Ten years after the landmark Obergefell decision legalized same-sex marriage nationwide, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel takes us behind the scenes of the historic legal battle she personally led. As the attorney who argued Michigan's DeBoer v. Snyder case (later consolidated with Obergefell), Nessel provides a remarkably candid account of what it took to secure marriage equality against overwhelming odds.

Nessel shares deeply personal reflections about what the victory meant, calling the day Obergefell was decided "the best day of my life." Local clerks set up impromptu wedding services for couples who had waited decades to marry legally. Beyond the emotional impact, marriage equality brought economic benefits, increased adoption rates for foster children, and crucial family stability. Nessel's own experience as a parent illustrates how marriage rights transformed everyday life – enabling her wife to legally adopt their children and make medical decisions when their son needed surgery.

This Pride Month conversation also comes with a warning. With Justice Thomas explicitly calling for Obergefell to be reconsidered and unconstitutional marriage bans still on the books in many states, the rights secured in 2015 remain vulnerable. Subscribe to hear part two of this special series featuring an interview with April and Jane themselves – the couple whose fight to protect their family changed America.

Credit: This episode includes excerpts from news segments from the Associated Press, MSNBC, NBC News, WPTV News, WSBT-TV, WXYZ-TV Detroit, KHON2 News, and other clips from Youtube.

The fight for America's health and wellbeing takes center stage as we tackle the most alarming proposals coming from Washington. Attorneys General Dana Nessel and Kris Mayes break down their ongoing legal battles against unconstitutional actions by the Trump administration – revealing why they've each filed over 15 lawsuits (and won most of them).

Our candid conversation explores the real-world consequences of federal budget cuts already taking effect across America. From overflowing toilets at the Grand Canyon to park facility closures at Sleeping Bear Dunes, national treasures are deteriorating before our eyes. Meanwhile, vital nonprofit organizations that feed vulnerable populations face extinction as funding disappears.

The heart of our episode features Georgetown University's Joan Alker, who delivers a masterclass on Medicaid's essential role in American healthcare. As Republicans propose slashing at least $625 billion from Medicaid – the largest cuts in history – Alker explains who stands to lose the most. Did you know Medicaid covers 40% of all births nationally and nearly half of all births in rural communities? Or that it's the primary funder of long-term care for seniors and covers almost half of all children?

We examine how these proposed cuts would devastate rural healthcare systems already struggling with provider shortages and hospital closures. Alker also dissects the problematic "work requirements" some states have tried implementing – revealing shocking statistics about how they've increased bureaucracy while causing thousands to lose coverage.

What makes this episode particularly powerful is the bipartisan concern emerging around these issues. As Nessel notes, people across the political spectrum are showing up at town halls worried about these changes. The message becomes clear: speaking up works, whether through contacting representatives, writing op-eds, or joining local meetings.

Join us for this urgent conversation about protecting the programs that make America healthy. The time to make your voice heard is now.

Ever wonder who's fighting for fairness when corporations grow too powerful? Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes pull back the curtain on the world of antitrust enforcement with special guest Lina Khan, the groundbreaking former Chair of the Federal Trade Commission.

This episode of Pantsuits and Lawsuits kicks off with a stark warning: without strong federal support, states like Michigan are left powerless against corporate abuse. AGs Nessel and Mayes join FTC Chair Lina Khan to unpack how weakened consumer protections, corporate mergers, and AI-driven “surveillance pricing” are putting everyday Americans at risk—and what’s being done to fight back.

Throughout the episode, one message resonates clearly: corporate accountability requires vigilant state-federal partnerships that stand firm against powerful interests. As Khan notes, there's growing energy among young lawyers wanting to become "trust busters" - providing hope that the next generation is ready to continue this essential work.

Check our department websites and social media to stay updated on our ongoing efforts to protect consumers from corporate abuses that affect your daily life.