New SNAP Work Requirements Take Effect in Additional States Starting February 1, Including Michigan

Washington, D.C. — Expanded work requirements for recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are taking effect in additional states beginning February 1, including Michigan, potentially impacting millions of low-income Americans who rely on the program to help pay for groceries.

SNAP, commonly known as food stamps, currently serves about 42 million people, or roughly one in eight Americans, according to federal data. The program is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which is implementing new rules as part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to reduce waste, fraud, and abuse.

Under changes enacted through a tax and spending law signed in July, many adult SNAP recipients must now work, volunteer, or participate in job training for at least 80 hours per month to remain eligible. Individuals who fail to meet the requirement are limited to three months of benefits within a three-year period.

Expanded Eligibility Rules

Previously, work requirements applied only to able-bodied adults ages 18 to 54 without dependents. The new law expands those requirements to include adults ages 55 to 64 and parents whose children are age 14 or older.

The changes also eliminate longstanding exemptions for homeless individuals, military veterans, and young adults aging out of foster care. In addition, the law restricts states’ ability to waive work requirements in regions with limited employment opportunities.

Michigan-Specific Requirements

In Michigan, the expanded SNAP work requirements take effect February 1, according to state officials.

Michigan recipients who fall under the new rules will be required to document at least 80 hours per month of employment, approved volunteer service, or participation in a qualifying job training or employment program. Individuals who do not meet or properly report these requirements may lose benefits after three months within a 36-month period.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has advised affected recipients to expect written notices, phone calls, or electronic communications outlining their obligations and deadlines. Recipients must submit verification through the state’s MI Bridges system or directly through their local MDHHS office.

State officials have warned that failure to submit paperwork, even when a recipient is working, could result in the suspension or termination of benefits.

State-by-State Rollout

The timing of the new rules depends on when each state implemented the policy.

• Texas began enforcing the requirements in October, meaning some recipients may have already exhausted their three months of benefits as of January 1.

• States including Alaska, Colorado, Georgia, and Hawaii began the clock in November, with benefit losses possible in early February.

• Michigan, Ohio, and Illinois begin enforcement on February 1, with Ohio requiring documentation of work activity starting in March.

• California currently maintains a statewide waiver due to unemployment conditions, which is scheduled to remain in effect until January 2027.

Some regional waivers remain in place nationwide, though many have already expired or are set to end soon.

What Recipients Should Know

SNAP recipients affected by the new requirements must submit additional documentation to verify work or training participation. Advocacy groups urge recipients to respond promptly to notices from their state SNAP offices and to maintain records of hours worked or activities completed.

Failure to comply with reporting requirements may result in loss of benefits, even for recipients who are otherwise eligible.

Impact and Scope

According to the Congressional Budget Office, the new requirements are expected to reduce the average monthly SNAP caseload by approximately 2.4 million people over the next decade.

While most SNAP recipients live in households below the federal poverty line — about $33,000 annually for a family of four — federal data show that nearly two in five SNAP households include at least one working individual. More than 60 percent of recipients live in families with children, and over one-third live in households that include seniors or people with disabilities.

The average SNAP benefit is approximately $190 per person per month.

Looking Ahead

As enforcement expands nationwide and begins in Michigan, advocacy organizations and state agencies are closely monitoring the impact on food access, employment participation, and administrative workload. Additional changes may follow as remaining state waivers expire and compliance data are reviewed.

Michigan Secretary of State Admits Another Noncitizen Vote — But Stonewalls Accountability Questions

 

LANSING, Mich. — Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson has now acknowledged another confirmed case of noncitizen voting in Michigan — while declining to answer basic questions about how often it has happened, how many illegal ballots were cast, or what concrete steps her office is taking to stop it from happening again.

The admission came Thursday after the Department of State reviewed records flagged by Macomb County Clerk Anthony Forlini, whose office uncovered evidence that noncitizens had appeared in jury pools and, in several cases, were registered to vote and had cast ballots.

Speaking at a livestreamed press conference, Benson confirmed that one of the individuals identified in Forlini’s data review was a noncitizen who voted in a Michigan election. She also acknowledged that her office canceled that individual’s voter registration — but refused to disclose how many times the person voted, whether additional illegal ballots were cast, or whether similar cases were previously missed by state reviews.

