Podcasts about mirs

MIRS gives a news recap on state policy and politics. Updates range from lawmakers being told that forecasted state revenues are down, to an ex-House staffer being charged for allegedly spending state money on gold bars, firearm accessories and silver (1:30). MIRS sits down with Senate Appropriations Chair Sarah Anthony, the Lansing Democrat. She explains why Senate Democrats proposed a $85.95 billion state budget, her hopes to negotiate a caregiver tax credit and her reaction to calls for state employees to work fully in-person (4:49).  And why has Delta Air Lines been around Lansing calling for tax credits on new fuel linked to soybeans and corn? The airline's government affairs director, Sarah Gonzales, walks MIRS through the proposal (26:29). 

MIRS gives a news recap on state policy and politics. The state House wants new bans on how Michigan interacts with countries of concern, the Senate wants Trump tariff relief in the new state budget and the Governor wants future deals with President Donald Trump (1:20).  Also, a new EPIC-MRA poll for "Protect MI Care" shows 83% of Michiganders want to see Medicaid spending either raised or maintained. MIRS talks to Bernie Porn of EPIC-MRA about the latest findings (11:33).  Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel catches MIRS up on the Selfridge Air National Guard Base and his thoughts on the Capitol's current road funding debate (27:40). 

MIRS kicks things off with MoReno Taylor II, Democrats' former state judicial program director; Adam Bitely of Bellwether Public Relations, and Sterling Heights Republican Michelle Smith. Together they discuss President Donald Trump's Macomb County rally last week, and what residents might be craving most from the state government (1:15).  MIRS also sits down with Christina Hines, the Warren Democrat running in Michigan's 10th Congressional District for the 2026 election cycle (26:25).  What is going on with tariffs? Executive Director Glenn Stevens of MICHAuto walks MIRS through how recent tariff orders are impacting Michigan's overall auto industry (41:50). 

MIRS' podcast host Samantha Shriber kicks things off with several news updates. For example, the state Senate last week approved bills creating a Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB), required to investigate high drug costs and authorized to set price caps (:55).  Moreover, MIRS discussed Michigan politics last week with Dave Wasserman, the Cook Political Report's senior editor and elections analyst (11:10).  He talks about Democrats' progressive U.S. Senate candidates, and how D.C. and Michigan folk differ when it comes to hot takes on U.S. Rep. John James (R-Shelby Township) and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. 

It's officially construction cone season in Michigan.  The Governor says a bipartisan road funding deal will soon be reached. But the state Senate has some budget concerns, wanting to avoid "one time gimmicks" when it comes to bankrolling infrastructure.  MIRS sits down with Matthew Resch, the president of Lansing-based Resch Strategies, and Brad Williams of the Detroit Regional Chamber to hear their thoughts on the developing policy debate (6:08).  Also, should physician assistants in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Tennessee be able to practice in Michigan through a shared licensure network, without paying the state's separate fees? Thadd Gormas of the Michigan Academy of Physician Associates explains why his group wants the state to enter the PA Licensure Compact (28:17). 

MIRS kicks things off with Greg Manz – the 2024 communications director for the Michigan House Republican Campaign Committee – and Democratic political consultant Mike Radtke. Together, they discuss statewide campaign rollouts ahead of the '26 elections, as well as the Governor's unusual appearance in the Oval Office (1:51).  The Macomb County Public Works Commission says raw sewage is being dumped into the Red Run Drain by Oakland County's storm water and sewage treatment facility, washing into the Clinton River and Lake St. Clair.  MIRS joins three Macomb state Representatives--two Republicans and a Democrat---who say they're all "pissed." (23:36). And learn more about the American Political Items Collectors' auction and collection show May 9-10 in Romulus (33:29). 

MIRS talks with Jenell Leonard, the owner of Marketing Resource Group, about recent polling of Michigan voters. Governor Gretchen Whitmer hit her highest approval rating in five years, and 53 percent of respondents support creating a state-level DOGE (2:36).  Also, state Rep. David Prestin, a Cedar River Republican, says the U.P. is "looking at an apocalypse" if Michigan's clean energy policies shut down its RICE generators (15:13).  What happens if the federal government no longer tests personal protective equipment? The International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) thinks such government downsizing will put firefighters, construction workers and coal miners in danger (32:58). 

