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Sarah Leach

@onnleach.bsky.social
998 followers 280 following 111 posts

Journalist. Alum: @HollandSentinel @MLive @CMU Bio: Co-founder of 3 kids Sapiophile Dog/fish owner, but cat obsessed Dad joke expert Nonsense rejector Work: ottawanewsnetwork.org Past work: substack.com/@sentinelleach

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Sarah Leach @onnleach.bsky.social · 01/08/2026
For Ottawa County Public Defender’s Office staff member Chris Langholz, going the extra mile for the community isn’t just a job requirement — it’s something he does even when he’s off the clock. www.ottawanewsnetwork.org/ottawa-count...
ottawanewsnetwork.org
Ottawa County honors off-duty public defender staffer for helping distressed resident
For Ottawa County Public Defender’s Office staff member Chris Langholz, going the extra mile for the community isn’t just a job requirement — it’s something he does even when he’s off the clock.
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Sarah Leach @onnleach.bsky.social · 01/08/2026
At Kenzie's Be Cafe, everyone is welcome to come as themselves. After all, its mission statement is all about creating a more inclusive and supportive community, and the cafe does just that. www.ottawanewsnetwork.org/building-bel...
ottawanewsnetwork.org
Building belonging: Grand Haven’s Kenzie’s Cafe serves up inclusion, independence
At Kenzie's Be Cafe, everyone is welcome to come as themselves. After all, its mission statement is all about creating a more inclusive and supportive community, and the cafe does just that.
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Sarah Leach @onnleach.bsky.social · 10/04/2026
open.substack.com/pub/sentinel...
open.substack.com
Two J's in a Pod: S2E14 (April 8, 2026)
Two female journalists from the Midwest just talking about the news, trends and weird cultural things happening in the world.
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Ottawa News Network @ottawanewsnetwork.bsky.social · 23/10/2025
Ottawa County’s former board chair Joe Moss issued a stark warning last winter to commissioners: Settle a staff privacy complaint immediately or face a civil lawsuit. www.ottawanewsnetwork.org/recordings-m...
ottawanewsnetwork.org
Recordings: Moss pushed county board to approve $280K in controversial payouts despite no evidence of legal liability
Ottawa County’s former board chair Joe Moss issued a stark warning last winter to commissioners: Settle a staff privacy complaint immediately or face a civil lawsuit.
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Sarah Leach @onnleach.bsky.social · 18/10/2025
Latest podcast dropped! open.substack.com/pub/sentinel...
open.substack.com
Two J's in a Pod: S1E34 (Oct. 15, 2025)
Two female journalists from the Midwest just talking about the news, trends and weird cultural things happening in the world.
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Sarah Leach @onnleach.bsky.social · 03/10/2025
Check out the latest "Two J's in a Pod." open.substack.com/pub/sentinel...
open.substack.com
Two J's in a Pod: S1E33 (Oct. 1, 2025)
Two female journalists from the Midwest just talking about the news, trends and weird cultural things happening in the world.
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Sarah Leach @onnleach.bsky.social · 26/09/2025
Check out our latest podcast where we run through the latest Ottawa County Board of Commissioners meeting (Hint: It was a doozie). Two J's in a Pod: S1E32 (Sept. 24, 2025) open.substack.com/pub/sentinel...
open.substack.com
Two J's in a Pod: S1E32 (Sept. 24, 2025)
Two female journalists from the Midwest just talking about the news, trends and weird cultural things happening in the world.
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The Detroit News @detroitnews.com · 07/09/2025
The Detroit Lions embark on a season that they hope will end in the Super Bowl with a game Sunday against the Green Bay Packers.
bit.ly
Complete coverage: Get ready for Lions’ opener, 2025 season
The Detroit Lions embark on a season that they hope will end in the Super Bowl with a game Sunday against the Green Bay Packers.
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Brian Tyler Cohen @briantylercohen.bsky.social · 18/08/2025
WOW. @marcelias.bsky.social goes off on the failures of legacy media: "We have an absolute collapse and failure by the institutions that have promised us that democracy would not die in darkness, that in fact, they stand for the proposition that democracy will die in plain sight of daylight."
