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Friends and Community Shiawassee County News and Views, 2910 W M-21, Owosso, MI (2025)

09/10/2025

FROM THE WHITE HOUSE
September 9, 2025
MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES THE COMMISSIONER OF FOOD AND DRUGS

SUBJECT: Addressing Misleading Direct-To-Consumer Prescription Drug Advertisements

In 1962, the Congress vested the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with the authority to regulate prescription drug advertising. These advertisements can mislead the public about the risks and benefits, encourage medications over lifestyle changes, inappropriately intervene in the physician-patient relationship, and advantage expensive drugs over cheaper generics.

The FDA has historically stipulated that a manufacturer, packer, or distributor must provide the public with materially complete information that fairly balances both the benefits and the risks of the drug. Over time, however, the FDA's requirements have permitted drug companies to include less information, particularly in broadcast advertising, and drug manufacturer advertising has skyrocketed in recent decades.

My Administration will ensure that the current regulatory framework for drug advertising results in fair, balanced, and complete information for American consumers.

The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall therefore take appropriate action to ensure transparency and accuracy in direct-to-consumer prescription drug advertising, including by increasing the amount of information regarding any risks associated with the use of any such prescription drug required to be provided in prescription drug advertisements, to the extent permitted by applicable law. The Commissioner of Food and Drugs shall take appropriate action to enforce the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act's prescription drug advertising provisions, and otherwise ensure truthful and non-misleading information in direct-to-consumer prescription drug advertisements.

This memorandum is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

DONALD J. TRUMP

09/09/2025

GUILTY....Took the Jury Only 10 Minutes
Corunna, MI—The 19-minute record was shattered as the shortest time a Jury was out in the 35th Circuit Court in Corunna, Michigan. On Tuesday, a Jury was out only 10 minutes before 12 jurors came back in with a guilty verdict.

Becky Moreno was charged with buying $1,025.00 of M**hamphetamine (4.3 ounces) to sell. She did not have a scale and thought she bought 5 ounces, but got shorted. She purchased it with the Cash App. She ordered it with text messages. Google told the police the address from which she bought it in Flint.

She claimed she stocked up just for personal use.

The jury didn't buy that story.

Moreno was remanded to the Shiawassee County Jail until sentencing.

The Rest of the Story...
What happened to the distributor? The police stated in Court that they knew him and that they knew he was a distributor. They testified that within an hour of her leaving the Drug House in Flint, they had his name and address and knew he sold it to Moreno.

What the police do....Nothing.

They claimed they went to a place, not the drug house, with a search warrant. And there were no drugs. But they didn't hit the drug house.

For the last ten years, we have watched police testify in court that they know where the distributors' Drug houses are. But they claim their job is to only arrest the street dealers and addicts. They Have Never Hit a Drug House.

Who is being paid off? Someone is being paid off in the narcotics division, or they would take out the distributor. We must have some crooked Michigan State Troopers since they refuse to arrest Distributors or Cartel Members.

They claim they know the Cartel members and the Distributors, but instead of arresting them, they give them police protection.

By: Tom Manke
Sept 9, 2025
Photo: Becky Moreno in the 35th Circuit Court.

09/09/2025

An In-Depth Report On Michigan’s School Funding Stalemate: Political Divide Puts K-12 Classrooms in Uncertainty

LANSING, Mich. - Friends Community News Group, Sept. 9, 2025, 4:45 pm ET — Michigan lawmakers have missed the July 1 deadline to finalize K-12 school funding for the 2025–26 academic year, plunging districts into financial limbo and intensifying partisan tensions in Lansing. While Republicans argue their budget plan offers record per-pupil funding and greater local flexibility, Democrats, educators, and superintendents warn that the House’s approach would gut critical programs and force schools into crisis.

Michigan law requires the Legislature to pass a School Aid budget by July 1, giving districts time to finalize local budgets before the school year begins. But as of September, negotiations remain stalled. The delay has forced some districts to tap reserves, freeze hiring, and postpone classroom renovations.

In Benzie County, for example, schools are relying on fund balances just to open their doors, according to the Record Patriot (Record Patriot).

