MichMash Politics

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Gun reform has been a hot topic in Michigan and across the nation for years, but without a lot of change. Cheyna Roth is joined by Yue Stella Yu of Bridge Michigan to talk about how this issue will get different treatment next year.

More and more state GOP names like Dixon, Karamo, Soldano, and more, are coming forward to say they should be the next leader of the Republican Party in Michigan. Cheyna Roth talks with Michigan Public Radio Network reporter Colin Jackson about the potential candidates. Plus, the results of a new follow-up audit of the state’s Department of Corrections and possible changes to primary voting dates in Michigan.

Michigan Democrats will take control of the state House and Senate next year and Governor Whitmer will return for a second term. Incoming Senate Majority leader Winnie Brinks joins Cheyna Roth to discuss how the Senate will work with the House and Governor’s office, ruling with a slim majority, and Senator Brinks’ path to becoming the first female Senate Majority Leader in Michigan history.