MichMash Politics - WDET FM

Latest Episodes:

Sen. Sylvia Santana on the staffing shortages at Michigan prisons Oct 11, 2024

Show notes

There have been some longstanding issues with staffing at the Michigan Department of Corrections that have been boiling over the last few months — with some calling on Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to bring in the National Guard to help serve as a stopgap. MichMash host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Alethia Kasben sit down with State Sen. Sylvia Santana (D-Detroit) to discuss the state of the department and what needs to be done to make things better. They also discuss voter turnout as we head into the general election.

Will Michigan Democrats maintain their state House majority? Oct 04, 2024

Show notes

Michigan Democrats currently have a trifecta in state government — with control of the state House of Representatives, Senate and governor's office. But as November approaches, questions about whether Democrats can maintain their two-seat Majority in the House loom. On this episode of MichMash, host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Alethia Kasben and Zach Gorchow analyze which state House races could potentially tip the scale.

State leaders fighting misinformation with new Democracy Defense Project branch Sep 27, 2024

Show notes

Election integrity has the spotlight as the presidential election takes center stage in these last five weeks of the campaign. MichMash host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Alethia Kasben sit down with former Gov. John Engler and former Lt. Gov. John Cherry to discuss the launch of the Democracy Defense Project in Michigan and how they aim to rebuild confidence in our nation’s electoral process.

Michigan campaign finance reform shows no progress Sep 20, 2024

Show notes

It's been a while since we discussed campaign finance reform, and that's because there has been no movement in the legislature on the issue, despite several former officials being charged with campaign finance-related crimes. On the latest episode of MichMash, host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Alethia Kasben sit down with Craig Mauger of The Detroit News to talk about why campaign finance laws take so long to establish.

Michigan minimum wage increase to take effect in February Sep 13, 2024

Show notes

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

Why Michigan public school reading scores are at a 10-year low Sep 06, 2024

Show notes

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.

How will the repeal of ‘adopt and amend’ affect small business in Michigan? Aug 30, 2024

Show notes

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.

County clerks on security, early voting in the 2024 general election Aug 23, 2024

Show notes

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

Governor Whitmer grants The Michigan State Housing Development Authority to use state funds Aug 16, 2024

Show notes

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

How will rescheduling marijuana affect the Michigan market? Aug 09, 2024

Show notes

The federal government is considering rescheduling cannabis as a less dangerous drug, which will impact consumers and businesses alike across the state. "MichMash" host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Alethia Kasban sat down with Brian Hanna, executive director of the Cannabis Regulatory Agency in Michigan. They discuss how there may be a need for thorough guidance from the federal government if this change is made.