January 30, 2025 -- Orlando, FL
Author James H.
Bonnie Kurowski never set out to start a movement. As a journalist, she had spent years uncovering the dark underbelly of politics—where extremism festered in echo chambers, lies manipulated the electorate, and corruption thrived in the shadows. But there came a point where exposing the truth wasn’t enough. It wasn’t just about reporting on the rise of radicalized hate—it was about stopping it.
That’s when White Hoods Off was born. What started as an effort to pull back the mask on White Supremacists infiltrating politics, quickly grew into something bigger. The campaign became a force, shining a light on those who used racism, religious extremism, and deception to manipulate the system. But it didn’t stop there.
Soon, Bonnie and her team launched three more campaigns—BUSTED!! to track corruption, Fake News to expose deceitful politicians, and The LIB Fox in the Rep Hen Hole to call out Libertarians masquerading as Republicans to skew elections and funding.
The room waited in anticipation for Bonnie to arrive. People were whispering and taking bets across the room. After a few minutes, she entered the room with a large document in her hands. The group cheered. She laughed for a minute, then took a deep breath and got serious.
She spoke into the microphone, starting with a sigh. "I wish we all met on better terms sometimes," she said. "Please rise". We stood up for the Pledge of Allegiance and they played America the Great while she got her paperwork ready at the podium. I was informed that she always started her meetings with this.
"Before we begin, I want to remind everyone of our protocols. Ready?" She said.
"What do we do when we realize a politician is corrupt?" she asked.
“First you do nothing. just observe. Let them be themselves because they are revealing who they are. Let them talk. Let them brag. Let them try to hide things. Let them be non-transparent. Let them try to discredit you. Just...Let them. Let them take dark money. Let them lie on election paperwork and to the crowds of fans, let them claim they are not corrupt. Let them talk to you however they want. Let them get mad at you. Let them watch you to see if you know. Let them live in a paranoid world.
Then look at them and simply say, "I see you", walk away, and then you get to choose what you do next. Let them do what they want so you can see what it is they would rather do. Then you can do what you need to do. That is why we are here today.”
She hit the gavel and called the meeting to order. In her four years reviewing investigations, Bonnie had seen it all. But never—until now—had she encountered a case that embodied all four campaigns at once.
Randy Fine.
Fine’s record reads like a checklist of political misconduct.
He wasn’t just a bad politician—he was the embodiment of everything these campaigns were fighting against.
I got to watch this historic moment in the office today. As the newest team member with the Illinois Reporter. I got to sit with the bravest people in America today.
It was a testament to the power of exposing the truth. Bonnie knew she hadn’t done this alone. It was the volunteers—the people who poured in hours, sifting through records, spreading awareness, and fighting to inform voters—who had made this possible. She also mentioned that the funding promised for this had fallen through, a debt she was likely to incur to ensure everyone got paid.
So today, as the evidence was presented to the team, Bonnie took a moment to recognize the heroes: the volunteers who had worked tirelessly to ensure voters knew the truth.
“This isn’t just about one politician. This is about protecting democracy. And because of this team, voters now know to make the right choice. Thank you on behalf of the Nation.” She said. The room exploded with claps, and excitement.
The fight wasn’t over—but today, they had made a difference. And that was how real change begins. I am happy to join this team.
It started when the media was being bought by the far-right movement. Reporters were being told to hold back stories or submit stories that were not hard hitting. It was an attack on Freedom of Speech, Freedom of the Press, and the media in general.
The way to shut journalism down is to hit each one of their personal pocketbooks. Comply or live in the streets.
Those that were not in it for the money, but for democracy, boldly stepped forward.
One brave journalist stepped forward to offer a platform for these journalists to get funding for investigations, and a place to post stories, free from harassment. Her theory was without accountability, the politicians would run rampant. She was right.
Together with these writers and joining activists, they formed an underground network of sharing information and publishing it. This information was dedicated to the education of voters. Without the shackles of corporation money, threats, or silencing. Accountability prevailed.
For years this team made progress. Many corrupt candidates were losing their elections nationwide and great candidates that her orgs endorsed were winning. Hate groups retaliated, going after Bonnie, and her family, and then tried to discredit her. Bonnie kept her composure and kept things moving forward, knowing the risk to herself. A small price to pay for always saving Democracy. One voice. One Selfless Act. But it wasn't just democracy. She blocked the far-right extremists from going after other journalists, other candidates, and ballot initiatives. They were so obsessed with her, their focus was on her and nothing else. Her strategy of self-sacrifice was something they could not wrap their head around and process. It was a winning strategy. Not only was it a successful strategy, but it also drew others to step up and help.
The Illinois Reporter is now the home of approximately 65 big media names across the Nation, handpicked by Bonnie, and cloaked under the Trademarked Brand "Bonnie Kurowski". One name. One brand. One Message. That message means so much to journalism in the world today. It means integrity in investigations, diligence in educating voters, and a drive towards accountability. They have never turned down requests for assistance from any political party. They spend a lot of their own money and time. The hero's that are leading the nation through the current crisis are on this team.
I am Jeff Groot, Manager of The Illinois Reporter and several other media brands. I wanted to take a moment to honor someone who rarely takes credit for her own impact—Bonnie Kurowski. Many people don’t truly understand the magnitude of what she has accomplished for the world, and I feel it’s time they do.
