#podcast #progressives #politics #news #Michigan #Republicans #MAGA #datacenters #Protest #WorkingClass #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #CorporateWelfare #GovernmentCorruption #Authoritarianism #WealthInequality #Environment #Electricity #Costs #Economics #Freedom #Democracy #LeftOfLansing

Here's the Left of Lansing "Friday Short" for February 27, 2026.

A bipartisan group of Michigan legislators have introduced bills in Lansing that would place a moratorium on on new data center proposals in Michigan. 

This is due to the working class protest movement in blue and red areas across the state. The working class is fed-up being pushed around by the Billionaire Epstein Class Tech Bros, and those within state government, for building these massive hyper-scale A.I. data centers in secrecy. 

And that's led to both Democrats and Republicans to introduce bills to put a temporary halt to this data center expansion. 

That's bipartisanship I can support. 

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

[email protected]

Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well!

https://www.patreon.com/cw/LeftofLansing

Music provided by Wanderbeats. To hear the latest project, visit Space Leopard on various streaming sites, or visit: https://www.youtube.com/@SpaceLeopard

NOTES:

"‘Big Gretch Out’? — Sure, but Whitmer remains out of touch on data center issue." By Jon King of Michigan Advance

"Michigan House reps call for moratorium on data centers." By Emma J. Nelson of WKAR Public Media

#podcast #progressive #Democrats #Michigan #Trump #MAGA #Republicans #Politics #News #DemocraticSocialism #DylanWegela #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #GordieHoweBridge #EpsteinClass #EpsteinFiles #BillionaireClass #WealthInequality #WorkingClass #Economy #Immigration #ICE #Farmers #Tariffs #BigTech #DataCenters #olympics ##Authoritarianism #Democracy #LeftOfLansing

Here's Episode #168 of Michigan's Premier Progressive Podcast!

00:00-15:30: More Epstein/Moroun Corruption/Tariffs/ICE

Pat Johnston discusses how it appears some information related to Dear Leader Trump in the Epstein Files was withheld. We learned how the MAGA billionaire family who owns The Ambassador Bridge gave $1million to a pro-MAGA PAC just before Trump announced his intentions to block a public bridge from opening. Supreme Court decides against the Trump Regime's insane tariff scheme, but he's already placed new tariffs to hurt the working class. And working class Michiganders showed up to protest a planned ICE detention center in Romulus.

15:07-38:02: State Rep. Dylan Wegela

Progressive Democratic Michigan State Rep. Dylan Wegela of the 26th House District talks about why he's part of the Democratic Socialists of America, and how working class Michiganders are finding it harder to get ahead in an economy designed to work for the billionaire Epstein Class. Wegela talks about his work on reigning-in ICE activity in Michigan, and his fight against A.I. data centers.
Sign the Mop-Up Michigan ballot initiative! 

38:03-53:04: Olympics Rant

Pat needed a little time to rail against MAGA hypocrisy and misogyny during the Winter Olympic Games. 

53:05-55:21: Ending

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

[email protected]

Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well!

https://www.patreon.com/cw/LeftofLansing

Vote on this week's Left of Lansing Poll!

Music provided by Wanderbeats. To hear the latest project, visit Space Leopard on various streaming sites, or visit: https://www.youtube.com/@SpaceLeopard

NOTES:

"Hundreds rally as Romulus council rejects ICE detention center plan." By Katherine Dailey of Michigan Advance

"Data center moratoriums pile up in Michigan. No one knows if they’ll work." By Kelly House of Bridge Michigan

"Michigan lawmakers unveil plan to repeal data center tax breaks." By Kelly House of Bridge Michigan

"ICE detained a Minnesota teen, labeled him an ‘unaccompanied minor,’ and lost him." By Susan Du of The Minnesota Star Tribune

"Why I And You Love Alysa Liu." By Joe Wrote in Joe Wrote

"What Americans think of the Epstein files, according to Reuters/Ipsos polling." By Reuters

"America needs immigrants — ICE is doing more harm than good." By Dr. Sheldon H. Jacobson of The Hill

"Justice Department withheld and removed some Epstein files related to Trump." By Stephen Fowler of NPR

"Moroun gave $1M to PAC supporting Trump prior to president’s tirade over Gordie Howe Bridge." By Ben Solis of Michigan Advance

"Soybean tariffs challenge Michigan growers." By Madison Merrill of Spartan Newsroom

#podcast #politics #progressive #Democrats #MAGA #Republicans #Michigan #datacenters #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovenmentCorruption #BigTech #AI #WorkingClass #YousefRabhi #Authoritarianism #Democracy #LeftOfLansing

Here's the Left of Lansing "Monday Musing" for February 23, 2026.

Washtenaw County Commissioner, and current candidate for Ann Arbor mayor, Yousef Rabhi, has a warning for Michigan Democrats: Oppose the big tech data center expansion in Michigan, or else face the wrath of working class voters this November. 

