LANSING — A group of pig farmers and hunting ranch operators told Michigan lawmakers that the state’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has been waging a decade-long campaign to destroy their livelihoods under the guise of environmental enforcement.
At the center of the controversy is the DNR’s 2010 Invasive Species Order (ISO), which effectively banned the possession of certain breeds of pigs the state deemed “feral” or “invasive.” But according to the farmers, the pigs in question are not wild animals, but barnyard livestock raised for hunting and meat.
“This is not about dangerous pigs,” said Republican State Sen. Ed McBroom during a hearing. “It’s about government overreach. The DNR ignored legislative efforts to regulate the industry and instead used executive authority to force these farmers out.”
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McBroom recounted how small farmers were targeted despite breeding pigs on fenced, regulated ranches. The DNR argued that phenotypic traits — such as ear shape and hair color — were enough to classify the pigs as invasive. In one court challenge, the department released a list of characteristics they claimed would distinguish illegal pigs from legal ones, but critics say the list was arbitrary and unscientific.
Veterinary experts testified that the DNR’s pig classification methods were based on flawed science. They said the department created a genetic test based on less than 600 samples, which they argued was insufficient for a reliable scientific basis. Heritage breeds common on Michigan farms were left out of the analysis altogether.
Farmers say they initially complied with DNR regulations and court rulings, but the state kept moving the goalposts. After winning a lawsuit in 2016, many believed the ordeal was over — until the DNR sent undercover agents to buy pigs, kill them, and re-test their DNA to pursue new lawsuits against ranchers.
According to McBroom, dozens of ranches have been forced to shut down. “There were 70 ranches before this. Now there are five,” he said. “We figured out a way to make a living farming in the U.P., and they’ve spent millions trying to shut us down.”
Lawmakers on the committee expressed bipartisan outrage. One representative described the actions as "weaponization of the government," saying that ordinary farmers were being treated like criminals for doing honest agricultural work.
Witnesses argued the issue boils down to money and control, claiming the DNR wanted authority over fenced hunting operations and a share of the associated revenues.
As lawsuits continue, farmers and lawmakers alike say reform is needed to protect small businesses from regulatory abuse. “These are hardworking people trying to survive,” said McBroom. “The state should be helping them, not harassing them.”
The legal battle between the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Michigan Duck Rescue and Sanctuary has come to an end. with all charges dismissed against the couple who run the operation.
Matthew and Teresa Lyson, founders of the Salem Township sanctuary, had faced six criminal charges each after state officials accused them of keeping and caring for waterfowl without proper permits. This week, the Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office dismissed the cases in their entirety, following months of public scrutiny and growing political pressure.
“This is great news,” Lyson told Keeping It Real. “All charges against me and Teresa are 100 percent gone. It’s a done deal, and we get to start new.”
Background of the Case
The Michigan Duck Rescue and Sanctuary has operated for nearly two decades, caring for injured or abandoned ducks, geese, and other waterfowl — many of which suffer from “angel wing,” a deformity often caused by people feeding them improper food. The Lysons say their work ...
Grocery stores urging people to stop using pennies.
ALPENA, Mich. — A new rule banning applause and other displays of emotion at Alpena Public Schools board meetings has sparked pushback from community members who say the policy infringes on their free speech rights.
The board recently adopted a policy prohibiting clapping, cheering, booing, or any demonstrations from audience members during meetings. Board President Eric Lawson said the restriction is meant to prevent disruptions and maintain order.
“We’re doing our best to show respect to you all and make sure you have adequate time for your comments,” Lawson said during a recent meeting. “Please show the board a little respect as well.”
Not everyone in attendance agreed. Several residents voiced frustration, including one woman who argued that clapping constitutes symbolic speech protected under the First Amendment.
“Clapping is a universal symbolic action that typically expresses approval,” she said. “Up until one week ago, clapping was a regular occurrence at these ...
🚨BREAKING🚨 Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy says the FAA will start reducing flight capacity across U.S. airspace Friday morning if air traffic controllers remain unpaid.
The agency plans to cut air traffic by 10% at 40 undisclosed airports if a government shutdown deal isn’t reached.
Some are warning that new government investigations into nonprofits could backfire, putting free speech and charity work at risk for everyone. https://bit.ly/492MSo4
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Immigration ‘expert’ tells Michigan Senate committee illegal entry into the U.S. ‘not a crime’
An immigration “expert” who testified in support of anti-ICE legislation promoted by Senate Democrats insisted Thursday it’s not a crime to enter the country illegally, though the lie didn’t go unchecked.
“Being undocumented in this country is not a crime, it’s a civic infraction,” Yvonne Navarrete, policy director at We the People Michigan, told the Senate Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety Committee on Thursday. “That is not my personal opinion, that is the law.” Click here to read more.
Report shares Nancy Pelosi made $130 million in stock profits during her political career
WASHINGTON — A new report reveals that Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and her husband, Paul Pelosi, amassed over $130 million in stock profits during her congressional tenure.
