. True story. Good news, the meteorlogist told him t

When I worked at a local tv station my news director tried to get one of the meteorologists to make the red on the screen look darker during severe weather. He thought that would bring in better ratings. True story. Good news, the meteorlogist told him to go fly a kite.

post photo preview
President Trump scolds reporter for asking about Epstein during cabinet meeting this morning.

President Trump scolds reporter for asking about Epstein during cabinet meeting this morning.
https://open.substack.com/pub/davebondy/p/president-trump-scolds-reporter-for?r=m9vqj&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

President Trump was just asked by a reporter about the Epstein list. Trump scolded the reporter for asking the question saying there is more important things to discuss.

President Trump was just asked by a reporter about the Epstein list. Trump scolded the reporter for asking the question saying there is more important things to discuss.

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
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
See More
Available on mobile and TV devices
google store google store app store app store
google store google store app tv store app tv store amazon store amazon store roku store roku store
Powered by Locals