Podcasts about gongwer news service

John Lindstrom and Bob Schneider discuss a topic that has been popping up increasingly among Michigan lawmakers lately: transparency and reforming the use of budget earmarks … especially “11th hour” earmarks. Lindstrom, a former reporter, editor, and publisher of Gongwer News Service, and Schneider, senior research associate for state affairs at the Citizens Research Council recall the history of end-of-session budget earmarks. “This is nothing new,” said Lindstrom. “I mean, you go back to when I first started covering the legislature when dinosaurs still roamed the earth. The last session day before Christmas, it was well understood that there was a bill called grants and transfers, which was known in the legislature as the “Christmas tree bill.”' While ham is often associated with traditional Christmas dinners, Christmas tree bills/11th-hour earmarks are always associated with pork. Eighteen months ago, Schneider reviewed and wrote that over 65 percent of over $1.3 billion in earmarks in the FY2024 “omnibus” budget bill were “eleventh-hour earmarks” that appeared only in the final bill – not in the Executive Budget or in the House- or Senate-passed budget bills. $1.3 billion in unseen, non-public, non-transparent spending of state taxpayer dollars. He wrote at the time that the legislature should move to improve “front-end” transparency and vetting by providing upfront details on sponsored earmarks and respecting legislative rules that should prohibit these eleventh-hour earmarks. Since then, it has become noticeably clear that the best way to prevent these earmarks is through restrictions in statute. “The downside to earmarks is that they, you know, they're sort of politically motivated rather than most often policy or policy motivated,” Schneider says. “The best place for these earmarked protocols would be to put them in state statute so that they are part of permanent law. “We know the legislature -- both parties and both chambers with Republicans in charge, with Democrats in charge -- have ignored their own rulemaking at times and the courts don't really have any way to deal with that.”

In our USA Presidential results special, Shane and Ciara get reaction to Donald Trump leading the election vote. For reaction we heard from Lily Guiney, State Government Reporter for Gongwer News Service in Michigan, Alessandro Marazzi Sassoon Journalist in Atlanta, Georgia and also April Corbin Girnus, Deputy Editor of the Nevada Current.

In our USA Presidential results special, Shane and Ciara get reaction to Donald Trump leading the election vote. For reaction we heard from Lily Guiney, State Government Reporter for Gongwer News Service in Michigan, Alessandro Marazzi Sassoon Journalist in Atlanta, Georgia and also April Corbin Girnus, Deputy Editor of the Nevada Current.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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, Zach Gorchow, 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.

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.

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.

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.

Gongwer News Service reporter Lily Guiney sat down with Research Council health analyst Karley Abramson to discuss Michigan's shortage of primary care providers (PCP) and how expanding the scope of practice for nurse practitioners would help address the shortage, which is projected to get worse in the coming years. On March 20, medical professionals from around the state gathered in a Senate committee room to testify on both sides of legislation that would expand the scope of Nurse Practitioner services, allowing greater independence for NPs to treat patients and address healthcare needs. Michigan has among the most restrictive scope of services for nurse practitioners.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

From policy proposals to 80s music references, a lot happened at Gov. Whitmer's 2024 State of the State address. Zach Gorchow of Gongwer News Service, longtime political consultant Greg Bowens, and Lauren Gibbons of Bridge Michigan, join Stephen to break down the speech, including the specific policy proposals and what we should expect from Lansing ahead of the upcoming elections.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

For Media Business Episode 56: Tony Conley welcomes Jordyn Hermani, MLive's politics and culture reporter. Jordyn jhermani@mlive.com having previously covered Michigan House for the news agency until mid-2023. As part of her beat, she covers political culture issues including those related to the LGBTQ community, gun control, gender, local government and education. A Michigander since birth, she graduated from Central Michigan University in 2018 with a double major in journalism and political science, the latter of which she completed while studying at Moscow State University. Jordyn's previous bylines have appeared in Gongwer News Service where she wrote about Michigan politics; Politico where she wrote about technology, cybersecurity and voting; and the Indianapolis Star, where she worked as a Pulliam Fellow. When not writing, you can catch her watching hockey or horror movies — though, usually not at the same time. In their conversation, they cover questions including: - Why were only 3 of 9 people charged in Michigan's tabulator investigation? - What role did the state of Michigan play in Donald Trump's 2020 election indictment? - What did you learn in Michigan's 2020 voting machine probe? » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN's YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCqNX… » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/ Thank you to Benjamin Robinson and Motor City Skyline's music

Gongwer News Service executive director Zach Gorchow and Detroit Free Press state politics and government editor Emily Lawler join the show to preview Governor Gretchen Whitmer's State of the State address. Then, State Sen. Ruth Johnson stops by to discuss her views on what Republicans should prioritize this term, the common ground her party has with Democrats, and what she hopes to hear from the address.

