There have been some longstanding issues with staffing at the Michigan Department of Corrections that have been boiling over the last few months — with some calling on Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to bring in the National Guard to help serve as a stopgap. MichMash host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Alethia Kasben sit down with State Sen. Sylvia Santana (D-Detroit) to discuss the state of the department and what needs to be done to make things better. They also discuss voter turnout as we head into the general election. 

Michigan Democrats currently have a trifecta in state government — with control of the state House of Representatives, Senate and governor's office. But as November approaches, questions about whether Democrats can maintain their two-seat Majority in the House loom. On this episode of MichMash, host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Alethia Kasben and Zach Gorchow analyze which state House races could potentially tip the scale.

This week on "MichMash," we dive into the Michigan primary that's happening on Tuesday, Aug. 6, and the races that will have the most impact on the general election come November. Host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service’s Zach Gorchow sit down with Gongwer reporters Lily Guiney, Nick Smith, and Elena Durnbaugh to discuss the major races to look out for during Tuesday’s primary election.

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.

The school board for Dearborn Public Schools has banned two books, weeks after the controversy over books on school shelves reached a fever pitch. Cheyna Roth talks with Bridge Michigan’s Isabel Lohman about the school board meeting that went from 600 participants last month, down to 60.

The midterms may be over but the analysis has just begun. Sarah Rahal of the Detroit News joins Cheyna Roth to unpack this week’s record-setting election where 4.4 million Michiganders voted. Plus, what could be on Governor Whitmer’s agenda now that Michigan has a Democrat-controlled government for the first time in 40 years.

Michigan’s midterm election is next week, and the typically quiet school board races have become very active across the state. Cheyna Roth sits down with The Advance’s Allison Donahue to talk about what happens when politics come into play in non-partisan school board races.

The midterm elections are less than a week and a half away and Democrats are hoping to take control of the state Legislature. Bridge Michigan’s Lauren Gibbons joins Cheyna Roth to talk about where things stand in Michigan as a result of the redistricting process. Plus, Cheyna and Lauren break down what happened during the final gubernatorial debate between Gretchen Whitmer and Tudor Dixon.

The COVID-19 pandemic has hit businesses of all sizes very hard across the state, especially in areas that depend on tourism. But there’s one town in Michigan that has bucked the trend. In this episode, Cheyna Roth talks with Bridge Michigan’s Paula Gardner about how the town of Frankenmuth has managed to beat the odds, despite public health, inflation, and staffing issues that the hospitality industry is facing. Plus, what Alpena, MI tells us about Michigan’s housing crisis.

This week Governor Gretchen Whitmer squared off with her opponent Tudor Dixon in the first gubernatorial debate ahead of the November election. Cheyna Roth is joined by Detroit News reporter Beth LeBlanc to recap what we learned from the debate.

The battle for two open seats on the Michigan Supreme Court is the high stakes election story in November that you might not be on your radar yet. This week, Cheyna Roth is joined by Michigan Advance’s Ken Coleman to talk about the five non-partisan candidates who are, in fact, highly political. Plus, Coleman on his recent conversation with Aaron Foley about his new novel, “Boys Come First”, and the lack of inclusion for Black and queer writers in the publishing industry.

It's been another week of major historic political events. President Biden walked away from his race for reelection, and Vice President Kamala Harris came sprinting in to pick up the baton. On the latest episode of "MichMash," host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Alethia Kasben sat down with former state Rep. Adam Zemke from Ann Arbor to talk about her chances of winning

Gongwer Michigan managing editor Alethia Kasben joins MichMash host Cheyna Roth to explain the $1 billion spending plan recently passed by the Michigan Legislature.

Nearly a decade later, the Flint Water Crisis is still far from over for the city’s residents. Many still suffer from depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. As civil cases make their way through the courts, Veolia North America has been buying up digital and space defending their role in the water crisis. Cheyna Roth talks with Detroit News reporter Kayla Ruble about her recent investigation into the court cases following the Flint Water Crisis.

Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Bridgette McCormack announced this week that she will be stepping down from the bench by the end of the year. Cheyna Roth is joined by Bridge Michigan’s Stella Yu to talk about why Democrats might benefit from McCormack’s move. Plus, more homophobic attacks from Michigan GOP, this time from Michigan Republican Party Co-Chair Meshawn Maddock.

In the latest episode of MichMash, WDET’s Russ McNamara fills in for Cheyna Roth and is joined by Lauren Gibbons of Bridge Michigan to break down how having abortion rights on the ballot will impact candidates seeking election this November.

MichMash’s founding co-host Jake Neher (Automotive News) returns this episode to talk with Cheyna Roth about how two major pieces of legislation, IRA and CHIPS, will affect Michigan’s automakers for years to come.

Jonathan Oosting of Bridge Michigan joins Cheyna Roth to talk about Tudor Dixon’s pick for lieutenant governor. Dixon chose Trump-backed Shane Hernandez to be her running mate, but opponents argue that Hernandez is not conservative enough. Got election questions? You can have your November election question considered, and possibly answered, on WDET’s podcast, CuriosiD. Just go to WDET.org/curious.

