MichMash - Unjumbling Michigan Politics

It's been a while since we spoke about campaign finance reform...and its because there hasn't been much to talk about since the charges earlier this year. MichMash host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Alethia Kasben sit down with The Detroit News' Craig Mauger about why the campaign finance laws take so long to establish.

An increase in minimum wage and required sick leave is set to take effect in February. MichMash host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Services Zach Gorchow sit down with individuals on either side of the law. Chris White, Michigan director of the Restaurant Opportunities Center, and Justin Winslow, president and CEO of the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association, share their positions on the new law.

Since the pandemic, Michigan public school reading scores have been taking a hit. In this episode of "MichMash," host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Zach Gorchow are joined by Peter Spadafore of the Michigan Alliance for Student Opportunity to find out why.

Supporters of increasing the state's minimum wage and earned sick leave received a ruling from the Michigan Supreme Court on Wednesday that's in their favor. This week on "MichMash," host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Alethia Kasben sat down with Crain's Detroit Business senior reporter Dave Eggert to discuss the ramifications of the ruling on the state's businesses. 

After the 2020 elections, false voter fraud accusations have caused there to be a greater focus on county clerks who oversee the voting process. Gongwer News Services' Zach Gorchow and Alethia Kasben sit down with Republican Clerk of Macomb County, Anthony Forlini, and Democratic Clerk of Kalamazoo County, Meredith Place, about their confidence on the voting process on this week's episode of MichMash.

In late spring 2024, The Michigan State Housing Development Authority was granted the ability to use state funds to help increase housing in the state. Gongwer News Services Alethia Kasben and Zach Gorchow chat with the government agency's executive director, Amy Hovey, to discuss how this move can help build more housing.

The federal government is considering rescheduling cannabis which will impact consumers and businesses alike. MichMash host Cheyna Roth and Alethia Kasban talk with Executive Director of the Cannabis Regulatory Agency in Michigan, Brian Hanna. They discuss how the there may be need for thorough guidance from the federal government if this change is made.

This week on "MichMash," we dive into the Michigan primary that's happening on Tuesday, Aug. 6, and the races that will have the most impact on the general election come November. Host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Zach Gorchow sit down with Gongwer reporters Lily Guiney, Nick Smith, and Elena Durnbaugh to discuss the major races to look out for during Tuesday's primary election.

It's been another week of major historic political events. President Biden walked away from his race for reelection, and Vice President Kamala Harris came sprinting in to pick up the baton. On the latest episode of "MichMash," host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Alethia Kasben sat down with former state Rep. Adam Zemke from Ann Arbor to talk about her chances of winning. 

Since the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, many are taking a look at our political system to consider whether we are capable of having disagreements while remaining civil. On the latest episode of "MichMash," Gongwer News Service's Zach Gorchow and Alethia Kasben examine whether that is possible with State Rep. Mike Harris.

A law that just passed the Michigan Senate would set penalties and potentially revoke liquor licenses for retailers defaulting in electronic payments to wholesalers. "MichMash" host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Zach Gorchow are joined by president of the Michigan Beer and Wine Wholesalers Association Spencer Nevins. They discuss the state's alcohol laws that will have the most impact on the alcohol industry.

The Michigan Supreme Court's term ends on July 31, but what are the cases that will have the greatest impacts? On the latest episode of "MichMash" host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Zach Gorchow are joined by Gongwer News Service's Ben Solis to discuss how the court's rulings may impact the Legislature.

After a 19 hour session, Michigan lawmakers approve a 83 million dollar budget that provides a new approach to funding K-12. MichMash host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Alethia Kasben talk with Monique Stanton from the Michigan League for Public Policy. They discuss what elements were included in the budge and what the budget left out.

Despite the gun laws passed after the MSU shooting, three mass shootings in Southeast Michigan put in the question the effectiveness of the legislation. MichMash host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Zach Gorchow sit down with Bridge Michigan Captiol Reporter, Jordyn Hermani to discuss the possible response from Michigan lawmakers.

Teachers and educators are opposed to lawmakers' recent state funding plan. MichMash host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Alethia Kasben discuss the impacts this could have on the Democrats in November. They are also joined by Rep John Fitzgerald and they discuss a proposal to tax short term rentals.

The preliminary examinations ended this week for the six Michigan individuals charged with submitting fake electoral votes for the 2020 presidential election. Ingham County District Court Judge Kristen Simmons must now determine whether there is enough evidence to send them to trial. MichMash host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Zach Gorchow discuss the possible outcomes for the case. Also, Former Lt. Gov. of Michigan Brian Calley joins the conversation to discuss the economic state of small businesses in Michigan. 

