Detroit has a number of famous representatives. Representatives John Dingell, labor leader Patrick McNamara, and Congressmember John Conyers. 

Charles Diggs Jr. doesn’t often make these lists. But should he? The first Black congressmember from Michigan, he worked with Martin Luther King, Jr, helped pass the Voting Rights Act, advocated for the end of apartheid in South Africa, and changed America’s foreign policy stances toward many nations in Africa.

Why don’t more people know about him? 

It’s partly because the congressmember ended his professional career in disgrace, having to retire because of a payroll kickback scheme he orchestrated.

But what should we remember about this representative who built cross-ideological and cross-political coalitions to achieve civil rights for more people in America and around the world?

Marion Orr is a professor of political science at Brown University. He spoke with Producer Sam Corey about his new book, “House of Diggs: The Rise and Fall of America’s Most Consequential Black Congressman, Charles C. Diggs Jr.”

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Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall makes his MichMash debut this week to share his take on recent events involving the Michigan legislature. In this episode, he joins hosts Cheyna Roth and Zach Gorchow to talk about funding, Governor Gretchen Whitmer, the state budget, Republican candidates for governor and more.

Bringing the H.E.A.T.

Speaker Hall says his H.E.A.T. plan (short for the Hall Ethics, Accountability and Transparency plan) aims to bring more transparency to spending in the legislature. He says that people need to know where money from the state budget is going.

“Let’s get public documents a long time in advance that tells us what is the public purpose, what is the project, so we can look into these ‘pork’ spending projects and say which ones are good and which ones are bad,” Hall said.

Republican candidates for governor

Hall also spoke about the current candidates for governor. He said that there were a lot of strong republican contenders, but he also complimented independent candidate Mike Duggan.

“Mike Duggan and I get along very well,” Hall said. “I’ve done many deals with him. The Public Safety Trust fund… We have a great relationship. But he’s more of a democrat than a republican.”

The Michigan gubernatorial elections will be held on Nov. 3, 2026.

Advocates push back on candidate’s Dearborn march

A Muslim civil rights organization is advising Dearborn residents to ignore what it calls an “Islamophobic publicity stunt” by a Republican gubernatorial candidate. Anthony Hudson says he plans to march through Dearborn Tuesday “to protect Americans from Sharia law.” At an October debate for Republicans running for Governor, the Genesee County man said he would deploy the National Guard to Dearborn if elected.

The Michigan chapter of the Council on American Islamic Relations says it has responded to a number of threats against Michigan Muslims and mosques lately. This week, an Illinois man who allegedly made threats against a Dearborn Heights mosque was arrested. A Virginia man faces terrorism charges for allegations he threatened to kill Muslims at a Michigan mosque and law enforcement officials identified a Texas man they say made threatening calls to the Islamic Institute of America in Dearborn Heights.

The national CAIR office says it distributed a formal memo to every member of Congress last month, warning of the “anti-Sharia hoax” as a part of anti-Islamic propaganda.

Additional headlines for November 14, 2025

DTE seeks gas rate increase

DTE is asking to raise residential gas rates by almost 8 percent. Planet Detroit reports the request comes a year after the utility raised prices more than 2 percent and as federal money to help utility customers is in doubt. The Michigan Public Service Commission has 10 months to decide on the rate hike.

https://planetdetroit.org/2025/11/dte-gas-rate-hike-proposal/ 

Michigan launches MIVeteran app

The state has launched a tool aimed at supporting veterans and service members transitioning back to civilian life. MIVeteran is an app designed to help veterans navigate benefits and resources available to them. Resources and information on the app include: DD-214 requests, state benefits, employment, education, housing, and healthcare resources, and a guide to benefits for transitioning service members. The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency says it created the app as a part of its work to make Michigan a great place for veterans and their families. The MIVeteran app is free and can be downloaded from the Apple and Google app stores.

State seeks input on services for older adults

The state is wrapping up its series of community conversations around gaps in services for older adults next week. None of the remaining events are in Southeast Michigan, but a survey will be live until December 15th. The Bureau of Aging Community Living and Supports is collecting input for a new state plan on aging. The survey can be completed online or downloaded and mailed in.