That refusal has become a pattern.

A Pattern of Admissions — and Evasions

Forlini’s office reported that between September 2025 and January 2026, 239 individuals selected for jury duty in Macomb County self-identified as noncitizens. Cross-checking those names against voter rolls revealed 14 individuals who had registered to vote at some point, including 10 still listed as qualified voters. At least three showed voting histories, and one had voted multiple times before removal.

Under Michigan law, noncitizens are barred from both jury service and voting.

Yet Michigan’s automatic voter registration system — tied to driver’s license transactions — relies on self-attestation of citizenship, not verification against a federal database. The state does not systematically confirm citizenship status before adding individuals to the voter rolls.

Benson has repeatedly insisted that “only U.S. citizens can register to vote or cast ballots in our elections.” The evidence emerging from Macomb County directly contradicts that claim.

Numbers Don’t Add Up

The scope of the issue becomes more troubling when viewed statewide.

When Benson took office, Michigan had approximately 7.5 million registered voters — about 300,000 fewer than the voting-age population. By 2022, the state reported roughly 8.2 million registered voters for a voting-age population of about 7.9 million, following an expansion of automatic registration programs.

Despite those figures, Benson has refused to provide a clear accounting of how many noncitizens have been identified and removed from the voter rolls during her tenure. When pressed by reporters Thursday, she could not — or would not — answer.

Instead, she alleged without documentation that her office has removed more than 1.1 million “out-of-date” registrations, a figure unrelated to the narrower and more serious question of illegal voting by noncitizens.

Prior Testimony, Now Undercut

This is not the first time Benson’s public statements have been undermined by later disclosures.

In September 2024, Benson testified before Congress that there was “no evidence that noncitizens are voting.” One month later, she acknowledged that a Chinese national — a University of Michigan student — illegally cast a ballot in the 2024 election that could not be retrieved once counted.

By April 2025, Benson admitted at least 15 additional illegal ballots were likely cast in that same election. Republican lawmakers later suggested the true number could be significantly higher.

Now, with another confirmed noncitizen vote emerging from Forlini’s findings, Benson again downplayed the significance — while warning that scrutiny itself could harm “faith in elections.”

Shifting Blame, Avoiding Fixes

Rather than outlining corrective measures, Benson has focused her criticism on those who uncovered the problem.

She accused Forlini and federal investigators of attempting to “intimidate” state officials and suggested that efforts to tighten election safeguards are politically motivated. At the same time, she continues to campaign against proposals requiring proof of citizenship or photo identification to vote — measures supporters argue would directly address the vulnerabilities now on display.

Despite promising in 2025 to work with lawmakers on legislation to prevent illegal voting, no such bill has materialized from her office. Instead, Benson proposed a slate of election rule changes critics say would make challenges to illegal votes more difficult.

She also declined to specify what steps, if any, her office is taking to prevent noncitizen voting going forward.

The Core Question Remains

At issue is not rhetoric, but responsibility.

Michigan law is clear. Voting by noncitizens is illegal. Each confirmed case represents not just a clerical error, but a breakdown in election administration. Yet Benson — now overseeing the state’s election system while campaigning for higher office — has offered assurances instead of answers, narratives instead of numbers.

Forlini’s findings suggest the problem may not be isolated. Benson’s unwillingness to fully account for it has only intensified scrutiny.

As one confirmed noncitizen vote becomes two, then sixteen, then potentially dozens, the question facing Michigan voters is simple: how many more went undetected — and why does the state’s chief election official still refuse to say?

The British Invasion: How Josh & Jase Turned Michigan Into a Viral Winter Playground

 

Michigan didn’t just get visitors this winter — it got headliners.

British creators Josh Cauldwell-Clarke and Jase Riley dropped into the Mitten State and promptly turned snowbanks, roadside signs, diners, and frozen waterfronts into a global stage. What followed was two weeks of joyful chaos, viral stunts, and relentless positivity that put Michigan squarely in front of millions of eyeballs worldwide.

