Michigan News Roundup: Voting Investigation, Senate Race Polls, Economic Signals, and Local Developments

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson has released the results of a Bureau of Elections investigation into allegations that non-Americans voted in Macomb County elections. The claims were made by Macomb County Clerk and Secretary of State candidate Anthony Forlini, who alleged that 15 noncitizens had voted since last September.

During a virtual press conference, Benson said investigators found that only three of the 15 individuals had any voting history. Of those three, one was a U.S. citizen who legally cast a ballot, one case remains under investigation, and the third last voted in 2018 and had their voter registration canceled in 2022.

U.S. Senate Race Polling

New polling from Emerson College shows State Senator Mallory McMorrow leading the Democratic U.S. Senate primary field by approximately six points over Congresswoman Haley Stevens and former health director Abdul El-Sayed. The poll also indicates that all three Democratic contenders are either tied with or narrowly leading Republican Mike Rogers in potential general election matchups by six points or less. The survey carries a margin of error of 4.4 percent.

Economy: Interest Rates, Gold Prices, and Jobs

A Michigan economist is pushing back against the Federal Reserve’s decision this week to keep interest rates unchanged. Northwood University economist Dr. Timothy Nash said a rate cut could have helped ease borrowing costs for consumers and businesses, noting the Fed still has opportunities to act later this year.

Meanwhile, gold prices have surged past $5,500 an ounce. Political commentator Pat Heller attributes the spike largely to increased demand from central banks and exchange-traded funds, which together rose more than 50 percent last year.

On the employment front, the Lansing area unemployment rate rose two-tenths of a percentage point in December to 4.4 percent, according to the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget. Statewide, more than 8,500 new unemployment claims were filed last week.

EV Challenges in Cold Weather

Demand for electric vehicles has dipped recently, and cold winter conditions are not helping. CNBC automotive reporter Mike Wayland described losing significantly more battery range than expected during a winter drive from Detroit to Ann Arbor, noting that cold temperatures slow the chemical reactions inside EV batteries.

Education and Community Support

Current and future Lansing Community College students have until Saturday to apply for a $1,500 scholarship for the upcoming academic year. The scholarships are funded through a $272,000 donation from an anonymous local business owner to the LCC Foundation. Executive Director Cathy Zell said the funding helps students stay enrolled when unexpected expenses arise.

Courts, Politics, and Development

An Ingham County judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by sexual assault advocate Brenda Tracy against former Michigan State University head football coach Mel Tucker. Tracy alleged Tucker made false statements that harmed her reputation. Tucker was fired in 2023 following a sexual harassment complaint. Tracy’s attorneys say they plan to appeal.

In East Lansing, the city’s Planning Commission voted 6–2 to recommend approval of a 13-story mixed-use development on Albert Avenue. The project would include more than 200 apartments, commercial space, and interior parking, though some downtown business owners have raised concerns about parking availability. The proposal now heads to the Downtown Development Authority and could reach City Council as early as March.

Legislation, Ethics, and Public Safety

The Michigan Senate has approved bipartisan legislation increasing penalties for human trafficking offenses. Supporters say the bills strengthen protections for minors targeted through online exploitation.

In West Michigan, embezzlement charges have been authorized against Belmont attorney Tracy Kornak, who is accused of stealing between $50,000 and $100,000 from an elderly woman. Kornak had previously been investigated in 2022 in connection with ethics complaints involving Attorney General Dana Nessel, though no charges were filed at that time. Michigan House Republicans are now accusing Nessel of ethical violations related to the case.

Condemnation of Attack on Lawmaker

U.S. Representative Tom Barrett of Michigan’s 7th District has condemned the recent attack on Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, who was sprayed with a substance during a town hall meeting. Barrett called the incident disturbing and unacceptable, saying the attacker should be fully prosecuted.