#podcast #politics #progressive #Michigan #MAGA #Republicans #DataCenter #ArtificialIntelligence #GovernmentCorruption #CorporateCorruption #CorporateGreed #Authoritarianism #Economy #BigTech #WorkingClass #Democracy

Here's the Left of Lansing "Friday Short" for November 21, 2025.

It appears the Big Tech push for A.I. data centers isn't what the working class wants in their neighborhoods and towns. 

Despite massive opposition, like what we saw in Howell Twp., MI this week, government and Big Tech are working together to build these water and energy-sucking data centers thanks to massive state and local tax breaks while creating very little jobs. 

If the rush for A.I. data centers is such a lucrative boon to the economy, then why are we giving tax breaks to these billionaire big tech bros?

Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can!

Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well!

leftoflansing.com

NOTES: 

"Howell Township board OKs 6-month data center moratorium; opponents say it exempts current plan." By Ben Solis and Jon King of Michigan Advance

"Howell Township board passes six-month moratorium, but not what opponents wanted." By Bridget Janis of The Livingston Post

#podcast #politics #progressives #Michigan #Democrats #Republicans #MAGA #Trump #DataCenter #Environment #CorporateSubsidies #ArtificialIntelligence #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #Economy #Jobs #WorkingClass #Tariffs #Authoritarianism #Democracy #LeftofLansing #BigTech

Here's Episode #157 Michigan's Premier Progressive Podcast!

00:00-17:00: Trump Affordability Fail/Dividing Working Class

Left of Lansing's Pat Johnston points-out the rising grocery prices, rising inflation, and dropping jobs numbers happening during the Trump Regime's first year. Affordability is at the top of voters' minds and concerns. So, it's no wonder why Trump suddenly reversed some of his inflationary tariffs on several grocery items. Pat also brings up the different ways some MAGA grifters drive to divide working class.

17:01-38:00: Bridge Michigan's Kelly House Interview

Bridge Michigan's environmental reporter, Kelly House, joins the show to discuss this sudden rush for data centers in Michigan. Ms. House talks about the controversy over a huge A.I. data center in Saline Township, MI, and how Michigan's state legislature helped make it possible to bring these data centers to the state. She also talks about the tax benefits for local communities, but the major environmental concerns these data centers bring with them. Check-out Kelly House's page at Bridge Michigan to read-up on all of her data center stories, and other environmental stories across the state. 

38:28-44:10: Last Call on Data Center Fears

Pat adds his two-cents on this data center rush in Michigan, and why working class Michiganders are worried about what this means for their communities and their state.

44:11-46:17: Ending

Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can!

Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well!

leftoflansing.com

NOTES:

"Data centers eyed in at least 10 Michigan towns. How they might change state." By Kelly House of Bridge Michigan

"Tensions mount as data centers eye ‘sleepy’ Michigan farm towns." By Kelly House of Bridge Michigan

"Michigan utility panel announces hearing on DTE plan to power AI data center." By Arpan Lobo of The Detroit Free Press

"If You Thought Data Centers Were Bad, Wait Until You See How DTE Is Using One to FU*K Over Michigan." By Distill Social

"GOP lawmakers try again to preempt state enforcement of AI laws." By Keely Quinlan of State Scoop

"Benson’s husband to recuse from state work on controversial data center if she is elected governor." By Ben Solis of Michigan Advance

"How racist provocateur Jake Lang tried to manufacture chaos in Dearborn." By Steve Neavling of Detroit Metro Times

Photo of Saline Township, MI farm courtesy of Joel Kurth/Bridge Michigan

#podcast #politics #MondayMusing #Michigan #progressives #Democrats #MAGA #Trump #Republicans #JeffreyEpstein #EpsteinFiles #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #Oligarchy #workingclass #Authoritarianism #Democracy #LeftOfLansing

Here's the Left of Lansing "Monday Musing" for November 17, 2025.

Left of Lansing's Pat Johnston explains why Dear Leader Donald Trump REALLY wanted to block the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files. 

It's because those files will expose how the late financier and child sex trafficker was the ring leader for powerful men who viewed themselves not only above the law, but above everyone else. 

Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can!

Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well!

leftoflansing.com

#podcast #politics #progressive #Democrats #Michigan #DirtRoadDems #MAGA #Republican #Trump #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovermentCorruption #LivingtonCounty #DataCenters #BigTech #MikeRogers #GovernmentShutdown #WorkingClass #TrumpCorruption #KaseyHelton #Authoritarianism #Democracy #RCV #Democracy #LeftofLansing

Here's Episode #156 of Michigan's Premier Progressive Podcast!

00:00-15:07: Senate Dems Cave/Epstein

Left of Lansing's Pat Johnston shares, or better yet, VENTS, his endless frustrations on the Democratic Party Leadership's constant caving to The Trump Regime. This time, it's Senate Democrats voting to end the MAGA Republican Government Shutdown while leaving millions without affordable health care. And, more Jeffrey Epstein emails surfaced showing a deeper insight between the child sex trafficker's friendly relationship with Trump.

15:08-38:41: Kasey Helton Interview

Livingston County progressive activist Kasey Helton joins the show to share her frustrations on the national Democratic Party leadership's decision to cave to the Trump Regime on the government shutdown. Kasey also talks about the controversy over a proposed data center in her neck of the woods around Howell Twp., and her involvement in the Ranked MI Vote ballot proposal. 

38:42-44:08: Last Call-Mike Rogers Is Clown

In the "Last Call," MAGA Michigan Republican Senate candidate, "Florida" Mike Rogers, is now blaming unsubstantiated claims of "voter fraud" for his loss to Democrat Elissa Slotkin in their U.S. Senate race in 2024. 

43:01-46:17: Ending/Skubal

Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can!

Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well!

leftoflansing.com

NOTES:

Kasey Helton Instagram Video on Proposed Data Center in Howell Twp.

"Howell Township data center: What’s the rush?" By Maria Stuart in Livingston Post

"LETTER: We shouldn’t support data center without developer meeting these conditions." In Livingston Post

"US Senate advances bill to end record-breaking government shutdown." By Ashley Murray of Michigan Advance

"Democrats who voted to end federal shutdown had defensible reasons | Opinion" By John Lindstrom of The Detroit Free Press

"Michigan Democrats rebuff Rogers’ evidence-free claim that the 2024 election was also stolen." By Ben Solis of Michigan Advance

"New Trump administration rule would override state medical debt protections." By Anna Claire Vollers in Ohio Capital Journal

#podcast #politics #Progressives #populism #WorkingClass #GovernmentShutdown #ChuckSchumer #ElissaSlotkin #Democrats #CorporateDemocrats #ACA #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #Authoritarianism #Michigan #Mamdani #Spanberger #Democracy #LeftOfLansing

Here's the Left of Lansing "Monday Musing" for November 10, 2025.

Democrats in the U.S. Senate have decided to cave and capitulate to The Trump Regime, and the MAGA Republican Congressional majority, by voting to end the MAGA Republican Government Shutdown. 

These 7 Democratic Senators, and one independent Senator, undercut the moral high ground on the government shutdown since The Trump Regime and MAGA Republicans in Congress refused to extend Obamacare subsidies. 

This latest capitulation must serve as a reminder that as much as we must oppose the authoritarian takeover of The Trump Regime, we must oppose and throw-out those in the Democratic Party who believe capitulation is the only way to deal with corporate autocracy. 

Capitulation is never an answer.

Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can!

Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well!

leftoflansing.com

NOTES:

"US Senate advances bill to end record-breaking government shutdown." By Ashley Murray of Michigan Advance

"Democrats Kill Hope (Again)." By Oliver Willis in Oliver Willis Explains

#podcast #progressive #politics #Democrats #Michigan #Trump #MAGA #Republicans #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #LisaMcClain #PeterTheil #Oligarchy #SNAP #GovernmentShutdown #WorkingClass #Mamdani #Populism #Authoritarians #Democracy #LeftOfLansing

Here's the Left of Lansing "Friday Short" for November 7, 2025.

MAGA Michigan Republican Congresswoman Lisa McClain of the 9th Congressional District in the Thumb Region, admitted this week that she violated the Stock Act for the second time this year. 

It seems McClain was late to disclose the large sums of money she and her husband made by placing large stock purchases on Palantir Technologies, which is co-founded by billionaire MAGA tech bro Peter Theil. 

Seems interesting that while McClain is earning huge sums of cash thanks to her Government position, she's also joining MAGA Republicans in shutting down the government to hurt working class Americans. 

Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can!

Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well!

leftoflansing.com

NOTES:

"Michigan’s McClain tells congressional clerk that she will avoid violating STOCK Act in the future." By Ben Solis of Michigan Advance

#podcast #politics #Progressives #Michigan #Elections #Democrats #MAGA #Republicans #Trump #WorkingClass #Mamdani #MarySheffield #NewYork #Populism #Immigration #DemocraticSocialism #Authoritarianism #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #Oligarchy #GretchenWhitmer #Democracy #LeftOfLansing

00:00-18:17: Democrats Win/Detroit's New Mayor/DSA Member on City Council

Pat Johnston begins by talking about the Democratic electoral victories in Michigan, and across the nation. He covers how populism and anti-authoritarianism seemed to be the winning messages in New Jersey, Virginia, Detroit, and New York City. Mary Sheffield becomes the first woman to become a Detroit Mayor, and she did it by promising to focus more on Detroit's neighborhoods instead of just its Downtown. Democratic Socialist Denzel McCampbell earned a seat on the Detroit City Council.

18:18-35:50: Why Mamdani Won NYC & Democratic Base

Pat spends the second segment giving his takes on why Zohran Mamdani not only won big in New York City's mayoral race, but how he's won the hearts of progressive Democratic base voters across the country. Populism was a major victor in these elections as Democratic Socialists or moderate Democrats talked about building up the working class. For some reason, some Democratic Party establishment figures, like Michigan Congresswoman and U.S. Senate candidate, Haley Stevens, didn't seem to get that memo.

35:51-44:02: Last Call--Dick Cheney Death

In this week's "Last Call," Pat shares his honest thoughts on former Vice President Dick Cheney, who passed away at the age of 84 years old this week. 

44:03-46:48: Ending

Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can!

Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well!

leftoflansing.com

NOTES:

"Mary Sheffield wins big, becomes Detroit’s first woman mayor." By Steve Nealing of Detroit Metro Times

"Mary Sheffield makes history: Detroit elects first woman mayor." By Ben Solis of Michigan Advance

"How Zohran Beat the Billionaires." By Eric Blanc of Labor Politics

"Denzel McCampbell wins District 7 seat." By Russ McNamara of WDET

"Michigan lawmakers Carter, Whitsett get bounced in Detroit races in favor of progressives." By Ben Solis of Michigan Advance

"The Blue Wave Finally Arrives." By Distill Social

"Why Mamdani and other Democrats won: Voters’ finances are even worse now than when Trump won in 2024." By Andrew Keshner of Marketwatch

Off The Record w/ Tim Skubick featuring Michigan Democratic Congresswoman Haley Stevens via WKAR

#podcast #politics #Progressive #Democrats #MAGA #Trump #Republicans #TomBarrett #WilliamLawrence #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #Michigan #SNAP #Food #GovernmentShutdown #Authoritarianism #Democracy #WorkingClass #LeftOfLansing

Here's the Left of Lansing "Monday Musing" for November 3, 2025.

Michigan Progressive House candidate for the state's 7th Congressional District, William Lawrence, held a vigil and and food drive for his fellow working class citizens, who had their food benefits ended on November 1st, thanks to the MAGA Republican Government Shutdown. 

Current MAGA Congressman for the 7th District, Tom Barrett, refused to help-out during the vigil, and instead cried about "vandalism" after someone wrote some non-offensive words in chalk on his district office building in Lansing. 

While Barrett complains about chalk while rubber-stamping Dear Leader Trump's entire economic failings, over a million Michiganders--and over 40-million Americans--are in danger of losing their food benefits. 

We're in the new Gilded Age, but this time, it's backed by an authoritarian government. 

Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can!

Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well!

leftoflansing.com

NOTES:

"Congressional candidate hosts food drive and vigil outside Rep. Tom Barrett’s Lansing office." By Katherine Dailey of Michigan Advance

"Trump administration must restart SNAP benefits by Wednesday, judge rules." By Jane Norman of Michigan Advance

"Food assistance for 1.4M in limbo: 'I never thought America would be this.'" By Nushrat Rahman, Beki San Martin, Clara Hendrickson, and Todd Spangler of The Detroit Free Press

#podcast #politics #progressive #Democrats #Republicans #MAGA #Trump #BigBeautifulBill #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #TaxBreaks #WorkingClass #Medicaid #SNAP #GovernmentShutdown #BillHuizenga #JohnJames #Michigan #Authoritarianism #Democracy #LeftOfLansing

Here's the Left of Lansing "Friday Short" for October 31, 2025.