Download and mail the survey about older adults in Michigan

Complete the survey online

Threads of Time market returns to the Fisher Building

More than 20 vendors will offer their wares at the Threads of Time: Vintage Market Saturday. The free event is set against the backdrop of the Fisher Building’s timeless beauty. Visitors can shop for apparel, accessories and housewares. Food and drink will also be for sale. The event runs from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. It is hosted by the Peacock Room.

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Detroit Mayor-elect Mary Sheffield announced the 18 policy committees that make up her transition team Thursday. 

The transition team will determine the priorities for the first 100 days of the new administration.  

Sheffield says the decision to place the team’s headquarters at the Marygrove Conservancy was deliberate.  “We wanted to ensure that this process remained rooted in my values of neighborhoods and community. And I am proud to say that this is the first time a transition has been set up in one of Detroit’s neighborhoods. First time ever.” 

Sheffield says everyone appointed to the committees were chosen for their expertise, track records, and connections to everyday Detroiters.  

The committees will focus on various issues such as affordable housing, public transit, economic opportunities, and youth support and development.  

Additional headlines from Thursday, November 13, 2025

DPSCD endorses Invest in MI Kids

The Detroit Public Schools Community District School Board is endorsing the Invest in MI Kids ballot proposal.

The proposal would add a 5% surcharge on income over $1 million. Advocates say the charge would raise over $1 billion in funding for schools.

The Invest in MI Kids coalition says the new funds would be constitutionally protected and explicitly directed toward reducing classroom sizes, retaining and recruiting educators, and career and technical education.  

Nurture Benefits for child care professionals

The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential, or MiLEAP, is partnering with the Small Business Association of Michigan to provide affordable health and retirement benefits to child care providers. The program is called Nurture Benefits and enrollment opens on November 15.

Child Care providers will have access to medical, dental, and vision coverage, life and retirement benefits, and wellness and behavioral health resources. Childcare providers who work 30 hours or more a week are eligible to apply.

For more information, visit nurturebenefits.com.  

Marion Orr discusses new book

Author Marion Orr will be discussing his new book at Source Booksellers. The book is titled “House of Diggs: The Rise and Fall of America’s Most Consequential Black Congressman, Charles C. Diggs Jr.” 

Diggs was elected to represent Michigan’s 13^th congressional district in 1954.

The event will be held on Friday, Nov. 14 at 6 p.m.  

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The Dearborn school system has named a new interim superintendent, Lamis Srour. 

She currently serves as the Executive Director of Student Achievement over the Edsel Ford Feeder Track, a position she’s held for the past three years.  Srour started working with the Dearborn School District in 1998. 

She tells the school board that her focus will be on improving attendance, stopping bullying and repairing infrastructure. 

Srour’s first day on the job will be Dec. 5.  She’s filling in after the departure of Glenn Maleyko, who’s leaving to become the new head of the Michigan Department of Education. 

Additional headlines from Wednesday November 12, 2025

Hamtramck election 

The controversy continues in Hamtramck’s mayoral election. 

The contest between Adam Alharbi and Muhith Mahmood has still not been decided more than a week after Election Day. There’s a difference of just 11 votes between the two candidates out of about four thousand ballots cast. 

Alharbi has sued, charging that Mahmood is not a Hamtramck resident.  And City Clerk Rana Faraj has been placed on administrative leave.  With Faraj on leave, Wayne County is checking dozens of absentee ballots. 

People Mover closed temporarily 

If you usually use the People Mover to get around downtown Detroit, you’ll need another way to get where you’re going. 

The system is shut down for a few days as workers make repairs and upgrades in advance of the traditionally busy Thanksgiving holiday weekend.  A new track switch will be installed for the elevated railway. 

The People Mover will resume operations on Sunday, Nov. 23.   

Shields fight deal 

Flint boxer Clarissa Shields has signed a multi-fight deal worth $8 million. 

She has a record of 17 wins and no losses.  That includes 3 knockouts.  ESPN says Shields’ next fight is expected to happen sometime early next year. 

Keep home safe while traveling

AAA Michigan says now’s the time to start thinking about holiday travel plans. 

The auto club says there are a few things you can do to keep your home safe while you’re away for a few days.  Make sure to place lights on a timer—indoors and outdoors—to make it appear someone is at home.  Set your thermostat lower, but not too low.  You can save some money by using less heat while you’re gone, but don’t set the thermostat below 55 degrees.  If the house gets too cold, pipes could freeze and burst. 

