
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 Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta 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
This week, attorneys for Michigan Senate Democrats faced off against House GOP lawyers in a Michigan Court of Appeals courtroom in Detroit to argue constitutional law, legislative prerogatives and who is ultimately responsible for ensuring nine bills remaining in legislation limbo get moved to the governor’s desk.
On the Podcast
From the Newsletter
Radio Segments
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First, the former U-M president’s continuing journey. Plus, a two-part conversation on Medicaid cuts and on who might be taking the hit.
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First, the loopholes in Michigan law around manufactured home parks. And a Detroit artist who just received a national grant for her boundary-pushing contributions.
Elsewhere on Michigan Public
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Eye-raising fundraising numbers are released in Michigan’s 2026 race for governor. Plus, President Trump puts his thumb on Michigan’s political scale in the GOP primary race for U.S. Senate.
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The principal negotiators in the Republican led-House and the Democrat-controlled Senate all seem resigned to the fact that it’s going to take more time before there’s a budget deal in Lansing. Plus, President Trump endorses in Michigan’s U.S. Senate race and Jocelyn Benson and Mike Duggan announce huge fundraising totals.
More from It's Just Politics
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The DeVos political machine is back after announcing that they are publicly reengaging in Michigan politics. On this week’s It’s Just Politics: what to expect from the DeVos family ahead of Election 2026.
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Fighting state legislative leaders, calls for civility, and economic uncertainty: The Detroit Regional Chamber’s annual Mackinac Policy Conference is in the books.
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As more than 1,500 business leaders, lawmakers, lobbyists and philanthropists meet on Mackinac Island for the annual Mackinac Policy Conference, new election 2026 polling is released.
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Michigan House Republicans adopt a resolution to hold Jocelyn Benson in contempt for refusing to provide election-related materials. The Democratic Secretary of State (and gubernatorial aspirant) says she won’t be bullied. Plus, just how close Governor Whitmer came to being the Democratic Vice Presidential nominee in 2020.
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Today, a bargaining standoff in West Michigan over teacher salaries. And a developing policy rift for an herbicide that’s widely used in Michigan and across the U.S.
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Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson was in the news quite a bit this week - for all the wrong reasons. Plus, the political volleying over economic incentives for big business continues in Michigan.
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Join Michigan Public’s It's Just Politics team of Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta in Lansing for our next Issues & Ale on June 4, 2025. They'll speak with a bipartisan panel of lawmakers.
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