Rabhi's not wrong, and it's something that's bothered Pat Johnston for a long time.

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

[email protected]

Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well!

https://www.patreon.com/cw/LeftofLansing

Music provided by Wanderbeats. To hear the latest project, visit Space Leopard on various streaming sites, or visit: https://www.youtube.com/@SpaceLeopard

NOTES:

"Insider: Ex-lawmaker has warning for Michigan Democrats on data centers." By Craig Mauger, Beth LeBlanc, and Nina Burke of The Detroit News

#podcast #politics #Progressive #Michigan #Democrats #Republicans #MAGA #Trump #MattHall #MichiganRepublicans #RxKids #WorkingClass #Economy #HealthCare #ACA #HealthCareForAll #Epstein #EpsteinFiles #Billionaires #oligarchy #DonorClass #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #Authoritarianism #Devos #WealthInequality #AbdulElSayed #Democracy #LeftofLansing

Here's the Left of Lansing "Friday Short" for February 20, 2026.

As working class Michiganders keep getting further behind while the billionaire Epstein Class keeps amassing more wealth and power thanks to the Trump Regime, Michigan MAGA Republicans are doing the Epstein Class's bidding by continuing to attack working class programs, like the successful Rx Kids.

Pat Johnston explains how rather than taking action to help working class Michiganders while holding the Epstein Class accountable, MAGA Republicans are devising ways to divide the working class.

We can't let that happen.

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

To hear the complete episode featuring Dr. Abdul El-Sayed
or
on YouTube

[email protected]

Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well!

https://www.patreon.com/cw/LeftofLansing

Music provided by Wanderbeats. To hear the latest project, visit Space Leopard on various streaming sites, or visit: https://www.youtube.com/@SpaceLeopard

NOTES:

Abdul For Senate Website

"It’s time for Democrats to play offense on healthcare." By Abdul El-Sayed in The Guardian

"Hall’s baseless Rx Kids attack betrays Michigan’s most vulnerable, which seems to be the point." By Jon King of Michigan Advance

#podcast #politics #progressive #Michigan #Democrats #Republicans #MAGA #Trump #Election #Election2026 #DemocraticSocialism #CorporateCorruption #CorporateGreed #GovernmentCorruption #EpsteinFiles #EpsteinClass #HealthCareForAll #HealthCare #WorkingClass #AbdulElSayed #Economy #Vaccines #RFK #Measles #JohnFetterman #HaleyStevens #ICE #ConcentrationCamps #Gaza #Israel #WealthInequality #Fascism #Authoritarianism #Democracy #LeftOfLansing

Here's Episode #167 of Michigan's Premier Progressive Podcast!

00:00-16:40: Measles Back/HaleyStevens' Pro-Israel PACs

Pat Johnston opens the show talking about how measles are making a comeback in the country thanks to RFK Jr.'s "leadership." Is that Making America Healthy Again? Then, Pat highlights how Michigan Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Haley Stevens collects pro-Israeli lobby cash in order to fund her campaign. And this week, Stevens visited an ICE concentration camp in Baldwin, MI, and sounded like she was impressed how that camp hired several female ICE agents. Stevens is the illustration of why Democratic base voters are frustrated with Democrats.

16:41-38:30: Abdul El-Sayed Interview

Michigan Progressive Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Dr. Abdul El-Sayed talks with Pat this week. They discuss the concerns and frustrations he's been hearing on the campaign trail, why Medicare For All is what we need in this country, his response to those critical of Democrats who oppose Israel's genocide of Palestinians, and how to fight for the working class while the billionaire Epstein Class plays by different rules.

Visit AbdulForSenate.com
Dr. Abdul will appear with Progressive Democratic State Senator Carrie Rheingans for a "Health Care For All" Town Hall on Sunday, February 22.

38:31-47:00: Last Call-What's Going On With Gen X?

In this week's "Last Call," Pat asks what's happened with Gen X, which appears to be the generation that most supports The Trump Regime's authoritarianism. 

47:01-49:37: Ending/Next Show Preview

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

[email protected]

Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well!

https://www.patreon.com/cw/LeftofLansing

Music provided by Wanderbeats. To hear the latest project, visit Space Leopard on various streaming sites, or visit: https://www.youtube.com/@SpaceLeopard

NOTES:

Abdul For Senate Website

"It’s time for Democrats to play offense on healthcare." By Abdul El-Sayed in The Guardian

"Michigan congresswomen get no answers on Baldwin ICE facility death during visit and tour." By Katherine Dailey of Michigan Advance

"Stevens’ Michigan U.S. Senate bid gets a boost from pro-Israel political action committee." By Ben Solis of Michigan Advance

"Michigan nurse goes without health insurance as ACA costs double for 2026." By Justin P. Hicks of MLive.com