And don’t tell the world about your travel plans on social media.  There’s no need to advertise that your house is empty. 

Gas prices on the rise

Metro Detroit gas prices are fluctuating as we get closer to Thanksgiving.  AAA Michigan says the average price of a gallon of self-serve unleaded is $3.05.  That’s down four cents from the same time last week.  But it’s 12 cents per gallon more than a month ago. 

Industry analysts say, while demand for gas has fallen, supplies have dwindled, too. 

Listen to the latest episode of the “Detroit Evening Report” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

Both of Michigan’s U.S. Senators voted against a procedural move to end the federal government shutdown.

Seven Democrats and one independent joined Republicans last night, taking the first step toward funding the government. GOP Senators agreed to hold a vote next month on extending the Affordable Care Act tax credits. The deal does not guarantee they’ll be renewed. Democratic senators Elissa Slotkin and Gary Peters say promising to hold a vote on the issue isn’t good enough.

The compromise would reverse the mass firings that took place when the shutdown began and ensure federal workers get back pay.  

-Reporting by Pat Batcheller  

Additional headlines from Monday, November 10, 2025

Supreme Court order blocks SNAP payments

On Saturday the U.S. Supreme Court issued an emergency stay blocking the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition from issuing full payments for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP. This pauses benefits for 42 million Americans, including many children and the elderly.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services director, Elizabeth Hertel, says she is disappointed by the move. MDHHS began sending out full payments on Thursday, however the new order prevents the department from finalizing payments for Michigan residents who have not yet received their payments for November.

To fill the gap, Governor Whitmer announced an additional $4.5 million to the Food Bank Council of Michigan to feed families including food delivery services for families who are unable to visit a food bank. Dial 2-1-1 or visit mi211.org to find assistance. 

Last week, the city of Detroit launched a network of food pantries map with 85 certified food pantries. Mayor Mike Duggan says the city authorized $1.75 million for the project. People can visit detroitmi.gov to find a location near them.  

Catholic Charities provide hunger relief

Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan is providing emergency relief while SNAP benefits are in limbo for 1.4 million families in Michigan.   

People can drop into the Center for the Works of Mercy on 10301 Woodward Ave in Detroit on Thursdays between 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturdays beginning Nov. 22nd through Dec. 6th between 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.  

According to DetroitCatholic.com, the city of Detroit donated food from Forgotten Harvest to support the center.

The Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan are also asking people to donate unexpired AND nonperishable food on weekdays between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. or provide monetary donations. The group is matching donations up to $20,000 thanks to an anonymous donor. The center is also looking for volunteers.  

MSU study brings solar panels and farming together 

Michigan State University researchers are building an outdoor laboratory to see if solar panels can improve crop production for farmers.

Anthony Kendall is an Assistant Professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences at MSU. He says the project involves researchers from different fields who can offer a variety of perspectives. 

“There’s a real asymmetry of solar installation information that exists right now. And we hope by doing open science with a lot of community feedback, to really just provide better information to everyone.”

He says they’ll also use the project to teach farmers how to use solar panels in under-producing areas of farm fields. The project is funded by a $3.6 million grant from the National Science Foundation.  

MDOT regulations

The Michigan Department of Transportation is still collecting public comment on a set of proposed regulations that could put parameters on how people can protest on MDOT owned roads.

The new rules would require protestors to get a permit before occupying an area such as an overpass or rest stop. MDOT’s Engineer Greg Losch said on the podcast “Talking Michigan Transportation” that the rules are a response to complaints from the public.  

“We’ll be responding to the public complaint, like, ‘hey, I stopped at whatever rest area and someone asked me to sign a petition and I don’t really want to be solicited for that. Why why are you allowing this, MDOT?’” 

Losch said the regulations intend to ensure public safety. Activists argue that this is an infringement of First Amendment rights. MDOT will be accepting public comments on its website through November 20th.  

If there is something happening in your neighborhood that you think we should know about, drop us a line at DetroitEveningReport@wdet.org. And don’t forget to subscribe to the Detroit Evening Report podcast, available wherever you get your podcasts. 

Listen to the latest episode of the “Detroit Evening Report” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is giving money to 25 communities and organizations to help grow local urban tree canopies.

Awardees include the cities of Oak Park, Ferndale, Port Huron, and St. Clair Shores, as well as non-profit groups like Arboretum Detroit and Detroit Horsepower.