This November, Michiganders will vote on 3 ballot initiatives. Zach Gorchow, Publisher & Executive Editor of the Gongwer News Service in Lansing, joins the show to break down the 3 initiatives, and how they could affect the state. Then, last week, Michigan approved a $846 million dollar budget in an aggressive bid to attract new business. Lauren Gibbons, a reporter covering Michigan politics for Bridge Michigan, stops by to discuss why lawmakers arrived at this figure and how people are reacting to the increase in spending.

First, Zach Gorchow of the Gongwer News Service joins Stephen to talk about the recently passed state budget of almost $77 billion. Then, a political consultant and local representative in Oakland County discuss the local elections coming up in that area.

There is no shortage of issues on the Republican primary field for Governor. Candidates who were held off the ballot for handing in thousands of petition signatures found to be collected under fraudulent circumstances have all been told their appeals to make the ballot have failed.  Plus, one of the five remaining candidates was arrested by the FBI last week and charged with a series of misdemeanors related to the January 6th, 2021 insurrection at the nation's capitol. Zach Gorchow, publisher of Gongwer News Service and Emily Lawler, politics editor of the Detroit Free Press, unpack this "very unusual" unusual primary. GUESTS:  Zach Gorchow, publisher for Gongwer News Service Emily Lawler,politics editor for the Detroit Free Press —— Looking for more conversations from Stateside? Right this way. If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work. Stateside's theme music is by 14KT. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We did it! We made it to 100 episodes! We know you all were counting. Today, we celebrate the century mark by talking to our third Chris in a row. (You don't get to 100 episodes without planning like that!) Chris Sell, Executive Director of Lansing 5:01, joins us to talk Lansing, its future, and its here and now. He has a ton going on and a lot to say. Then, we bring back our friends who helped us start it all, Zach Gorchow, Executive Editor and Publisher of Gongwer News Service, and Emily Guerrant, Vice President and Spokesperson for Michigan State University. Zach was our pilot guest, and Emily was with us for episode #1. It's the 100th Cold Oatmeal Podcast. We don't look a day over 93.

The history of Downtown Lansing restaurants is a checkered one, and today, we take a stroll through the graveyard of 25 years of Washington Ave. eateries. Dusty Fancher of Midwest Strategies Group, Rob Macomber, Chief Deputy Clerk of Kent County, and Zach Gorchow of Gongwer News Service are our hungry historians. What's your favorite sandwich place? The boldest flop? The fastest flame out? Place to go for an incognito meeting? Most cursed location? It's time to talk turkey. Order up! It's the Cold Oatmeal podcast.

So, you may have heard Michigan is getting new congressional and legislative maps as part of the decennial redistricting process. Or, maybe you're like Joe and Carly and could not care less. Either way, Michigan has a new system for drawing these power maps, and whatever words you want to use to describe the old process, this new process has been… interesting (Laura has another word). Today, we talk to Ben Solis, reporter at Gongwer News Service. As part of a questionable, new-employee hazing process, our friend Zach Gorchow assigned poor Ben to follow every minute of this redistricting process and write about it. Now, Ben is quite an expert on it all. What's up with redistricting? How is it working? Who is doing it? Do they know what they're doing? Will it ever be over? Ben answers all these questions and more before Nick's attempted bromance moves the conversation to the Cleveland Browns. It's the Cold Oatmeal podcast.

Today, Craig revisits a conversation from earlier this year with John Lindstrom, former publisher of Gongwer News Service in Lansing.  They discuss Michigan's constitution, and a provision that allows for voter referendums that are basically veto proof.  Under Michigan law, petition drives that gather enough signatures under the law can go straight to the Legislature, which if they approve, can not be vetoed by the Governor.  The referendum method of creating law has been used many times in recent decades, and now is being used by Michigan Republicans to get Voter ID requirements passed despite a likely veto by Governor Whitmer.   Michigan's law is unique...only 340 thousand signatures are needed to get the issue in front of the Legislature.   This means a very small minority of voters can get laws passed without the Governor's signature, or a vote of the population.   Is it time to change this?  What needs to be done to make that happen?   

Zach Gorchow is Executive Editor and Publisher of Gongwer News Service and a Cold Oatmeal Podcast Hall of Famer. Zach was the last guest to visit the studio before the 2020 lockdown. Now, as we emerge from behind our masks, Zach is back! We talk movies, takeout, travel, James Craig, and the Gov's fancy flight. Plus, Joe's fender bender. It's the Cold Oatmeal Podcast.

Craig's guest is longtime Michigan Capitol reporter  and former publisher of the Gongwer News Service, John Lindstrom.  This week, they discuss Michigan's Freedom of Information Act laws, and the flaws within.  They also have some ideas on how to fix it.   

Craig's guest is longtime Michigan Capitol journalist John Lindstrom, former publisher of Gongwer News Service.  They discuss Michigan's referendum law, and how it allows a small percentage of voters and oversized say on state policy, and how it sometimes circumvents the will of the voters.   

Gongwer News Service

We were so little! This is our first Throwback Thursday podcast of the summer, and it's Matt's pick. We go back to the very beginning: the pilot episode of Cold Oatmeal with Zach Gorchow of Gongwer News Service. Zach is the full-fledged Executive Editor and Publisher of Gongwer now, and we like to think this pilot episode sent him on his way. Even though it was our first, it's one of our best conversations with Zach. He's always so good. Thanks Zach.