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Michigan Advance @michiganadvance.com · 13/08/2025
“We are standing here today to stand up to the Trump Administration to tell them, ‘Get this coal plant shut down.'” That was the message that lawmakers, health professionals and others said at a press conference near West Michigan’s J.H. Campbell coal plant. Story from @onnleach.bsky.social
michiganadvance.com
Activists, officials call for closure of Ottawa County coal plant as utility looks to recover costs • Michigan Advance
OTTAWA COUNTY — “We are standing here today to stand up to the Trump Administration to tell them, ‘Get this coal plant shut down.'” That was the message that lawmakers, health professionals and other ...
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Sarah Leach @onnleach.bsky.social · 30/07/2025
How is Dermot Mulroney NOT playing Sam Waterston in his biopic? #AFAF
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Krassensteins @krassenstein.bsky.social · 27/07/2025
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Colin Carlson @colincarlson.bsky.social · 26/07/2025
Just learned from LinkedIn that a Heritage Foundation affiliate is now FOIA-ing (or equivalent) instructors’ syllabi to go snooping for supposed illegal DEI at state universities. It’s hard to describe how far past McCarthyism we’re headed here.
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Reposted by Sarah Leach
Charlotte Clymer @charlotteclymer.bsky.social · 25/07/2025
POLITICO compiled a list of all the Washington Post staffers who have left in the past eight months. It’s at least a hundred names, many of them among the biggest names in journalism. This is the fastest erosion of a major outlet ever.
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Reposted by Sarah Leach
Ottawa News Network @ottawanewsnetwork.bsky.social · 21/07/2025
The Ottawa County Board of Commissioners is tackling some of the biggest priorities identified by candidates and voters during last year's campaign cycle, namely finding its next administrator and changing the county's motto. ottawanewsnetwork.org/ottawa-board...
ottawanewsnetwork.org
Ottawa board to jumpstart administrator search for third time, rescind controversial motto
The Ottawa County Board of Commissioners is tackling some of the biggest priorities identified by candidates and voters during last year's campaign cycle, namely finding its next administrator and…
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Sarah Leach @onnleach.bsky.social · 26/06/2025
What could possibly go wrong? www.nbcnews.com/politics/con...
nbcnews.com
White House to limit intelligence sharing with Congress after leak of early Iran report
Top Cabinet officials are set to give senators a classified briefing Thursday about the strikes.
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Sarah Leach @onnleach.bsky.social · 29/05/2025
Patrick Lyoya's family speaks out about mistrial against former Grand Rapids cop Attorneys said first hearing in civil suit against Christopher Schurr is scheduled for June 17. A mistrial was declared earlier this month against Schurr. www.detroitnews.com/story/news/l...
detroitnews.com
Patrick Lyoya's family speaks out about mistrial against former Grand Rapids cop
Attorneys said first hearing in civil suit against Christopher Schurr is scheduled for June 17. A mistrial was declared earlier this month against Schurr.
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Sarah Leach @onnleach.bsky.social · 29/05/2025
Get the latest on Ottawa County government and the musings of 2 West Michigan journos .... sentinelleach.substack.com/p/two-js-in-...
sentinelleach.substack.com
Two J's in a Pod (S1E16: May 28, 2025)
A behind-the-scenes look at what's happening in Ottawa County and how issues nationwide affect us in West Michigan.
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Sarah Leach @onnleach.bsky.social · 29/05/2025
media.tenor.com
a man in a leather jacket and tie is saying cool cool cool cool cool cool cool
ALT: a man in a leather jacket and tie is saying cool cool cool cool cool cool cool
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Michigan Advance @michiganadvance.com · 24/05/2025
The long-planned closing of the coal-fired J.H. Campbell plant in Port Sheldon Twp. will be delayed at least 90 days after Trump Administration officials issued an emergency order directing Consumers Energy to remain “available for operation” for peak summer demand. Story from @onnleach.bsky.social
michiganadvance.com
Campbell coal plant's closure delayed 90 days with Energy Secretary's emergency order • Michigan Advance
This story was originally published by Ottawa News Network Story summary U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Chris Wright issued an emergency order on Friday, May 23 — just eight days before the J.H. ...