From Border Signs to Snowstorms: The Stunts That Hooked the Internet

The duo’s Michigan run wasn’t scripted tourism — it was spontaneous, cold-weather comedy with heart. Among the moments that blew up online:

• Border-hopping bravado at Michigan welcome signs, treating snow-covered pull-offs like must-see attractions
• Winter daredevil antics — plunging hands into snowdrifts, braving subzero winds, and laughing through lake-effect squalls
• Town-by-town hype — shouting out small cities and locals with the same energy usually reserved for major landmarks
• Iconic selfies in places most influencers overlook, including frozen harbors, highway rest stops, and neighborhood main streets

Every clip carried the same message: Michigan isn’t just tough — it’s fun.

“Midwest Nice” Goes Global

What really landed wasn’t just the stunts. It was the people.

Josh and Jase leaned hard into what they dubbed “Midwest Nice” — the friendliness of strangers, the generosity of small businesses, and the unfiltered pride locals have for their towns. They filmed chats with residents, joked with shop owners, and turned everyday kindness into shareable moments that traveled far beyond state lines.

For international audiences, Michigan stopped being a flyover mystery and became a place that felt welcoming, weird, and worth the trip.

Real Economic Ripples, Not Just Likes

The impact wasn’t theoretical. It was measurable.

• Restaurants, coffee shops, and bars featured in videos reported spikes in foot traffic
• Small towns saw sudden online searches and social engagement jump after being tagged
• Local tourism pages experienced surges in follows and inquiries
• Winter travel — often a tough sell — suddenly looked adventurous instead of intimidating

This is the modern tourism multiplier effect: one viral visit can outperform a traditional ad campaign at a fraction of the cost.

Rewriting Michigan’s Global Image

For years, Michigan has fought dated stereotypes — gray skies, factory towns, “nothing to do.” Josh and Jase smashed that narrative by doing something radical: having a blast on camera in the cold.

They showed:

• Winter as an experience, not an obstacle
• Small towns as destinations, not detours
• Locals as the state’s greatest asset

That kind of storytelling sticks — especially with younger travelers planning trips around authenticity instead of brochures.

A Blueprint for Future Tourism

What happened wasn’t luck. It was alignment.

Michigan’s landscapes, culture, and people paired perfectly with creators who thrive on curiosity and connection. The result? A tourism boost that didn’t feel like marketing — it felt like friends showing the world their favorite place.

If state and local tourism leaders are paying attention, the lesson is clear:
Lean into creators who love the moment, the mess, and the people — not just the postcard.

The Verdict

Josh Cauldwell-Clarke and Jase Riley didn’t just visit Michigan.
They sold it — laughing, freezing, pointing at signs, and inviting the world along for the ride.

And if their feeds are any indication, the British Invasion may be over — but Michigan’s moment is just getting started. ❄️🇺🇸🇬🇧

Royal Oak Schools Issues Formal Warning: Federal Immigration Agents Will Not Be Allowed Free Access to Campuses

 

ROYAL OAK, Mich. — Royal Oak Schools has formally established procedures that function as a direct barrier to federal immigration enforcement activitDry on school grounds, making clear that unapproved agents will be treated as unauthorized intruders — not routine visitors.

In a notice delivered to families, the district laid out a strict protocol governing any appearance by Immigration and Customs Enforcement or Customs and Border Protection agents. Under these rules, agents are to be stopped at the perimeter. Entry into school buildings is prohibited unless identity, credentials, and legal authority are fully verified and explicitly approved by district leadership.

Absent that approval, access is denied.

The policy further directs that any verified federal agents are not to conduct business on school campuses at all. Instead, they are to be diverted to the district’s Board Office, where any interaction must occur under the supervision of the superintendent, district legal counsel, and local law enforcement. Classrooms, hallways, and administrative offices are off-limits.

The district states unequivocally that these procedures apply to all federal agents, without exception.

Failure to comply will not be negotiated.

If agents refuse to follow district protocol, Royal Oak Schools authorizes immediate lockdown procedures — the same response reserved for unauthorized or noncompliant individuals who pose a potential threat to student safety.

The policy also treats the timing of enforcement activity as a security issue. Should ICE or CBP agents appear during student drop-off or pick-up, schools are instructed to initiate an immediate lockdown and issue emergency alerts to parents and guardians. The presence of federal agents during these periods is to be handled as an active incident.

