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. -
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. -
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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As budget deadlines loom, the state House and Senate fiscal agencies both project a softening economy will leave the Legislature with less money to work with than initially projected in January. Plus, state Representative Joe Tate jumps into the U.S. Senate race, and Governor Whitmer dodges on former President Joe Biden’s health. -
A ballot campaign wants to make Michigan a ranked choice voting state; plus nearly 800 earmark requests from state House lawmakers totaling an estimated $4 billion are made public. -
The takeaway from conversations with 100 Michiganders on where things stand politically and Republican state Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt joins It’s Just Politics to discuss his run for governor in 2026. -
President Donald Trump takes preemptive legal action against state climate change lawsuits and Attorney General Dana Nessel’s unrestrained reply. Plus, Governor Gretchen Whitmer says her political approach with Trump is showing results. -
Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s appointment of Michigan Supreme Court Justice-designate Noah Hood might have been more consequential if it flipped the high court’s majority. But that’s not the case. Rather, it takes the court from a majority of Democratic Party-affiliated justices to a 6-1 super majority. Why it matters. Plus, President Trump will visit Macomb County next week for a rally highlighting the first 100 days of his second administration. -
A Michigan ballot campaign that would require residents to show proof of citizenship while registering to vote could start collecting signatures soon. Plus, a conversation with Democratic candidate for governor Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson. -
The Republican-led Michigan House Oversight Committee has authorized a subpoena targeting Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson over unreleased election materials. A look into the rare use of a subpoena in Lansing. Plus, former Republican Attorney General Mike Cox announces he’s running for Michigan governor in 2026.
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