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Ottawa News Network @ottawanewsnetwork.bsky.social · 24/05/2025
U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright issued the emergency order on Friday, May 23 — just eight days before the plant was scheduled to shut down, a plan that has been in place since 2021. www.ottawanewsnetwork.org/imminent-clo...
ottawanewsnetwork.org
Imminent closure of Campbell coal plant delayed after Trump official orders 90-day delay
U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright issued the emergency order on Friday, May 23 — just eight days before the plant was scheduled to shut down, a plan that has been in place since 2021.
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Michigan Advance @michiganadvance.com · 22/05/2025
Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker announced Thursday that an ex-Grand Rapids police officer who fatally shot a Black motorist following a 2022 traffic stop will not face a retrial after a first proceeding ended in a mistrial earlier this month. Story from @onnleach.bsky.social
michiganadvance.com
Kent County Prosecutor declines to retry former Grand Rapids police officer in motorist's death • Michigan Advance
GRAND RAPIDS — An ex-Grand Rapids police officer who fatally shot a Black motorist following a 2022 traffic stop will not face a retrial after a first proceeding ended in a mistrial earlier this month...
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Michigan Advance @michiganadvance.com · 20/05/2025
Local, state and national officials are warning that unless Michigan environmental officials can fast-track PFAS regulations to allow for harbor dredging this year, it could end up costing Ottawa County residents millions. Story from @onnleach.bsky.social
michiganadvance.com
Officials: Ottawa County harbor dredging delays over PFAS testing could drive up costs • Michigan Advance
This story was originally published by Ottawa News Network. OTTAWA COUNTY — Local, state and national officials are warning that unless Michigan environmental officials can fast-track PFAS regulations...
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Sarah Leach @onnleach.bsky.social · 15/05/2025
The "Two J's in a Pod" podcast has made the leap to the You-yTubes! Come listen to this week's new episode and catch up on previous episodes as Mary Ellen Murphy and I sound off on Ottawa County issues and more. :) youtu.be/l1QRFMW4vMI
youtu.be
Two Js in a Pod: S1E15 (May 14, 2025)
YouTube video by Two J's in a Pod
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Sarah Leach @onnleach.bsky.social · 11/05/2025
Me explaining county government. x.com/buitengebied...
x.com
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Sarah Leach @onnleach.bsky.social · 09/05/2025
Proud of this piece. It was the first major article I did post-Gannett and boy, was it a whopper. 🥰 #journalismmatters
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Chad Livengood @chadlivengood.bsky.social · 06/05/2025
Michigan Court of Appeals denies resentencing appeal by Oxford High shooter www.detroitnews.com/story/news/l...
detroitnews.com
Court of Appeals denies resentencing appeal by Oxford High shooter
A three-judge panel of the Michigan Court of Appeals denied the Oxford High School shooter's requests to withdraw his guilty plea or be resentenced.
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Sarah Leach @onnleach.bsky.social · 06/05/2025
A Kent County jury has resumed deliberating a second-degree murder charge against a former Grand Rapids police officer accused of fatally shooting a Black motorist in 2022. www.detroitnews.com/story/news/l...
detroitnews.com
Deliberations continue in second-degree murder trial against former Grand Rapids cop
Christopher Schurr is on trial for second-degree murder for the death of Patrick Lyoya, a Congolese immigrant. Schurr shot Lyoya after a traffic stop.
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Niko @nikosarcevic.com · 03/05/2025
What’s up with the leaf blowers at 8 in the goddamn morning on a Saturday, America
media.tenor.com
a man in a suit and tie is sitting in a chair with his hands in the air
ALT: a man in a suit and tie is sitting in a chair with his hands in the air
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Sarah Leach @onnleach.bsky.social · 02/05/2025
Former cop who shot Black motorist in Grand Rapids believed he had no choice Christopher Schurr, who fatally shot Patrick Lyoya, testified in his own defense Friday. He said believed without shooting, "I wasn’t gonna go home." www.detroitnews.com/story/news/l...
detroitnews.com
Ex-Grand Rapids cop testifies about shooting motorist after struggle: 'I thought I was gonna die'
Christopher Schurr, who fatally shot Patrick Lyoya, testified in his own defense Friday. He said believed without shooting, "I wasn’t gonna go home."