House Republicans insist their proposal would deliver the highest per-student foundation allowance in state history——$12,000per pupil—and streamline funding by eliminating dozens of categorical grants.

Speaker Matt Hall (R-Richland Twp.) told schools to “hold the line,” dismissing layoffs as unrelated to budget delays. “We are delivering a transformational plan that gives schools more funding than ever before, while ensuring flexibility,” Hall said (Michigan Advance).

House Appropriations Chair Ann Bollin added that the GOP’s budget was crafted to “give schools stability and taxpayers value,” stressing that shifting dollars away from categorical mandates puts decision-making back in local hands (gophouse. org).

Conservative think tank the Mackinac Center for Public Policy backed that view, calling categorical funding “inefficient” and praising the House plan as a bold reform (Mackinac Center).

Senate Democrats counter that the House GOP’s plan would cut $1.4 billion from schools by eliminating targeted programs such as mental health services, universal free meals, literacy coaches, and rural district support.

Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids) said the House’s refusal to negotiate threatens “the very programs that keep students healthy, safe, and on track to learn.”

Sen. Dayna Polehanki (D-Livonia), chair of the Senate Education Committee, argued: “The House budget is not a win for students. It’s a reckless gamble that strips away the supports families depend on” (Michigan Senate Democrats).

The Detroit News editorial board also noted the political brinkmanship, warning that “while both sides posture, Michigan classrooms are left to suffer.”

Educators and School Leaders Sound the Alarm

Education officials say the funding gap is already being felt:

State Superintendent Michael Rice cautioned that without a budget, districts face “forced cuts in programs and personnel that directly affect students” (MI Dept. of Education).

The K-12 Alliance of Michigan, representing superintendents, criticized the House plan for erasing vital categorical funds: “Flexibility is important, but not at the expense of the very programs designed to support at-risk students.”

The Big Rapids Pioneer reported that local administrators have delayed technology upgrades and facility repairs to conserve resources.

The Midland Daily News described the impasse as “leaving schools in limbo,” with administrators unsure whether they will have resources for staffing and student services (Midland Daily News).

The Broader Picture
Commentary in Medium articles and other platforms has painted the dispute as a reflection of deeper ideological divides:

Republicans emphasizing efficiency, autonomy, and streamlined funding.

Democrats prioritizing targeted investment in equity and student well-being.

The Michigan Advance, meanwhile, has highlighted families’ frustrations, reporting on staff layoffs and parents concerned about lost programs.

What Happens Next
If lawmakers fail to act by October 1, automatic spending controls could interrupt school payments. Both sides acknowledge that the clock is ticking.

Republicans say they are finalizing negotiations and urge patience.

Democrats continue to push for categorical protections.

District leaders warn they cannot “educate on promises.”

The Bottom Line
Michigan’s K-12 funding fight is less about how much money to spend and more about how to spend it. Republicans tout record per-pupil allocations and flexibility; Democrats and education advocates warn that without targeted supports, vulnerable students will lose the most.

As classrooms reopen under financial clouds, the question remains: Will Lansing resolve its budget deadlock—or will Michigan schools continue to pay the price of partisan gridlock?

By: Tom Manke
Sources: Midland Daily News, MI Public Radio, Mackinac Center, Benzie Record Patriot, AI, The K-12 Alliance of Michigan, Michigan Advance, Mi Senate Democrats, Mi House Republicans, Mi gov., Big Rapids Pioneer, Medium, Record Patriot Traverse City, MI Dept. of Education, Detroit News

09/09/2025

IMPORTANT - Message from all Shiawassee County
Superintendents:

Read the letter posted.

09/09/2025

Juan from Juan's Taqueria asks 🌮 What’s your favorite taco from Juan’s Taqueria?

Juan states, Please comment on your favorite menu item & share with friends!

Juan's Taqueria is located in the fuel station building at the corner of M-21 and M-13 in Lennon.

09/09/2025

BREAKING MICHIGAN NEWS - Republicans Vindicated as Michigan Judge Dismisses Charged ‘Fake Electors’ Case

LANSING, Mich. - Friends Community News Group, September 9, 2025, 1:30 pm ET — In a watershed ruling for the Republican defendants, a Michigan judge dismissed all charges Tuesday against 15 individuals accused of falsely certifying Donald Trump as Michigan’s 2020 presidential election winner. District Court Judge Kristen D. Simmons concluded that prosecutors failed to prove criminal intent — ultimately vindicating the GOP-aligned electors.

