Andrew Roth
@roththereporter.bsky.social
Covering Michigan politics and policy at Michigan Advance and WKAR. Reporting and photos also seen in The Detroit News, The New York Times, Rolling Stone, POLITICO, The Atlantic and more. Available for assignment. Also at @rothsreviews.bsky.social.
Pinned
just setting up my blsky
Snyder, a Republican, on ICE in Minneapolis: “It’s good that people have now recognized the pendulum went too far, and now it's being pulled back.”
“I was always very pro-immigration for legal people to grow our country. That’s what America is.”
“I was always very pro-immigration for legal people to grow our country. That’s what America is.”
Michigan's four living former governors — two Republicans and two Democrats — are participating in a forum on civility.
"Fighting had a role on the beaches of Normandy, not the beaches of Lake Michigan," Snyder says.
"That's a good one," Blanchard leans over and says.
"Fighting had a role on the beaches of Normandy, not the beaches of Lake Michigan," Snyder says.
"That's a good one," Blanchard leans over and says.
February 5, 2026 at 1:50 AM
Snyder, a Republican, on ICE in Minneapolis: “It’s good that people have now recognized the pendulum went too far, and now it's being pulled back.”
“I was always very pro-immigration for legal people to grow our country. That’s what America is.”
“I was always very pro-immigration for legal people to grow our country. That’s what America is.”
Michigan's four living former governors — two Republicans and two Democrats — are participating in a forum on civility.
"Fighting had a role on the beaches of Normandy, not the beaches of Lake Michigan," Snyder says.
"That's a good one," Blanchard leans over and says.
"Fighting had a role on the beaches of Normandy, not the beaches of Lake Michigan," Snyder says.
"That's a good one," Blanchard leans over and says.
February 4, 2026 at 5:23 PM
Michigan's four living former governors — two Republicans and two Democrats — are participating in a forum on civility.
"Fighting had a role on the beaches of Normandy, not the beaches of Lake Michigan," Snyder says.
"That's a good one," Blanchard leans over and says.
"Fighting had a role on the beaches of Normandy, not the beaches of Lake Michigan," Snyder says.
"That's a good one," Blanchard leans over and says.
Secretary of State @jocelynbenson.bsky.social says some legal Michigan voters may be at risk of criminal investigation or having voter registration cancelled after a Republican county clerk made claims that he found proof of non-citizens voting in Michigan.
More in @michiganadvance.com:
More in @michiganadvance.com:
Benson says flawed review risks disenfranchising eligible Michigan voters • Michigan Advance
Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson says some Michigan voters may be at risk of criminal investigation or having voter registration cancelled after a Republican county clerk made claims that he found pr...
michiganadvance.com
January 29, 2026 at 6:22 PM
Secretary of State @jocelynbenson.bsky.social says some legal Michigan voters may be at risk of criminal investigation or having voter registration cancelled after a Republican county clerk made claims that he found proof of non-citizens voting in Michigan.
More in @michiganadvance.com:
More in @michiganadvance.com:
Republican Rep. Bill Huizenga says Congress “can conduct oversight and lead a facts based discussion” after federal agents killed two American citizens.
“While emotions are no doubt high, a congressional hearing is a place where federal, state, and local community leaders can be heard,” he said.
“While emotions are no doubt high, a congressional hearing is a place where federal, state, and local community leaders can be heard,” he said.
January 26, 2026 at 5:35 AM
Republican Rep. Bill Huizenga says Congress “can conduct oversight and lead a facts based discussion” after federal agents killed two American citizens.
“While emotions are no doubt high, a congressional hearing is a place where federal, state, and local community leaders can be heard,” he said.
“While emotions are no doubt high, a congressional hearing is a place where federal, state, and local community leaders can be heard,” he said.
Update: Peters will also vote no on DHS funding.
“DHS’ current immigration enforcement operations are not protecting our homeland security or making American communities safer,” he said. “They are causing chaos and fear. They are violating Americans’ constitutional rights.”
“DHS’ current immigration enforcement operations are not protecting our homeland security or making American communities safer,” he said. “They are causing chaos and fear. They are violating Americans’ constitutional rights.”
Michigan’s @slotkin.senate.gov says she will vote against DHS funding.
Retiring @peters.senate.gov is calling for a “full and impartial investigation by local police” of federal agents fatally shooting two citizens, but hasn’t said if he supports a possible government shutdown.
