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Michigan House Committee Investigates Claims of Government Retaliation Against Animal Rescue Organization Michigan House Committee Investigates Claims of Government Retaliation Against Animal Rescue Organization
Lawmakers probe claims that state agencies retaliated against wildlife rehabilitator after public criticism.
May 14, 2025
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LANSING, Mich. — A Michigan House of Representatives committee heard testimony this week from Dr. Kelley Labonte, director of the Detroit Animal Welfare Group (DAWG), who claims she has been the target of harassment and retaliation by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office after criticizing the state's handling of a deer starvation incident.

Lawmakers opened the hearing by stressing that the inquiry was not to determine guilt or innocence, but to investigate whether state agencies weaponized their authority against a private citizen exercising free speech rights.

"One concern serious concerns about the power of the state that may be misused against private citizens who dare to challenge it," a committee member said in opening remarks. "This is not a Partisan issue. It’s a constitutional issue."

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Dr. Labonte, whose rescue organization has operated for more than 15 years and rehabilitated thousands of animals, detailed a years-long series of legal challenges, inspections, and criminal charges she contends were retaliation for her public criticism of the DNR's handling of a 2018 situation involving emaciated deer in Clarkston, Michigan.

Click here to watch hearing.

Labonte testified that she worked with the late Oakland County Executive Brooks Patterson to develop a plan to save the deer, but the DNR rejected the plan and shortly afterward, DAWG faced increased scrutiny. Labonte and her attorney, Celeste Dunn, presented internal DNR emails suggesting officials discussed revoking DAWG’s permits after Labonte criticized them publicly. One 2019 email from a DNR official reportedly asked, “Can we not pull their rehab license?” following online criticism of the department’s coyote policies.

Throughout the hearing, Labonte and Dunn argued that DAWG faced inspections unlike any other wildlife rehabilitation facility in Michigan, often involving armed DNR officers. Labonte described four instances of officers parking outside her property and repeated investigations based on what she called “frivolous” complaints, including accusations of possessing an eagle based on a Facebook post made by a volunteer.

Her attorney also cited a judge's ruling in favor of DAWG after a permit revocation trial, which found no documented basis for some DNR inspections and described some enforcement actions as potentially retaliatory.

The Other Side: DNR and Prosecutor's Response

While DNR officials were not present at the hearing, the department has previously defended its actions against DAWG in court filings and public statements. According to state records, DNR officials argued that enforcement actions were based on legitimate concerns regarding wildlife rehabilitation standards, including alleged failures to comply with cage size regulations and recordkeeping requirements.

Court documents reviewed during prior proceedings noted that the DNR was concerned about unpermitted handling of certain species and alleged noncompliance with Michigan’s Wildlife Conservation Order, though the Administrative Law Judge ultimately ruled in DAWG’s favor on permit revocation.

In response to broader criticisms of regulatory practices, the DNR has stated that it conducts inspections and investigations “to ensure the health and welfare of Michigan’s wildlife and to protect public safety.” The agency has maintained that its oversight is consistent with the law and that revoking a wildlife rehabilitation permit is a rare, serious step requiring substantial documentation.

As for the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office, public records show the office pursued misdemeanor charges related to alleged violations of wildlife care regulations, but a number of those charges were dismissed or reduced after court review. A spokesperson for the prosecutor’s office previously stated that their role is to enforce existing laws and that any charges brought were based on investigative reports submitted by the DNR, not political motivations.

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Michigan Vaccine Choice Group Advocates for New Legislation to Protect Parental Rights

LANSING, Mich. — A Michigan-based advocacy group is pushing for legislation to strengthen parental rights when it comes to childhood vaccinations. The organization, Michigan for Vaccine Choice, says its mission is to ensure parents can make informed medical decisions for their children without state interference.

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Saginaw, Michigan public library holding a "family friendly" drag queen reading to children. Many people have messaged me upset about this. What's your take?

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Not sure if you saw this or not Dave , I’m asking myself where did the money go , where did the Covid money go
Are there any other school districts cutting programs and laying off teachers?

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News they don't want you to see
Wednesday June 4, 2025
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Michigan Man Plotted Attack on Jewish Daycare.

Hassan Chokr, a 35-year-old Michigan man with a history of felony convictions, has pled guilty to federal gun charges in connection with a disturbing plot to attack a Jewish daycare in Bloomfield Hills.

In December 2022, while out on bail, Chokr drove through the Temple Beth El parking lot, yelling antisemitic slurs and threats at children and parents. After the incident, he attempted to purchase three firearms—an AR-15-style rifle, an automatic shotgun, and a Glock pistol—from a Dearborn gun store.