When I first met Bonnie years ago, I was immediately struck by her drive, passion, and vast knowledge across so many areas. She is brilliant beyond measure, and though she speaks quickly, it’s only because her mind processes information at an unbelievable speed. She is, without a doubt, a human computer when it comes to strategy and analysis. I used to joke with her that one day, she’d finally be wrong about something—but I’m still waiting.
Bonnie is not just a shrewd businesswoman with a masterful understanding of the big picture—she is also one of the bravest people I’ve ever met. Despite outmatching most in intelligence, she carries herself with humility and kindness. She is a fierce protector of others, and if you are lucky enough to call her a friend, you’ll find hope in humanity again.
Since 2008, Bonnie has dedicated herself to defending our Constitution and standing against injustice. She has proven time and time again that one voice, combined with action, can spark real change. She never looks away when someone is suffering—she steps in, fights their battles, and gives 150% of herself.
I encourage everyone to read her books and learn about the battles she has fought and overcome. Her life story is one of resilience, strength, and perseverance—more than anyone should have had to endure. And yet, if you meet her, you’d never know. She doesn’t dwell on her struggles or tout her victories—she only looks forward, always striving to make the world a better place.
Today, I have the privilege of saying thank you to Bonnie. You inspired me not just to fight for justice, but to be a better person—to others and to the world. You helped me realize that even the smallest ripple can disrupt the current and create lasting change. For that, I am forever grateful. You are my family.
On behalf of the entire Illinois Reporter team, we thank you, Bonnie. We appreciate you, we admire you, and we love you. You are the real hero in America.
One of our countries fiercest advocated for marginalized communities, has transcended to a better place
Heather was an advocate for so many, an activist for over 30 groups, and dedicated her life to educating the public about corruption and injustice. Until her last breath, she fought selflessly for others. A savior for some, an inspiration to all, she couldn't be silenced.
"Her dedication to our mission was crucial to our success on a national level. She was well-connected, educated, humble, and kind. She was also tenacious, a bulldog in her right to fight for justice."
Here is my story about Heather:
Day 1:
"I met Heather when she got frustrated with bought-out news not sharing victims' sides. She contacted me out of the blue, on my personal cell phone, and asked if I was brave enough to take on her story. I laughed and told her I was known as "the fearless Journalist" and that I would "agree to take her story before she even told me what it was".
She asked me why I would agree without knowing what it was. I responded, "if you found me, figured out how to personally get a hold of me, then I can assume the story is not only true and well researched, but that your bravery to get it to me was enough for me to fight for you." She broke down in tears and started crying.
I told her, "Heather, I do not know you yet, nor know about these stories yet, and I will drive the hours to come to meet with you tomorrow to go over all the stories that you have, not just the one you need right now, but first, to do this, I just have one request from you". To which she replied, "Bonnie I will do anything to help these people." "Anything?" I asked. "Anything", she stated.
"Then the one thing I am going to need you to do right now, before I agree to drive there tomorrow, is for you to tell me the story of Ms. Heather McMeegan. From the start. I need to know and understand how heroes are born and made."
She paused, sniffed her tears away, and then said, "Your fucking kidding me, right?" I said "nope, it is my condition. Do you agree?" We both laughed and spent the next few hours on the phone, so that I could get to know this hero who walked amongst us.
Moving Forward with Heather on my Side:
This started a friendship and partnership that included multiple weekly calls by day for business and many more by evenings, as we unwound for the night. She was someone I could share stories with, get advice from, and battle side by side with. Macomb Reporter was born.
Not only that but to have spent any time with her was amazing. She was so funny, adamant in her ways and knowledge, always coaching me and mentoring me to excel higher. I learned so much from her daily that I am who I am today because of her. I went from a local reporter to an Internationally known, award-winning journalist, investigator, author, podcaster, and defender of victims and the Constitution nationwide.
The Books:
Then one day she demanded I write my book and tell my story. She felt the world needed to hear what she and I endured. I laughed, coming from the first time I met her when I made her tell me her story, I decided to flip the script.
"I will write my story if you write yours", I told her. So, we did. She edited mine; she helped me add to it with things I forgot. She was the first one I called when it was released. We celebrated with wine across the distance. She was still writing hers. Then she encouraged me to write more, to drive out local hate group extremist Krista Wing, AKA leader of the Sarah Ellen Jonas Group into the spotlight. Her word to me nightly is that we cannot EVER allow Hate to win or to become acceptable or normal behavior. I agreed. To this, I still fight. Together we waged a war against Project 2025, Koch, and others.
She is greatly missed, not just by me but by so many. Not a day or story I write goes without her in mind. I want her memory and lessons to be passed on to all my staff and volunteers at the Illinois Reporter, and any activist she knew. So, to end this piece, I will enshrine this memory and pass it to you all...
In Loving Memory of Heather McMeegan, one of my best friends, closest ally, confidant, and family to me:
To Heather, our nightly calls would end the moment you would say, "Fuck those Mother Fuckers" and then I would say it back. That meant, "Goodbye for tonight, and when we wake up, we live to see another day we can fight".
So, on behalf of Heather, who can no longer do it herself, I will say it to you all... Because she would INSIST I do it on her behalf. (We spoke about these things if something were to happen...)
"I might not be here any longer, but that doesn't stop the fight ahead. You always had it in you to lead this fight. I was brought into your life to guide the way, not be the solution. It is up to you to finish this fight now. I taught you what you needed to know. Now go". "Fuck those mother fucker's".
Randy Fine, running in the 6th Congressional District, has been ousted as a Trump Traitor, leaving Republicans voting Blue, to ensure there are no Traitors getting into Trump's team.
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