Retiring @peters.senate.gov is calling for a “full and impartial investigation by local police” of federal agents fatally shooting two citizens, but hasn’t said if he supports a possible government shutdown.
January 25, 2026 at 9:32 PM
Update: Peters will also vote no on DHS funding.
“DHS’ current immigration enforcement operations are not protecting our homeland security or making American communities safer,” he said. “They are causing chaos and fear. They are violating Americans’ constitutional rights.”
“DHS’ current immigration enforcement operations are not protecting our homeland security or making American communities safer,” he said. “They are causing chaos and fear. They are violating Americans’ constitutional rights.”
Noem says a protest is a “violent riot when you have someone showing up with weapons.”
Patel says “you cannot bring a firearm, loaded, with multiple magazines to any sort of protest.”
Trump supporters protesting COVID orders at the Michigan Capitol in 2020 were armed.
📸 Jeff Kowalsky, Seth Herald
Patel says “you cannot bring a firearm, loaded, with multiple magazines to any sort of protest.”
Trump supporters protesting COVID orders at the Michigan Capitol in 2020 were armed.
📸 Jeff Kowalsky, Seth Herald
January 25, 2026 at 6:26 PM
Noem says a protest is a “violent riot when you have someone showing up with weapons.”
Patel says “you cannot bring a firearm, loaded, with multiple magazines to any sort of protest.”
Trump supporters protesting COVID orders at the Michigan Capitol in 2020 were armed.
📸 Jeff Kowalsky, Seth Herald
Patel says “you cannot bring a firearm, loaded, with multiple magazines to any sort of protest.”
Trump supporters protesting COVID orders at the Michigan Capitol in 2020 were armed.
📸 Jeff Kowalsky, Seth Herald
Republican Michigan gubernatorial candidate Aric Nesbitt doubles down on ICE after agents killed a citizen who was a lawful gun owner, bucking the NRA who says “responsible public voices should be awaiting a full investigation, not making generalizations and demonizing law-abiding citizens.”
January 25, 2026 at 4:57 PM
Republican Michigan gubernatorial candidate Aric Nesbitt doubles down on ICE after agents killed a citizen who was a lawful gun owner, bucking the NRA who says “responsible public voices should be awaiting a full investigation, not making generalizations and demonizing law-abiding citizens.”
Michigan’s @slotkin.senate.gov says she will vote against DHS funding.
Retiring @peters.senate.gov is calling for a “full and impartial investigation by local police” of federal agents fatally shooting two citizens, but hasn’t said if he supports a possible government shutdown.
Retiring @peters.senate.gov is calling for a “full and impartial investigation by local police” of federal agents fatally shooting two citizens, but hasn’t said if he supports a possible government shutdown.
January 24, 2026 at 11:31 PM
Michigan’s @slotkin.senate.gov says she will vote against DHS funding.
Retiring @peters.senate.gov is calling for a “full and impartial investigation by local police” of federal agents fatally shooting two citizens, but hasn’t said if he supports a possible government shutdown.
Retiring @peters.senate.gov is calling for a “full and impartial investigation by local police” of federal agents fatally shooting two citizens, but hasn’t said if he supports a possible government shutdown.
Less than a month into 2026, there have so far been at least two instances of federal officials rushing to spread narratives that are not backed up by video evidence to defend federal agents who killed unarmed citizens while the federal government handles investigations itself.
January 24, 2026 at 8:38 PM
Less than a month into 2026, there have so far been at least two instances of federal officials rushing to spread narratives that are not backed up by video evidence to defend federal agents who killed unarmed citizens while the federal government handles investigations itself.
The Star Tribune also reports that several witnesses were detained by federal agents and have been transported to the Whipple building.
The Star Tribune reports that federal agents "attempted to order local police from the scene" where a man was shot and killed by feds this morning, but Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara refused and "instructed his officers to preserve the scene."
Live: Man shot and killed by federal agents in south Minneapolis this morning, police chief says
A video appears to shows federal agents wrestling a man to the ground then shooting him.
www.startribune.com
January 24, 2026 at 5:20 PM
The Star Tribune also reports that several witnesses were detained by federal agents and have been transported to the Whipple building.
Reposted by Andrew Roth
The Star Tribune reports that federal agents "attempted to order local police from the scene" where a man was shot and killed by feds this morning, but Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara refused and "instructed his officers to preserve the scene."