"‘Show Up for Us’: 13 Democratic Voters on Trump, ICE and Their Frustrations With the Democratic Party." By The New York Times

"Where does Fetterman fit among Democrats? | The Conversation." By Dasha Burns of Politico "Primary Occupation." By Ryan Grim of The Intercept

"RFK Jr.’s Anti-Vax Nonsense Has Helped Spread Measles to Mexico." By Ellie Quinlan Houghtaling of The New Republic

#podcast #politics #progressives #Michigan #Republicans #MAGA #Trump #Authoritarianism #TomBarrett #Election #Election2026 #EastLansing #WilliamLawrence #Congress #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #WorkingClass #Education #ICE #Protest #FreeSpeech #Democracy #PublicEducation #LeftofLansing

Here's the Left of Lansing "Monday Musing" for February 16, 2026.

MAGA Michigan Republican Congressman Tom Barrett reportedly sent a FOIA Request to read the emails between an East Lansing High School Political Club its adviser, and a progressive Democratic candidate vying to unseat Barrett in this November's election. 

You see, the political club organized a student walk-out protest against the Trump Regime's ICE Gestapo, and it also invited progressive Democratic candidate for Tom Barrett's seat to speak at the protest event. 

Rather than celebrate the students using their patriotic free speech rights, Tom Barrett wants to intimidate the students and their public school. 

Which illustrates how Tom Barrett is working to keep and enforce the Trump Regime's authoritarianism rather than representing the people of his district. 

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

[email protected]

Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well!

https://www.patreon.com/cw/LeftofLansing

Music provided by Wanderbeats. To hear the latest project, visit Space Leopard on various streaming sites, or visit: https://www.youtube.com/@SpaceLeopard

NOTES:
Progressive Democratic candidate William Lawrence's site: https://wewill2026.com/

"Barrett Campaign FOIAs High School Teacher's Email Over ICE Protest." By MIRS News

#podcast #politics #progressives #Michigan #DemocraticSocialism #Democrats #Republicans #MAGA #Trump #SaveAct #WorkingClass #MinorityRights #VotingRights #VoterSuppression #ClassWarfare #CorporateCorruption #CorporateGreed #GovernmentGreed #ICE #Racism #PoliticalViolence #EpsteinFiles #EpsteinClass #WhiteSupremacist #Authoritarianism #Fascism #Democracy #LeftOfLansing 

Here's the Left of Lansing "Friday Short" for February 13, 2026. 

The MAGA Republican U.S. House passed a voter suppression bill that'll require voters to produce their birth certificate or passport in order to register to vote. 

That's a poll tax on working class Americans. 

It's an effort to suppress the working class vote to protect the interests and power of the Epstein Class. 

As we all know, The Trump Regime and MAGA Republicans work on behalf to protect the billionaire Epstein class. They don't work on the behalf of the working class. 

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

[email protected]

Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well!

leftoflansing.com

Music provided by Wanderbeats. To hear the latest project, visit Space Leopard on various streaming sites, or visit: https://www.youtube.com/@SpaceLeopard

NOTES:

"US House approves bill mandating proof of citizenship for voting in federal elections." By Ashley Murray of Michigan Advance

"A Vote for Republicans Is a Vote Against Democracy." By Thom Hartmann of The Hartmann Report

#podcast #progressive #politics #Democrats #MAGA #Republicans #Trump #EpsteinFiles #Billionaires #pedophilia #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #WeathInequality #WorkingClass #GovernmentCorruption #Authoritarians #Oligarchy #JeffreyEpstein #LisaMcClain #GordieHoweBridge #Michigan #RickSnyder #Whitmer #Education #Vouchers #BetsyDeVos #PublicEducation #RxKids #Teachers #Maroun #Ambassador Bridge #MattHall #Lutnick #DonorClass #LawandOrder #Fascism #Democracy #LeftofLansing

Here's Episode #166 of Michigan's Premier Progressive Podcast!

00:00-8:13: MAGA Epstein Pedophile Protectors

Left of Lansing's Pat Johnston opens the show by talking about how Michigan MAGA Republicans, like Congresswoman Lisa McClain, or Congressmen John Moolenaar, Tim Walberg, Bill Huizenga, Jack Bergman, and John James, are all protecting the billionaire Epstein Class. They claim to care about the safety of children, but their actions say otherwise.

8:14-14:31: Trump Threatens New Bridge

Dear Leader out of nowhere this week declared he'd delay the opening of the publicly-financed Gordie Howe Bridge as a wink and a nod to the MAGA Michigan billionaire Maroun Family, which owns the Ambassador Bridge. Even though Canada paid for the bridge, and was negotiated by former Republican Governor Rick Snyder, the Marouns want it blocked. Notice how the Trump Regime moves quickly for its Epstein Class base supporters.

