Advertise on podcast: MichMash - Unjumbling Michigan Politics

Michigan legislators are working on the state budget. The question is: “will they complete a deal by their July 1st deadline?” WDET’s Cheyna Roth is joined by Gongwer Managing Editor Alethia Kasban to talk about key issues that lawmakers are trying to resolve in the next few days.

A resolution to commemorate Pride Month was squashed in the state House and Senate this week. Cheyna Roth and Gongwer managing editor Alethia Kasben talk about why Republicans shut down the non-binding measure. Plus, new developments with crime victim bills, and what to expect as the Legislature works on the budget ahead of summer break.

A Barry County sheriff investigating false claims that the 2020 election was stolen is now under investigation himself. WDET’s Cheyna Roth talks with Detroit News reporter Craig Mauger about the claims. Plus, Cheyna and Craig break down what’s going on with the GOP primary race for governor, including the arrest of gubernatorial candidate Ryan Kelley for his involvement with the January 6 insurrection.

Lawmakers and lobbyists flocked to Mackinac Island this week for the annual policy conference. Cheyna Roth talks with first time conference goer Stella Yu of Bridge Michigan to unpack the highlights and get an update on Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s roads promise.

The Board of State Canvassers has ruled that five Republican gubernatorial candidates don’t have enough valid petition signatures to make it onto Michigan’s August primary ballot. Craig Mauger from the Detroit News joins Cheyna Roth to talk about problem signatures, forgeries, and the ongoing battle to get on the ballot.

A judge says Michigan cannot enforce its 1931 abortion ban. The dormant law is being challenged as it looks like the Supreme Court case ensuring abortion rights in the United States is about to fall. Lauren Gibbons of Bridge Michigan joins Cheyna Roth to talk about what the court decision means and what happens next.

MichMash is making some changes as co-host Jake Neher heads to a new job. In this episode, Jake says goodbye, and members of the capital press corps join Cheyna in wishing him well. Even though Jake is moving on from MichMash, Cheyna will continue to unjumble state politics every week, with some new voices in the mix, too.

Michigan’s 1931 abortion ban would automatically take effect if the U.S. Supreme Court overturns Roe versus Wade. MichMash hosts Cheyna Roth and Jake Neher talk about how law enforcement officials might enforce that ban if it goes into effect. And a conversation with Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson.

Jake Neher talks with state Sen. Mallory McMorrow about her viral floor speech that has been viewed more than 14.5 million times, and about what it means to be an ally in 2022.

The deadline has passed for candidates running for governor this year to turn in their signatures and paperwork. Jake Neher and Cheyna Roth talk about who’s in and who’s out on the Republican side. Bridge Michigan's Jonathan Oosting talks about the GOP primary for governor, this weekend’s statewide Republican convention, and state Sen. Mallory McMorrow's blistering rebuke of state Sen. Lana Theis' flagrant fundraising email.

It has been a bumpy road for Michigan Republicans as they decide which candidates to put up for Attorney General, Secretary of State, and other statewide positions. MichMash hosts Jake Neher and Cheyna Roth talk with Detroit News reporter Craig Mauger about the GOP’s raucous county conventions.

Cheyna Roth and Jake Neher breaks down several different efforts to maintain abortion rights in Michigan if Roe v. Wade is overturned this year.