Judge Simmons emphasized that while the defendants may have been wrong, they “seriously believed” they were acting constitutionally, which eliminated the element of fraudulent intent required for conviction. She stated, “Whether they were right, wrong, or indifferent, they seriously believed there were problems with the election.” Simmons added, “I believe they were executing their constitutional right to seek redress.”

Each defendant had faced eight felony charges—six counts of forgery and two of conspiracy—with potential prison terms of up to 14 years. However, with the judge's dismissal, none will go to trial.

Supporters outside the courtroom erupted into cheers upon hearing the verdict. Some defendants embraced family members, tears of relief visible as the legal ordeal came to an abrupt end.

The decision marks a significant defeat for Democrat Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, who had pursued the high-profile case alleging the group knowingly bypassed lawful election procedures. Nessel decried the ruling, calling it "disappointing" and implying the defendants were fully aware of their lack of legitimacy.

This ruling is part of a broader pattern of “fake elector” prosecutions across battleground states—including Nevada, Georgia, Wisconsin, and Arizona—all of which have encountered procedural delays and legal hurdles. Michigan's dismissal now stands as the most definitive result of these efforts.

Republicans who claim to have been victims of overzealous and vindictive Democrats have continued to win in court across the country. The Judges have not all been Republican appointed, as we see in this case.

By: Tom Manke
Sources: AP News, AI, Washington Post, Reuters.
Photo Judge Kristen Simmons

09/09/2025

Lady on Trial, Charged With Intent To Sell Over 4 Ounces of M**hamphetamine.

Corunna, MI - Friends Community News Group, September 9, 2025, 11:20 am ET - Becky Hart Moreno is on Trial on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, in the 35th Circuit Court, Corunna, Michigan. She is charged with having in her possession M**hamphetamine to Deliver / Manufacture.

The first witness was her former boyfriend. He testified he drove the defendant's car to Flint where the defendant bought the M**hamphetamine.

On their way back to Owosso, the car was pulled over for a traffic stop by Owosso Police. The police could see Ma*****na laying lose in the vehicle. The vehicle had no insurance, a cracked windshield, and the driver did not have a driver's license. A MSP Trooper arrived, the car was searched and the M**h was found.

The driver allowed the Owosso Police Officer to access his phone. The officer went to Google to see where the phone had traveled. It was stated that most people do not know that Google tracks and records the phone's movement, along with the time at all stops.

It showed they were at a drug house in Flint less than 30 minutes before.

The M**h was found in her backpack.

The boyfriend stated to the jury that the defendant had bought the M**h for personal consumption. When asked if he told the police that the defendant would sell it, he said he did.

It is 11:20 am and the police are testifying.

By: Tom Manke
Photo: Boyfriend of the accused

09/09/2025

Lyme Disease Surges in Michigan: What’s Fueling the Rise and How to Stay Safe

LANSING, Mich. - Friends Community News Group, September 9, 2025, 8 am ET — Lyme disease is experiencing an alarming climb in Michigan. According to state health officials, the number of confirmed cases skyrocketed by 168% between 2020 and 2024—from 452 to 1,215 cases. Another tick-borne illness, anaplasmosis, surged nearly fivefold during the same period, from 17 to 82 reported cases.

What’s Driving the Increase?

The primary culprit is the blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis), commonly known as the deer tick. These ticks are now pervasive across Michigan—active in all 83 counties and spreading deeper into both Peninsulas.

Milder winters and longer warm seasons have enhanced survivability and prolonged activity for ticks and their hosts, like mice, birds, and deer.

Studies indicate that rising temperatures accelerate tick development and reproduction, while shifting climates expand their geographic reach.

Michigan counties such as Lenawee have seen particularly sharp increases—up 67% since 2021, with a 25% rise just from 2024 to mid-2025. Health departments warn that a mild winter may further amplify these trends.

