MichMash Politics
240 episodes - English - Latest episode: 23 days ago - ★★★★★ - 2 ratingsUnjumble Michigan politics with MichMash. Each week, Cheyna Roth, Zach Gorchow and Alethia Kasben interview lawmakers and politicos, and unpack the statewide issues that affect you. MichMash is produced by WDET Detroit Public Radio in collaboration with Gongwer News Service. Part of the NPR Network.
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Episodes
No fault auto insurance bill sees no near solution
April 05, 2024 12:02 - 32 minutes - 59.8 MBThe 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.
Will Michigan offer free tuition to community college students?
March 29, 2024 14:21 - 29 minutes - 54.3 MBGov. 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.
Michigan Senate Passes Significant Action for Economic Development
March 22, 2024 11:00 - 33 minutes - 45.8 MBThe 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.
Michigan Senate passes significant action for economic development
March 22, 2024 11:00 - 33 minutes - 45.8 MBThe 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.
State Sen. Jeremy Moss seeking more transparency in Michigan government
March 15, 2024 11:40 - 26 minutes - 49.5 MBTransparency 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.
MSU trustees face removal over misconduct allegations
March 08, 2024 13:48 - 25 minutes - 46.2 MBTwo 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.
Political pundits Adrian Hemond, John Sellek go in-depth on Michigan's 'uncommitted' vote
March 01, 2024 11:20 - 25 minutes - 47.6 MBThe 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.
Oakland County Chair Vance Patrick on why he supports Hoekstra over Karamo for Michigan GOP chair
February 23, 2024 10:00 - 21 minutes - 29.9 MBThe 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.
Sen. Sarah Anthony on new gun laws being 'big steps in the right direction'
February 16, 2024 13:09 - 25 minutes - 34.4 MBThis 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.
Whitmer's proposed budget and the state's potential legislative maps
February 09, 2024 12:54 - 24 minutes - 45.5 MBThe 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.
Sen. Nesbitt on trying to find 'common ground' with Michigan Democrats
February 02, 2024 09:45 - 27 minutes - 49.7 MBSenate 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.
Whitmer shares key points from her 2024 State of the State address
January 26, 2024 10:00 - 16 minutes - 30.1 MBGovernor 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.
Secretary Benson on presidential primaries, election security
January 19, 2024 15:09 - 24 minutes - 33.1 MBThe 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.
Michigan House Speaker Joe Tate on redistricting, 2024 agenda
January 12, 2024 11:22 - 30 minutes - 41.5 MB2024 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.
New year, new MichMash!
January 09, 2024 11:00 - 12 minutes - 16.9 MBCheyna 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.
Karamo Deniers
January 05, 2024 22:21 - 19 minutes - 26.7 MBKristina 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.
Michigan Politics in 2023
December 30, 2023 01:12 - 13 minutes - 18 MB2023 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.
Michigan's Path to a Prosperous Future
December 22, 2023 19:02 - 17 minutes - 24.3 MBWhat 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 unveils new tax rebate for electric vehicles
December 15, 2023 22:25 - 13 minutes - 18.2 MBGovernor 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.
Loophole in healthcare safety bill leaves workers worried
December 08, 2023 19:38 - 14 minutes - 20.3 MBGovernor 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 Sign Bills to Reach Ambitious Clean Energy Goals by 2040
December 02, 2023 00:42 - 14 minutes - 20.1 MBGovernor 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.
Michigan Legislature approves use of AI gun protection software at state capitol
November 24, 2023 21:22 - 12 minutes - 17.2 MBThe 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.
Rep. Dan Kildee joins list of departing Democrats in Congress
November 17, 2023 23:03 - 13 minutes - 19.2 MBAfter 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.
Michigan State House temporarily loses majority after Tuesday's Elections
November 10, 2023 20:42 - 16 minutes - 22.6 MBTuesday'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.
Flint Water Criminal Prosecutions Ends with No Charges and Frustrated Residents
November 03, 2023 17:38 - 16 minutes - 22 MBAfter 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.
The Institutional Desecration Act would Increase Penalties for Prejudice Related Crime
October 27, 2023 17:37 - 15 minutes - 20.7 MBVandalism against places of worship, schools, and other cultural institutions would receive more penalties under The Intuitional Desecration Act. Michigan Public Radio Network reporter, Colin Jackson, sits down with MichMash host Cheyna Roth to discuss what this bill package would entail.
Michigan Lawmakers Want to Regulate AI
October 20, 2023 18:47 - 14 minutes - 19.9 MBMichigan House is looking to regulate artificial intelligence ahead of the 2024 elections. Representative Penelope Tsernoglou joins guest host Jake Neher from the Automotive News to break down this bipartisan sponsored bill package.
