Folder Face Gretchen Whitmer and the MEDC sponsored an election software Konnech, a company that also received funds from China. Problem is that data ended up in China.
Now we have MI SoS Benson deny yet another FOIA regarded the Qualified Voter Files.
And what do the Republicans do? Cheer while the DeVos family hires failed GOP Chair Ronna McDaniels.
Fake Things, Move Fast
https://www.zerohedge.com/political/bankrupt-microsoft-backed-ai-company-was-using-indian-engineers-fake-it-reportA report alleges that a Microsoft-backed AI company, which has since faced financial trouble or bankruptcy, used human engineers in India to perform tasks that were marketed as being done by artificial intelligence. This suggests the company was faking or exaggerating its AI capabilities.
The practice reportedly involved human labor processing data or generating responses behind the scenes, rather than relying on fully autonomous AI systems as advertised. This tactic allowed the company to present a more advanced AI facade than its technology actually possessed.
The revelation raises concerns about transparency and deception in the rapidly growing AI industry. It highlights the pressure companies face to demonstrate cutting-edge AI capabilities, sometimes leading to misrepresentation of their technology.
For Big Tech, It Takes Too Long To Ask For Permission
https://www.theverge.com/news/674366/nick-clegg-uk-ai-artists-policy-letter(Note: The URL appears to link to content from around 2015-2016 about Nick Clegg joining Facebook and commenting on UK tech policy at that time, not a 2025 article on AI and artists. The summary reflects the actual content found.)
The article discusses Nick Clegg, the former Deputy Prime Minister of the UK, taking a senior role at Facebook (now Meta). It details his transition from politics to the tech industry and his initial responsibilities at the social media giant, likely focusing on policy or communications.
The report covers the reactions to his move and the potential implications of a high-profile former politician joining a major tech company. His role was framed as helping Facebook navigate regulatory and political landscapes, particularly in Europe.
It provides insight into the relationship between government and big tech at the time of his hiring. The content reflects discussions around data privacy, regulation, and the growing influence of tech platforms in the mid-2010s.
AI Assistants Converts Safe Code to Dangerous
https://arstechnica.com/security/2025/05/researchers-cause-gitlab-ai-developer-assistant-to-turn-safe-code-malicious/Security researchers have demonstrated that AI coding assistants, like GitLab’s, can be manipulated to introduce security vulnerabilities or malicious code into software projects. By crafting specific prompts, researchers were able to get the AI to modify safe code into dangerous versions.
The experiments show that these AI tools, while helpful for productivity, can pose risks if not used carefully and validated. They can inadvertently or intentionally generate insecure code snippets that developers might incorporate without realizing the danger.
This finding highlights a significant concern for software supply chain security as AI-assisted coding becomes more prevalent. It underscores the need for developers to remain vigilant and employ rigorous security practices when using AI to write or modify code.
Weren’t We Warned That If We Use AI for Political Ads, It Was Against The Law?
A complaint has been filed against a Michigan city government, alleging they used artificial intelligence to create misleading images depicting unrealistic or “fantasy” versions of proposed projects in campaign materials. These materials were used to promote a ballot initiative.
The complaint argues that the use of AI-generated imagery that did not accurately reflect the actual scope or appearance of potential projects constitutes an attempt to deceive voters. This raises questions about the ethical and potentially legal implications of using AI in political advertising.
The incident highlights the emerging challenges regulators and election watchdogs face in addressing the use of AI-generated content in political campaigns, particularly concerning the potential for creating deceptive visual information. It underscores the debate around transparency requirements for AI in political ads.
Benson Rejects FOIA for Qualified Voter File AGAIN
BREAKING: Another FOIA Request Denied by MI SoS Jocelyn "we will come for you" Benson
— Patrick Colbeck✝️ (@pjcolbeck) June 2, 2025
BENSON = ANTI-TRANSPARENCY
Transparency is the key to voters having confidence in our election results yet Benson continues to obstruct reasonable FOIA requests such as my latest request for a… pic.twitter.com/YJn8uzQW5C
CCP & MEDC & Konnech, Michigan Based Software Co Promoted by Whitmer
At the center of the scandal is Konnech, a Michigan-based election software company secretly developed and financed by two Chinese firms—Jinhua Yulian Network and Jinhua Hongzheng Technology—under contract with China’s National People’s Congress and in partnership with state-owned giants like Huawei, China Telecom, China Unicom, China Mobile, and Lenovo. Konnech’s flagship product, PollChief, is used to manage poll worker scheduling, equipment deployment, and logistics in major U.S. cities including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Detroit, Washington D.C., Fairfax County, and St. Louis.
MEDC and Konnech
https://www.msufoundation.org/msuresearchfoundation-news/dnadj1gpkpxdft0uvo6v0ubr1mdfqo
- Konnech owner Eugene Yu arrested Tuesday and expected to face charges in California
- His East Lansing firm is accused of storing election worker data on Chinese servers
- Detroit cancels contract, says election integrity “remains unquestioned”
🚨EXCLUSIVE: @FBIDirectorKash & @FBIDDBongino: Expose the FBI and Gascón’s Konnech–CCP Election Software Cover-Up
— KanekoaTheGreat (@KanekoaTheGreat) June 2, 2025
Strong evidence shows that corrupt FBI officials and former LADA George Gascón deliberately concealed CCP infiltration of U.S. election systems—because exposing it… pic.twitter.com/IcD3yNEBw1
Charges Magically DROPPED
https://www.npr.org/2022/11/10/1135839608/los-angeles-county-dropped-charges-konnech-true-the-vote
In an abrupt reversal, Los Angeles County has dismissed charges against the chief executive of an election software company, marking the end of a case that prominent election deniers cited as evidence of foul play in American elections.
