Beth Clement

There’s a new push to re-think juvenile justice in Michigan. Jake Neher talks with Michigan Supreme Court Justice Beth Clement about the state’s new juvenile justice task force.

There’s a new push to re-think juvenile justice in Michigan. Jake Neher talks with Michigan Supreme Court Justice Beth Clement about the state’s new juvenile justice task force.

Michigan Supreme Court Justice Beth Clement on Juvenile Justice

The Republican-led state Legislature continues a pattern of passing and touting new criminal justice reforms while hesitating - or refusing - to pay for them.

Lawmakers Balk at Funding Bipartisan Criminal Justice Initiatives

Liesl Clark

State environmental regulators are defending Michigan’s new standards for PFAS contamination in water. Those chemicals are linked to serious health problems including cancer.MichMash hosts Jake Neher and Cheyna Roth talk with Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy Liesl Clark about a lawsuit filed by chemical manufacturer 3M, her department's approval of permits to replace Line 5, and more.

State environmental regulators are defending Michigan’s new standards for PFAS contamination in water. Those chemicals are linked to serious health problems including cancer. MichMash hosts Jake Neher and Cheyna Roth talk with Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy Liesl Clark about a lawsuit filed by chemical manufacturer 3M, her department's approval of permits to replace Line 5, and more.

Michigan EGLE Director Liesl Clark on PFAS, Line 5, and more

Oil and gas are still flowing through Enbridge Energy’s Line 5 pipeline in the Straits of Mackinac. That’s despite Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s order to shut it down. MichMash hosts Cheyne Roth and Jake Neher talk with MLive  environmental reporter Garret Ellison about what happens next.

Future of Line 5 Uncertain As Shutdown Deadline Passes

Michigan’s Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission has started its series of public meetings across the state. It is gathering input from residents about how they’d like the commission to draw the state’s new political maps. MichMash hosts Jake Neher and Cheyna Roth talk about one big question that keeps coming up during these meetings. And a conversation with redistricting expert Kimball Brace, whose company Election Data Services Inc. has been hired to help the commission draw Michigan's new maps.

Redistricting Commission Needs Your Help Defining "Community of Interest"

The Whitmer administration is still handling a number of massive lawsuits that it inherited from former Governor Rick Snyder’s administration. MichMash hosts Jake Neher and Cheyna Roth talk with Gongwer Executive Editor and Publisher Zach Gorchow about what’s at stake with those lawsuits and how the governor and attorney general are handling them.

Whitmer, Nessel Approach to Unemployment Lawsuit Leaves Victims in Limbo

Michigan will lose a Congressional district next year. That’s after new Census results showed Michigan hasn’t been growing as fast as the rest of the country. MichMash hosts Jake Neher and Cheyna Roth talk about why the state has been lagging in population growth.

Why Michigan's Population Isn't Growing Fast Enough

State lawmakers and advocates are renewing efforts to get rid of the sales tax on menstrual products in Michigan. MichMash hosts Cheyna Roth and Jake Neher talk about what makes this new push different than in years past. And they speak with 'Make Meaning' podcast host Lynne Golodner about what's happening here and abroad to end 'period poverty,' and about finding meaning in our lives during the pandemic.

Ending 'Period Poverty'

2021 has been a difficult year to navigate so far for American auto companies. MichMash hosts Jake Neher and Cheyna Roth talk with Detroit News Washington Correspondent Riley Beggin about how the auto industry is dealing with parts shortages and a toxic political environment.

Auto Industry Grapples With Parts Shortages, Toxic Politics

COVID-19 vaccines appear to be working well in Michigan to prevent people from getting sick or dying. But some news consumers might be getting the wrong impression about how safe the vaccines really are. MichMash hosts Jake Neher and Cheyna Roth talk with Wayne State University journalism professor Fred Vultee about the consequences of misleading headlines.

COVID-19 vaccines appear to be working well in Michigan to prevent people from getting sick or dying. But some news consumers might be getting the wrong impression about how safe the vaccines really are. MichMash hosts Jake Neher and Cheyna Roth talk with Wayne State University journalism professor Fred Vultee about the consequences of misleading headlines.

Recent Headlines Leave Out Critical Context About COVID Vaccines

Podcast MichMash. Each week, WDET's Jake Neher and The Slate’s Cheyna Roth un-jumble Michigan issues and talk about how statewide news stories affect you.

