MichMash Politics - WDET FM

Latest Episodes:

Will Democrats Deliver on Gun Law Promises Following MSU Mass Shooting? Feb 17, 2023

Show notes

In 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 Feb 10, 2023

Show notes

Governor 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 Plus, Michigan’s Unemployment Insurance Agency has been under the microscope after out of date software caused the denial of claims and false accusations of fraud.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 Feb 03, 2023

Show notes

The 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 Jan 27, 2023

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A 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 Jan 20, 2023

Show notes

Lauren 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 Jan 13, 2023

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The 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 Jan 06, 2023

Show notes

In 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 Jan 02, 2023

Show notes

2022 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 Dec 23, 2022

Show notes

Democrats 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 Dec 16, 2022

Show notes

The 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.