Authorities say he lied on the federal form to conceal prior convictions and a pending assault case. Court records show he referenced “God’s wrath” during the attempt and had posted antisemitic content online. He now faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Click here to learn more.

 

Elon Musk Criticizes Trump's Budget Bill as 'Disgusting Abomination'

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Elon Musk is speaking out against President Trump’s proposed federal budget, calling it a “disgusting abomination” in a post shared Tuesday on X (formerly Twitter).

The budget, which aims to stimulate growth through increased domestic energy production and infrastructure spending, also includes large boosts in defense funding and significant tariff hikes on imported steel and aluminum. Trump has defended the bill, saying it’s a bold plan to restore American manufacturing and energy independence.

However, Musk—known for his libertarian leanings—warned that the bill would explode the federal deficit, which is projected to reach $2.5 trillion. He criticized the measure as a betrayal of fiscal conservatives and warned it could lead to long-term economic instability.

Musk’s criticism is especially noteworthy given his previous alignment with some elements of Trump’s policy agenda. His comments signal emerging fractures between the pro-growth and limited-government factions of the right. Click here to read more.


 

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Border Patrol Says Over 1.2 Million ‘Gotaways’ Under Biden

WASHINGTON D.C. - Former border czar Tom Homan warned that America could face a major terror attack due to the surge in illegal immigration under President Biden.

Homan cited more than 1.2 million “gotaways”—individuals who entered the U.S. illegally without being apprehended. He questioned why so many would avoid contact with authorities if the Biden administration is routinely releasing migrants into the interior.

He also referenced the Colorado terrorist attack carried out by Mohamed Sabry Soliman, who had overstayed his visa, as a sign of what’s to come. Homan says border security failures are now the greatest national security threat he's seen in 40 years of law enforcement. Click here to read more.

 

Michigan Republicans Move to Impeach Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson

LANSING, Mich -Michigan House Republicans have introduced articles of impeachment against Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, a Democrat and top contender for the 2026 gubernatorial race.

Rep. James DeSana (R-Carleton) is leading the charge, accusing Benson of overstepping her authority by issuing illegal election directives, failing to preserve key election records, and damaging public trust in the electoral process.

The impeachment resolution also cites Benson’s political donations to a PAC supporting Michigan Supreme Court Justice Kyra Harris Bolden. Critics say the donation came shortly before Benson’s department appeared before the court in a case involving election inspectors—raising ethical concerns.

Another point of contention is Benson’s ban on firearms at polling places, which Republicans argue exceeded her legal authority. Click here to read more.

 

DeSantis signs bill extending ban on mRNA vaccine status discrimination

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed a piece of legislation that extends protections against discrimination based on mRNA vaccination status for another two years, upholding personal freedom and reinforcing Florida’s commitment to individual rights.

The news was shared on the Florida Department of Health’s “X” account on Tuesday.

What it does: HB 1299 prohibits health care providers and facilities from discriminating against a patient based solely on vaccination status and affirms a patient’s right to impartial access to treatment or accommodations regardless of vaccination status.

  • The bill repeals the scheduled expiration of the definition of mRNA vaccines, maintaining the prohibition against discrimination based on vaccination status.

  • It also prohibits health care providers and facilities from discriminating against patients based solely on vaccination status.

  • The bill requires Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers and Testing Laboratories to report actual or attempted theft, loss, or diversion of medical marijuana to the Department of Health as well as law enforcement, and defines “owners,” “managers,” and “employees” for background screening purposes. Click here to read more.

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Michigan State Rep. James DeSana to Introduce Articles of Impeachment Against Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson
Move follows contempt vote over Benson’s refusal to release full election training materials; DeSana alleges repeated legal violations and erosion of public trust.

LANSING, Mich. — On Tuesday, State Representative James DeSana (R-Carleton) announced plans to introduce articles of impeachment against Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson.

DeSana's move follows a recent vote in the Michigan House to hold Secretary Benson in civil contempt for allegedly refusing to comply with a legislative subpoena. The subpoena, issued by the House Oversight Committee, sought the full release of election training materials provided to local clerks across the state. While Benson's office released a portion of the materials, key information was reportedly withheld, leading to the contempt vote.

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"Our Secretary of State, Jocelyn Benson, has been found in violation of the law by the courts seven separate times, and she has lost the trust of the people," DeSana stated. "We as Representatives of the people have the responsibility to hold her accountable."