Lieutenant Governor of Michigan, Garlin Gilchrist, spoke about the presidential election and how Michigan factors in. As part of the MichMash Extra, MichMash host Cheyna Roth asks Gilchrist if there is enthusiasm among Michiganders about the the presidential candidates.

Michigan House Speaker Joe Tate says the one of the priorities is to create economic stability in Michigan and lower costs for Michiganders. As part of the MichMash extra, MichMash host Cheyna Roth asks Speaker Tate about the rest of the Democrat's priorities heading into the Summer.

Attorney General Dana Nessel has championed protecting people from online scams and protecting personal data. As part of the MichMash extra, MichMash host, Cheyna Roth, asks Nessel about the pushback she receives on the bills that would hold people accountable for scams.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that there will be housing and energy savings coming to Michigan during the 2024 Mackinac Policy Conference. Gongwer News Service's Alethia Kasben asks MichMash host Cheyna Roth about what is going to happen about her coverage of the Governor's announcement. Cheyna also interviews Michigan House Speaker Joe Tate, Attorney General Dana Nessel, and Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist. And we are joined by Gongwer News Reporter Elena Durnbaugh for a Mackinac MichMash roundtable.

As a major battleground state, presidential candidates President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump have been making visits to the Mitten State to drum up support. "MichMash" host, Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Alethia Kasben sit down with Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley to see if the Michigan Democratic Party is doing all that they can to excite voters.

The 2024 Mackinac Policy Conference is only a few weeks away, and we here at "MichMash" will be increasing our coverage by making a trip to the island for the event. "MichMash" host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Zach Gorchow sit down with Brad Williams, vice president of government relations for the Detroit Regional Chamber, to hear what we can expect this year. Gongwer News Service co-host Alethia Kasben also joins the conversation for a "MichMash" roundtable.

The Michigan House and Senate are creating their versions of the budget for the 2025 fiscal year. MichMash host, Cheyna Roth, and Gongwer News Service's, Alethia Kasben, sit down with Rep. Mike McFall to discuss what items he would like to see on the agenda.

Third party candidates notoriously draw votes away from either Republicans or Democrats, but which voters will Robert F. Kennedy Jr. be drawing from? MichMash host, Cheyna Roth, and Gongwer News Service's, Zach Gorchow, sit down with the Detroit Free Press's state politics and government editor, Emily Lawlor to unpack the impact the third party candidacy will have.

As Tuesday's campaign filing deadline has passed, 110 seats in the Michigan House of Representatives on the ballot are up for grabs as Democrats and Republicans try to get control of the house next election. MichMash host, Cheyna Roth, and Gongwer News Service's, Alethia Kasben sit down with Rep. Bill Schuette (R) and Rep. Regina Weiss (D) to discuss their respective parties' chances this election season.

Former Michigan House Speaker Lee Chatfield is charged with 13 embezzlement, conspiracy and larceny counts, as the state looks at financial transparency for our lawmakers and state leaders. "MichMash" host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Zach Gorchow sit down with State Sen. Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids) to see what the legislature plans to do to provide transparency of financial elements.

Nuclear energy is often a contentious topic due to fear of radioactive waste and endangering human health. However, many laud nuclear power as a clean, zero-emission alternative to fossil fuels. The federal government recently announced a $1.5 billion investment to reopen Michigan's Palisades Nuclear Power Plant. "MichMash" host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Services' Alethia Kasben sit down with Rep. Graham Filler (R-DeWitt) to discuss the reopening and Michigan's relationship with nuclear energy.

The no fault auto insurance has been tangled up in legislative logistics since the Michigan Supreme Court upheld the Michigan Court of Appeals' decision to overturn the 2019 auto no-fault bill. MichMash host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Services' Zach Gorchow sit down with Detroit News' Chad Livengood to unpack the current status of the bill and to share stories from crash victims.

Gov. Whitmer has mentioned in her state of the state address the desire to give Michigan high schoolers the opportunity to have two free years at a community college. MichMash host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Alethia Kasben sit down with President of the Michigan Community College Association, Brandy Johnson, to discuss the potential of this bill passing with the growing bipartisan support.

The Michigan Senate is looking to build the state's economy through tax incentives. "MichMash" host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Zach Gorchow sit down with Chief Executive and Economic Competitiveness Officer from the MEDC, Quentin Messer, to discuss the state of economic development in Michigan.

Transparency in Michigan government is in the spotlight this week during Sunshine Week, a nationwide event celebrating open government and access to public information. In this week's episode of MichMash, host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Alethia Kasben sat down with Sen. Jeremy Moss (D-Southfield) to talk about Michigan legislators' latest attempt at passing government transparency legislation in the state.