District officials confirmed that staff have been trained in emergency response procedures and “Know Your Rights” guidance, reinforcing that compliance with federal authority does not supersede the district’s duty to protect students.

The district did not cite a triggering incident, nor did it specify whether the policy reflects a change from past practice. The absence of explanation does not soften the message. The directive is preventative, explicit, and unmistakable.

Royal Oak Schools has drawn a bright line: school campuses are not enforcement zones. Children are not to be exposed to law enforcement actions unrelated to their education. Any federal presence that disregards these boundaries will be met with lockdowns, legal oversight, and immediate parent notification.

In doing so, the district asserts its authority over school property and signals that student safety — not federal expediency — governs access to its buildings.

Former Michigan Democratic Party Treasurer Charged in Alleged Embezzlement Case Involving Elderly Victim

Traci Kornak

  

Dana Nessel 

A longtime political figure in Michigan is now facing serious criminal charges after prosecutors say she exploited a vulnerable senior for personal financial gain.

Traci Kornak, the former treasurer of the Michigan Democratic Party and a onetime ally of Governor Gretchen Whitmer, has been charged with multiple felony counts tied to the alleged theft of tens of thousands of dollars from an elderly woman in Kent County.

Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker announced that his office has authorized three criminal charges against Kornak following a multi-year investigation. According to prosecutors, the alleged victim is Rose Burd, an elderly woman described as a vulnerable adult under Michigan law.

The charges include one count of embezzlement from a vulnerable adult involving $50,000 or more but less than $100,000, a second count of embezzlement involving an amount between $1,000 and $20,000, and a third count of false pretenses. If convicted on all counts, Kornak could face a combined maximum prison sentence of up to 25 years, along with significant financial penalties.

Court records indicate the alleged conduct occurred over an extended period, with prosecutors arguing that Kornak abused a position of trust to gain access to Burd’s finances. Authorities have not yet announced an arraignment date, and Kornak has not entered a plea as of this writing.

The case has drawn heightened political attention because of Kornak’s past role within the state Democratic Party and her proximity to top Democratic leadership. Critics have accused Attorney General Dana Nessel of failing to act sooner, alleging that the matter was quietly sidelined for years despite earlier warnings.

State Rep. Jay DeBoyer, chair of the Michigan House Oversight Committee, has held multiple hearings related to the case and praised Becker’s office for ultimately bringing charges forward. DeBoyer has said the prolonged timeline raises serious questions about political favoritism and accountability inside state government.

Much of the public scrutiny surrounding the case stems from years of reporting by journalist Charlie LeDuff, who has repeatedly alleged that top state officials were aware of the accusations long before criminal charges were filed. LeDuff has reported that Kornak continued to hold financial responsibilities within Democratic political circles even after concerns were raised.

According to those reports, Kornak was at one point considered for a judicial appointment, a move that intensified backlash once the allegations became more widely known.

The investigation was eventually taken over by the Kent County Sheriff’s Office, which conducted a lengthy review before referring the case to the prosecutor. Becker’s decision to move forward has been framed by supporters as a belated but necessary step toward restoring public trust.

As the case now heads toward court, it is expected to fuel renewed debate over political accountability, oversight of party officials, and protections for elderly and vulnerable adults. For now, Kornak remains presumed innocent, with prosecutors saying the facts will ultimately be tested in a courtroom rather than the court of public opinion.

Perry Johnson Enters Michigan Governor’s Race, Pledges Self-Funded Campaign

 

Republican businessman Perry Johnson formally entered Michigan’s race for governor on Monday, launching a self-funded campaign and immediately positioning himself as an outsider willing to challenge both Democratic leadership and entrenched political interests in Lansing.

Johnson, a wealthy entrepreneur best known for his quality-control and consulting businesses, announced his candidacy with a message centered on economic growth, government accountability, and education reform, themes he emphasized during previous statewide campaigns.

“I’m running because Michigan is falling behind,” Johnson said in his announcement. “Families are paying more, businesses are leaving, and career politicians aren’t delivering results. I’m willing to put my own resources on the line to fix it.”

A Familiar Name Returns to Statewide Politics

Johnson is no stranger to Michigan voters. He previously ran in the Republican gubernatorial primary in 2022, spending millions of his own money before being disqualified over petition issues — a controversy that continues to resonate within GOP circles.