Live: Man shot and killed by federal agents in south Minneapolis this morning, police chief says
A video appears to shows federal agents wrestling a man to the ground then shooting him.
www.startribune.com
January 24, 2026 at 4:40 PM
The Star Tribune reports that federal agents "attempted to order local police from the scene" where a man was shot and killed by feds this morning, but Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara refused and "instructed his officers to preserve the scene."
Reposted by Andrew Roth
There is video circulating on social media of a group of ICE agents beating a man near 26th and Nicollet in south Minneapolis, then one of the ICE agents shoots the man while he's on the ground numerous times. A witness can be heard yelling that the victim is dead.
January 24, 2026 at 3:44 PM
There is video circulating on social media of a group of ICE agents beating a man near 26th and Nicollet in south Minneapolis, then one of the ICE agents shoots the man while he's on the ground numerous times. A witness can be heard yelling that the victim is dead.
Prime example of the difference between passive and active voice for journalism classes to discuss on Monday. Federal agents weren’t “involved in a shooting,” federal agents fatally shot someone.
January 24, 2026 at 5:03 PM
Prime example of the difference between passive and active voice for journalism classes to discuss on Monday. Federal agents weren’t “involved in a shooting,” federal agents fatally shot someone.
Reposted by Andrew Roth
ICE agent asked why he's taking pictures of a legal observer's car, replies: "Cuz we have a nice little database and now you're considered a domestic terrorist. So have fun with that."
January 23, 2026 at 5:32 PM
ICE agent asked why he's taking pictures of a legal observer's car, replies: "Cuz we have a nice little database and now you're considered a domestic terrorist. So have fun with that."
Reposted by Andrew Roth
I spent months talking to college students who say they were lied to by signature gatherers for a potential constitutional amendment that could be on the ballot in November.
It's a longstanding problem across ballot questions. But for decades, nothing has changed. www.votebeat.org/michigan/202...
It's a longstanding problem across ballot questions. But for decades, nothing has changed. www.votebeat.org/michigan/202...
Michigan voters say signature gatherers lie. Lawmakers haven’t fixed it.
Michigan lawmakers have tried to change laws governing signature gathering, but proposals have stalled.
www.votebeat.org
January 20, 2026 at 4:22 PM
I spent months talking to college students who say they were lied to by signature gatherers for a potential constitutional amendment that could be on the ballot in November.
It's a longstanding problem across ballot questions. But for decades, nothing has changed. www.votebeat.org/michigan/202...
It's a longstanding problem across ballot questions. But for decades, nothing has changed. www.votebeat.org/michigan/202...
Reposted by Andrew Roth
In an NPR interview, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says she expects further efforts to disrupt voting in her swing state and that Democrats have been discussing how to respond.
She even says it’s not “paranoia” to think the government will use DHS to interfere.
She even says it’s not “paranoia” to think the government will use DHS to interfere.
January 20, 2026 at 12:52 PM
In an NPR interview, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says she expects further efforts to disrupt voting in her swing state and that Democrats have been discussing how to respond.
She even says it’s not “paranoia” to think the government will use DHS to interfere.
She even says it’s not “paranoia” to think the government will use DHS to interfere.
Reposted by Andrew Roth
Tomorrow’s front page of the Minnesota Star Tribune: Jan. 23, 2026
January 22, 2026 at 11:19 PM
Tomorrow’s front page of the Minnesota Star Tribune: Jan. 23, 2026
Lt. Gov. @garlingilchrist.bsky.social said a major focus as secretary of state would be data privacy.
He said the Trump administration is “thirsty to surveil” personal data to “feed to ICE so they can go in with Gestapo tactics and threaten and kill people.”
More in @michiganadvance.com:
He said the Trump administration is “thirsty to surveil” personal data to “feed to ICE so they can go in with Gestapo tactics and threaten and kill people.”
More in @michiganadvance.com:
Gilchrist defends switch to Michigan secretary of state race amid criticism, Gaza apology at forum • Michigan Advance
Democratic candidates for Michigan secretary of state clashed at a Sunday night forum that included Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist apologizing for past comments on the war in Gaza, as rivals questioned his...
michiganadvance.com
January 19, 2026 at 9:09 PM
Lt. Gov. @garlingilchrist.bsky.social said a major focus as secretary of state would be data privacy.
He said the Trump administration is “thirsty to surveil” personal data to “feed to ICE so they can go in with Gestapo tactics and threaten and kill people.”