MichMash - Unjumbling Michigan Politics

A new report from the Michigan Campaign Finance Network shows record lobbyist spending on food and drinks for public officials. MCFN Executive Director Craig Mauger talks about why that probably is, and how it affects policy making at the state Capitol.

Michigan Lawmakers Rake In $517,000 in Free Food, Drink from Lobbyists in 2019

Cheyna Roth and Jake Neher discuss the ways local governments are preparing for a possible economic downturn and the structural challenges they face. Lansing Mayor Andy Schor weighs in on how his community is bracing itself for a recession.

Are Michigan Cities Ready for A Possible Recession in 2020?

There are many ways interest groups try to get lawmakers to pay attention to their pet issues. Some hold rallies on the state Capitol lawn. Others choose to operate behind-the-scenes.Highlighting the latter category is a report that came out this week from the Michigan Campaign Finance Network (MCFN). It shows lobbyists have spent a record amount of money on food and drinks for state officials in the first seven months of 2019. The total comes to $517,000, and three members of the state House have each received more than $4,000 in free dining expenses from lobbyists in that time.“Those totals are larger than what we usually see for an entire year,” MCFN Executive Director Craig Mauger tells MichMash.“The top beneficiary of lobbyist-sponsored wining and dining so far in 2019 has been Rep. Brandt Iden, a Republican from Oshtemo Township who chairs the powerful House Ways and Means Committee,” the report says. ”House leadership created the committee for the 2019-2020 session. It’s in charge of vetting bills that have already passed other committees before they go before the full House.”Iden reportedly received $5,682 on food and drink from lobbyists so far this year. Of that, $2,555 came from a single firm called Governmental Consultant Services, Inc., according to the report.

There are many ways interest groups try to get lawmakers to pay attention to their pet issues. Some hold rallies on the state Capitol lawn. Others choose to operate behind-the-scenes. Highlighting the latter category is a report that came out this week from the Michigan Campaign Finance Network (MCFN). It shows lobbyists have spent a record amount of money on food and drinks for state officials in the first seven months of 2019. The total comes to $517,000, and three members of the state House have each received more than $4,000 in free dining expenses from lobbyists in that time. “Those totals are larger than what we usually see for an entire year,” MCFN Executive Director Craig Mauger tells MichMash. “The top beneficiary of lobbyist-sponsored wining and dining so far in 2019 has been Rep. Brandt Iden, a Republican from Oshtemo Township who chairs the powerful House Ways and Means Committee,” the report says. ”House leadership created the committee for the 2019-2020 session. It’s in charge of vetting bills that have already passed other committees before they go before the full House.” Iden reportedly received $5,682 on food and drink from lobbyists so far this year. Of that, $2,555 came from a single firm called Governmental Consultant Services, Inc., according to the report.

Jake Neher and Cheyna Roth talk about bills headed to Gov. Whitmer's desk that would legalize some online gambling and sports betting in Michigan, and other gambling bills that could follow.

Pro-Gambling Bills Are Becoming More of a Sure Bet at State Capitol

MichMash hosts Cheyna Roth and Jake Neher talk about the authority the governor has to ban an entire product in the name of public health.Supporters of the vaping industry in Michigan are threatening legal action over a plan to ban flavored vaping products.Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently ordered the Michigan Department is Health and Human Services to issue emergency rules to ban the sale of flavored nicotine vaping products in stores and online.Critics, especially retailers who sell the products, say it will devastate their bottom line and question whether its legal for the governor to act alone without a law from the state legislature.But the governor’s administration say its confident it is on sound legal standing — and it has the legal backing of the Michigan attorney general’s office.

MichMash hosts Cheyna Roth and Jake Neher talk about the authority the governor has to ban an entire product in the name of public health. Supporters of the vaping industry in Michigan are threatening legal action over a plan to ban flavored vaping products. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently ordered the Michigan Department is Health and Human Services to issue emergency rules to ban the sale of flavored nicotine vaping products in stores and online. Critics, especially retailers who sell the products, say it will devastate their bottom line and question whether its legal for the governor to act alone without a law from the state legislature. But the governor’s administration say its confident it is on sound legal standing — and it has the legal backing of the Michigan attorney general’s office.

Can Governor Ban Flavored Vaping Products Without Lawmakers? Attorney General Says Yes

Jake Neher and Cheyna Roth talk about why the rule change is important for all Michiganders -- not just lawyers and reporters.

You will soon be  able to Carry Your Cell Phone Into All State Courtrooms. That's a Big Deal.