Adding to the concern, Michigan recently detected the Asian longhorned tick (ALHT) in Berrien County—a new species not previously found in the state. While ALHTs aren’t known to transmit Lyme disease, they carry other serious pathogens affecting humans and livestock.

Health officials emphasize prevention as the best defense. Here’s what you can do:

Avoid high-risk areas: Stay on trail centers and avoid tall grasses, brush, and leaf litter.

Use repellent wisely: Apply EPA-approved repellents (like DEET) on skin and use permethrin-treated clothing (not on skin) or buy pre-treated gear.

Perform tick checks: Inspect yourself, children, and pets daily—ticks often hide in hair, armpits, and groin. Bathe/shower within two hours of coming indoors and launder clothes in hot water.

Remove embedded ticks promptly using fine-tipped tweezers, grasping close to the skin and pulling straight. Clean the area afterward. This helps reduce the chance of disease transmission.

Seek medical advice: If a tick was attached more than 24–36 hours, or if symptoms arise (rash, fever, headache, muscle aches), consult your healthcare provider immediately. Early antibiotic treatment is highly effective.

Michigan offers tick identification via email or mail—helpful in assessing risk.

Is This a Michigan-Only Issue?

No—Michigan’s increase is part of a broader national trend. Across the U.S., warmer climates, land-use changes, and wildlife patterns are driving tick-borne diseases upward. Regions like the Northeast, Upper Midwest, and parts of the Mid-Atlantic have long battled Lyme disease and are now seeing even broader tick activity.

Michigan is confronting a substantial rise in Lyme disease, driven by expanding tick populations and climate-friendly conditions. While concerning, this trend mirrors national patterns. Still, public awareness and preventive measures—like protective clothing, repellent, tick checks, and early treatment—can dramatically reduce risk. Stay vigilant, especially when heading outdoors.

From The CDC - Lyme Disease Surveillance and Data (CDC, March 13, 2025)

Reports that over 89,000 cases of Lyme disease were reported to the CDC in 2023, based on state and local health department submissions.

However, broader estimates suggest that approximately 476,000 people may be diagnosed and treated annually in the U.S., including clinically suspected cases not captured in official surveillance.

By: Tom Manke
Sources: Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), Big Rapids News, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (MiBlue Daily), AI, Macomb County Health Department, CBS News Detroit, MyVillageHealth, Van Buren/Cass District Health Department, Fox 2 Detroit, TIME Magazine, Wall Street Journal, SELF Magazine, and Wikipedia.

Photo: Tick, State of Michigan Web Site.

09/09/2025

DEA Makes Sweeping Arrests in Major Sinaloa Cartel Takedown

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Friends Community News Group, September 9, 2025, 8:22 am — In a sweeping, coordinated operation from August 25–29, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) dismantled critical veins of the Sinaloa Cartel’s global network. The operation resulted in 617 arrests, the seizure of over 10 tons of illicit drugs, and substantial financial and logistical disruption across numerous regions.

According to a DEA press statement, law enforcement agencies spanning 23 U.S. divisions and seven international regions worked in tandem to execute the massive takedown. The confiscated contraband included:

480 kg of fentanyl powder

Over 714,000 counterfeit pills

2.2 tonnes of methamphetamine

7.4 tonnes of co***ne

16.5 kg of he**in

Plus more than $11 million in cash, 420 fi****ms, and assets worth nearly $1.7 million

DEA Director Terrance Cole emphasized that the operation showcased a firm commitment to safeguarding American communities. The investigation targeted drug distribution routes and key financial and logistical infrastructures supporting the cartel’s operations.

This has a Wide-Reaching Impact in U.S. Communities

In New England alone, the operation resulted in 171 arrests, with the seizure of 244 kg of drugs, 22,115 counterfeit pills, $1.3 million in cash, and 33 fi****ms. Specific breakdowns included 64 arrests in Connecticut, 49 in Massachusetts, and 33 in New Hampshire. Notably, a major bust in Franklin, New Hampshire, led to 27 arrests following a multi-month probe into fentanyl and methamphetamine trafficking.

DEA officials warned that the cartel's reach spans both urban and rural areas, and highlighted the relentless nature of the organization's networks: “This shows that the Sinaloa Cartel’s tentacles spread far and deep; no community is spared,” said Jim Scott, Special Agent in Charge of the Louisville Division.

