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, The Atlantic and more. Available for assignment. Also at @rothsreviews.bsky.social.
Pinned
just setting up my blsky
Slotkin and other Democratic senators targeted by Trump: “What’s most telling is that the president considers it punishable by death for us to restate the law.”
“In these moments, fear is contagious, but so is courage. We will continue to lead and will not be intimidated.”
“In these moments, fear is contagious, but so is courage. We will continue to lead and will not be intimidated.”
President Donald Trump posts that @slotkin.senate.gov saying the military should disobey “illegal orders” is “punishable by DEATH.”
He also reposted someone comparing Slotkin, who did three tours of Iraq and whose husband did two tours of Iraq, to al-Qaeda.
He also reposted someone comparing Slotkin, who did three tours of Iraq and whose husband did two tours of Iraq, to al-Qaeda.
November 20, 2025 at 7:56 PM
Slotkin and other Democratic senators targeted by Trump: “What’s most telling is that the president considers it punishable by death for us to restate the law.”
“In these moments, fear is contagious, but so is courage. We will continue to lead and will not be intimidated.”
“In these moments, fear is contagious, but so is courage. We will continue to lead and will not be intimidated.”
Slotkin: "I love this country. It has given me everything. And I refuse to believe that this is the new normal. I refuse to believe that we're going to use fear and intimidation against people we disagree with. And I'm not going to be forced away from speaking up on behalf of my country."
President Donald Trump posts that @slotkin.senate.gov saying the military should disobey “illegal orders” is “punishable by DEATH.”
He also reposted someone comparing Slotkin, who did three tours of Iraq and whose husband did two tours of Iraq, to al-Qaeda.
He also reposted someone comparing Slotkin, who did three tours of Iraq and whose husband did two tours of Iraq, to al-Qaeda.
November 20, 2025 at 6:37 PM
Slotkin: "I love this country. It has given me everything. And I refuse to believe that this is the new normal. I refuse to believe that we're going to use fear and intimidation against people we disagree with. And I'm not going to be forced away from speaking up on behalf of my country."
President Donald Trump posts that @slotkin.senate.gov saying the military should disobey “illegal orders” is “punishable by DEATH.”
He also reposted someone comparing Slotkin, who did three tours of Iraq and whose husband did two tours of Iraq, to al-Qaeda.
He also reposted someone comparing Slotkin, who did three tours of Iraq and whose husband did two tours of Iraq, to al-Qaeda.
November 20, 2025 at 4:28 PM
President Donald Trump posts that @slotkin.senate.gov saying the military should disobey “illegal orders” is “punishable by DEATH.”
He also reposted someone comparing Slotkin, who did three tours of Iraq and whose husband did two tours of Iraq, to al-Qaeda.
He also reposted someone comparing Slotkin, who did three tours of Iraq and whose husband did two tours of Iraq, to al-Qaeda.
Reposted by Andrew Roth
Wicked: For Good defied every expectation I had as someone who doesn't love the second half on stage. I was skeptical of the decision to split it into two films, but #WickedForGood is tonally and visually distinct. Impeccable performances and grand staging make it a delightifying sequel.
November 18, 2025 at 5:08 AM
Wicked: For Good defied every expectation I had as someone who doesn't love the second half on stage. I was skeptical of the decision to split it into two films, but #WickedForGood is tonally and visually distinct. Impeccable performances and grand staging make it a delightifying sequel.
Members of East Lansing's police oversight commission will consider filing a formal complaint against Police Chief Jen Brown during a meeting tonight after she named two arrested individuals, whose charges have since been dropped, in a pre-trial press release.
East Lansing police oversight commission to consider formal complaint against chief
A draft of the complaint alleges that East Lansing Police Chief Jen Brown violated the East Lansing Police Department’s policy for releasing identifying information before arraignment.
www.wkar.org
November 12, 2025 at 6:05 PM
Members of East Lansing's police oversight commission will consider filing a formal complaint against Police Chief Jen Brown during a meeting tonight after she named two arrested individuals, whose charges have since been dropped, in a pre-trial press release.
“The alternative, with no heat sources, isn’t realistic. People will try to keep warm one way or another,” housing advocate Michael Gorishek said. “I want to make sure I’m clear: This is when the most serious danger happens, when people with scarce resources are forced to improvise.”
November 12, 2025 at 4:12 PM
“The alternative, with no heat sources, isn’t realistic. People will try to keep warm one way or another,” housing advocate Michael Gorishek said. “I want to make sure I’m clear: This is when the most serious danger happens, when people with scarce resources are forced to improvise.”