Water levels are rising along Michigan’s shorelines. It’s a fact that has dominated the headlines recently – including stories of people’s houses potentially falling into the Great Lakes. But for those living in landlocked areas of the state, you might not realize that those coastal problems affect you too.As part of the weekly series MichMash, MLive’s Cheyna Roth and WDET’s Jake Neher take a statewide look at the rising waters with MLive environmental reporter Paula Gardener.

Water levels are rising along Michigan’s shorelines. It’s a fact that has dominated the headlines recently – including stories of people’s houses potentially falling into the Great Lakes. But for those living in landlocked areas of the state, you might not realize that those coastal problems affect you too. As part of the weekly series MichMash, MLive’s Cheyna Roth and WDET’s Jake Neher take a statewide look at the rising waters with MLive environmental reporter Paula Gardener.

Great Lakes Shore Erosion Matters to You, Even If You're Landlocked

Will Michigan’s legislature fail to pass a budget deal in time to save state workers and schools headaches? MichMash breaks down the ongoing effects of the budget impasse in Lansing.

Michigan Budget, Road Funding Impasse Has Big Impact on State Workers and Schools

Some state lawmakers want to limit the powers of the governor’s office. Hosts Jake Neher and Cheyna Roth observe that Governor Gretchen Whitmer has been flexing her constitutional muscles lately -- and Republicans aren’t happy about it.

Some state lawmakers want to limit the powers of the governor’s office. Hosts Jake Neher and Cheyna Roth observe that Governor Gretchen Whitmer has been flexing her constitutional muscles lately -- and Republicans aren’t happy about it.

GOP Shouldn't Hold Breath That Whitmer Will Limit Her Own Powers

Voters approved Proposal 2 last year, which takes the political line-drawing powers away from politicians and gives it to citizens.

Here’s Where Michigan’s Redistricting Effort Stands After SCOTUS Gerrymandering Ruling

Lawmakers and Governor Gretchen Whitmer are taking steps to restore funding the governor vetoed in the new state budget. Cheyna Roth and Jake Neher talk about the progress in Lansing.

Possible State Budget Breakthrough Offers Hope of Ending Year on Bipartisan Note

Members of the state Legislature are on their two-week break for the opening of deer rifle season and Thanksgiving. Meanwhile, many programs and government services are about to run out of money they depend on.

Critical Funding Hangs In Balance as Lawmakers Go Hunting

Cheyna Roth and Jake Neher talk with Bridge Magazine’s Riley Begin, who says wait times are getting longer.

Michigan’s Secretary of State Promised to Reduce Wait Times. That’s Not Happening.

Jake Neher and Cheyna Roth talk about how this problem dredges up old debates over law enforcement and forensics.

Michigan State Police Faces Criticism Over Breathalyzer Probe

Cheyna Roth and Jake Neher speak with WKAR's Abigail Censky about her reporting on the economic effects of the UAW strike against GM in Michigan. And WDET's Laura Herberg speaks with GM worker Steven "Eat Mo" Reeves about what life looks like on and off the picket line.

The Economic and Personal Impacts of the UAW Strike

Cheyna Roth and Jake Neher talk with political strategist Adrian Hemond about all the people affected by a scandal like this.

As Scandal-Plagued Rep. Inman Stays Away, Fall-Out Reaches Lobbyists, Constituents

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson is asking Michiganders to be part of history and apply to help redraw Michigan's political lines.

How to Apply to Serve On Michigan's New Redistricting Commission

Three ballot questions regulating retail marijuana failed in recent elections, but that doesn’t necessarily mean legal cannabis is going anywhere.

Weed Shop Laws Go Up in Smoke, But Supporters Say Relax

On the heels of Gov. Whitmer's State of the State speech, Cheyna Roth and Jake Neher talk about three issues -- other than roads -- that could dominate headlines in Michigan throughout 2020.

Here Are Some of the Biggest Environment, Criminal Justice, and Education Stories to Watch in 2020

Jake Neher and Cheyna Roth talk with Gongwer’s Alethia Kasben about what the eliminations of Pure Michigan's funding means for the state’s popular tourism campaign.

Pure Michigan Isn't Quite Dead After Whitmer Veto... Yet

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Best Parenting Podcasts

The best episodes for anyone looking to learn more about topics such as happiness, fulfillment, depression and psychology/mental health in general. With interviews with industry experts, personal stories of individuals, this topic has lessons applicable to everyone. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!