MichMash Politics

Michigan State Police Director Col. James Grady II is expected to testify before the state House Oversight Committee this week after ongoing attempts to oust him from the role. 

This week on MichMash, WDET's Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Zach Gorchow explain the brewing tensions surrounding the MSP director. Then later, Michigan Association of State Universities CEO Dan Hurley stops by to discuss the various challenges state universities have faced in the last several months. 

The political leadership in Michigan will go through some major changes with the multiple elections being held in the next couple of years.

This week on WDET's MichMash, Gongwer News Services' Zach Gorchow and Alethia Kasben discuss the future of Michigan politics and who has the best chance to win their respective races in the state. 

Also, Michigan political consultant and co-host of the Baldly Bipartisan podcast, Adrian Hemond, and Resch Strategies VP Anna Heaton joined the conversation.

It has been an eventful year in Michigan politics with the Michigan Legislature dynamically evolving. This week on WDET's MichMash, Gongwer News Services' Zach Gorchow and Alethia Kasben analyze the major events in a live recording at the Go Comedy! Improv Theater in Ferndale. 

They were joined by Detroit Free Press Politics Editor Emily Lawler and  
politics editor for The Detroit News, Chad Livengood.

As the July 1 deadline approaches, Michigan House Republicans have unveiled and passed a budget for K-12 schools. In this episode of MichMash, host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Alethia Kasben discuss what's inside the proposal and the next steps.

Then, former Lieutenant Governor of Michigan and President and CEO of the Small Business Association of Michigan, Brian Calley, joins the show to talk about the state of small businesses in Michigan and the insurance cost crisis.

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan received a major endorsement that may set him a part from his other gubernatorial candidates. As part of the weekly series MichMash, WDET's Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Zach Gorchow discuss how this move influences the rest of the race.

Then, Michigan Sen. and Chair of the Senate K-12 Appropriations Subcommittee, Darrin Camilleri (D-Trenton) joins the show to discuss the K-12 budget and what he's willing to negotiate. 

The annual Mackinac Policy Conference has wrapped up for 2025. In this episode of MichMash, Gongwer News Service's Alethia Kasben sits down with Gongwer reporter Elena Durnbaugh to discuss what was accomplished at this year's conference, and whether the Michigan legislature will make their July 1 deadline for budget negotiations.

Then, the two discuss Governor Gretchen Whitmer's presence at the conference and how it differs from years passed.

This week on MichMash, Democratic House Minority Leader Ranjeev Puri (D-Canton) joins the show to talk about ongoing tensions between parties within the Michigan Legislature.

Before that, host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Zach Gorchow discuss news this week that Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson violated campaign finance laws when announcing her bid for governor inside a state-owned building.

This week on MichMash, host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Alethia Kasben discuss bills introduced both in the Michigan House and Senate aimed at curbing distractions in the classroom by limiting cell phone use in class.

Also, former Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox stops by to talk about his motivation behind running for governor.

In this epsiode of MichMash, host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Alethia Kasben and Zach Gorchow sit down with State Senator Mallory McMorrow to discuss why she’s running for Michigan’s open US Senate seat.

Plus, people have grown accustomed to remote work since the pandemic, but is it here to stay? We discuss how remote work has affected state government employees and whether Gov. Gretchen Whitmer will have them return to in-person work full time.

President Donald Trump marked his 100th day in office on Tuesday by visiting the Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Macomb County, where he announced a new fighter jet mission at the airbase. This week on MichMash, host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Alethia Kasben and Zach Gorchow spoke about the base's history and significance to the region.  

Also, Michigan Senate Republican Leader Aric Nesbitt (R-Porter Township) stopped by to talk about his run for governor and his vision for the state.