According to the New York Post, Pelosi received a return of 16,930% over the almost four decades representing California. This report comes as Pelosi, 85, announced that she will not be seeking re-election after completing her current term in 2027.
Before joining Congress in 1987, Pelosi and her husband reported between $610,000 and $785,000 in stocks in their portfolio, according to the post, which cited a financial disclosure form. Click here to read more. Click here to read more.
Transgender Activists Use Far-Left Smear Factory to Cancel Doctor Education Courses That Raise Doubts About ‘Gender-Affirming Care’
Doctors must take continuing medical education courses to maintain their licenses, and transgender activists took objection to one of these courses, leading a nationwide institution to effectively cancel it.
Washington State University had spent nearly a year reviewing—and then approving—a course explaining the side effects of experimental transgender medical interventions on children and Europe’s growing rejection of “gender-affirming care.” Yet activists cried foul, citing the Southern Poverty Law Center, a pro-transgender activist group best known for demonizing conservatives. Click here to read more.
79-year-old landlord fatally shot naked trespasser who was attacking tenant, police say
LOS ANGELES (KCAL/KCBS) - It’s difficult to make out exactly what the naked man was saying in the surveillance video, but it’s clear to see what happens next.
He picks up what looks like street signs while screaming, then suddenly runs across Tujunga Avenue in Los Angeles.
“He just was walking up and down the sidewalk. Then he saw the gate was open and ran over there in their gate,” one witness described.
Neighbors say they heard screaming, which turned into gunfire. Click here to read more.
Michigan budget deal: two steps forward, one step back
Michigan lawmakers don’t have to agree on much each year, other than how to spend all the money that the state collects from its taxes. Partisans needed to compromise with each other to do this, since Republicans hold a majority in the House and there is a Democratic governor with a Democratic majority Senate. Both sides were going to have to give up something and get something in order to pass a budget. What they came up with has a number of positive features.
Lawmakers will likely get to the point where roads are fixed faster than they fall apart, and they mostly got there without raising taxes. They substituted the sales tax levied on fuel, which largely goes to schools, for a per-gallon tax on fuel, which goes to transportation purposes. Click here to read more.
Click here to order. Get an extra 10% off now.
Immigration ‘expert’ tells Michigan Senate committee illegal entry into the U.S. ‘not a crime’
An immigration “expert” who testified in support of anti-ICE legislation promoted by Senate Democrats insisted Thursday it’s not a crime to enter the country illegally, though the lie didn’t go unchecked.
“Being undocumented in this country is not a crime, it’s a civic infraction,” Yvonne Navarrete, policy director at We the People Michigan, told the Senate Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety Committee on Thursday. “That is not my personal opinion, that is the law.” Click here to read more.
Report shares Nancy Pelosi made $130 million in stock profits during her political career
WASHINGTON — A new report reveals that Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and her husband, Paul Pelosi, amassed over $130 million in stock profits during her congressional tenure.
According to the New York Post, Pelosi received a return of 16,930% over the almost four decades representing California. This report comes as Pelosi, 85, announced that she will not be seeking re-election after completing her current term in 2027.
Before joining Congress in 1987, Pelosi and her husband reported between $610,000 and $785,000 in stocks in their portfolio, according to the post, which cited a financial disclosure form. Click here to read more. Click here to read more.
Transgender Activists Use Far-Left Smear Factory to Cancel Doctor Education Courses That Raise Doubts About ‘Gender-Affirming Care’
Doctors must take continuing medical education courses to maintain their licenses, and transgender activists took objection to one of these courses, leading a nationwide institution to effectively cancel it.
Washington State University had spent nearly a year reviewing—and then approving—a course explaining the side effects of experimental transgender medical interventions on children and Europe’s growing rejection of “gender-affirming care.” Yet activists cried foul, citing the Southern Poverty Law Center, a pro-transgender activist group best known for demonizing conservatives. Click here to read more.
79-year-old landlord fatally shot naked trespasser who was attacking tenant, police say
LOS ANGELES (KCAL/KCBS) - It’s difficult to make out exactly what the naked man was saying in the surveillance video, but it’s clear to see what happens next.
He picks up what looks like street signs while screaming, then suddenly runs across Tujunga Avenue in Los Angeles.
“He just was walking up and down the sidewalk. Then he saw the gate was open and ran over there in their gate,” one witness described.
Neighbors say they heard screaming, which turned into gunfire. Click here to read more.
Michigan budget deal: two steps forward, one step back
Michigan lawmakers don’t have to agree on much each year, other than how to spend all the money that the state collects from its taxes. Partisans needed to compromise with each other to do this, since Republicans hold a majority in the House and there is a Democratic governor with a Democratic majority Senate. Both sides were going to have to give up something and get something in order to pass a budget. What they came up with has a number of positive features.
Lawmakers will likely get to the point where roads are fixed faster than they fall apart, and they mostly got there without raising taxes. They substituted the sales tax levied on fuel, which largely goes to schools, for a per-gallon tax on fuel, which goes to transportation purposes. Click here to read more.