Kerry Gray, who works with the DNR’s Urban and Community Forestry program, explains that these grants are part of a long-standing partnership with the DTE Energy Foundation.

“The DNR has worked with the DTE Energy Foundation since probably almost 30 years now, providing grants to communities and organizations for tree planting to help expand their tree canopy and strengthen local green infrastructure,” Gray says.

She says one goal of the grant is making sure the new trees are species diverse to help prevent problems like the widespread tree loss caused by invasive pests.

“I think we’ve all seen the devastation that happened when the emerald ash borer came in and attacked [a] species that we had an overabundance of, which was ash,” Gray says. “We really focus on making sure that all of our grantees are using a diverse palette of species…we work with them and provide support to help them select species that are suitable for their sites and locations.”

More information about Michigan’s tree canopy initiative can be found through the Mi Trees program, which aims to plant and care for 50 million new trees across the state by 2030.

This story is part of WDET’s ongoing series, The Detroit Tree Canopy Project.

Mayor-elect Mary Sheffield had a historic win on Tuesday, becoming the first woman to be elected Mayor of Detroit. In this episode of MichMash, Gongwer News Service’s Zach Gorchow and Alethia Kasben are joined by BridgeDetroit reporter Malachi Barrett and Detroit One Million founder Sam Robinson to discuss how Sheffield might govern in her new role.

In this episode:

• What makes Sheffield’s win so significant?
• What does Sheffield’s trajectory look like?

Historic win

Not only is Sheffield the first woman to become mayor for the city of Detroit, but she had record turnout in comparison to her predecessor.

“Duggan is talked about as this electoral juggernaut, especially in his re-election campaigns. He never had above 75% or even hit 75,000 votes,” Barrett said. “Sheffield had both.”

Barrett also said Sheffield was more present in the community and had better relationships than her opponent, Rev. Solomon Kinloch Jr.

Sheffield’s trajectory

From here, Sheffield’s career could go in many different directions. But according to Robinson, Detroit is the main focus for the young politician.

He recounted stories from her election night afterparty and says he believes she aspires to be a candidate like former Detroit Mayor Coleman Young. Robinson also said that her representation as an African American woman has inspired a lot of people.

Political junkies have their minds on the elections that just happened this past week. But one year ahead, there are a lot more elections in the state.

That’s true for the governor’s race, where a slate of Democratic and Republican candidates, in addition to an independent candidate, are running for the seat. 

Currently, Congressman John James and former Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox are in the lead for the Republican nomination. Why? And, what do they need to do to win?

Producer Sam Corey spoke to longtime Michigan Republican strategist Jeff Timmer to find out.

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You may be familiar with the Grammy-winning band Red Hot Chilli Peppers, famous for songs like “Dani California on Stadium Arcadium” or “Can’t Stop” off the 2002 album “By The Way.”

Hall of Fame Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith recently announced The Chad Smith Foundation. Chad grew up in Michigan and returned to the place where he got his start to help students do the same. 

The Curtis and Joan Smith Scholarship will honor his parents while also providing need-based support for incoming music students to the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre and Dance. 

During U-M’s Band O Rama, Chad joined the Michigan Marching Band in Hill Auditorium for a performance including U of M’s fight song “The Victor’s” and the Red-Hot Chili Peppers classic “Can’t Stop.”

Tia Graham had the chance to chat with Chad about the foundation, the scholarship and growing up in Michigan.

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In this episode, cannabis attorney Lance Boldrey joins the show. He chats with WDET’s Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service’s Alethia Kasben about how the 2026 state budget affects the cannabis industry.

Plus, Republican gubernatorial candidates had their first debate this week. We discuss a notable absence and the major themes of the debate.

In this episode:

• How does the wholesale tax on the marijuana industry affect businesses of different sizes?
• Reviewing the first Republican debate for Michigan’s 2026 gubernatorial race
• Which gubernatorial candidates have raised the most money so far?

Cannabis in the state budget

The 2026 state budget included a 24% tax increase on the marijuana market. The tax will be applied to the retailer’s sales regardless of other taxes already listed in the line of items of any marijuana invoice.

Boldrey, who focuses on cannabis cases at the law firm Dykema, says small businesses will be hit the hardest.