Should Michigan pursue a statewide cash allowance program for pregnant women and babies? MIRS sits down with Dr. Mona Hanna, the Flint-based pediatrician and founder of RX Kids, which offers "cash prescriptions" regardless of a household's income and assets (8:20).  Also, MIRS catches up with Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson, a Democrat running for governor in 2026 (22:35).  MIRS podcast host Samantha Shriber opens this edition with an update on Michigan politics and policy news for the week. (1:15)

Michigan is in the lowest 10 percent nationally when it comes to state psychiatric hospital beds, confirms the state's health department.   Lauren LaPine of the Michigan Health and Hospital Association, Connie O'Malley of the University of Michigan and Republican State Rep. Greg VanWoerkom – chair of the House's Medicaid and Behavioral Health appropriations subcommittee – talk about the impacts of behavioral health management on the state. They contemplate what is the government's role in keeping behavioral health patients out of already busy emergency departments (6:00).  MIRS podcast host Samantha Shriber opens this edition with a quick update on Michigan politics and policy news (1:13). 

In honor of St. Patrick's Day, MIRS meets Meghan Kennedy Riordan, president of Irish Network Detroit. Meghan shares details about Michigan's relationship with Ireland, and why there are efforts to create a Michigan-Ireland Trade Commission (3:23).  Also, the team catches up with outgoing Michigan Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth Clement. She talks about why she's leaving the state's highest court, and why she likely would not have pursued a Republican nomination again to return to the court (15:26).  MIRS catches up with State Rep. Jerry Neyer, chair of the House Agriculture Committee. He's introducing legislation to reframe the regulatory future of turning organic waste to biogas energy (33:20). 

For a roundtable discussion, MIRS welcomes journalist Lauren Gibbons, Bellwether PR professional Katie Jesaitis and Joel Rutherford, the former chair of Macomb County's Democratic Black caucus.  Together, they discuss reactions to the Lansing, Governor Whitmer and Trump White House's perceived relationship and Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II's forecast bid for governor (3:40).  Also, MIRS catches up with State Sen. Jonathan Lindsey, the Coldwater Republican, to talk about his legislation requiring new hospital price transparency (22:35).  Kelley Kuhn of the Michigan Nonprofit Association and Monique Stanton of the Michigan League for Public Policy talk about nonprofits' efforts to maintain federal spending and social welfare programs as is (36:45). 

This week: Harbor Strategic's John Sellek gives his assessment on Governor Whitmer's State of the State address and how his Save MI Tips group succeeded in passing legislation to preserve the state's tip credit for servers. (:50) Sen Jim Runestad talks about how he defeated a Donald Trump-endorsed candidate to become the Michigan Republican Party Chair. (17:00)  

Projektas GibberLink demonstruoja, kaip du tarpusavyje besišnekantys DI gali persijungti į greitesnę, jiems suprantamą kalbą. Claude 3.7 Sonnet modelis giriasi hibridiniu mąstymu, Claude Code – agentiniu programavimu. Luma Labs pristatė garso efektus automatiškai sukuriančią video-to-audio funkciją. Elono Musko xAI kompanijos DI modelis Grok 3 DI specialiai slėpė dezinformaciją apie Muską ir Donaldą Trumpą. Windsurf įrankyje pastebėtas stipriai grasinantis nurodymas – ir nors dirbtinis intelektas neturi mamos, kuri mirs nuo vėžio jeigu negaus vaistų – toks užklausos tonas iškelia naujus klausimus. Kokių praktinių pasekmių gali turėti spaudimas DI atlikti darbą bet kokia kaina? Ar jau laikas rūpintis DI emocine sveikata? Pabaigai – Šiaurės Korėjos programišiai įvykdė didžiausią istorijoje kriptovaliutų vagystę.