This operation marks one of the most significant efforts in recent memory to dismantle cartel structures and seize illicit materials. It underscores ongoing coordination between domestic and international law enforcement partners and demonstrates the seriousness with which U.S. agencies continue to pursue transnational drug trafficking organizations.

By: Tom Manke
Sources: DEA, Reuters, AI, New York Post.

09/09/2025

BREAKING MICHIGAN NEWS - Education Secretary McMahon Urges Michigan to Embrace Scholarship Program for Greater School Choice

Midland & Detroit, Mich. — Friends Community News Group, September 8, 2025, 10:30 p.m. ET — U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon is calling on Michigan to adopt a federally backed scholarship program designed to expand school choice—despite opposition rooted in the state’s public funding restrictions.

During a swing through lower Michigan, Secretary McMahon advocated for a tax-credit scholarship program akin to vouchers. Under this model, taxpayers donate to nonprofit scholarship funds and receive credits, allowing families to use the funds toward private or religious schooling choices. McMahon expressed bewilderment over Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s reluctance to embrace the program.

“Why in the world would any governor fail to opt into a plan that would give students … the opportunity to go to a school where they are going to have the opportunity for success,” she stated at a Midland County Republican event.

Earlier in the day, McMahon toured charter schools in Detroit—including Pembroke Academy and Renaissance High School—and met with students, educators, and policymakers as part of her “Returning Education to the States” national tour. She emphasized the department’s role as a facilitator, not a curriculum setter: “We don’t set curriculum ... We’re primarily a pass-through.”

Michigan’s Constitution currently prohibits the use of public funds for private education, making this a controversial proposal.

Nevertheless, school choice is already widespread: about one in four public school students participate in inter-district attendance programs, charter schools, or similar options. The state also maintains the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, a $560 million bipartisan initiative that helps fund college access across public and private institutions.

The Secretary’s visit sparked swift backlash from Michigan Democratic leaders and education groups. Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel denounced the visit as symbolic of Republican efforts to undermine public schools:

“Linda McMahon's visit … underscores Republican attacks on our public schools, and they’re hoping we don’t notice.”

Detroit Federation of Teachers President Lakia Wilson-Lumpkins input:

“These visits are nothing more than staged photo opportunities designed to sell policies that will hurt our students and our schools.”

These critics argue that at a time when Michigan’s schools are facing potential budget cuts and uncertainty, promoting voucher-style initiatives threatens to siphon funds away from underserved public institutions.

At a time when Michigan schools face mounting budget uncertainty, McMahon’s visit and her push for school-choice programs spotlight a growing ideological split: one side championing parental choice and state autonomy, and the other defending public school resources and oversight.

By: Tom Manke
Sources: CBS Detroit, AI, Bridge Michigan, Michigan Advance.

09/09/2025

Crowe Real Estate & Auction
Amazon Semi Load Auction September 14, 2025. Bidding ends at 6pm. Check out the fabulous items. Click on the link
https://bids.crauctions.com/auctions/43722-amazon-semi-load-auction-3177

Industrial Supply Overstock Auction, Sept.14
2025. Bidding ends at 6pm
Click on the link to see items and bid.
https://bids.crauctions.com/auctions/43757-industrial-supply-overstock-auction-11

09/09/2025

Tim Olszewski is reminding people,
🧙‍♀️✨ Circle the Date on Your Spellbooks! ✨🧙‍♀️
It’s the Witches Twilight Market of the Century!
…Okay, maybe not the century… but definitely this year. And it’s going to be magical!

🛍️ Enchanting vendors with potions, treasures, and unique creations from across the realm!
(Alright, maybe not the whole realm… but certainly all across Michigan — and that’s still spellbinding.)

🌙 Wander under twilight skies, all indoors & air-conditioned (so your broom hair won’t frizz).

Saturday, September 20th
🕒 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Main Street Chapel Events
131 East Main, Vernon, MI 48476
💻 mainstreetchapelevents.com
📞 Questions? Call/Text Lori Olszewski at 810-429-1318

Grab your coven, put on your pointy hats, and fly on down — this Twilight Market will leave you spellbound! 🪄✨

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