Calling all political junkies. Smack dab between Super Tuesday and Michigan's Primary Day, we go deep on the state of the race with two of the best political minds we know. It's voting trends, turnout predictions, and the ever-shifting political landscape with Dr. Cory Smidt, political science professor at MSU, and Zach Gorchow, editor and publisher of Gongwer News Service. Cory's run the numbers and has his official voter turnout prediction ahead of Michigan's election on Tuesday. You can't do better than that! Mike Bloomberg didn't pay for it, but it is the Cold Oatmeal Podcast.

When he died last month, words like “legend” and “icon” were used to describe Hugh McDiarmid, Sr. Hugh was a political reporter and columnist for the Detroit Free Press, and for most of us on this podcast, his career spanned a time before ours. So, we set out to do some learning and asked two of Hugh's colleagues to talk about their friend. Long-time political reporters, John Lindstrom of Gongwer News Service and Chris Christoff of the Detroit Free Press, are our guests. Plus, new music from Westrin and Mowry, and Joe's Christmas card. It's the Cold Oatmeal podcast.

8/2/19 Democratic presidential candidates conclude two nights of debates at Detroit's Fox Theater. MI Court of Appeals rules state government has "breached its duty" in reporting its unfunded mandates in revenue sharing with local governments. MI Supreme Court recesses without issuing opinion on "adopt and amend" petition drive legislation enacted by Legislature in last year's 'lame duck' session. Interview with Zach Gorchow, editor of Gongwer News Service. Sponsored by www.DeadlineDetroit.com and www.vanguard-pa.com.

December 3, 2018. Craig discusses the current "lame duck" session of the Michigan legislature. Today's guest is Zack Gorchow, Editor of Gongwer News Service, which covers the State Capitol.

Hey, it's the Friendsgiving episode of the Cold Oatmeal podcast. Well, not really. Because Friendsgiving isn't a real thing. It's a fake thing. But we are having some friends over today to talk about politics and to grade the job performances of others. So, if Friendsgiving was a real thing, this might be close. Cheyna Roth of Michigan Public Radio. Jonathon Oosting of the Detroit News. And the Alec Bladwin of the podcast, minus the assault chargers, Zach Gorchow of Gongwer News Service are with us. Also… The Golden Turkey Awards. Happy Thanksgiving! You are listening to the Cold Oatmeal podcast.

Interviews with veteran state capitol reporter Zach Gorchow of Gongwer News Service and former state Rep. Kevin Daley (R-Lum), running for an open state Senate seat in the 31st District. Sponsored by www.Deadline Detroit.com.

8/3/18 Michigan Supreme Court allows Voters Not Politicians redistricting proposal to qualify for Nov. 6 statewide ballot. VNP will be the fourth question to be decided by voters in the general election, and there may be a fifth --- raising the minimum wage. Genesee Co. District Judge David Goggins can't pull the trigger on a decision to bind over Nick Lyon, director of the state Dept. of Health & Human Services, for trial on charges relating to deaths from Legionnaire's Disease. Interview with Zach Gorchow, editor of Gongwer News Service. about what voters can expect to happen next Tuesday in the Aug. 7 primary election. Sponsored by www.DeadlineDetroit.com.

Today, we do a podcast about podcasts. How do you start one? What do you say? Well, the hell if we know, so we talk to Chris Gautz, former reporter for Gongwer News Service and Crains Detroit, now the Public Information Officer for the Michigan Department of Corrections. He also happens to be the co-host of an award-winning podcast. We also run the picket fence at our bad dreams and reveal our Resch Strategies NCAA bracket supreme champion.

Ladies and Gentlemen… the state of our state is… oh, who cares. What is important is that Zach Gorchow from Gongwer News Service back on the podcast and he is being joined by Dave Eggert of the Associated Press. The Governor's State of the State speech is coming up and on today's episode we are going to talk with Zach and Dave about how they cover the political pageantry that is this annual event. The tight deadlines. The “shout outs.” Gauging response. Memorable moments. We also talk dreams and coffee mugs.

What's in store at the Statehouse for 2014? We look at top issues from 2013, and preview state government news stories you'll be reading and hearing about in the coming year. Guest: Laura Bischoff, Dayton Daily News, Mike Thompson, WOSU TV, and Marcus Roth, Gongwer News Service. Length: 39:20

The spring Griffin Policy Forum featured a panel of labor, commerce and policy experts to discuss: "The Future of Labor Unions in Michigan." Panelists included: John D. Cherry, Jr., 60th Lieutenant Governor of Michigan (2003-2011) David Hecker, President, American Federation of Teachers of Michigan Rich Studley, President and CEO, Michigan Chamber of Commerce Vincent Vernuccio, Director of Labor Policy, Mackinac Center for Public Policy John Lindstrom, publisher of Gongwer News Service moderated the forum.