This past weekend, Republicans and Democrats hosted their state conventions in Detroit. At the Michigan Democratic Party convention, attendees spent more than two hours in line, making their demands and frustrations known to the party.  MIRS' Samantha Shriber spoke with new MDP Chair Curtis Hertel Jr., Mothering Justice founder Danielle Atkinson and Eastpointe party member Jeff Whittle, a special education instructor (:55).  Additionally, MIRS catches up with Zachary Kolodin. After three years as the Governor's Chief Infrastructure Officer & Director of the Michigan Infrastructure Office , Zachary has launched his own firms, Pont Law and Pont Advisory, wanting to make infrastructure projects – from transit to housing to energy – simpler to build (14:10). 

Republicans and Democrats are working rapidly toward a compromise on Michigan's future paid sick time law. Angela Madden of the Michigan Association of Ambulance Services is especially worried about how court-ordered changes to sick time policies might impact emergency services (1:30).  Also, MIRS hosts a special Presidents Day segment with Jordan Cash, a constitutional democracy professor. He talks about the country's few unelected presidents, and the constitutional questions raised by President Donald Trump's executive orders (22:10).  Additionally, where does public transit fit in Michigan's upcoming road funding debate? MIRS catches up with John Dulmes of the state's public transit association and Jamie Forbes of Saginaw's regional transit authority (44:05).

Originally Uploaded January 17th, reloaded February 14th For Media Business Episode 81: Tony Conley has a three-part conversation welcoming Kyle Melinn is the owner and editor of MIRS News; Michigan's Leader In Public Policy News And Resources. It's where you can unlock the power of Michigan politics with MIRS.news. Their custom legislative monitoring system delivers real-time Capitol updates and insights, tailored to your priorities. Stay informed and effective in Lansing's fast-paced environment, whether you're a public official, staffer, or policy professional. All from the only Michigan owned, managed and operated Capitol news service! Questions included: What are your thoughts on the election of Donald Trump as President? What did you think of the statewide elections in Michigan? What do you expect in 2025 political news wise? What new laws in Michigan should we be focused on? Tony and Kyle discussed the political landscape in Michigan, focusing on the upcoming elections in 2025 and the potential legal challenges to new laws. They analyzed the reasons behind the flip in Michigan, attributing it to the Democrats' failure to effectively compete against both Donald Trump and the Republicans, and looked ahead to the upcoming chair elections for both parties. The conversation also touched on the potential cooperation between the new Republican Speaker of the House Matt Hall and Democratic Governor Whitmer, and the implications for future political runs. • Pete Hoekstra to assume role as Ambassador to Canada. • Republican Party to elect new chair at February 21, 2025 convention. • Democratic Party to elect new chair at February 21 or 22, 2025 convention. • Governor Whitmer to potentially begin making appearances in Iowa and New Hampshire for future presidential election considerations. • Governor Whitmer and Republican Speaker Matt Hall to establish working relationship and negotiate on legislative priorities. • Senate Majority Leader to present legislative agenda for consideration by the House and Governor. Michigan Political Landscape 2025 Discussion Tony and Kyle discussed the upcoming political landscape in Michigan for 2025. Tony invited Kyle to share his insights on new laws and measures, while also allowing for discussion on other political topics. Kyle, the owner and editor of MIRS, the Michigan Capital News service, and a columnist at the Lansing City pulse, was set to share his perspectives on the political scene. The conversation was expected to cover significant events and decisions from the previous year, with a focus on the return of Donald Trump and the Democrats' perceived failure. Disconnect Between Politicians and Voters Tony and Kyle discussed the outcome of the last political season, focusing on the disconnect between the politicians' goals and the voters' desires. Kyle suggested that Democrats failed to connect with voters by not tailoring their message to specific regions and not addressing the needs of men, particularly black men. Kyle concluded that Democrats didn't do badly overall, but they didn't win on the margins in some areas. Tony agreed with Kyle's analysis and suggested that a different strategy might have been more effective for the Democrats. Other discussions of this podcast got into Michigan Political Landscape Analysis, Legal Challenges to Signed Bills and Michigan Political Dynamics and Governor

The Governor has proposed a $83.5 billion spending plan for the state. MIRS sits down with Robert Schneider, a senior research associate for the Citizens Research Council of Michigan, to talk about it. With President Donald Trump's aspirations to cut down federal spending, should the Governor and lawmakers start drafting their own "Plan Bs" for state spending? (4:38).  Also last week, MIRS caught up with Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, who's running for governor as an independent. He's excited about the Detroit Regional Chamber's polling on the potential of independent candidates in the '26 elections (26:12).  Executive Director Dominick Pallone of the Michigan Association of Health Plans comes on as well. He talks about Medicaid, why healthcare costs rise and the expensive effects of weight loss drugs in the insurance world (40:28). 

