Republican Party

What's the backstory on recent criticisms of Congressman Jack Bergman? Plus, how a young Detroit funeral director is furthering a tradition of Black-owned funeral homes. Then, an episode of On Hand investigates: is Jackson, Michigan, the motherland of the Republican Party?

Is Jackson, Michigan, the true birthplace of the Republican party? Author and vice president of the Jackson Historical Society Linda Hass makes a masterful case that yes, Jackson is the birthplace of the Republican Party.

Trump has prompted a redistricting race as he tries to maintain Republican control of the House in the 2026 elections. Democrats have fewer options to counter, as the battle heads into next year.

Michigan Republican lawmakers have asked the DOJ to oversee the state’s 2026 elections, claiming a conflict of interest as Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson runs for governor. The move heightens tensions over election management ahead of a high-stakes election year.

Mutual trust between President Donald Trump and the Democrats is elusive as leaders in both parties bet that public sentiment will pressure the other side to cave.

Michigan Democrats blame Republicans for the federal government shutdown that began at midnight Wednesday. Republicans say Democrats are holding government hostage over political disagreements.

Republicans and Democrats have proposed different multi-billion-dollar road funding plans this year. But massive federal funding cuts to state level social programs, like Medicaid, may force some of that funding to go elsewhere.

A proposed bill in Michigan could block families from suing in civil court if the defendant successfully claims self-defense in criminal court.

Congressional Republicans want to slash hundreds of billions of dollars in federal Medicaid spending, as part of legislation intended to reduce the federal budget.

In this edition of Stateside, we discuss the newly elected leaders from both the Democratic and Republican state parties. We also feature an introduction to a storyteller from Detroit. Additionally, we explore how Michigan’s Arab and Muslim American communities are responding to the Trump Administration. Lastly, we highlight a sauna festival taking place in Traverse City.