It's Just Politics

Calling the state capitol “one of the most dysfunctional places” in America, Democratic State Rep. Alabas Farhat joins the pod for a candid conversation about the challenges facing Lansing by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this? Donate now!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We are two months away from the special election that will determine the functional make-up of the state Senate. The 35th Senate district election is an important race that has folks in Lansing wondering what comes next. by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this? Donate now!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan win Michigan’s governor race as an independent? We break down his rise, Michigan’s swing voters, and the possible shake-up of two-party politics. by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this? Donate now!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A ballot proposal to tax the wealthy folds, Michigan’s “fake electors” threaten a lawsuit, and could future primary election dates change? It’s a Lansing roundup edition of It’s Just Politics. by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this? Donate now!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A bipartisan group of lawmakers is pushing to repeal the state’s new, controversial 24% wholesale marijuana tax, even as the cannabis industry challenges it in court. An update on all things weed in Michigan. by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this? Donate now!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 A new Michigan poll reveals where voters stand on data centers, the 2026 governor’s race, and how the state compares nationally on key economic measures. by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this? Donate now!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What’s in the proof-of-citizenship and voter ID ballot proposal, and what is the state of the state budget as Governor Whitmer prepares for her final State of the State address. by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this? Donate now!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An inside look at the proposals aiming for Michigan’s November ballot - from property taxes and school funding to voter ID and minimum wage - and where the campaigns stand now. by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this? Donate now!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michigan bans smartphones in classrooms starting next school year - what the new bipartisan law does and doesn’t do. Plus, Perry Johnson on entering the GOP primary for governor, Trump, and his pitch to voters. Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this? Donate now!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michigan’s U.S. Senate race draws national attention as Democrats face a competitive primary and a key state Senate race in the 35th District could have big consequences in Lansing. Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this? Donate now!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What the surprising Detroit News deal means for Michigan journalism. Plus a breakdown of the high-stakes 35th Senate District special election. Plus, voters head into a pivotal 35th Senate District race. by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this? Donate now!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michigan Republican Speaker of the House Matt Hall discusses his 2026 policy priorities, independent gubernatorial candidate Mike Duggan and support for a Constitutional Convention. by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this? Donate now!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Politics in Michigan just got more interesting as Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist changes statewide races. Plus a conversation with the Michigan Senate Majority Leader on what can actually get done this year in Lansing with divided government.  by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this? Donate now!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Big elections. Bigger fights. And maybe a rewritten state constitution? A look ahead to a pivotal year in Michigan politics. by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this? Donate now!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Speaker of the House Matt Hall, and Attorney General Dana Nessel all made news in 2025. A look back at the year in Michigan politics… and what’s in store in the year to come. by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this? Donate now!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 It’s the question folks in Michigan - and across the country - are continually asking: Is Governor Gretchen Whitmer going to run for president in 2028? by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this? Donate now!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wondering why data centers are suddenly everywhere in the news? We’ll break it down. Plus, why the backlash isn’t falling along the usual party lines and what Michigan can learn from how voters in other states have responded at the ballot box. by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this? Donate now!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed laws yesterday that put new rules in place over how, and when, lawmakers can request earmarks - otherwise known as pork-barrel spending. But, will it really add transparency to Lansing’s budget process? Plus, Republican lawmakers ask for federal oversight of Michigan’s 2026 elections. by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this? Donate now!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Democrats across the state - and around the country - are asking why eight Senators who caucus with Democrats sided with Republicans to reopen the government. Former Michigan Democratic Congressman Dan Kildee breaks down the surprising vote. by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this? Donate now!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a post-election 2025 show, what the new incoming mayor of Detroit can take away from Mike Duggan’s twelve years in office that reshaped Lansing’s relationship with the state’s largest city. Plus, Michigan is in the middle of a legal standoff with the federal government over voter-data privacy. by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this? Donate now!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michigan has ended its multi-billion dollar deal with Chinese-backed Gotion. What went wrong and what’s next for economic development policy in Lansing. Plus, the latest on “The 9 Bills.” by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this? Donate now!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Petition signature gatherers can lie to you about what’s in the petition you’re signing. New legislation aims to curb fraud in the petition signature gathering process. Plus, lawmakers look to throw the legal cannabis industry a bone after passing the new 24 percent wholesale tax on marijuana. by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this? Donate now!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michigan’s latest education budget may boast record funding, but school leaders say it’s not enough. Plus, “Groundhog Day” at the U.S. Capitol. Where is Michigan’s Congressional delegation in the federal shutdown? by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this? Donate now!