MichMash Politics
259 episodes - English - Latest episode: 1 day ago - ★★★★★ - 3 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
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.
County Close-up: Wayne
May 05, 2023 11:30 - 18 minutes - 25 MBFor our second edition of County Closeup, we zoom in on Michigan's most populous county, Wayne County. Wayne County Executive Warren Evans joins Cheyna Roth to discuss the state of the county, the things that still need to be addressed, and the county's future. Plus, Executive Evans explains what the County is doing about toxic waste disposal and oversight following the East Palestine, OH train derailment and controlled release.
Michigan's Impact on the 2024 Elections
April 28, 2023 20:14 - 25 minutes - 35.3 MBThe 2024 election season is underway, with President Biden being the latest candidate announcing his candidacy. Chad Livengood, politics editor and columnist at The Detroit News, sits down with Cheyna and explains how Michigan will fit into the national picture.
Upcoming UAW Negotiations Raise the Possibility of a Strike
April 21, 2023 20:17 - 17 minutes - 23.5 MBThe United Auto Workers Union (UAW) is getting ready for what are expected to be very contentious negotiations with Detroit automakers later this year. Jake Neher, former MichMash cohost and coordinating producer for Automotive News, gets back in the driver's seat to explain the union's agenda. Disclosure: WDET News and Programming staff are part of the UAW Local 1979 P&A Union.
Can a Proposed Tax Subsidy Fix the Affordable Housing Crisis in Michigan?
April 14, 2023 17:14 - 12 minutes - 17.1 MBWith the affordable housing crisis firmly entrenched across the state, officials are leaning on a proposed redevelopment subsidy program to make housing more affordable. Lauren Gibbons from Bridge Michigan describes the architecture of the program with our host Cheyna Roth.
Michigan Ranks 4th for White Nationalist Incidents in U.S.
April 07, 2023 18:48 - 26 minutes - 36.9 MBThe Anti-Defamation League released a report stating that white nationalist organizations targeted the Great Lakes region more often than most of the United States. Cheyna Roth and Krystal Nurse from the Lansing State Journal discuss why that is and what to look out for in this information packed episode.
Michigan Gun Owners Show Support for New Gun Laws
March 31, 2023 17:56 - 13 minutes - 18.6 MBAfter Monday's horrific school shooting in Nashville, TN, Cheyna Roth takes a look at the effectiveness of red flag laws with Bridge Michigan's Ron French. They discuss the misconceptions people have about Michigan gun owners and their stances on gun safety laws. Plus, French reviews a library book controversy in Lapeer, and questions over Attorney General Dana Nessel's decision to keep documents from high profile cases private for the time being.
County Close-up: Oakland
March 24, 2023 20:33 - 19 minutes - 26.8 MBIn this special "County Close-up" episode of MichMash, we zoom into the political field of Oakland County. Cheyna Roth is joined by County Commissioner Charlie Cavell as he shares how his county has been able to provide an example that Democrats in the state can build from.
Bucket List Bills and Pent-up Policy
March 17, 2023 19:25 - 17 minutes - 23.4 MB'Right-to-work'. Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act. Red Flag Laws. Since Democrats gained majorities in the Michigan Legislature and Senate, they have been busy passing bills at a feverish clip, including 'Right-to-work' repeal, LGBTQ rights and stricter gun control laws. The Detroit News reporter Beth LeBlanc joins Cheyna Roth to break down all of the legislation moving through Lansing this week.
Train Derailment in Ohio Draws Attention to Hazardous Materials Disposal in Michigan
March 10, 2023 18:22 - 13 minutes - 18.3 MBSince the Norfolk Southern train derailment and controlled release of hazardous chemicals in East Palestine, Ohio, the state has been sending hazardous waste across the country. Janelle James from Bridge Michigan talks with Cheyna Roth about hazardous waste disposal in Michigan.
Historic LGBTQ Legislation Takes Major Step
March 03, 2023 21:15 - 18 minutes - 26 MBThe Michigan Senate expanded the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act on Wednesday by passing a provision that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. Senator Jeremy Moss, D-Southfield, presided over the bill. He joins Cheyna Roth this week to talk about how the expansion benefits all Michiganders in ways such as the economy and he speaks on other measures Michigan Senate are considering including gun laws, reproductive rights, and more.
DTE Energy Faces Scrutiny Once Again Over Power Outage Response Time
February 24, 2023 21:14 - 13 minutes - 17.9 MBWith so many Michigan residents without power after this week's brutal ice storm, MichMash host Cheyna Roth looks into the recent request by DTE Energy to raise their rates...again. Bridge Detroit’s Jena Brooker explains the history of DTE's rate increase request and their general performance and responses when facing power outages.
Will Democrats Deliver on Gun Law Promises Following MSU Mass Shooting?
