It's Just Politics - Michigan Public

Latest Episodes:

Michigan’s ballot proposals Feb 18, 2026

Show notes

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

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Classroom cellphone ban Feb 11, 2026

Show notes

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.

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Michigan’s open U.S. Senate seat Feb 04, 2026

Show notes

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.

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A Michigan media shakeup and a swing Senate seat Jan 28, 2026

Show notes

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

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Inside the House: Matt Hall on a high-stakes year Jan 21, 2026

Show notes

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

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Inside the senate: Winnie Brinks on a high-stakes year Jan 14, 2026

Show notes

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

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Why 2026 will rewrite Michigan politics Jan 07, 2026

Show notes

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

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Whitmer, Duggan, Nessel, and Hall… oh my! Dec 17, 2025

Show notes

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

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Whitmer’s political future: TBD Dec 10, 2025

Show notes

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

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The Data Center deep dive Dec 03, 2025

Show notes

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

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Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.