UAW's Unconventional, Yet Effective Strategy
October 13, 2023 17:32 - 25 minutes - 35.5 MBThe UAW strike is nearing a month in and Shawn Fain's strategy has been different than in strikes past. Wayne State Professor of Management and labor expert Marick Masters joins guest host Jake Neher from the Automotive News to break down the UAW's successful strategy.
Permit Delayed for Enbridge Energy's Tunnel to Replace Line 5
October 06, 2023 19:11 - 22 minutes - 30.4 MBEnbridge Energy is frustrated as the permit for the Great Lakes Tunnel Project to replace Line 5 is being delayed until 2026 for environmental review. Alyssa McMurtry from Gongwer sits down with Cheyna Roth to discuss the concerns with the aging Line 5 pipeline
Democratic Rep. Whitsett is Facing Backlash Over Anti-Abortion Stance
September 29, 2023 19:45 - 17 minutes - 24.2 MBDemocratic Representative Karen Whitsett is opposed to her party's attempt to strip abortion restrictions from state law. Bridge Michigan's Lauren Gibbons sits down with MichMash host Cheyna Roth to breakdown Whitsett's opposition.
Analyzing the UAW's Strike Strategy And Its Chances of Success
September 22, 2023 17:41 - 13 minutes - 18.6 MBThe summer of strikes ends with UAW joining the fray. UAW members have been on strike for about a week and there is no immediate end in sight. Automotive News' Michael Martinez sits down with Cheyna Roth to breakdown how the strike's been going and the possible endgame.
MSU Officials Accused of Mishandling Mel Tucker Sexual Harassment Scandal
September 15, 2023 20:13 - 12 minutes - 17.4 MBMichigan State University's football head coach Mel Tucker has been accused of sexual misconduct with a prominent rape survivor and activist, Brenda Tracy. Bridge Michigan's education reporter Isabel Lohman sits down with MichMash host Cheyna Roth to discuss if the university handled this harassment case properly.
State Rep. Angela Witwer's Ties to PR Firm Under Scrutiny
September 08, 2023 20:58 - 22 minutes - 30.6 MBState Rep Angela Witwer and her close ties with Edge Partnerships are under a microscope due to the potential conflict of interests. The Detroit News' Craig Mauger sits down with Cheyna Roth to reveal the lingering questions involving the powerful state lawmaker's financial disclosures.
The Detroit Free Press Conducts Background Check on Michigan Lawmakers
September 02, 2023 00:29 - 15 minutes - 21.6 MBGeorge Santos' revelations that brought his credentials into question inspired The Detroit Free Press's education reporter Lily Altavena to enlist a few other reporters to check the credentials of Michigan's lawmakers. One of those reporters is Emily Lawlor and she sits down with Cheyna Roth to break down what they discovered amongst all 148 state lawmakers.
Senator Stabenow Passes the Torch to the Next Generation
August 25, 2023 19:07 - 15 minutes - 21.5 MBWhen Senator Stabenow announced her final term in the U.S. Senate, she said she was inspired by a new generation of leaders. Michigan's first woman senator sits down with Cheyna Roth to discuss her legacy and how she plans to solidify her work in her final term.
Michigan Lawmakers' Connections to Trump's Election Fraud Indictment in Georgia
August 18, 2023 23:06 - 18 minutes - 25.8 MBFormer President Donald Trump's recent set of criminal charges involves the efforts to deny the legitimacy of the votes of the people of Michigan. Michigan Advance reporter Anna Liz Nichols sits down with Cheyna Roth to discuss how the Fulton County grand jury connected Michigan to this Georgia case.
University of Michigan Making Plans to Replace Striking Educators
August 11, 2023 18:56 - 15 minutes - 20.7 MBIt’s the summer of strikes. Not just in Hollywood, but here in Michigan, too. Detroit News' reporters Kim Kozlowski and Hannah MacKay sit down with Cheyna Roth to explain the possibility of the university of Michigan firing 2,300 striking members of the Graduate Employees' Organization (GEO). Plus, renewed efforts by advocates to stop Wayne State University's practice of using dogs in their scientific research.
No-fault Insurance Ruling Means Changes for Pre-reform Crash Survivors
August 04, 2023 21:07 - 17 minutes - 23.9 MBIn a 5-2 ruling The Michigan Supreme Court sided with the lower court's decision ruling that car crash survivors critically injured before the changes to Michigan's no fault insurance are not subject to the law’s limits on medical benefits. Bridge Michigan's Lauren Gibbons helps us understand the implications of this decision with MichMash host Cheyna Roth.