Open flames and propane are prohibited in an encampment of unhoused community members in Old Town Lansing under a court order.
Advocates are asking the judge to allow an alternative heat source, like kerosene heaters or electric heaters hooked up to generators, with regular safety check-ins.
Advocates are asking the judge to allow an alternative heat source, like kerosene heaters or electric heaters hooked up to generators, with regular safety check-ins.
Lansing encampment residents ask city for help on heating solution
Open flames and propane are prohibited in an encampment of unhoused community members in Old Town Lansing under a court order.
www.wkar.org
November 12, 2025 at 4:08 PM
Open flames and propane are prohibited in an encampment of unhoused community members in Old Town Lansing under a court order.
Advocates are asking the judge to allow an alternative heat source, like kerosene heaters or electric heaters hooked up to generators, with regular safety check-ins.
Advocates are asking the judge to allow an alternative heat source, like kerosene heaters or electric heaters hooked up to generators, with regular safety check-ins.
A historic house in downtown Lansing is getting a new lease on life after City Council members voted unanimously to remove an order that would have led to its demolition.
Officials say it’s the only time in at least 20 years that City Council members have taken such a step.
Officials say it’s the only time in at least 20 years that City Council members have taken such a step.
Lansing City Council backtracks on demolition order for historic house in possible first
Officials say it’s the only time dating back at least two decades that City Council members have rescinded a make safe or demolish order.
www.wkar.org
November 11, 2025 at 7:35 PM
A historic house in downtown Lansing is getting a new lease on life after City Council members voted unanimously to remove an order that would have led to its demolition.
Officials say it’s the only time in at least 20 years that City Council members have taken such a step.
Officials say it’s the only time in at least 20 years that City Council members have taken such a step.
Emails sent by East Lansing Police Chief Jen Brown in the immediate aftermath of making comments that some labeled racist show the police chief underwent media training and strategized with a PR firm on the city's response. Results of my FOIA for WKAR:
'Start controlling the narrative': Emails show East Lansing police chief addressing public backlash
The emails, released through a FOIA request, deal with the fallout of comments made by East Lansing Police Chief Jen Brown that some labeled racist.
www.wkar.org
November 11, 2025 at 3:24 PM
Emails sent by East Lansing Police Chief Jen Brown in the immediate aftermath of making comments that some labeled racist show the police chief underwent media training and strategized with a PR firm on the city's response. Results of my FOIA for WKAR:
Notably, DNC Chair Ken Martin is praising the majority of Senate Democrats who voted against the deal and encouraging House Democrats to continue holding out.
Michigan’s @slotkin.senate.gov and @peters.senate.gov are both no votes on a deal to reopen the government with no concessions on ACA subsidies beyond a promise of a Senate vote on the issue in December.
The deal appears to have enough votes to pass anyways, but could take several days.
The deal appears to have enough votes to pass anyways, but could take several days.
November 10, 2025 at 2:28 AM
Notably, DNC Chair Ken Martin is praising the majority of Senate Democrats who voted against the deal and encouraging House Democrats to continue holding out.
Senate candidates @abdulelsayed.bsky.social, @mallorymcmorrow.bsky.social and @haleyformi.bsky.social all oppose the Senate deal to reopen the federal government with no concessions on ACA subsidies.
November 10, 2025 at 2:22 AM
Senate candidates @abdulelsayed.bsky.social, @mallorymcmorrow.bsky.social and @haleyformi.bsky.social all oppose the Senate deal to reopen the federal government with no concessions on ACA subsidies.
Michigan’s @slotkin.senate.gov and @peters.senate.gov are both no votes on a deal to reopen the government with no concessions on ACA subsidies beyond a promise of a Senate vote on the issue in December.
The deal appears to have enough votes to pass anyways, but could take several days.
The deal appears to have enough votes to pass anyways, but could take several days.
November 10, 2025 at 2:22 AM
Michigan’s @slotkin.senate.gov and @peters.senate.gov are both no votes on a deal to reopen the government with no concessions on ACA subsidies beyond a promise of a Senate vote on the issue in December.
The deal appears to have enough votes to pass anyways, but could take several days.
The deal appears to have enough votes to pass anyways, but could take several days.
Mary Sheffield has won the Detroit mayoral election. She will make history as the first woman to lead the city. AP called the race at 9:15 pm.
November 5, 2025 at 2:28 AM
Mary Sheffield has won the Detroit mayoral election. She will make history as the first woman to lead the city. AP called the race at 9:15 pm.