Thanks to an excellent write-up by the progressive independent news source in Michigan known as Distill Social, we've learned how two MAGA Michigan Republican congressmen are making a nice sum of money thanks to the tax cut bill they supported last summer. 

Research by the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy reveals that Rep. Bill Huizenga will get around $50,000 dollars in tax breaks next year. AND, Rep. John James, who's also running to become Michigan's next governor, will rake-in around $12-grand next year as well. 

Meanwhile, that same bill slashed Medicaid funding, SNAP funding, and clean energy job funding. Along with the MAGA Republican Government Shutdown they are supporting, Bill Huizenga and John James are the illustration of corporate and government greed. 

They are getting richer while the working class gets bilked. 

Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can!

Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well!

leftoflansing.com

NOTES:

"How Two Michigan Republicans Cash In While Their Districts Get Cut Off." By Distill Social

"Some Members of Congress Will Cash in from New Tax Law." By Jessica Vela of the Institution on Taxation and Economic Policy

"Americans blame Trump and GOP more than Democrats for shutdown, poll finds." By Jacob Bogage, Riley Beggin, and Scott Clement of The Washington Post

#podcast #politics #progressive #Democrats #Michigan #WilliamLawrence #TomBarrett #Congress #Election2026 #Trump #Republicans #MAGA #GovernmentShutdown #WorkingClass #CleanEnergy #Jobs #Economy #HealthCare #Affordability #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #JohnJames #Gaza #Authoritarianism #Democracy #LeftOfLansing

Here's Episode 154 of Michigan's Premier Progressive Podcast!

00:00-15:49: James No-Show/MAGA Shutdown/Detroit Elections

Pat Johnston opens this week's show on MAGA Republican Gubernatorial Candidate John James' refusal to appear at a Republican debate this week. And that's not a big change considering how Congressman James refuses to hold town halls! James supports the Trump Regime/MAGA Republican Government Shutdown that's hurting working class Americans. And Pat concludes the segment talking about some important races in the City of Detroit, including the chance to elect Democratic Socialist Denzel McCampbell on the City Council.

15:50-41:00: William Lawrence For Congress Interview

Progressive Democratic candidate for Michigan's 7th Congressional District, William Lawrence, joins the show to talk about his working class campaign. Mr. Lawrence is working to unseat MAGA Republican Congressman Tom Barrett. He shares his progressive activist background in affordable housing and climate change, and why he wants to unite the working class to gain economic security for Michigan families. To learn more about William Lawrence's campaign and plans to uplift the working class, visit his campaign site. 

41:47-48:04: Last Call-"Israel-First" Republicans

In the Last Call, Pat calls-out some MAGA Republicans who are showing more loyalty towards Israel's right-wing government than they do for working class Americans. And shout-out to Michigan Progressive Democratic State Rep. Dylan Wegela for speaking the truth!

48:05-50:54: Ending

Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can!

Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well!

leftoflansing.com

NOTES:

"Lansing activist joins the Democratic fray for Michigan’s 7th Congressional District." By Erick Diaz Valiz of Michigan Advance

"Progressive activist William Lawrence the latest to launch campaign to run in 7th Congressional District race." By Anna Busse of Michigan Public Radio

"Is Denzel McCampbell Detroit’s Zohran Mamdani?." By Malachi Barrett of Bridge Detroit

"Michigan health care woes: Insurers leaving, rates rising, subsidies in limbo." By Eli Newman of Bridge Michigan

"Michigan House committee continues to probe Gotion after state pulls funding support." By Kyle Davidson of Michigan Advance

"Aging Members of Congress Refuse to Disclose Details of Their Top Secret Hospital." By Daniel Bogulslaw of The American Prospect

"New Poll: Michiganders More Aligned with Global Consensus Than U.S. Government on Gaza." By Progress Michigan

"5 reasons we endorsed Mary Sheffield for Detroit mayor | Opinion." By The Detroit Free Press Editorial Board

"Michigan’s attorney general, Lansing mayor call for court action to halt decision pausing SNAP." By Katherine Dailey & Ben Solis of Michigan Advance