MIRS catches up with John Patrick Yob, the head of the Republican Strategic National consulting firm. He talks about what to look out for ahead of Michigan Republicans' state convention on Feb. 21-22, where the chair of the '26 election cycle will be decided (4:37).  Also, MIRS hosts a roundtable discussion with Democratic program director MoReno Taylor II, Oakland University political science professor David Dulio and Jimmy Greene, the former president of the ABC of Michigan.  Together, they talk about Democratic U.S. Sen. Gary Peters' decision not to seek reelection in 2026. Also, what are the emotions of voters squeezed between two election cycles, and what is the state of Michigan legislative relationships in Lansing? (29:54).

Gary Varvel - Creators Donald Trump made a lot of campaign promises, big and small. Many of them are pure fantasy and destined to fail. Remember Trump's 2016 promise to replace Obamacare with something “less expensive and better”? Or his regular proclamations of “Infrastructure Week”? He'd learned from earlier failures. With the price of eggs soaring despite his promise to immediate reduce grocery prices, including eggs, his latest Press Fantasy Writer (a.k.a. Press Secretary) laid the blame on Biden for the killing of millions of laying hens to combat Bird Flu. We can expect the same when inflation is reignited by Trump's tariffs and tax cuts, his promised ending of taxes on tips and social security don't happen, and on and on: it's all the fault of a mess Joe Biden left behind.Just today (Thursday) Trump laid the blame for the tragic D.C. plane crash on the hiring policies of Presidents Obama and Biden in a fact-free rant they called a news conference. The other Trump tactic already on full display: take credit for things he did not actually do. His first biggie: claiming he's responsible for turning some valves to restore water supplies for southern California. It didn't happen. The Michigan political landscape underwent an earthquake this week with Gary Peters' announcement that he won't run for reelection in 2026. It has implications not just for the Senate, but also for Michigan's congressional delegation and the race for Governor. We will be joined by state capitol politics guru Kyle Melinn from the MIRS news service to dissect the overlapping impacts. Joining the conversation is MIRS News editor Kyle Melinn. Kyle Melinn is the editor and Vice President of the MIRS Newsletter, a daily on-line political news service covering state government and politics. A professional journalist for 20 years who has covered the state Capitol for the last 13. Before MIRS, Kyle served as a freelance writer for the Boston Herald and as a senior editor for SchoolSports.com.  He has also covered government and politics for The Daily Citizen, in Dalton, Ga.; The Yuma arizona Daily Sun; and the East Lansing Towne Courier. Kyle is also host of the MIRS Monday podcast, an excellent source of the latest information from state government.   =========================== This episode is sponsored in part by EPIC ▪ MRA, a full service survey research firm with expertise in • Public Opinion Surveys • Market Research Studies • Live Telephone Surveys • On-Line and Automated Surveys • Focus Group Research • Bond Proposals - Millage Campaigns • Political Campaigns & Consulting • Ballot Proposals - Issue Advocacy Research • Community - Media Relations • Issue - Image Management • Database Development & List Management David Horsey - Seattle Times

MIRS meets up with Adrian Hemond of Grassroots Midwest, Republican strategist Jason Roe and Sam Robinson of Detroit One Million. They discuss Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson's campaign rollout for governor and other Michigan political headlines.   Additionally, less than a month into the new state Legislature, Senate Democrats are talking about suing House Republicans (1:41).  Also, on Feb. 5, Capitol Services Inc. will be launching the "Capitol Closet," a new program helping Lansing's young professionals build their workday wardrobe (28:52).  MIRS sits down with Ron Wiles as well, who's the deputy director of the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police (46:23). 