More in @michiganadvance.com:
He said the Trump administration is “thirsty to surveil” personal data to “feed to ICE so they can go in with Gestapo tactics and threaten and kill people.”
More in @michiganadvance.com:
Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist, who ended his campaign for governor to run for secretary of state, started a forum hosted by the MDP’s Jewish Caucus by apologizing for saying last year that Israel was committing a genocide of Palestinian people. He says he met with the ADL. More in @michiganadvance.com:
Gilchrist defends switch to Michigan secretary of state race amid criticism, Gaza apology at forum • Michigan Advance
Democratic candidates for Michigan secretary of state clashed at a Sunday night forum that included Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist apologizing for past comments on the war in Gaza, as rivals questioned his...
michiganadvance.com
January 19, 2026 at 6:28 PM
Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist, who ended his campaign for governor to run for secretary of state, started a forum hosted by the MDP’s Jewish Caucus by apologizing for saying last year that Israel was committing a genocide of Palestinian people. He says he met with the ADL. More in @michiganadvance.com:
Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist dropping out of the gubernatorial race to run for secretary of state leaves three Democratic candidates for governor: Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson and former Cape Coral, Fla., Mayor Marni Sawicki.
January 12, 2026 at 4:32 PM
Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist dropping out of the gubernatorial race to run for secretary of state leaves three Democratic candidates for governor: Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson and former Cape Coral, Fla., Mayor Marni Sawicki.
“You literally saw these kids, who are like preteens, are now in their late teens or early 20s, so you kind of feel like you actually watched them grow up while you were evolving with your life,” Lansing resident Sean Murphy said. “You kind of feel like you grew up with the show.” #StrangerThings
Tomorrow’s Stranger Things finale comes with a double dose of nostalgia for fans who have experienced major life changes in the near-decade since the show began.
One such Lansing resident has switched careers, bought a house, got engaged and had two kids since he started watching.
One such Lansing resident has switched careers, bought a house, got engaged and had two kids since he started watching.
Stranger Things series finale brings double dose of nostalgia for Mid-Michigan fans
The five seasons of Netflix's Stranger Things have coincided with major life changes for many Michigan viewers over the course of its almost decade-long release schedule.
www.wkar.org
December 30, 2025 at 10:45 PM
“You literally saw these kids, who are like preteens, are now in their late teens or early 20s, so you kind of feel like you actually watched them grow up while you were evolving with your life,” Lansing resident Sean Murphy said. “You kind of feel like you grew up with the show.” #StrangerThings
The lion does not concern himself with making the playoffs.
December 22, 2025 at 5:11 AM
The lion does not concern himself with making the playoffs.
New ad from Republican gubernatorial candidate Aric Nesbitt appears to include AI generated imagery of Democratic gubernatorial candidate @jocelynbenson.bsky.social. State law would require written and verbal disclosure if the campaign pays to promote it, unless it constitutes satire or parody.
December 19, 2025 at 5:47 PM
New ad from Republican gubernatorial candidate Aric Nesbitt appears to include AI generated imagery of Democratic gubernatorial candidate @jocelynbenson.bsky.social. State law would require written and verbal disclosure if the campaign pays to promote it, unless it constitutes satire or parody.
Attorney General @dananessel.bsky.social says data centers could cause an “economic catastrophe” in Michigan as several communities consider proposals.
“We could have our own recession just in Michigan,” Nessel said, citing possible utility rate increases.
“We could have our own recession just in Michigan,” Nessel said, citing possible utility rate increases.
Nessel warns data centers could cause 'economic catastrophe' in Michigan
Attorney General Dana Nessel said during a rally that data centers proposed throughout Michigan could lead to a recession due to increased utility rates.
www.wkar.org
December 17, 2025 at 8:01 PM
Attorney General @dananessel.bsky.social says data centers could cause an “economic catastrophe” in Michigan as several communities consider proposals.
“We could have our own recession just in Michigan,” Nessel said, citing possible utility rate increases.
“We could have our own recession just in Michigan,” Nessel said, citing possible utility rate increases.
"We're not asking the Public Service Commission just to completely destroy this project," Attorney General Dana Nessel says at a rally against data centers.
"Yes we are," someone in the audience shouts back.
"Yes we are," someone in the audience shouts back.
December 16, 2025 at 4:17 PM
"We're not asking the Public Service Commission just to completely destroy this project," Attorney General Dana Nessel says at a rally against data centers.
"Yes we are," someone in the audience shouts back.
"Yes we are," someone in the audience shouts back.