Hundreds gathered at the base of Beaumont Tower for an evening of spooky tunes on carillon.
This year’s concert also featured bespoke animations, designed by MSU students, projected on the tower.
My Halloween 🎃 audio postcard and photo gallery for WKAR:
This year’s concert also featured bespoke animations, designed by MSU students, projected on the tower.
My Halloween 🎃 audio postcard and photo gallery for WKAR:
Audio postcard: Halloween concert on Beaumont Tower carillon offers frightful fun
The setlist, performed by Michigan State University carillonist Jon Lehrer, spanned from the 15th Century to modern horror movie theme songs.
www.wkar.org
November 1, 2025 at 1:45 AM
Hundreds gathered at the base of Beaumont Tower for an evening of spooky tunes on carillon.
This year’s concert also featured bespoke animations, designed by MSU students, projected on the tower.
My Halloween 🎃 audio postcard and photo gallery for WKAR:
This year’s concert also featured bespoke animations, designed by MSU students, projected on the tower.
My Halloween 🎃 audio postcard and photo gallery for WKAR:
U.S. Rep. Tom Barrett responds to a peaceful protest outside his office — which is open by appointment only — by calling the use of chalk, mostly on a public sidewalk, vandalism by trespassers.
U.S. Rep. Lisa McClain calls it “lawless harassment.”
U.S. Rep. Lisa McClain calls it “lawless harassment.”
October 31, 2025 at 6:47 PM
U.S. Rep. Tom Barrett responds to a peaceful protest outside his office — which is open by appointment only — by calling the use of chalk, mostly on a public sidewalk, vandalism by trespassers.
U.S. Rep. Lisa McClain calls it “lawless harassment.”
U.S. Rep. Lisa McClain calls it “lawless harassment.”
Dozens of costumed protesters gathered outside U.S. Rep. Tom Barrett's office yesterday.
While the protest was taking place one day before Halloween, organizers say the costumes also served to "make clear that the Big Beautiful Bill is actually a big scary bill."
While the protest was taking place one day before Halloween, organizers say the costumes also served to "make clear that the Big Beautiful Bill is actually a big scary bill."
In Photos: Costumed protesters decry "Big Scary Bill" outside Barrett office
Dozens of costumed protesters gathered outside the Lansing office of U.S. Rep. Tom Barrett the day before Halloween to decry President Donald Trump’s signature legislation.
www.wkar.org
October 31, 2025 at 6:45 PM
Dozens of costumed protesters gathered outside U.S. Rep. Tom Barrett's office yesterday.
While the protest was taking place one day before Halloween, organizers say the costumes also served to "make clear that the Big Beautiful Bill is actually a big scary bill."
While the protest was taking place one day before Halloween, organizers say the costumes also served to "make clear that the Big Beautiful Bill is actually a big scary bill."
A nonprofit that rescues perishable food items from being thrown out is seeking to partner with counties facing a state mandate to reduce the amount of solid waste going to landfills. It could address both environmental concerns and food insecurity.
Rescuing perishable food items could help Michigan reduce greenhouse gas emissions
A nonprofit focused on rescuing perishable food items from being thrown out is seeking to partner with counties facing a state mandate to reduce the amount of solid waste going to landfills.
www.wkar.org
October 22, 2025 at 5:59 PM
A nonprofit that rescues perishable food items from being thrown out is seeking to partner with counties facing a state mandate to reduce the amount of solid waste going to landfills. It could address both environmental concerns and food insecurity.
Several inflatable costumes seen throughout the crowd at today’s No Kings protest in Lansing, mirroring scenes in Portland over the past few days.
October 18, 2025 at 7:50 PM
Several inflatable costumes seen throughout the crowd at today’s No Kings protest in Lansing, mirroring scenes in Portland over the past few days.
Large crowd at the Michigan Capitol today for a No Kings rally with quite a few people still streaming in.
October 18, 2025 at 7:45 PM
Large crowd at the Michigan Capitol today for a No Kings rally with quite a few people still streaming in.
Aria Morey says while the resolution is "just words," it's a positive first step.
“Words are what builds protections when other systems fail," Morey said. "Words are what govern, motivate, declare, inspire and create action. Words are the beginning, and they are what’s left when all else fails.”
“Words are what builds protections when other systems fail," Morey said. "Words are what govern, motivate, declare, inspire and create action. Words are the beginning, and they are what’s left when all else fails.”
