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Here's the 150th episode of Michigan's Premier Progressive Podcast!

00:00-19:00: Gilchrist on Gaza/ Government Shutdown/Haley Stevens

Pat Johnston applauds Michigan Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist's announcement where he called Israel's actions in Gaza to be a genocide against the Palestinian people. The federal government is closed as MAGA Republicans, like Congresswoman Lisa McClain, are blocking Democrats from lowering health care costs. But Pat argues that shutting down the government is what MAGA Republicans want. And Pat concludes by sharing details of an upcoming Napa Valley Getaway for Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Haley Stevens.

19:01-45:52: Rank MI Vote's Joe Spaulding

There's an effort underway to make Michigan a Ranked Choice Voting State. Signatures are being gathered to put the issue on ballot in 2026, as Michiganders would get to decide if Michigan should become the third Ranked Choice Voting state in the nation. Rank MI Vote's Campaign Director, Joe Spaudling, talks with Pat about what Ranked Choice voting is all about, and how it will benefit Michigan in the long run. Visit Rank MI Vote to learn more.

45:53-51:32: Last Call-Pot For Potholes

In this week's "Last Call," Pat criticizes a state budget plan to tax legal marijuana shops to help pay for road repairs.

51:33-54:04: Ending/Tigers

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NOTES:

"Gilchrist calls Gaza, Palestine crisis a genocide at Arab convention, fundraising communications." By Ben Solis of Michigan Advance

Distill Social Video Featuring Michigan Lt. Governor, and Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate, Garlin Gilchrist.

"Ranked choice voting signature collection phase begins in Michigan, campaign says." By Ben Solis of Michigan Advance

"Ban on ranked choice voting passed Michigan House." By Aurora Sousanis of The Detroit Free Press

"The Government Has Been Shut Down for Months." By David Dayen & Whitney Curry Wimbish of The American Prospect

"Cannabis group plots lawsuit over new Michigan weed tax plan." By Jordyn Hermani of Bridge Michigan

"Whitmer biz incentives may face chopping block as part of Michigan budget deal." By Jordyn Hermani & Paula Gardner of Bridge Michigan