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
-
Frustration is boiling over at the state Capitol as the final days of Democrats’ complete control in Lansing come to an end. Republicans are continuing to boycott votes in the House, a Democratic lawmaker walked out of the Capitol while voting was underway, and state Representatives are taking to social media to vent their anger. -
In this week’s It’s Just Politics newsletter, Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta take you behind the scenes of a day of lame duck in the 102nd Legislative session in Lansing. Plus, this week marks the tenth anniversary of the city of Detroit emerging from the nation’s largest municipal bankruptcy, and a recount in Calhoun County shows that every vote really does matter. -
2025 will be a monumental year in Detroit politics as Mayor Mike Duggan seeks to run for governor, leaving an open seat for the highest office in the state’s largest city next year. Stephen Henderson, host of American Black Journal, and Nancy Kaffer, editorial page editor of the Detroit Free Press join this week to discuss Duggan’s legacy, Detroit’s political landscape and the ten-year anniversary of the city emergency from bankruptcy. -
In this week’s It’s Just Politics newsletter, Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta explore the ramifications of Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan’s announcement that he’s forgoing the Democratic Party and, instead, running for governor as an independent and what that means for the 2026 gubernatorial race in Michigan. -
On this week’s It’s Just Politics, Zoe Clark is joined by Democrat Felicia Brabec and Republican Graham Filler, two outgoing Michigan state Representatives, to talk about what their time in Lansing was really like: frustrations, surprises and what voters should know about the state Capitol. -
In this week’s It’s Just Politics newsletter, Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta dig into why state House Democrats are failing to deliver their lame-duck legislative agenda in Lansing. Plus, Michigan Republican Chairman Pete Hoestra is picked by President-elect Donald Trump to be the next United States Ambassador to Canada and the future for Democratic state Senator Mallory McMorrow. -
On this week’s It’s Just Politics, hosts Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta are joined by Bridge Michigan politics reporters Jordyn Hermani and Simon Schuster to discuss why state House Democrats are failing to deliver their lame-duck legislative agenda. Plus, a conversation with state Democratic Representative Rachel Hood on why she is calling Lansing “toxic.”
Archive