14:32-42:24: Josh Cowen Interview

Pat talks with Dr. Josh Cowen, who is the author of "The Privateers: How Billionaires Created a Culture War and Sold School Vouchers." Dr. Cowen is a professor of Education Policy at Michigan State University, and has written extensively on the failed billionaire Betsy DeVos' school voucher movement. Well, DeVos and other billionaires are finding ways to decimate public schools. Visit Dr. Josh Cowen's Substack: Josh Cowen's Newsletter.

42:25-50:04: Last Call: Trump's Econ Hurts MI

In this week's "Last Call," Pat highlights new data showing how the MAGA Trump Regime's economy is leading to major job losses in Michigan. Tariffs, and continued tax cuts and corporate welfare are leading to expected results. 

50:05-52:14: Ending

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

[email protected]

Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well!

https://www.patreon.com/cw/LeftofLansing

Music provided by Wanderbeats. To hear the latest project, visit Space Leopard on various streaming sites, or visit: https://www.youtube.com/@SpaceLeopard

NOTES:

"Helping our children live better, more prosperous lives is the most basic, sacred obligation we have." By Dr. Josh Cowen of "Josh Cowen's Newsletter" Substack."Trump’s threat to block Gordie Howe bridge is pure oligarchy." By Steve Neavling of The Detroit Metro Times

"Moroun cash ties Michigan GOP hopefuls to Trump’s Gordie Howe bridge standoff." By Ben Solis of Michigan Advance

"Trump cabinet member ensnared in Epstein scandal." By Judd Legam and Rebecca Crosby of Popular Information

"High costs, uncertainty among local impacts of Trump tariffs." By Leo Kaplan of The City Pulse

"Michigan loses more jobs than all but one other state, report says." By Todd Spangler & Adrienne Roberts of The Detroit Free Press

"Mike Duggan ‘studying’ Trump school choice program for Michigan." By Simon D. Schuster of Bridge Michigan

"Whitmer signs off on school cell phone ban set for next fall." By Kyle Davidson of Michigan Advance

"Michigan travel pitch draws Canadian criticism amid Trump trade tensions." By Janelle D. James of Bridge Michigan

Gordie Howe Bridge Photo: "Gordie Howe Bridge 2025c2" by Antony-22 is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Gordie Howe Bridge & Ambassador Bridge Exits Photo: Valaurian Waller/The Conversation, CC BY-ND (via Michigan Advance)

#podcast #politics #progressive #Michigan #Democrats #Republicans #MAGA #Trump #WorkingClass #Economy #EpsteinClass #JeffreyEpstein #EpsteinFiles #CorporateCorruption #CorporateGreed #GovernmentCorruption #WhiteNationalism #Oligarchy #DonorClass #WhiteChristianNationalism #WealthInequality #RoKhanna #Authoritarianism #Fascism #Democracy #LeftofLansing

Here's the Left of Lansing "Monday Musing" for February 9, 2026.

Pat Johnston pleads with progressive Democrats, and even some "centrist" Democrats, to tie the Epstein Class around the Trump Regime and its MAGA Republican supporters. 

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

[email protected]

Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well!

https://www.patreon.com/cw/LeftofLansing
Music provided by Wanderbeats. To hear the latest project, visit Space Leopard on various streaming sites, or visit: https://www.youtube.com/@SpaceLeopard

NOTES:

"Epstein declared bankrupt Detroit ‘desperate,’ worth experimenting in." By Violet Iconomova of The Detroit Free Press

"Trump disapproval on economy hits new high: Survey." By Max Rego of The Hill

"Michigan House OKs ban on child marriage." By Anna Liz Nichols of Michigan Advance

#podcast #progressive #politics #news #Michigan #Democrats #Republicans #MAGA #Trump #ICE #Voting #Civility #RickSnyder #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #Fascism #Authoritarianism #JenniferGranholm ##Line5 #WorkingClass #Epstein #WealthInequality #Democracy #LeftofLansing

Here's the Left of Lansing "Friday Short" for February 6, 2026.

Four of Michigan's former governors appeared at some "civility" conference to long for the good old days of civility where back room deals were made to screw over the working class. I think those are the days they're clamoring for.

While they lecture all of us on the need to tone down the political tone in this country, we have white nationalist corporate authoritarianism marching all over the working class. 

The most ludicrous part about this call for "civility," is that each of these four past governors had no solutions on how this so-called civility can really defeat fascism. 

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

[email protected]

Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well!

https://www.patreon.com/cw/LeftofLansing
Music provided by Wanderbeats. To hear the latest project, visit Space Leopard on various streaming sites, or visit: https://www.youtube.com/@SpaceLeopard

NOTES:

"Is civility still attainable in the era of Trump? Four Michigan governors think it’s possible." By Ben Solis of Michigan Advance