The articles of impeachment are expected to allege constitutional violations, corruption, and abuse of power related to Benson's handling of elections. This development marks a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions between Republican lawmakers and the Democratic Secretary of State over election administration and transparency.

Articles of impeachment against Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson are an uphill battle due to the following reasons:

1. Democratic Control of the Legislature

  • Michigan’s House and Senate are currently controlled by Democrats (as of 2025). Impeachment requires majority votes in both chambers: first to impeach (House), then to convict and remove (Senate).

  • It is highly improbable that Democrats will vote to remove a fellow Democrat from office based on Republican-led charges.

2. High Bar for Impeachment

  • Impeachment in Michigan is typically reserved for serious criminal misconduct or gross abuse of office. Political or policy disagreements, even if they involve court rulings, often don't meet that threshold.

  • Courts previously ruling against Benson on election issues were largely over administrative decisions—not criminal wrongdoing.

I have reached out to Benson’s office for a statement. If and when I get one I will update this article.

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News they don't want you to see
Tuesday June 3, 2025
 
 
 

LANSING, Mich - Michiganders will pay higher fees for vehicle registration, boating, and fishing if the state enacts the $84.6 billion budget for fiscal year 2026 that was recently passed by the Michigan Senate.

The recommendation exceeds Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s budget by more than a billion dollars but still requires the approval of the Michigan House.

The fee increase comes after a six-year period during which Michigan’s budget has grown by 47%.

Lawmakers want to require every Michigander who registers a vehicle to pay an extra $10 for a recreational park pass, a purchase that has been optional to date.

Michigan aims to raise $43.5 million in revenue through the higher recreational fee. The higher hunting and fishing fees are intended to raise $28.8 million, and the higher boating fee aims to bring in $12 million. The new Department of Natural Resources nudget would hire 29 new full-time employees. Click here to read more.

 

CLOVID, CALIF - Over the weekend, this sleepy San Joaquin Valley suburb of Fresno became the focus of the national transgenderism debate. The California Interscholastic Federation (CIF), the governing body for California high school athletics, hosted the statewide track and field championships at Clovis’s Buchanan High School, during which a boy, AB Hernandez, dominated several of the girls’ events.

Hernandez, a junior from Jurupa Valley High School, located near Riverside, is a boy who claims to be a transgender girl. Under CIF rules and California law, Hernandez has been permitted to compete in girls’ sports. On Saturday, May 31, Hernandez took first place in the girls’ triple jump, tied for first place in the girls’ high jump, and got second place in the girls’ long jump.

Yes, that’s right, the California state girls’ champion in the high and triple jump . . . is a boy. Click here to read more.

 

WASHIGNGTON D.C. - Since President Trump took office in January, some of the world’s largest and most prominent companies have made a clear choice: They are staking their future on a growing presence in the United States. Many of these companies are in the tech sector, and it’s welcome news as the U.S. seeks to secure its leadership position in the race for global technological dominance.

The running tally of new investments to make technology products in America is long, and the investments are substantial. The White House just launched a website called “The Trump Effect,” which lists more than $5 trillion of investments since Mr. Trump began his second term. Click here to read more.

 

WASHINGTON D.C. - Conservative and faith-based services are sounding the alarm about ways that Washington politicians could restrict the freedom to practice their beliefs, citing new provisions that narrowly failed during last week’s passage of President Donald Trump’s “big, beautiful” tax cut legislation.

Congressional action around election integrity is the impetus for increasing concern that religious freedoms may be caught in the crossfire. Provisions in the legislation would have allowed for expanded surveillance of sensitive areas such as churches, synagogues, and mosques, areas that have historically allowed civic associations to congregate.

The language was nearly included in last week’s omnibus bill passed by the U.S. House, which would have given the federal government additional authority to expand the definition of foreign election interference by nonprofit organizations. Religious advocates say this could jeopardize their tax-exempt status and even their relationships with federally backed banks, which may revoke their accounts. Click here to read more.

 

MURPHY, Texas - A suspect is in custody after police say a Texas elementary school teacher was attacked and robbed outside her school.

Parent Amber Beayrd says a Boggess Elementary School teacher was attacked last Thursday morning just steps from the school building. Several students, including her fourth grade son, witnessed what happened.

“They were outside for the recess activities. He heard some screaming going on, and that’s when he looked and saw everything happening,” Beayrd said.

Arrest documents state Daniel Okungbowa approached the teacher outside the school, asking questions about her job. Police say when the woman walked away, the suspect ran up behind her and grabbed her in a full-body hold. Click here to read more.

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