This time, Johnson’s team says the campaign will be built with strict legal compliance and a fully self-funded structure, allowing him to avoid reliance on political action committees, party donors, or special-interest groups.

Campaign aides say Johnson plans to invest “whatever it takes” to communicate directly with voters statewide.

GOP Field Continues to Take Shape

Johnson’s entry further crowds an already developing Republican field, as multiple candidates position themselves to challenge Democratic control of the governor’s office. With term limits preventing Governor Gretchen Whitmer from running again, both parties see the 2026 race as a pivotal contest for the state’s economic and political direction.

Republican strategists say Johnson’s personal wealth, name recognition, and willingness to self-finance could make him a serious contender — particularly in a primary electorate frustrated with traditional politicians.

However, critics within the party argue that Johnson’s past campaign missteps and outsider status could prove liabilities in a competitive primary.

Campaign Message Focused on Economy and Education

Johnson has signaled that his platform will emphasize:

• Cutting regulations he says drive jobs out of Michigan

• Expanding school choice and restructuring education funding

• Opposing tax increases and what he calls “runaway state spending”

• Reining in executive power and restoring legislative oversight

He is expected to begin a statewide tour immediately, focusing on small businesses, manufacturing communities, and suburban voters.

High-Stakes Race Ahead

With Michigan emerging as a national battleground state, the governor’s race is expected to draw intense attention, heavy spending, and national political interest.

Johnson’s decision to self-fund could reshape the Republican primary, forcing other candidates to rely more heavily on donor networks and party infrastructure — and potentially accelerating the pace and intensity of the race.

As the field continues to solidify, Johnson’s entry underscores what many operatives already expect: Michigan’s 2026 governor’s race will be one of the most expensive and closely watched state contests in the country.

John James Draws Fire After Breaking With Michigan Republicans on Auto Mandate

U.S. Rep. John James is facing renewed scrutiny from within his own party after voting alongside Michigan Democrats to preserve a Biden-era federal auto technology mandate — a move critics say underscores growing concerns about his alignment with Republican priorities.

James’ vote placed him with Democratic members of Michigan’s congressional delegation, including Haley Stevens and Shri Thanedar, and against every other Michigan Republican in the U.S. House, who supported blocking the regulation.

Internal GOP Friction Intensifies

The regulation, issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration during the Joe Biden administration, requires automakers to install advanced technology designed to prevent impaired driving. While supporters argue the rule could save lives, opponents warn it opens the door to increased costs, data collection, and federal intrusion into privately owned vehicles.

Following the vote, conservative activists and Republican strategists in Michigan characterized James’ decision as a clear break from party consensus, particularly on regulatory and privacy issues central to the state’s auto industry.

Debate Avoidance Becomes Part of the Narrative

James’ vote has also reignited criticism over his absence from debates and multi-candidate Republican forums, an issue that has followed him through multiple election cycles. Political observers note that while James has maintained a strong media presence through controlled appearances and national fundraising, he has repeatedly declined invitations to participate in open, unscripted debates with other Republicans.

Those decisions have drawn sharp contrast with other prominent Michigan Republicans who have actively engaged voters in public forums and policy debates.

GOP Field Takes Shape Without James

As dissatisfaction grows among some party activists, attention has increasingly shifted to other Republican figures viewed as more closely aligned with grassroots priorities. Among those frequently mentioned are:

• Mike Cox, emphasizing law-and-order credentials and opposition to federal overreach

• Tom Leonard, known for legislative experience and confrontations with Democratic leadership

• Aric Nesbitt, a consistent critic of federal mandates and regulatory expansion

None of these figures were involved in the congressional vote, but party insiders say the contrast in governing philosophy has become more pronounced.

A Defining Moment

James has defended his record as pragmatic and focused on safety and economic growth. However, critics argue the auto mandate vote — combined with his absence from debates — reinforces doubts about whether he represents the priorities of Michigan Republicans or a more bipartisan, Washington-driven approach.

As federal regulations affecting the auto industry move closer to implementation, and as Michigan Republicans assess future leadership, James’ vote is likely to remain a flashpoint in internal party discussions.