After the recent redistricting that took place in the state, Michigan lawmakers have had to grapple with living in a new district - in some cases one that isn’t as friendly to their political party as before. Cheyna Roth sits down with The Detroit News’ Beth LeBlanc to talk about one lawmaker, Rep. Graham Filler, who has started renting a house in order to possibly qualify for a different district.

The Michigan Attorney General’s office has asked for the appointment of a special prosecutor to investigate nine individuals for an alleged vote tabulator tampering conspiracy. The accused individuals include Matt DePerno, the Republican presumptive nominee for Attorney General who is challenging AG Dana Nessel in November, and State Rep. Daire Rendon. Craig Mauger of the Detroit News joins WDET’s Cheyna Roth to break it all down.

This week’s primary race featured high-profile matchups and high-dollar spending. Several candidates received large monetary support from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). Plus, the Democratic Party paid to support conservative candidate John Gibbs to defeat moderate incumbent Peter Meijer. How did the influx of cash tip the scales for the candidates? Simon Schuster of MLive joins Cheyna Roth to count the dollars and votes.

A baby formula shortage recently rocked the United States, and now we’re starting to figure out what really happened. Cheyna Roth sits down with Detroit News reporter Kayla Ruble to talk about the negligent practices that took place at Abbott Nutrition’s baby formula plant in Sturgis, MI. Plus, Michigan Supreme Court affirms LGBTQ protections under Elliott-Larsen Act, and Detroit officials bolster election security ahead of August primaries.

Since the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, many are taking a look at our political system to consider whether we are capable of having disagreements while remaining civil. On the latest episode of "MichMash," Gongwer News Service's Zach Gorchow and Alethia Kasben examine whether that is possible with State Rep. Mike Harris.

With the Republican primary just a few weeks away, rumors have started to spread that Democrats are planning to vote in the primary in order to sway the results. One such race is between Bill G. Schuette, son of former Attorney General Bill Schuette, and Midland County Clerk Ann Manary, a pro-choice Republican. WDET’s Cheyna Roth sits down with Gongwer’s Alethia Kasben to unpack what’s really happening. Plus, updates on ballot initiatives and GOP candidate Ryan Kelley.

Election season in Michigan brings a flood of candidate ads, and Governor Whitmer just released her first TV ad ahead of November’s gubernatorial election. Instead of going negative against the GOP, Whitmer took a positive posture. WDET's Cheyna Roth is joined by WWMT reporter Rachel Louise Just to break down what that means for the upcoming election.

WDET’s Cheyna Roth is joined by Detroit News reporter Craig Mauger to take a closer look at the proposals to enshrine a right to an abortion in the state constitution and expand voting access.

The Michigan Supreme Court ruled on Tuesday that the office could not use a one-judge grand jury to indict Flint defendants, including former Gov. Rick Snyder. WDET’s Cheyna Roth and The Detroit News’ Beth LeBlanc discuss pressing concerns in the case. Plus, changes in the state’s no-fault insurance law and the main takeaways from the newly-passed $77 billion state budget.

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.

A law that just passed the Michigan Senate would set penalties and potentially revoke liquor licenses for retailers defaulting in electronic payments to wholesalers. "MichMash" host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Zach Gorchow are joined by president of the Michigan Beer and Wine Wholesalers Association Spencer Nevins. They discuss the state's alcohol laws that will have the most impact on the alcohol industry.

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 Capitol 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.

Local clerks in Michigan are calling on state leaders to change election laws ahead of the 2022 midterms. Jake Neher and Cheyna Roth talk about why clerks say they need help, and fast.

MichMash hosts Cheyna Roth and Jake Neher talk with Bridge Michigan's Jonathan Oosting about a tiny detail on a minimum wage petition that could have caused big problems for elections.

Michigan drivers will soon get a refund on their auto insurance payments. MichMash hosts Jake Neher and Cheyna Roth talk about why that is, and why not everyone is happy about changes to Michigan’s auto insurance laws. And Chad Livengood of Crain's Detroit Business talks with Stephen Henderson about these issues.

Tis the season of "State of the _______" speeches in Michigan. Why do so many public officials feel the need to give them, and why is it worth tuning in? Cheyna Roth and Jake Neher talk with consultant Jim Martinez, who has worked on many of these speeches over the years.

The Michigan Supreme Court’s term ends on July 31, but what are the cases that will have the greatest impacts? On the latest episode of "MichMash" host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Zach Gorchow are joined by Gongwer News Service’s Ben Solis to discuss how the court’s rulings may impact the Legislature.

Cheyna Roth and Jake Neher talk with Gongwer's Zach Gorchow about a new initiative to change Michigan's legislative term limits.

MichMash hosts Cheyna Roth and Jake Neher talk about some of the ways redistricting is shaking up this year’s elections. And a conversation with Gongwer Michigan's Ben Solis.

Bills at the state Capitol would crack down on petition circulators who lie to get people to sign. MichMash hosts Jake Neher and Cheyna Roth talk with state Sen. Jeremy Moss (D-Southfield), who is one of the bill sponsors.