It's Just Politics
Weekly
Politics can be messy. Politics can be confusing. But, that certainly doesn't mean politics can't be a joy-ride. Join It's Just Politics hosts Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta as they drill down on what’s happening in Michigan politics.
The Latest from It's Just Politics
Nine bills passed in last session’s legislature remain in legislative limbo as House Republicans defy a court ruling to send the bills to Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer to sign or veto. Plus, the latest on Trump’s “Liberation Day.”
On the Podcast
From the Newsletter
Radio Segments
-
A discussion about the impact that cuts to federal funding are having on refugee resettlement agencies throughout Michigan. Additionally, an exploration of the memoir written by Aaron Dworkin, the former dean of the University of Michigan’s School of Music, Theatre & Dance. -
Candidate websiteAfter nearly six years, Lavora Barnes is stepping down as chair of the Michigan Democratic Party. After a very disappointing 2024 for Democrats, a new party leader is going to have a lot to manage. But that doesn't appear to be diminishing Curtis Hertel's interest in the job.
Elsewhere on Michigan Public
-
Divided government is back in Lansing. How are lawmakers at the state capital working bipartisanly to get things done? Join the It's Just Politics team for Issues & Ale. -
Governor Gretchen Whitmer released her much-anticipated road funding plan this week. On this week’s It’s Just Politics, Zoe Clark and Rick Pulta are joined by Bridge Michigan’s Simon Shuster to dig into the $3 billion plan. Plus, John Truscott, former Communications Director for Governor John Engler, explains how to sell a roads plan.
More from It's Just Politics
-
In this week’s It’s Just Politics newsletter, Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta explore what Governor Gretchen Whitmer said in her big speech this week at the Detroit Auto Show (and why she said it now). Plus, Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt throws his hat in the ring for Michigan governor in 2026, and the latest changes to Michigan’s tipped wage and sick time leave laws. -
The special state House committee formed to amend Michigan’s tipped wage and sick-time leave laws meets for the first time this week in Lansing. The chair of the committee, Republican Representative Bill G. Schuette, joins It’s Just Politics to discuss his goals for the bills. -
The 103rd Michigan Legislature is underway with a handover of authority in the Michigan House to Republicans and a strong signal of how the new majority plans to manage its power. -
New and returning lawmakers of the Michigan House were sworn-in today at the state Capitol, marking the beginning of Michigan’s new 103rd Legislature. The state Senate remains under Democratic control but the state House is now being run by Republicans. On this week’s It’s Just Politics: what to expect when you’re expecting divided government. Hosts Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta are joined by Michigan Public Radio Network’s Colin Jackson and Bridge Michigan’s Lauren Gibbons. -
In a special edition of the It’s Just Politics newsletter, Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta take a look at five political stories that will make headlines in Michigan in 2025. From a new divided legislature to fights over who will lead the Republican and Democratic parties in Michigan, the It’s Just Politics team breaks it all down. -
A new Congress is being sworn-in tomorrow in Washington D.C. That means today is the last day for current members, including Michigan’s long-time Democratic Congressman Dan Kildee. It’s Just Politics host Zoe Clark spoke with the outgoing Representative from Flint about his dozen years in office and whether D.C. is really more House of Cards or Veep. -
In a special edition of the It’s Just Politics newsletter, Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta take a look back at the 10 biggest political stories in Michigan of 2024. From Election 2024 and the Uncommitted National Movement to the state Supreme Court’s decision on ‘adopt and amend’ to Mayor Mike Duggan’s headline-grabbing gubernatorial announcement, the It’s Just Politics team breaks it all down.
Archive