MIRS sits down with Democratic state Rep. Stephanie Young, the newest chair of the Michigan Legislature's Detroit Caucus. She discusses wanting to build better relationships with city officials. She adds that no one should expect Detroit lawmakers to automatically get behind Renaissance Center redevelopment funding, wanting human assistance to be part of the conversation (3:40). Additionally, MIRS releases its "What To Expect" webinar from Jan. 16, featuring former Republican House Speaker Jase Bolger, past Democratic Senate Minority Leader Jim Ananich and MIRS Editor Kyle Melinn (24:23). 

MIRS meets Christopher Smith – the State Bar's former elder law and disability rights section chair – and retired U.P. teacher Dee Lindenberger. They explain how right now, leaving behind a pension to a special needs child can result in them being disqualified from support services (2:58).  Also, MIRS wraps up its interviews with active Michigan Democratic Party chair candidates, sitting down with Detroit-based activist Al Williams (29:12).  Molly Medenblik of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network explains what her group is hoping to accomplish in Michigan during 2025 (47:50). 

What potential stories are you preparing for in 2025? MIRS kicks things off with Anna Heaton – the vice president of public affairs firm Resch Strategies – and Republican consultant Jamie Roe. They share what they have on their bingo cards for new year political and policy headlines (1:00).  Additionally, MIRS meets Mark Ludwig, chair of the Michigan Democratic Party's Rural Caucus. He wants to be the next chair of the state Democratic party (24:40).  MIRS also catches up with Scott Greenlee, a candidate for Michigan Republican Party chair. When he unsuccessfully ran in 2023, he said Republican legacy donors and "establishment" members were taking a lot of criticism. He thinks this year's party is ready for pitches to bring people together (42:40)

MIRS kicks things off with an end-of-year roundtable. Who were the biggest winners and losers of Michigan's Capitol in 2024? What reforms and deals can be achieved in a Democratic state Senate and Republican House?  Sterling Heights Democrat Henry Yanez, outgoing state Rep. Graham Filler – a St. Johns Republican – and Tony Zammit of the Institute for Public Policy and Social Research join the chat (1:43).  MIRS also sits down with Curtis Hertel Jr., the East Lansing Democrat and former state senator who's running to be Michigan Democratic Party chair (31:22).  Finally, MIRS concludes its "Best Of" awards series for 2024, exploring Michigan's policy movers and political shakers. The team names MIRS' Senator of the Year (50:35). 

In its post-lame duck episode, the MIRS team continues its "Best Of" awards series for 2024, exploring Michigan's policy movers and political shakers. They determine who will be MIRS' House Member of the Year. Throughout historic walk-outs and on-edge moments, who stood out for durability and productivity? (3:51).  Many headlines covered Rep. Karen Whitsett, a Detroit Democrat, walking out of lame duck and protesting Democratic leadership. MIRS sits down with Whitsett, who explains her frustrations (30:14).  MIRS also sat down with state Rep. Bryan Posthumus, a Rockford Republican. He talks about his constitutional amendment effort, ramping up Michigan's ID-to-Vote standards (44:16). 

MIRS sits down with Tom Grotewohl, an Upper Peninsula resident and founder of the Protect the Porkies campaign. Will 318,700-plus petition signers keep senators from passing a $50 million state grant to the Copperwood Mine project? (3:40) Also, Group President Trevor Lauer of DTE Energy talks about the future of grid reliability, data centers possibly moving to Michigan and why utilities say no to community solar credit proposals (25:40).  Finally, the MIRS team continues its award series for 2024, looking at Michigan's policy movers and political shakers. They will decide the Republican Legislator of the Year. Which of the Capitol's Republicans stood out, either as a passionate protester or a notable collaborator? (48:00) 

With 2024 coming to an end, the MIRS team kicks off its awards series, discussing Michigan's policy movers and political shakers. After every election cycle, MIRS names a "Political Figure of the Year." Who should that be this year? Who had wins beyond their own race? (2:21) Also, MIRS talks to state Rep. Joseph Aragona, a Clinton Township Republican. As the House's incoming majority deputy whip, Aragona talks about plans to ramp up legislative oversight, with a vision of new sub-committees investigating specific state government issues (29:25).  For Flint-based Dr. Brittany Tayler, the youngest patient she's seen for nicotine dependence was 9. She's spending her lame duck pushing for new fines and fees for retailers to sell vapes and cigarettes (44:26). 