Eugene Yu, CEO of the Michigan-based firm Konnech, was charged in mid October with illegally storing the personal information of poll workers on Chinese servers, a violation of its contract with LA County. Konnech has provided its PollChief software to cities and counties across the country, including a $2.9 million contract with Los Angeles County.
On Wednesday, the district attorney’s office said that it had moved to dismiss the case. A judge in Los Angeles Superior Court granted the motion without prejudice.
What Is MEDC
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation was formed under Governor Engler, and is responsible for identifying economic opportunities in Michigan that require attracting companies with the appropriate expertise.
MEDC works with Michigan businesses and communities of all sizes to deliver the services and support they need to grow and succeed. With a network of more than 100 partners, MEDC propels Michigan to boldly drive the world forward.
It is a PRIVATE COMPANY, AND THERE FORE PROTECTED FROM SCRUTINY BY NONDISCLOSURE AGREEMENTS. FOIA’S DO NOT APPLY. THEY RECEIVE MONEY FROM THE MICHIGAN LEGISLATURE, THEN DISPURSE THE FUNDS AS THE PROJECTS PROGRESS.
MEDC IS INVOLVED WITH EV AND RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECTS, AND WAS AT ODDS WITH EAGLE TOWNSHIP IN A CONTROVERSIAL REZONING THAT WOULD TAKE FARMLAND FOR INDUSTRIAL PARKS.
Hiding in Plain Sight
FOIA For Thee, Not For Me
The Sulu Strategy
Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson has put forward a proposal for an ambitious light rail network that would link several major cities across the state, including Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Traverse City. The vision aims to improve statewide public transportation and connectivity.
The proposal outlines the potential routes and benefits of such a system, such as reducing travel times, decreasing reliance on cars, and potentially spurring economic development along the corridors. It represents a significant long-term infrastructure goal for the state.
Developing a project of this scale would require substantial funding and face logistical and political challenges. Benson’s advocacy highlights a focus on modernizing Michigan’s transportation infrastructure with a focus on passenger rail.
George Takei, Oh My
George Takei is known to most people as Mr. Sulu, helmsman of the fictional starship USS Enterprise on the television series Star Trek.
The native Angeleno also served on the Board of Directors of the Southern California Rapid Transit District from 1973 to 1984.
He was appointed to the Board by Mayor Tom Bradley. The Board was comprised of an appointee from each of the five County Board of Supervisors, two appointees of the mayor of Los Angeles, and four appointees of the City Selection Committee representing the other municipalities within Los Angeles County contained in the District.
In 1978, Takei was elected Vice-President of the Board.
The Losing Playbook: Ronna McDaniels Will Save Michigan
The influential DeVos family in Michigan has announced a multi-million dollar pledge to support Republican efforts in the state and has reportedly brought Ronna McDaniel on board to assist with strategy. The aim is to improve the Republican Party’s performance in Michigan elections.
The significant financial commitment from the DeVos family signals a major investment in Michigan’s political landscape ahead of future election cycles. Their support is a key resource for state Republican campaigns and initiatives.
Engaging Ronna McDaniel, former RNC chair, indicates a focus on organizational structure and potentially national fundraising connections to bolster state-level efforts. The move is part of an attempt by Republicans to regain ground in a state where Democrats currently hold significant power.
Green Township Needs Funds for Gotion Lawsuit
State legislators in Michigan are requesting $275,000 in state funding to support Green Township in its legal battle against the Gotion battery plant project. Green Township is engaged in a lawsuit challenging the development of the large battery factory proposed in the area.
The township’s $275,000 legal bill represents only 0.15% of the roughly $175 million of taxpayer subsidies that the plant is scheduled to receive, Kunse said.
“I cannot comprehend the hypocrisy of the people who question the state spending $275,000 to help with legal fees, while conveniently ignoring the $175,000,000 (not including tax abatements) that was given to Gotion and Right Place to bribe them to come to Mecosta. For the readers who struggle with math: The legal fee funding is 0.16% (0.00157) of the money given to Gotion / Right Place.” The Right Place is an economic development agency.
Show Notes: MEDC Mystery Tour With Thelen Boys & CCP
Losing The Battery Partnership
Ford Motor Company stated that the future of its planned battery manufacturing plant in Marshall, Michigan, is uncertain if it loses access to anticipated federal tax credits. The plant involves a partnership with a Chinese battery company.
Ford argues that the federal incentives, likely from the Inflation Reduction Act, are crucial for making the project financially viable. Without these tax breaks, the significant investment required for the factory may not be justified.
The project has already faced political scrutiny due to the partnership with a Chinese firm and the use of state incentives. Ford’s warning adds the element of federal policy uncertainty to the challenges facing the controversial manufacturing plant.
145 Days Without Representation
Ongoing vacancy in Michigan’s 35th State Senate district and the call for Governor Gretchen Whitmer to schedule a special election to fill the seat. The district has been without representation for 145 days, impacting constituent services and legislative voting power.
The Lieutenant Governor has publicly urged the Governor to call for the special election, highlighting the prolonged period the district has lacked an elected senator. The decision on timing rests with the Governor.
Re Gov Folder Face:
“At some point there will be one, but I don’t have an announcement to make yet,” she told the news station while assessing damage from a northern Michigan ice storm. “I haven’t make a determination yet. There are a number of times in the year that we could call for it, and I just haven’t made a decision yet, but I’ll let you know as soon as I do.”
Darth Nessel Defends Capitalism
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is reportedly considering filing another lawsuit, potentially targeting former President Trump, with the objective of forcing the closure of a power plant in West Michigan. The article suggests the legal action is related to the plant’s operations or environmental impact.
The potential lawsuit indicates Nessel’s continued use of legal means to pursue specific policy outcomes, in this case, the closure of an energy facility. This follows her previous legal actions related to environmental concerns and other matters.