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Sarah Leach @onnleach.bsky.social · 02/05/2025
Day 4 wrap-up: Defense attorneys for Christopher Schurr, who is on trial for fatally shooting Patrick Lyoya, put two current captains on the stand, along with an expert. www.detroitnews.com/story/news/l...
detroitnews.com
Former Grand Rapids cop accused of killing Black motorist followed training: witnesses
Defense attorneys for Christopher Schurr, who is on trial for fatally shooting Patrick Lyoya, put two current captains on the stand, along with an expert.
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Sarah Leach @onnleach.bsky.social · 01/05/2025
Not to be insensitive, but this is an interesting case, legally speaking. Christopher Schurr is on trial for second-degree murder for the death of Patrick Lyoya after a traffic stop in 2022. Two use-of-force experts testified. www.detroitnews.com/story/news/l...
detroitnews.com
Prosecutors wrap case against former Grand Rapids cop accused of killing Black motorist
Christopher Schurr is on trial for second-degree murder for the death of Patrick Lyoya after a traffic stop in 2022. Two use-of-force experts testified.
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Sarah Leach @onnleach.bsky.social · 29/04/2025
Dear followers, I can’t believe today marks one year to the day of my career changing in such an unexpected way. Here's my update: substack.com/@sentinellea...
substack.com
Sarah Leach on Substack
Dear followers, I can’t believe today marks one year to the day of my career changing in such an unexpected way. At the time, I was terrified that I would no longer be able to do the work I love so...
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Sarah Leach @onnleach.bsky.social · 28/04/2025
Opening statements for the former Grand Rapids police officer who killed Patrick Lyoya by shooting him in the back of the head in April 2022 began Monday with large group of supporters gathered in front of the court for Christopher Schurr. www.detroitnews.com/story/news/l...
detroitnews.com
Prosecutors, defense lay out opening statements in case against former Grand Rapids cop
Christopher Schurr is on trial for second-degree murder in the death of Patrick Lyoya, who he fatally shot in the back of the head after a traffic stop.
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Sarah Leach @onnleach.bsky.social · 17/04/2025
Thank you for having me on, Shelley! The Ottawa News Network looks to build a nonprofit newsroom for the people of Ottawa County www.wgvunews.org/the-shelley-...
wgvunews.org
The Ottawa News Network looks to build a nonprofit newsroom for the people of Ottawa County
Sarah Dahlman, former Executive Editor of the Holland Sentinel, joins the show to discuss.
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Sarah Leach @onnleach.bsky.social · 17/04/2025
www.woodtv.com/news/electio...
woodtv.com
Former US Attorney Totten running for Michigan attorney general
Former U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten on Wednesday announced his bid for Michigan attorney general.
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Sarah Leach @onnleach.bsky.social · 13/04/2025
Been mulling over a new project. I feel like I have a book in me, but I don't know what people would want me to write about. If you follow me, what are the topics you would most want to see covered?
media.tenor.com
a man in a yellow jacket and red shirt says what do you think
ALT: a man in a yellow jacket and red shirt says what do you think
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Sarah Leach @onnleach.bsky.social · 05/04/2025
From weather to politics, we cover it all on Two J's in a Pod! sentinelleach.substack.com/p/two-js-in-...
sentinelleach.substack.com
Two J's in a Pod (S1E11: April 2, 2025)
A behind-the-scenes look at what's happening in Ottawa County and how issues nationwide affect us in West Michigan.
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Sarah Leach @onnleach.bsky.social · 05/04/2025
www.bridgemi.com/talent-educa...
bridgemi.com
Trump administration strips legal residency of international students at CMU | Bridge Michigan
University officials discovered the visa terminations while doing routine checks of a federal database, and still have received no explanation from immigration officials.
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Sarah Leach @onnleach.bsky.social · 29/03/2025
Two J's in a Pod (S1E10: March 26, 2025) Clouds, letters and jumping the shark, oh my. substack.com/home/post/p-...
substack.com
Two J's in a Pod (S1E10: March 26, 2025)
A behind-the-scenes look at what's happening in Ottawa County and how issues nationwide affect us in West Michigan.