In the final days of Michigan's Democratic trifecta, should lawmakers take up labor reform surrounding post-injury workers' compensation and unemployment benefits? MIRS talks to state Sen. John Cherry, a Flint Democrat, about the changes that are being considered (1:56).  Also, Robert Schneider of Michigan's Citizens Research Council and Lisa Kats, an entrepreneurship consultant, report that Michigan is lagging behind its peers when it comes to nurturing a successful innovation and entrepreneurship environment in the state (19:07).  MIRS additionally talks to Michael Alaimo of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce and Rich Bowman of the Nature Conservancy. They want a state regulatory system for storing carbon dioxide emissions (42:19) 

MIRS catches up with state Sen. Stephanie Chang, a Detroit Democrat and the Senate Civil Rights, Judiciary and Public Safety chair. She talks about police reform legislation to reduce use-of-force situations, and why progressives stand by bills making IDs available to residents without proof of citizenship (1:51).  Also, Mark Griffin of the Michigan Petroleum Association explains why gas station owners are against bills raising the fines and fees around selling vapes and cigarettes (22:03).  MIRS meets Andrew Kuhn, the board president of the Michigan Apartment Association to discuss the state of rental housing and housing reform (37:14). 

It is officially Lame Duck season in Lansing, and the MIRS team has some questions. Could the Governor veto something from her own party later this year? Do Democrats go progressive or uncontroversially moderate for their final days of a Democratic trifecta in the Capitol? (1:00).  Also, MIRS meets Cody Venzke, the ACLU's senior policy counsel on surveillance, privacy and technology. He discusses a bill to keep certain websites and apps from processing reproductive and sexual health data without a user's specific consent (20:00).  State Sen. Michael Webber, a Rochester Hills Republican, talks about how calling for improved oversight of state-run psychiatric hospitals became one of his main issues this term (36:40). 

Beginning today's episode, MIRS Editor Kyle Mellin and MIRS Monday podcast host Samantha Shriber lead a conservative-progressive roundtable discussion recapping the 2024 election results, featuring Republican operative Scott Hagerstrom and Progressive community advocate David Sanchez (3:15).  Why did Democrats struggle to connect with working class voters? Did Democrats court more anti-Trump Republicans than low-propensity voters on the left?  Also, MIRS sits down with Charlotte Republican Tom Barrett, who won in mid-Michigan's 7th Congressional district (26:25).  State Rep. Bill G. Schuette – chair of the House Republican Campaign Committee – talks about candidates, Republicans' "checks-and-balances" vision for next term and door-knocking dog bites (46:00).

Kicking off today's episode, MIRS editor Kyle Melinn and Samantha Shriber talk about this election cycle's noteworthy themes ahead of Tuesday's election day (2:43).  MIRS meets Julie Stavelend of Michigan's Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, which has started rolling out a $210 million rebate program to ramp up homes' energy efficiency (17:49). Also, Hendrina Cupery of the Michigan Association of School Nurses discusses why some education and healthcare professionals want larger investment in hiring nurses for school districts (33:16). 

MIRS sits down with Republican campaign strategist John Yob and Alexis Wiley, the Detroit communications professional. Together, they are asked about election predictions, and what they see as the year's most unclear races (3:00).  Dessa Cosma, Detroit Disability Power's executive director, believes Metro Detroit's polling locations can become more accessible at low costs. But last election cycle, her group found "only 16%" of the region's voting locations had no barriers to disabled Michiganders (28:28).  Business leaders aren't against the Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA) because of the promised 72 hours of paid time off, but because of the act's technical challenges. David Worthams of the Michigan Manufacturers Association and Joshua Lunger of the Grand Rapids Chamber detail their worries (47:03). 