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Governor Whitmer signs Michigan’s $80 billion budget, but a new 24% marijuana tax to fund roads is already in legal trouble. Hear from Michigan Budget Director Jen Flood & legal expert Robert LaBrant. by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this? Donate now!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michigan lawmakers approve a plan to fund state government for another week as they finalize a spending agreement for the new fiscal year. The state’s previous budget had run out at midnight and questions abound: was the state government shutdown temporarily or not? And, when will a permanent budget actually get passed? by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this? Donate now!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Michigan lawmakers have one week to come up with a budget deal. If they don’t there will be partial state government shutdown. What do voters think about the stalemate in Lansing? And who will they blame if there’s a shutdown? Pollster Richard Czuba, founder of Glengariff Group, has answers. by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this? Donate now!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer warns that the budget deadlock at the state Capitol will worsen Michigan’s economic uncertainty caused by federal tariffs. With just two weeks until a possible state government shutdown, what could a shutdown mean for Michigan’s already shaky economy? Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this? Donate now!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michigan ‘fake electors’ charges dismissed, ‘nine bills’ lawsuit is back in court, and three weeks before a possible partial government shutdown, a budget deal doesn’t appear close. It’s a Michigan politics roundup on this week’s It’s Just Politics. Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this? Donate now!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With exactly four weeks before a possible partial state government shutdown, the question hanging over Lansing remains: where do things stand in state budget negotiations? The chairs of the state House and Senate appropriations committees try to answer that question. Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this? Donate now!  Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There is a huge decision facing Michigan voters in an already huge 2026 election: whether to vote to convene a constitutional convention to rewrite the state’s entire constitution. What to know about the Con-Con. Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this? Donate now!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A live, onstage conversation with Pete Buttigieg, former South Bend mayor, former U.S. Secretary of Transportation, and current Michigan resident. The former Democratic presidential candidate discusses the deep divisions in American society, the future of his party, and the enormous - and not necessarily comprehensible - impact of artificial intelligence. Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this? Donate now!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We are into week six of seemingly stalled budget negotiations in Lansing. Six weeks since K-12 schools, higher ed, and some local governments started their fiscal years without knowing how much state money they’ll receive. What is going on at the state Capitol? Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this? Donate now!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Detroit voters have chosen City Council President Mary Sheffield and Pastor Solomon Kinloch Jr. to move forward to November’s general election in the race to become the city’s next mayor. Plus, a majority of local Michigan officials think the state is on the wrong track. Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this? Donate now!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. by Zoe Clark, Rick Pluta Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this? Donate now!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Three weeks since the July 1st statutory deadline and there is still no budget deal in Lansing. Two lawmakers discuss where things stand in the negotiations: “the span between our budgets right now is about as big as the Mackinac Bridge.” by Zoe Clark, Rick Pluta Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this? Donate now!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

July 2025. We are now halfway through the year. On today’s It’s Just Politics, a look at the top three Michigan political stories of the year. So far. Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this? Donate now!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It wasn’t just a state budget that the legislature didn’t get done before leaving the Capitol last week, there still isn’t a deal on road funding. What happens next? Plus, a month to go before Detroit’s mayoral primary. Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this? Donate now!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The legal deadline for the Michigan Legislature to pass a budget came and went Tuesday. And the Democratic Senate and Republican House remain miles apart. Plus, a search warrant at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this? Donate now!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s a lot of anticipation, waiting and, maybe, negotiating at the state Capitol as the Republican-led House and the Democratic-controlled Senate go down to the wire in budget negotiations with a statutory deadline of July 1st. Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this? Donate now!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tom Leonard, former Speaker of the Michigan House, is the latest Republican to jump into Michigan’s open gubernatorial race. He joins It’s Just Politics this week. Plus, Stephen Henderson and Nolan Finley discuss their new book focusing on civility. Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this? Donate now!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Concerns are mounting in Lansing over whether a state budget will get done by a July 1st statutory deadline. On this week’s It’s Just Politics: a frank and honest conversation with four bipartisan lawmakers about what is - or isn’t happening - at the state Capitol. Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this? Donate now!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this? Donate now!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this? Donate now!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Want to support more work like this? Donate today! Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In new budget transparency in Lansing, nearly 800 earmark requests from state House lawmakers are made public. What’s in the $4 billion dollars? Plus, a new ballot campaign wants to make Michigan a rank choice voting state. Want to support more work like this? Donate today! Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Want to support more work like this? Donate today! Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 The complicated relationship between Governor Gretchen Whitmer and President Donald Trump was on full display again this week in Michigan. Whitmer joins It’s Just Politics as the fascinatingly transnational alliance between the governor and the president evolves. Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.