“I think the folks that get the most negatively impacted are the micro businesses, which are the social equity part of the industry, which are people that come in as craft producers. They don’t have any wholesale activity at all because everything is grown, processed and sold in the exact same location.”

Boldrey says these micro businesses can’t make a wholesale purchase or a wholesale sale, but they will have a wholesale tax on their production.

Reviewing the gubernatorial debate

At the Republican gubernatorial debate this week, there was a notable absence from U.S. Representative John James, who said he would not participate in these debates until the field was more settled. As of now, James is perceived as the frontrunner, but there may be risk with his approach.

He’s already upset some GOP delegates mad by skipping a different event organized by the state party. If he does win the primary, he may have to win those delegates back heading into the general election.

Also, campaign finance reports were due this week from all parties. Republican John James, Democrat Jocelyn Benson and Independent Mike Duggan have raised the most from donors in their campaigns so far.

Update: Just hours after this segment aired, the Michigan Senate passed a measure that would put $71 million toward food assistance. Supporters say it wouldn’t take effect by Nov. 1 or cover all SNAP benefits, but it would help food banks bridge the gap in the meantime. The measure still needs approval from the House. (Reporting by Colin Jackson, MPRN)

The politics of food is personal, especially now.

It’s day 30 of the federal government shutdown, and key programs are grinding to a halt. One such program is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, which helps more than 40 million Americans keep food on the table.

In Michigan, roughly 1.4 million residents rely on those benefits to stretch their grocery budgets. The federal pause means November’s payments could be delayed — a disruption that would ripple through the entire food system. Families will face the prospect of empty dinner tables, while local grocers, food co-ops, and urban farms brace for reduced spending. 

In Detroit, one person working to keep the city’s food systems healthy amid the uncertainty is Amanda Brezzell, co-founder and creative director of Fennigan’s Farms, an urban agriculture and community design studio devoted to food access, sustainability, and resilience.

Brezzell joined Robyn Vincent on The Metro to describe what she’s hearing from residents and what advocates are doing in real time.

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Syrians in the U.S. under Temporary Protected Status may no longer be able to live and work in the U.S. as soon as next month. 

The Department of Homeland Security says since the civil war in Syria ended last year, people who sought TPS status here no longer face life-threatening danger if they return. 

Jad Salamey, civil rights and immigration attorney for the Council on American-Islamic Relations, Michigan chapter, says “Current administration and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem determined that the conditions for TPS no longer exist in Syria, and that essentially, it’s safe enough and there’s no serious threat for Syrians to be kept away from returning to Syria.” Salamey says the change in status will affect about 6,000 Syrians. 

Michigan is home to about 15,000 Syrian Americans. 

He says Syrian TPS holders must apply for a different immigration status or prepare to self-deport by November 21. “The Trump administration has offered Syrians, who leave voluntarily, a free airline ticket and $1,000 departure bonus, if that is what they want to do. But if not they want to stay here, maybe they have family connections. I strongly recommend getting legal assistance as soon as possible.” 

Salamey says CAIR Michigan is getting calls from people about TPS and other immigration assistance. 

Additional headlines from Tuesday, October 28, 2025

Solar neighborhoods begin construction

Construction on the first of five solar neighborhoods has officially begun. It started on approximately 42 acres of blighted land in the Van Dyke/ Lynch area on Monday. 

Two years ago, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan announced the plan to convert 165 acres of vacant and blighted land into solar farms to offset the electricity used at 127 municipal buildings. Duggan says demand for energy continues to rise and the solar project will help mitigate those demands. “We’re still importing energy, and the demands being placed are enormous. We’re going to need every source of energy that we can get, and to be able to do it with renewable energy is such an important step forward.” 

The first solar neighborhood is expected to be completed early next year. The Houston Whittier/ Hayes neighborhood will break ground in the Spring of 2026. All five neighborhoods are expected to be up and running by the first quarter of 2027. 

Sno-City film screening at WSU

A film screening on Wayne State’s campus next week supports ski programs for students at Detroit’s University Prep and Hamtramck High School.

Sno-City is a film by Warren Miller and will be screened at Wayne’s Community Arts Auditorium Saturday November 7. The event is sponsored by SOS Outreach and Crystal Community Ski Club.

Money raised will go toward a 3-day ski trip for students at Crystal Mountain in March. For more information and for tickets, go here.