U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson spent the weekend in Michigan's competitive Congressional races. In Macomb County, he thinks Republican U.S. Rep. John James can secure his seat if the election is "based on fact and not fantasy" (3:35).  Also, State Sen. Darrin Camilleri, a Trenton Democrat, talks to MIRS about Downriver politics, and how some voters might pick former President Donald Trump at the top but a Democratic legislator below (6:58).  As for policy, elder justice attorney Emily Miller talks about proposed restraining orders designed to distance vulnerable adults and seniors from possibly abusive caretakers (27:07). Additionally, should the state's school funding feature fewer competitive grants? MIRS speaks with Tina Kerr of the Michigan Association of Superintendents and Administrators and Venessa Keesler of Launch Michigan (42:17). 

The MIRS team discusses recent moments in Michigan politics. The Governor's latest appearance with an influencer received backlash, and Democrats quickly condemned former President Donald Trump's comments on Detroit last week (1:25).  Also, MIRS meets Morgan Foreman, the Democrat running in Michigan's 33rd state House district in the Ann Arbor and York Township area (17:20).  What would happen if families in poverty conditions had a tax credit to offset their childcare expenses? Sen. Kristen McDonald Rivet, a Bay City Democrat, and Executive Director Dave Meador of the Detroit Regional CEO Group talk about the proposed tax credits for children under 6 (38:20). 

Saginaw County has gone with Michigan's eventual winner in every presidential election since 1992. To discuss fortune-telling counties and cities this election cycle, MIRS sits down with Ed Sarpolus, the political consultant and researcher (1:33).  What if Michigan didn't have partisan primaries in the summertime? MIRS talked to activist Katie Fahey and Ron Zimmerman of Rank MI Vote, discussing their effort to organize a 2026 ballot proposal bringing ranked-choice voting to the state (19:59).  MIRS meets Jamie Miller, a Republican political consultant living in Florida. He talks about the potential "no man's land" for governors with presidential prospects. Also, are Democratic investments in Florida worthwhile, or political bluffs? (40:10). 

One of Lansing's recent policy battles involves new tax exemptions for data centers, the computer system warehouses for storing and processing data. Derrell Slaughter of the Natural Resources Defense Council explains how the topic unexpectedly became one of environmentalists biggest concerns this year (1:27).  MIRS meets Joseph Erhardt, the acting director of the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association. He says Senate bills updating how drivers pay per-vehicle fees to the association will force insurance costs to skyrocket (24:35).  Additionally, MIRS talks to high school seniors Saachi Rajgarhia and Garrett Gruner, the two youth governors of the YMCA Youth in Government program. They'll be signing and vetoing bills this year as part of a mock legislative system (45:11). 

MIRS hosts a West Michigan politics roundtable with progressive Joe Spaulding, a political strategist, and conservative Chair Tom Norton of the America PAC. Together, they discuss Ottawa Impact at the local level, and reports of the 3rd Congressional district not being all that competitive this year (1:20).  Jamie Clover-Adams of Michigan Asparagus and Hart farmer Nick Oomen explain how mandatory $18.50/hour wages for migrant farm workers is challenging Michigan agriculture (27:04).  Additionally, MIRS meets Jason Woolford, the Republican running in Michigan's Howell and Hartland-based 50th state House district (50:00). 

MIRS welcomes state Rep. Joe Aragona, a Clinton Township Republican, and George Chapp, the chair of the Warren Sterling Heights Area Democratic Club. Together, they share what they're seeing in Macomb County ahead of the November election, and their political insights on a competitive Congressional race and several unpredictable state House contests (2:47).  Former Democratic Gov. James Blanchard and Mike Bishop, a past Republican state Senate majority leader, come together to talk to MIRS. They're serving on the board of directors of the Defend Democracy Project in Michigan, pushing for confidence in Michigan's election systems (34:21).  Chris White, the Michigan director of Restaurant Opportunities Centers United, calls the claims that wait staff will lose tips following the adopt-and-amend ruling "fear mongering and false information" (55:44).