Dave Bondy
Politics • Culture • News
News they don't want you to see
Tuesday February 18, 2025
February 18, 2025
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ALBUQUERQUE, NM - A Good Samaritan in New Mexico took down a bank robber last month as the thief tried to run off with more than $2,000 in stolen cash, according to authorities.

Humberto Garcia Rodriguez was sitting in the lobby at a Bank of Montreal (BMO) in Albuquerque, when he witnessed a man walk in and push a woman out of the way to talk to the teller, according to a report by KOB 4.

The man, later identified as John Martin, had just robbed the same bank a month earlier, according to court documents.

Police said Martin mimed a gun at the teller and demanded cash. Meanwhile, Rodriguez decided to take action.

Video footage shows Rodriguez getting behind Martin and tackling him before he could make his getaway. As the scuffle commenced, a total of $2,422 in cash went flying into the air, scattering at the men’s feet. Click here to read more.

 

JD Vance spoke over the weekend at the Munich security conference on behalf of the United States — the primary topic was Ukraine, for obvious reasons — but instead of discussing the immediate geopolitical matter, he took his time at the rostrum to deliver a harsh message to the European grandees gathered there about the enemy “within.” And he wasn’t subtle in identifying that threat as the overreaction of Europeans to dissident populist parties:

The threat that I worry the most about vis-a-vis Europe is not Russia, it’s not China, it’s not any other external actor. What I worry about is the threat from within. The retreat of Europe from some of its most fundamental values: values shared with the United States of America.

I was struck that a former European commissioner went on television recently and sounded delighted that the Romanian government had just annulled an entire election. He warned that if things don’t go to plan, the very same thing could happen in Germany too.

Now, these cavalier statements are shocking to American ears. For years we’ve been told that everything we fund and support is in the name of our shared democratic values. Everything from our Ukraine policy to digital censorship is billed as a defense of democracy. Click here to read more.

 

WASHINGTON D.C. - While U.S. currency has no such denomination, the fake bill in the image also has similar modern money markings and Trump phrases as the counterfeit $100.

Making or using counterfeit money is a serious crime. Earlier this month, a 28-year-old man in Chicago was sentenced to more than seven years in federal prison for manufacturing about $92,000 in fake $100 bills. Authorities said he tried to use the bills to make purchases at local businesses, recruiting woman and even girls as young as 16 years old to assist with the purchases.

If you do come across a counterfeit bill, contact police or the U.S. Secret Service Omaha field office.

 

WASHINGTON D.C. - The U.S. Agency for International Development wasn’t just spending your hard-earned tax dollars on transgender operas overseas—USAID also has troubling connections with the leftist pressure groups that infiltrated and advised the Biden administration.

My book, “The Woketopus: The Dark Money Cabal Manipulating the Federal Government,” exposes the woke activist groups that fed staff into the administrative state and pushed woke policies on the bureaucracy.

As President Donald Trump released information about USAID’s corruption, I started to notice a few familiar names from my research.

The American people should understand just how connected the woke enterprise is to the federal bureaucracy, and USAID provides a powerful example of those ties. Click here to read more.

 

A Christian advocacy group is praising God for “victory” after successfully working to shut down what they say is a “disturbing exhibit” at a Texas museum.

The Danbury Institute, a nonpartisan association of Evangelical churches based in Dallas, first brought attention to the "Diaries of Home" exhibit by acclaimed photographer Sally Mann at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth in late December, when police removed four photographs from the museum over allegations that the exhibit promoted child pornography.

The group shared an update on Feb. 11 announcing that the photos that were seized remain in police custody as the investigation continues as a “direct result of public pressure and God’s faithfulness in answering our prayers.”

“This is a powerful reminder that when Christians stand for truth, we can make a difference,” the statement added.

The group also warned against complacency on the part of Christians engaging with culture, adding that “the normalization of child exploitation in the name of ‘art’ is a growing threat in our culture, and we must remain vigilant. Click here to read more.

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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.

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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.

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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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