February 17, 2023 19:51 - 13 minutes - 17.9 MBIn light of the recent mass shooting at Michigan State University, lawmakers are looking to take action with proposals that include background checks, red flag laws, and safe storage laws. Bridge Michigan's Lauren Gibbons speaks to Cheyna Roth about the probability of gun safety regulations becoming law in Michigan.
Big Money for Education, Universal Pre-K in Whitmer’s Proposed Budget
February 10, 2023 20:28 - 18 minutes - 25.6 MBGovernor Gretchen Whitmer submitted her proposed budget to the state Legislature this week. It includes one-time payments to taxpayers, an increase in per pupil funding, and universal pre-K. Cheyna Roth is joined by Alyssa McMurtry of Gongwer to do the math and talk about the implications of the proposed budget. Plus, Michigan’s Unemployment Insurance Agency has been under the microscope after out of date software caused the denial of claims and false accusations of fraud.
Read-or-Flunk Provision Facing Expulsion from Michigan's Third Grade Reading Law
February 03, 2023 19:13 - 13 minutes - 18.1 MBThe Michigan Senate is looking to dismantle the read-or-flunk provision in the state’s third grade reading law. Isabel Lohman from Bridge Michigan describes how both Democrats and Republicans are working to help improve third grade reading. Plus, a look ahead at what could show up in Governor Whitmer's education budget including expanding pre-school in the state.
"Operation Opt Out" Challenges LGBTQ Inclusive Sex Education
January 27, 2023 20:17 - 14 minutes - 20.1 MBA new right-wing group is arming parents with opt-out forms in regards to LGBTQ inclusive sex education in Michigan schools. Michigan Advance's Allison Donahue talks with Cheyna Roth about the status of sex education in the state and what exactly the group opposes.
Unpacking a Busy Week of State Politics Headlines with Lauren Gibbons
January 20, 2023 21:43 - 16 minutes - 22.8 MBLauren Gibbons of Bridge Michigan joins Cheyna Roth to unjumble a handful of news stories coming out of Lansing this week including the income tax law, the possibility of a recession, abortion laws, protection for election workers, and electric vehicles. MichMash is a production of WDET, Detroit's NPR Station. Support the show at WDET.ORG/give.
102nd Michigan Legislature Introduces New Bills
January 13, 2023 21:53 - 14 minutes - 19.3 MBThe Michigan Legislature started its new session on Wednesday with the Democratic majorities in charge. The Democrats introduced proposed plans involving tax cuts, civil rights expansion and the possible repeal of the state's 'right-to-work' law. Colin Jackson of the Michigan Public Radio Network details how those proposed plans were received as well as the interesting demonstrations by some representatives.
How Potential Environmental Policy Changes Could Affect Michigan
January 06, 2023 19:41 - 20 minutes - 27.6 MBIn this episode of MichMash, we take a look at some of the environmental stories from 2022 that will flow into the new year, such as issues involving clean water, infrastructure and climate change. Bridge Michigan's environmental reporter Kelly House tells MichMash host Cheyna Roth how these stories will affect Michiganders in 2023.
Looking Back on Michigan's COVID-19 Response in 2022
January 02, 2023 16:12 - 18 minutes - 25.8 MB2022 may be in the rear view mirror, but COVID-19 isn't. To wrap up 2022, Cheyna Roth and the Detroit News' Sarah Rahal takes a look back at Michigan's response to COVID-19 and the lasting effects the virus has had on the state's population, politics and more.
'Right-to-Work' and the Year's Big News for Big Auto
December 23, 2022 17:37 - 16 minutes - 23.3 MBDemocrats in Michigan take control of the House, Senate and governor’s office next year. Cheyna Roth is joined by Jake Neher of Automotive News (and former MichMash host) to talk about Democrats’ big plans to get rid of the state’s right to work laws. Plus, a look back at the year's big news from big auto.
Investigation Into Lee Chatfield’s Alleged ‘Criminal Enterprise’ Heats Up
December 16, 2022 20:44 - 16 minutes - 22.6 MBThe case against the former Michigan Speaker of the House Lee Chatfield is revving up. Cheyna Roth unpacks the latest in the investigation with Detroit News reporter Craig Mauger. They discuss how the Detroit News obtained a copy of the investigation’s secret documents and what we know about the billion dollar spending spree the legislature went on before it recessed for the year, and possible updates for ethics and FOIA laws in 2023.
Gun Reform in Michigan Could Actually Happen With Democrats Controlling Lansing
December 09, 2022 20:23 - 14 minutes - 19.4 MBGun reform has been a hot topic in Michigan and across the nation for years, but without a lot of change. Cheyna Roth is joined by Yue Stella Yu of Bridge Michigan to talk about how this issue will get different treatment next year.
The Race for Michigan's Next GOP Chair Gets Crowded
December 02, 2022 18:12 - 17 minutes - 23.5 MBMore and more state GOP names like Dixon, Karamo, Soldano, and more, are coming forward to say they should be the next leader of the Republican Party in Michigan. Cheyna Roth talks with Michigan Public Radio Network reporter Colin Jackson about the potential candidates. Plus, the results of a new follow-up audit of the state’s Department of Corrections and possible changes to primary voting dates in Michigan.