Indigenous representation in media

The Henry Ford will host journalist and Cherokee Nation citizen Rebecca Nagle for a discussion on representation and erasure of indigenous people in the news and other media.

“We’re Still Here: Fighting Indigenous Erasure in the Media” is Saturday November 8 at 1 p.m. in the Anderson Theater. For more information and tickets go to thehenryford.org/current-events. 

Listen to the latest episode of the “Detroit Evening Report” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

Detroit Youth Assembly encourages civic engagement among Detroit’s youth

The Detroit Youth Assembly is next month. The City is inviting young people from across Detroit to connect with city leadership, share their voices, and take action on the issues that are important to them.

The Detroit Youth Assembly will be on Thursday, November 6, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Northwest Activity Center Theater.

Get your tickets online.

Additional headlines for October 24, 2025

Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park opens on Detroit’s west riverfront

Detroit’s newest park opens this weekend. The Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park sits along the west riverfront between downtown and the Ambassador Bridge. The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy broke ground on the 22-acre project three years ago.
The park features playgrounds, a water garden, and two indoor basketball courts.
Tomorrow’s grand opening is part of this year’s Detroit Harvest Fest.

Inmates appeal dismissal of lawsuit over recorded strip searches

Lawyers for hundreds of inmates at the Huron Valley Correctional Facility say they’ll appeal a judge’s dismissal of their lawsuit.
The women sued the prison after corrections officers recorded strip searches with body cameras.
The judge ruled Michigan law only allows inmate lawsuits that allege physical harm.

But attorney Todd Flood says the recordings did cause harm, including flashbacks, insomnia, and panic attacks.

“It’s unconscionable to me. At least 80% of the women who are incarcerated have been subject to domestic violence, sexual assault, or some sort of battery,” Flood said.

The Michigan Department of Corrections stopped most strip-search recordings in March. The department agreed with the judge who threw out the lawsuit.

Sports roundup

Rivalry returns: Michigan vs. Michigan State

Tomorrow is the big game that divides our great state — the Michigan Wolverines face off against the Michigan State Spartans.
The Wolverines’ record is 5–2 and the Spartans’ record is 3–4.

The head-to-head matchup takes place at Spartan Stadium and will be covered by NBC. Kickoff is at 7:00 p.m.

Pistons look to bounce back

The NBA is back and the Detroit Pistons play tonight against the Houston Rockets at the Toyota Center.

They lost their opening game to the Chicago Bulls but hope to bounce back this weekend. Tipoff for tonight’s game is at 8 p.m. EST.

Then, Cade Cunningham and the crew return home to play the Boston Celtics on Sunday at Little Caesars Arena.

Love Peace and Light Foundation hosts Youth Empowerment Day

Detroit’s Love Peace and Light Foundation is hosting Youth Empowerment Day on November 8.

The group is collecting hygiene products, canned goods, and winter clothing for youth and families. They’re also collecting monetary donations to reach a goal of $5,000.

Get your tickets online. 

The event will be held November 8 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Coleman A. Young Recreation Center.

Listen to the latest episode of the “Detroit Evening Report” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

Even though Michigan’s 2026 state budget was already passed and signed into law, the drama continues as the Senate and House disagree about a bill calling for more transparency with enhancement grants known as “earmarks.” This week on MichMash, WDET’s Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service’s Zach Gorchow explain what earmarks are and what role they play in the recently-passed budget.

Then, they sit down with Budget Director Jen Flood to dig into the details of what was included in the state budget.

In this episode:

• How are earmarks used in Michigan state politics?
• What went into the 2026 state budget? 
• How big is the 2026 state budget?

Explaining earmarks

There’s a long history of earmarks being used as a way for lawmakers to bring new projects and resources to their districts. Some have gone to organizations to carry out a specific function, and some have been the center of controversy.

The purpose of these new transparency bills is to establish earmark guidelines before the next budget season. This past season, earmark guidelines were being established at the same time as lawmakers were working on the budget.

Unpacking the state budget

Flood shared that there were a lot of obstacles to overcome when making the 2026 state budget.

“We had a lot of things working against us,” she said. “We had a divided legislature for the first time in 15 years, we were facing a road funding shortfall, and last summer, Congress blew a $1 billion hole in our state budget with the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. And so we had our work cut out for us.”

Flood added that the budget includes $2 billion in road funding, which she says will protect jobs in the construction industry.