MIRS Monday Podcast

MIRS Monday, Nov. 1, 2021

Voters hit the polls in Detroit and other cities across Michigan. Darci McConnell of McConnell Communications, communications consultant Karen Dumas and Dennis Denno from Denno Research break down the key races with MIRS Editor Kyle Melinn.

Also, Tony Daunt, executive director of Fair Maps, shares which subject the first lawsuits against the redistricting commission will be over, among other subjects.

MIRS Monday, Oct. 25, 2021

Michigan enters a "very precarious" position with COVID-19, according to DHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel, who also addresses the state's response to the lead in Benton Harbor's water supply (25:29). Launch Michigan introduces a $350 million teacher shortage plan (36:30)

Mark Grebner of Practical Political Consultants takes listeners behind the scenes to the creation of Proposal 2 of 2018, Voters Not Politicians (00:49). And a longtime voice on MIRS Monday says goodbye.

MIRS Monday, Oct. 18, 2021

On the first day of his new job, Budget Director Chris Harkins talks about his transition into the new role and the spending of roughly $11 billion in unallocated money (42:23).

Steve Linder of the Michigan Cannabis Manufacturers Association tries to keep the focus on the issue of regulating medical caregivers and not on death threats he said he's received (24:07).

Ed Sarpolus of Target Insyght says the Black community has a legitimate legal case against the Citizens Redistricting Commission for arguably not creating proper majority minority districts (7:21).

And is Benton Harbor Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's Flint?  Andrea Bitely of Truscott Rosssman, who has experience on lead water issues, answers that (00:42).

MIRS Monday, Oct. 11, 2021

Former Sen. Buzz Thomas of Thomas Group Consulting talks about a serious issue he sees with the state House and Senate redistricting maps (17:39). Sen. Jeff Irwin talks medical marijuana, voting, dyslexia and more (35:17).

And the heir apparent owners at Martin Waymire -- Andie Poole, Josh Hovey and Angela Minicuci talk about medical marijuana caregivers' messaging mishap and the challenge of reaching those last 30% of non-COVID vaccinated residents.

MIRS Monday, Oct. 4, 2021

Rep. Ryan Berman makes the case as to why he's the Republican best suited to defeat Attorney General Dana Nessel next year. Emily Mellits from the Michigan Parent Alliance for Safe Schools talks about her organization's efforts.

The Governor vetoes election-related legislation and MIRS discusses the slowly budding field of GOP Secretary of State candidates in this week's edition.

MIRS Monday, Sept. 27, 2021

The MIRS team breaks down the Michigan Republican Party's biennial leadership convention with Editor Kyle Melinn and Rodericka Applewhaite, spokesperson for the Michigan Democratic Party.

Also, interviews with U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (21:50), gubernatorial candidate Tudor Dixon (38:41), attorney general candidate Tom Leonard (49:53), House Speaker Jason Wentworth (1:00:34) and Chesterfield Twp. Clerk Cindy Berry (1:13:36).

MIRS Monday, Sept. 20, 2021

Was he concerned about Chief James Craig's safety at last week's campaign rollout? John Yob, senior consultant for the Republican gubernatorial candidate, answers.

Adrian Hemond of Grassroots Midwest and John Sellek of Harbor Strategic Public Affairs talk about the secretive budget process and whether GOP Attorney General candidate Matt DePerno and Secretary of State candidate Kristina Karamo wrapped up their respective nominations with the Trump endorsement.

And what's the next step for Planned Parenthood in Michigan if Roe v. Wade is overturned? Angela Vasquez-Giroux, vice president of communications and marketing for Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan, responds.

MIRS Monday, Sept. 13, 2021

Genevieve Marnon of Right to Life (37:52) talks about the next steps for the anti-abortion movement, Brad Williams from the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce (20:54) talks Mackinac Conference and vaccine mandates, and Lonnie Scott of Progress Michigan talks redistricting and polling in this week's episode. 

MIRS Monday, Sept. 6, 2021

Now may be the "Golden Age" for the construction industry in Michigan with the Enbridge Tunnel, Hudson Tower, Gordie Howe Bridge and Soo Locks projects in the pipeline. Are there enough workers to do the job? Patrick Devlin, Secretary/Treasurer of the Michigan Building Trades Council answers this among other questons.

What are the top issues the MIRS team is looking forward to covering in the fall legislative session and how much would you pay to get to the top of the Mackinac Bridge? Travel writer Ryan Kazmirzack makes the case on how touring the top of the Mighty Mac could be a revenue opportunity for the state.

MIRS Monday, Aug. 30, 2021

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer walks the tight rope on mandatory masks in schools. Republican gubernatorial candidate James Craig kicks off his media access by talking inside a glass room with folks who are not media. Where does public safety and crime fit into the public discussion?

Sen. Curtis Hertel (D-East Lansing) (39:59), Rep. Graham Filler (R-DeWitt) (23:35) and southeast Michigan commentator Karen Dumas toss around these and other subjects with the MIRS team in this week's edition.