The Road Ahead with Incoming Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks
November 23, 2022 18:39 - 16 minutes - 22.7 MBMichigan Democrats will take control of the state House and Senate next year and Governor Whitmer will return for a second term. Incoming Senate Majority leader Winnie Brinks joins Cheyna Roth to discuss how the Senate will work with the House and Governor’s office, ruling with a slim majority, and Senator Brinks’ path to becoming the first female Senate Majority Leader in Michigan history.
Dearborn School Board Bans Two Books
November 18, 2022 21:03 - 14 minutes - 19.4 MBThe school board for Dearborn Public Schools has banned two books, weeks after the controversy over books on school shelves reached a fever pitch. Cheyna Roth talks with Bridge Michigan’s Isabel Lohman about the school board meeting that went from 600 participants last month, down to 60.
Unpacking this Week’s Historic Midterm Results
November 11, 2022 20:32 - 11 minutes - 15.7 MBThe midterms may be over but the analysis has just begun. Sarah Rahal of the Detroit News joins Cheyna Roth to unpack this week’s record-setting election where 4.4 million Michiganders voted. Plus, what could be on Governor Whitmer’s agenda now that Michigan has a Democrat-controlled government for the first time in 40 years.
Don’t Sleep on Your Local School Board Race
November 04, 2022 18:42 - 14 minutes - 19.6 MBMichigan’s midterm election is next week, and the typically quiet school board races have become very active across the state. Cheyna Roth sits down with The Advance’s Allison Donahue to talk about what happens when politics come into play in non-partisan school board races.
Democrats Eye Control of State Senate for First Time in Decades
October 28, 2022 15:27 - 16 minutes - 22.4 MBThe midterm elections are less than a week and a half away and Democrats are hoping to take control of the state Legislature. Bridge Michigan’s Lauren Gibbons joins Cheyna Roth to talk about where things stand in Michigan as a result of the redistricting process. Plus, Cheyna and Lauren break down what happened during the final gubernatorial debate between Gretchen Whitmer and Tudor Dixon.
Frankenmuth is Thriving, Against the Odds
October 21, 2022 18:10 - 11 minutes - 16.4 MBThe COVID-19 pandemic has hit businesses of all sizes very hard across the state, especially in areas that depend on tourism. But there’s one town in Michigan that has bucked the trend. In this episode, Cheyna Roth talks with Bridge Michigan’s Paula Gardner about how the town of Frankenmuth has managed to beat the odds, despite public health, inflation, and staffing issues that the hospitality industry is facing. Plus, what Alpena, MI tells us about Michigan’s housing crisis.
Whitmer and Dixon Square Off in First Gubernatorial Debate
October 14, 2022 18:38 - 16 minutes - 22.6 MBThis week Governor Gretchen Whitmer squared off with her opponent Tudor Dixon in the first gubernatorial debate ahead of the November election. Cheyna Roth is joined by Detroit News reporter Beth LeBlanc to recap what we learned from the debate.
Races for MI Supreme Court Seats are High Stakes and Under the Radar
October 07, 2022 19:27 - 18 minutes - 25.7 MBThe battle for two open seats on the Michigan Supreme Court is the high stakes election story in November that you might not be on your radar yet. This week, Cheyna Roth is joined by Michigan Advance’s Ken Coleman to talk about the five non-partisan candidates who are, in fact, highly political. Plus, Coleman on his recent conversation with Aaron Foley about his new novel, “Boys Come First”, and the lack of inclusion for Black and queer writers in the publishing industry.
Michigan Legislature Passes $1 Billion Spending Bill, Sparks State GOP Division
October 02, 2022 23:17 - 15 minutes - 10.1 MBGongwer Michigan managing editor Alethia Kasben joins MichMash host Cheyna Roth to explain the $1 billion spending plan recently passed by the Michigan Legislature.
Company Tied to Flint Water Crisis Spins Involvement with Digital Campaign
September 23, 2022 21:12 - 12 minutes - 17.5 MBNearly a decade later, the Flint Water Crisis is still far from over for the city’s residents. Many still suffer from depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. As civil cases make their way through the courts, Veolia North America has been buying up digital and space defending their role in the water crisis. Cheyna Roth talks with Detroit News reporter Kayla Ruble about her recent investigation into the court cases following the Flint Water Crisis.
Michigan Democrats Expected to Keep State Supreme Court Edge with Chief Justice's Departure
September 16, 2022 19:05 - 15 minutes - 21.3 MBMichigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Bridgette McCormack announced this week that she will be stepping down from the bench by the end of the year. Cheyna Roth is joined by Bridge Michigan’s Stella Yu to talk about why Democrats might benefit from McCormack’s move. Plus, more homophobic attacks from Michigan GOP, this time from Michigan Republican Party Co-Chair Meshawn Maddock.