Lansing will become an LGBTQ welcoming city, a designation that stops short of the LGBTQ sanctuary city designation some advocates had requested.
Only the mayor can declare Lansing a sanctuary city, since it involves directing the police department to not enforce laws harming the LGBTQ community.
Only the mayor can declare Lansing a sanctuary city, since it involves directing the police department to not enforce laws harming the LGBTQ community.
Lansing becomes LGBTQ welcoming city, but stops short of sanctuary status
The resolution is largely symbolic but calls for City Council members to develop pro-LGBTQ policies, ensure that city programs are inclusive and appoint LGBTQ community members to city boards.
www.wkar.org
October 14, 2025 at 4:19 PM
Aria Morey says while the resolution is "just words," it's a positive first step.
“Words are what builds protections when other systems fail," Morey said. "Words are what govern, motivate, declare, inspire and create action. Words are the beginning, and they are what’s left when all else fails.”
“Words are what builds protections when other systems fail," Morey said. "Words are what govern, motivate, declare, inspire and create action. Words are the beginning, and they are what’s left when all else fails.”
Lansing will become an LGBTQ welcoming city, a designation that stops short of the LGBTQ sanctuary city designation some advocates had requested.
Only the mayor can declare Lansing a sanctuary city, since it involves directing the police department to not enforce laws harming the LGBTQ community.
Only the mayor can declare Lansing a sanctuary city, since it involves directing the police department to not enforce laws harming the LGBTQ community.
Lansing becomes LGBTQ welcoming city, but stops short of sanctuary status
The resolution is largely symbolic but calls for City Council members to develop pro-LGBTQ policies, ensure that city programs are inclusive and appoint LGBTQ community members to city boards.
www.wkar.org
October 14, 2025 at 4:16 PM
Lansing will become an LGBTQ welcoming city, a designation that stops short of the LGBTQ sanctuary city designation some advocates had requested.
Only the mayor can declare Lansing a sanctuary city, since it involves directing the police department to not enforce laws harming the LGBTQ community.
Only the mayor can declare Lansing a sanctuary city, since it involves directing the police department to not enforce laws harming the LGBTQ community.
Taylor Swift at the Lions game tonight.
🚨| Taylor Swift at the Chiefs game tonight!!
October 13, 2025 at 2:03 AM
Taylor Swift at the Lions game tonight.
The Tigers have set the record for the longest winner-take-all postseason game by innings in MLB history.
They already hold the record for the third-longest game by innings in all of MLB history, playing 24 innings in 1945.
They already hold the record for the third-longest game by innings in all of MLB history, playing 24 innings in 1945.
October 11, 2025 at 4:55 AM
The Tigers have set the record for the longest winner-take-all postseason game by innings in MLB history.
They already hold the record for the third-longest game by innings in all of MLB history, playing 24 innings in 1945.
They already hold the record for the third-longest game by innings in all of MLB history, playing 24 innings in 1945.
Transgender safety advocates say they want Lansing City Council members to declare the city an LGBTQ sanctuary city.
Councilmember Brian Jackson says he is concerned that doing so would garner increased scrutiny from the federal government.
Councilmember Brian Jackson says he is concerned that doing so would garner increased scrutiny from the federal government.
Trans advocates seek LGBTQ sanctuary city designation for Lansing
Councilmember Brian Jackson says he is open to exploring the LGBTQ sanctuary city designation but is concerned about garnering increased scrutiny from the federal government.
www.wkar.org
October 10, 2025 at 3:55 PM
Transgender safety advocates say they want Lansing City Council members to declare the city an LGBTQ sanctuary city.
Councilmember Brian Jackson says he is concerned that doing so would garner increased scrutiny from the federal government.
Councilmember Brian Jackson says he is concerned that doing so would garner increased scrutiny from the federal government.
East Lansing's police chief is facing calls to resign after saying the city had a “disproportionate number of minorities come into the community and commit crimes.”
She has apologized for “unintentionally offending members of the community.”
She has apologized for “unintentionally offending members of the community.”
East Lansing police chief facing calls to resign after comment about minorities
Several members of the East Lansing Independent Police Oversight Commission indicated during Tuesday night’s City Council meeting that they have lost faith in Police Chief Jen Brown’s leadership.
www.wkar.org
October 8, 2025 at 8:48 PM
East Lansing's police chief is facing calls to resign after saying the city had a “disproportionate number of minorities come into the community and commit crimes.”
She has apologized for “unintentionally offending members of the community.”
She has apologized for “unintentionally offending members of the community.”