Two members of the MSU Board of Trustees have been accused of misconduct following an independent investigation. "MichMash" host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Services' Zach Gorchow are joined by Gongwer reporter, Elena Durnbaugh to discuss the details of the allegations.

The Michigan primaries came and went and the results were predictable — save for the "uncommitted" campaign claiming 13% of the Democratic vote. WDET's Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Alethia Kasben sit down with Adrian Hemond, a Democrat, and John Sellek, a Republican, from the organization Baldly Bipartisan, to discuss whether the "uncommitted" vote will impact the election.

The drama in the Michigan GOP continues as the party plans two separate conventions for the Republican presidential nominee. "MichMash" host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Zach Gorchow sit down with Oakland County Republican Party Chair Vance Patrick to discuss the internal power struggle and why he supports Pete Hoekstra as the Michigan GOP chair.

This week makes it one year since the the tragic shooting at Michigan State University. How have lawmakers responded? "MichMash" host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Alethia Kasben sit down with Sen. Sarah Anthony to talk about some of the new legislation to prevent gun violence.

The Michigan Independent Redistricting Commission is taking public comment after releasing multiple proposed draft maps for seven metro Detroit Michigan House seats. And Gov. Whitmer proposed a new budget for the state's next fiscal year. "MichMash" host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer's Zach Gorchow are joined by Gongwer's Ben Solis to unpack the proposed budget and potential redrawn maps.

Senate Republican Leader Aric Nesbitt reacts to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's State of the State address. "MichMash" host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer's Alethia Kasban sit down with Sen. Nesbitt to discuss Michigan Republicans' options for bipartisanship.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer touted the accomplishments of 2023 and her agenda for 2024 in her State of the State address this week. MichMash host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer's Zach Gorchow sit down with Governor Whitmer to ask her about items on her agenda such as paid family leave.

The 2024 election season is underway with the presidential primary coming earlier than in previous election cycles. MichMash host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer's Alethia Kasben sit down with Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson to discuss how early voting is part of an effort to boost voter confidence.

2024 marks the new venture with WDET and Gongwer News Service, combining forces to create a new and improved MichMash. This week, MichMash host, Cheyna Roth, and Gongwer co-hosts Zach Gorchow and Alethia Kasben, sit down with Michigan House Speaker Joe Tate to discuss redistricting and the legislative agenda for 2024.

Cheyna Roth welcomes Gongwer's Zach Gorchow and Alethia Kasben to MichMash as they join her as co-hosts of the podcast. MichMash is produced by WDET in collaboration with Gongwer News Service.

Kristina Karamo faces backlash and calls for her to step down as Michigan GOP chair from her own party. Capitol Reporter from Bridge Michigan, Jonathan Oosting, sits down with MichMash host, Cheyna Roth, to unpack the in-party disagreements in the Michigan GOP.

2023 has had some major political news stories. The Detroit News City Hall reporter, Sarah Rahal, sits down with MichMash host, Cheyna Roth, to let us know which stories stood out this year and what we should look forward to in 2024.

What are the keys to Michigan's success? Eric Lupher, president and secretary of the The Citizens Research Council of Michigan, sits down with Cheyna Roth to discuss the major issues that affect the state's future.

Governor Whitmer announced her plans for a new tax rebate for the purchase of electric vehicles. Automotive News' Jake Neher sits down with Cheyna Roth to dig into the details of these EV rebates.

Governor Whitmer signed a bill to increase fines for people who assault healthcare workers, but some of the workers say it doesn't go far enough. Bridge Michigan's Robin Erb joins Cheyna to explain what is missing from the bipartisan bill.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed some climate bills this week that will make Michigan utility companies to get all of their energy from clean energy by the year 2040. Bridge Michigan's breaking news reporter Janelle James sits down with MichMash host Cheyna Roth to detail how this new legislation will unfold.

The Michigan legislature is adding AI technology to the state capitol to prevent any potential threeats inside the capitol building. The Detroit News' Beth LeBlanc sits down with Cheyna Roth to discuss the implications of the new technology.

After serving six terms, Dan Kildee announces that he won't seek reelection to Congress. Political reporter from Up North Live, Rachel Louise Just, sits down with Cheyna Roth to discuss what this means for the future of his seat and they unpack the Michigan legislature early adjournment.

Tuesday's elections were relatively low key, but they still point to some trends that will impact our state next year in the presidential election. Executive editor and publisher for Gongwer News Service, Zach Gorchow, explains the key takeaways to Cheyna Roth.

After seven years of criminal prosecutions in relation to the Flint water crisis, Dana Nessel's office comes up with no charges. The Detroit News Beth LeBlanc sits down with MichMash host Cheyna Roth to unpack why the prosecution came up empty handed.