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Sarah Leach @onnleach.bsky.social · 28/03/2025
Two weeks after GVSU hosted a speaker who de-transitioned, journalists from student newspaper The Lanthorn, teamed up with @ottawanewsnetwork.bsky.social to write about county commissioner Joe Moss, who brought a concealed firearm on campus during the event. www.wzzm13.com/article/news...
wzzm13.com
GVSU student journalists speak out after Ottawa Co. Commissioner brings firearm to GVSU event
GVSU student journalists speak out against Commissioner Joe Moss for bringing a concealed firearm to campus, citing a violation of university policy.
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Sarah Leach @onnleach.bsky.social · 28/03/2025
I'll be covering tomorrow's townhall in Grand Haven for @ottawanewsnetwork.bsky.social! Democratic U.S. Rep. Hillary Scholten held a townhall Thursday in Grand Rapids to hear from constituents about concerns amid massive cuts and layoffs. www.detroitnews.com/story/news/p...
detroitnews.com
'Literally thousands' of angry calls about Musk actions, U.S. Rep. Scholten tells town hall
Democratic U.S. Rep. Hillary Scholten held a townhall Thursday in Grand Rapids to hear from constituents about concerns amid massive cuts and layoffs.
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Sarah Leach @onnleach.bsky.social · 26/03/2025
Sigh.
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Sarah Leach @onnleach.bsky.social · 22/03/2025
Snore. deadline.com/2025/03/texa...
deadline.com
‘Texas Chainsaw Massacre’ Hot Packages Revving Up As Leatherface Lurks Again – The Dish
Studios and filmmakers are eyeing a reboot of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre movie franchise, including one version involving Glen Powell.
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Sarah Leach @onnleach.bsky.social · 21/03/2025
Two J's in a Pod (S1E9: March 19, 2025) Politics big and small dominate the gossip of Ottawa County this week.... open.substack.com/pub/sentinel...
open.substack.com
Two J's in a Pod (S1E9: March 19, 2025)
A behind-the-scenes look at what's happening in Ottawa County and how issues nationwide affect us in West Michigan.
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Sarah Leach @onnleach.bsky.social · 14/03/2025
Two J's in a Pod (Episode 8: March 12, 2025): The latest installment of the Grand Haven Public Schools drama had Sarah relating to an unlikely group. open.substack.com/pub/sentinel...
open.substack.com
Two J's in a Pod (Episode 8: March 12, 2025)
A behind-the-scenes look at what's happening in Ottawa County and how issues nationwide affect us in West Michigan.
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Sarah Leach @onnleach.bsky.social · 09/03/2025
Is the traditional political playbook of town halls and speeches still relevant? We tackle that and more on Two J's in a Pod (Episode 7: March 6, 2025) open.substack.com/pub/sentinel...
open.substack.com
Two J's in a Pod (Episode 7: March 6, 2025)
A behind-the-scenes look at what's happening in Ottawa County and how issues nationwide affect us in West Michigan.
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Sarah Leach @onnleach.bsky.social · 28/02/2025
In episode 6, journalists Mary Ellen Murphy from WGHN and Sarah Leach from Ottawa News Network give a recap of this week’s happenings in Ottawa County (their producer, Dirk Wierenga, says hi, too.) sentinelleach.substack.com/p/two-js-in-...
sentinelleach.substack.com
Two J's in a Pod (Episode 6: February 26, 2025)
A behind-the-scenes look at what's happening in Ottawa County and how issues nationwide affect us in West Michigan.
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Sarah Leach @onnleach.bsky.social · 26/02/2025
Thank you so much for the support!
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Sarah Leach @onnleach.bsky.social · 26/02/2025
👀 The Ottawa County Republican Party is distancing itself from a county precinct delegate who admits he recently posted support for Adolf Hitler online and denied the Holocaust. www.fox17online.com/news/local-n...
fox17online.com
Ottawa County precinct delegate makes 2 controversial posts, 1 calling Hitler a hero
The local elected leader explained the reasoning behind the posts saying it's because of his extensive research.
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