It's Just Politics
Wednesdays at 3:40 p.m. and 8:40 p.m.
Michigan politics is rough and tumble, sometimes confusing but definitely consequential. It’s Just Politics hosts Rick Pluta and Zoe Clark help make sense of the serious questions and the tomfoolery every week. Listen Wednesdays at 3:40p and 8:40p on Michigan Public and get the It’s Just Politics newsletter in your inbox every Friday afternoon. Plus, be sure to subscribe to the It’s Just Politics podcast wherever you get your podcasts.
The Latest from It's Just Politics
Zoe Clark
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Michigan Public
Lawmakers are heading back to the state Capitol from their spring recess after the first three months of divided power in Lansing. Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta take a look at what was done in the first 90 days. Plus, Republican Congressman John James announces he’s running for Michigan governor in 2026.
On the Podcast
From the Newsletter
Radio Segments
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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
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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. -
Michigan Republicans and Democrats gather this weekend to choose their new state party chairs. Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta explore the role of the state party chairs and why they matter heading into 2026.
More from It's Just Politics
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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.” -
In this week’s It’s Just Politics newsletter, Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta dig into the state’s latest unemployment numbers, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan’s big election announcement and how Governor Gretchen Whitmer plans to work with President-elect Donald Trump. -
On this week’s It’s Just Politics, hosts Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta are joined by Democratic Congresswoman-elect Kristen McDonald Rivet and Chairman of the Oakland County Republican Party Vance Patrick. -
In a special Friday edition of It’s Just Politics, Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta are joined by Democratic Congressman Dan Kildee and Republican Congressman-elect Tom Barrett. -
In this week’s It’s Just Politics newsletter, Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta bring you the results from Michigan’s 2024 elections and what they mean for the lame-duck legislative session and divided government in Lansing in 2025. Plus, conversations with outgoing Democratic Congressman Dan Kildee about the future of his party and Republican Congressman-elect Tom Barrett on the future of the GOP majority in Washington D.C. -
In a special day-after Election Day, It’s Just Politics hosts Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta join Stateside host April Baer to dissect what Election 2024 means for Michigan. From Republicans taking the state House to a new 5-2 Democratic-nominee majority on the state Supreme Court, the podcast this week is dedicated to local races and what the results mean for you.
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