Dave Bondy
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News they don't want you to see
Friday February 27, 2025
February 27, 2025

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WASHINGTON D.C. - Here’s a scary prospect: an unelected shadow government operating beyond the limits of the Constitution and the separation of powers, and doing so with no accountability.

Many are portraying President Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, this way. Tasked with modernizing technology, increasing efficiency, and rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse throughout the executive branch, the Elon Musk-led team has even been accused of “conducting a hostile takeover of the federal government.”

The truth is that all these characterizations just as accurately, if not more accurately, describe the unelected bureaucrats running the administrative state.

For decades, the Constitution’s limited government of enumerated and separated powers has been undermined by a bloated bureaucracy that rules over practically every aspect of Americans’ lives with impunity.

But the same people maligning DOGE for operating outside the three branches of government with little accountability have rarely, if ever, applied the same standards to this federal Leviathan. Not a peep about what has become an unconstitutional fourth branch of government filled with career bureaucrats that write rules with the force of law, enforce those same rules against individuals, interpret the provisions of those rules however they see fit, and often try defendants in house for violating those rules. Click here to read more.

 

A Mexican national, who has already been deported once, was arrested and charged with murder in a multiple shooting incident in Michigan, according to reports.

Police in Alpine Township, a northern suburb of Grand Rapids, charged Gilberto Hernandez-Mendez, 42, with eleven charges including murder, attempted murder, and a slew of weapons offenses stemming from a February 22 incident that left one dead and two more wounded, WWMT-TV reported.

Investigators allege that Hernandez-Mendez shot three women at an Alpine Township residence at around 2:30 a.m. after a “domestic dispute.”

Upon arriving at the scene, officers found Norma Ramirez-Martinez, 56, dead. The deceased was the mother of the suspect’s ex-girlfriend. The girlfriend and another woman were both wounded in the shooting. The girlfriend’s two daughters were also injured, police said. Click here to read more.

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – America First Legal (AFL), supported by Cooper & Kirk PLLC and Ard Law Group, is taking action to defend Adams County, Washington, against the unlawful and abusive effort by Washington state officials to enforce illegal and dangerous sanctuary laws and policies and compel Adams County to violate federal immigration laws.

Last year, Washington state officials threatened to sue Adams County for refusing to comply with the harmful, dangerous, and illegal sanctuary jurisdiction law fraudulently titled the “Keep Washington Working Act.” Now, these officials are unlawfully attempting to force Adams County to sign a “consent decree” that will compel it to violate federal law for the next four years.

To protect American citizens and our Constitution, Adams County is standing up in opposition to this egregious abuse of state power. AFL is defending Adams County so that state officials and their anti-American open-border allies may not bully, coerce, or compel pro-American communities with dangerous sanctuary laws and policies that shield criminal illegal aliens and endanger law-abiding citizens. Click here to read more.

 

Declining student enrollment is forcing Michigan school districts to consolidate and close schools, despite record spending in recent years.

On Monday, Grand Haven Public Schools unveiled plans to consolidate elementary schools after a decade of declining enrollment that’s expected to continue with the loss of 650 students over the next five years.

“If we do nothing we will not be able to keep our doors open in two years,” Superintendent Kristin Perkowski told WOOD. “That’s the current state with 10 years of loss in students.”

Declining student enrollment is forcing Michigan school districts to consolidate and close schools, despite record spending in recent years.

On Monday, Grand Haven Public Schools unveiled plans to consolidate elementary schools after a decade of declining enrollment that’s expected to continue with the loss of 650 students over the next five years.

“If we do nothing we will not be able to keep our doors open in two years,” Superintendent Kristin Perkowski told WOOD. “That’s the current state with 10 years of loss in students.” Click here to read more.

 

The now-shuttered U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) paid Ukrainian models and designers to go to Paris Fashion Week and other frivolous luxuries, Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) said Wednesday.

Ernst revealed that USAID did not report the expenditures in public databases and tried to block her staff from seeing them, claiming they were classified. In reality, she said, they were not classified, merely embarrassing for how wasteful they were.

Ukraine’s leader Volodymyr Zelensky has demanded billions from American taxpayers, raising the specter of gruesome deaths and suffering. But “staff learned that the aid intended to alleviate economic distress in the war-torn nation was spent on such frivolous activities as sending Ukrainian models and designers on junkets to New York City, London Fashion Week, Paris Fashion Week, and South by Southwest in Austin, Texas,” a memo obtained by The Daily Wire said.

Ukrainian recipients of “Competitive Economy Program (CEP)” funds included, the memo said:

• A modern women’s attire company ($150,000)
• A trade mission for a fashion design house ($128,000)
• A photographer for fashion design publications ($126,000)
• A purveyor of contemporary knitwear ($161,000)
• A luxury bridal brand ($84,000)
• Marketplace for designer artisanal pieces inspired by folk crafts ($84,000)

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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