Unorthodox Recall Petitions Against State Lawmakers
July 28, 2023 17:36 - 25 minutes - 35 MBThe head of a nonpartisan group committed to voting rights is calling recall petitions against eight Michigan lawmakers anti-democratic. Jon King from the Michigan Advance sits down with Cheyna Roth to uncover the reasoning behind the recall petitions.
Congress Shows Bipartisan Concern Over EV Testing in China
July 21, 2023 21:17 - 21 minutes - 29.3 MBAs electric vehicles increase in production and popularity, autonomous vehicle testing from China is having both Republicans and Democrats concerned. Detroit News Washington Correspondent Riley Beggin sits down with Cheyna Roth to help navigate this major area in the automotive industry.
The State of Student Loans
July 14, 2023 21:00 - 16 minutes - 22.7 MBWith the U.S. Supreme Court striking down President Biden's student loan relief executive order, Governor Gretchen Whitmer is exploring options for the state to help Michigan borrowers. Alyssa McMurtry from Gongwer steps in to break down the state's approach with Cheyna Roth.
County Close-up: Macomb
July 07, 2023 18:12 - 20 minutes - 27.7 MBIn this edition of our County Close-up series, we zoom in on Michigan's third most populous county: Macomb. Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel sits down with Cheyna Roth to talk about the importance of marketing, Macomb Community Action Coalition's focus on food insecurity, and the County's investment in mental health in County jails.
Mid-year Review and State Budget Breakdown
June 30, 2023 19:16 - 20 minutes - 28.7 MBAt the halfway point of the year and right before lawmakers' summer break we take a look at the state budget, the haul of legislation that's recently been approved and we give you updates on some legislation that made headlines this year so far. Beth LeBlanc, Detroit News Capitol reporter, sits down with Cheyna Roth to help us make sense of it all.
US Ecology Violates Federal Regulations for Years
June 23, 2023 21:50 - 13 minutes - 18.6 MBUS Ecology, a hazardous waste facility has been violating federal regulations since 2018. Environmental Journalist Jena Brooker from Bridge Detroit describes the health threat this may cause in the community and nearby residents with MichMash host, Cheyna Roth.
Gun Ban on Michigan Capitol Starting Labor Day
June 16, 2023 19:30 - 15 minutes - 21.4 MBThe Michigan Capitol Commission will begin enforcing a firearm ban inside and on the grounds of the state capitol starting on Labor Day. Lansing State Journal reporter Sheldon Krause sits down with Cheyna Roth to discuss who that will apply to and how it will be implemented.
Recapping the 2023 Mackinac Policy Conference
June 09, 2023 20:50 - 14 minutes - 19.4 MBMackinac Policy Conference 2023 has come and gone but what were the major topics discussed and where do we go from here. Our very own host of All Things Considered at WDET Russ McNamara sits down with Cheyna Roth to talk about his takeaways from this year's conference.
Michigan's Population Problem Takes Center Stage at the 2023 Mackinac Policy Conference
June 02, 2023 18:10 - 15 minutes - 21 MBThe 2023 Mackinac Policy Conference brought together influential leaders including Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and Liz Cheney. Automotive News coordinating producer Jake Neher talked with Cheyna Roth live from the conference to talk about Michigan's declining population, electric vehicles, and the vibe on the island this year.
Michigan Dems Strengthening Unions' Political Fundraising
May 26, 2023 19:40 - 15 minutes - 21 MBMichigan Democrats are approving legislation that would accommodate union members to make political donations. Yue Stella Yu from Bridge Michigan sits down with Cheyna Roth to tell us who this new law favors the most.
State Rep. James DeSana Calls Out Systemic Corruption In His Own Party
May 19, 2023 21:27 - 17 minutes - 24 MBThere appears to be infighting in the Michigan Republican party as State Representative James DeSana calls out Michigan Republicans for knowing about wrongdoings in their party and doing nothing about it. Craig Mauger from The Detroit News sits down with Cheyna Roth to discuss the reaction in the Michigan legislature, and he gives updates on some potential precedent making laws.
Catch 22 for Residents of Detroit Housing Commission Properties
May 12, 2023 20:16 - 20 minutes - 27.6 MBThe Detroit Housing Commision property portfolio shows countless failed inspections and tenants living in poor conditions. Aaron Mondry and Rukiya Colvin from Outlier Media sit down with Cheyna Roth to describe those conditions, what the city and the DHC plan to do about it, and the 80,000 people waiting on low-income and affordable homes.