Schuette Files Toughest Flint Water Charges Yet
Jake Neher/WDET Two high-ranking state officials in Michigan face serious charges for allegedly keeping an outbreak of Legionnaire’s disease in...
Rick Pluta has been covering Michigan’s Capitol, government, and politics since 1987. His journalism background includes stints with UPI, The Elizabeth (NJ) Daily Journal, The (Pontiac, MI) Oakland Press, and WJR. He is also a lifelong public radio listener.
Rick was one of the first Michigan political reporters to write about “pay-to-play” fundraising, and the controversies surrounding recognition of same-sex relationships. He broke the news that Gov. John Engler was planning a huge juvenile justice overhaul that included adult-time-for-adult-crime sentencing, and has continued to report since then on the effects of that policy decision.
He co-hosts the weekly segment “It’s Just Politics” on Michigan Radio with Zoe Clark.
Rick is fascinated by the game of politics, and the grand plans and human foibles that go into policy-making. You will never find him ice-fishing.
Enbridge Says Pressure Test Shows Mackinac Straits Pipeline is Safe
Pat Batcheller Enbridge Energy says it’s pressure testing the structural integrity of Line Five beneath the Straits of Mackinac. The...
Legislature Moving Budget Bills Despite Standoff with Gov. Snyder
Jake Neher/WDET There’s no end yet to the standoff between Gov. Rick Snyder and the Legislature’s Republican leaders that’s delayed wrapping...
State House Committee Adopts “Sanctuary Cities” Ban
Jake Neher/WDET A state House committee has adopted bills that would require local officials to help enforce federal immigration laws....
Michigan Dems Propose Bill to Seize Guns of People Deemed a Threat
Jake Neher/WDET Some Democrats in the state Legislature are calling for a law that would allow authorities to seize the...
Lawmakers Will Look Into Allegations DHHS Supervisors Fudged Caseload Numbers
Jake Neher/WDET State lawmakers say they will look into reports the Michigan agency that handles child abuse and neglect cases...
Bill Would Make It Easier to Sue Over Gun Ordinances
Jake Neher/WDET A state House bill would make it easier for people to sue their local government to repeal a...
Catholic Parents, GOP Lawmakers Want to Challenge Ban on Money for Private Schools
Elizabeth Garrett The Michigan Court of Appeals has put a lawsuit regarding state money for private schools on hold while...
Hundreds Gather for Mental Health Services, Many Oppose Snyder Overhaul
Cheyna Roth/MPRN There was a big rally at the state Capitol Wednesday to support improved mental health services and to...
Lawmaker John Kivela Dead of Suicide
Office of state Rep. John Kivela (D-Marquette) There were tears and hugs on the floor of the state House today...
Trump Names MI Supreme Court Justice to Federal Appeals Court
Michigan Supreme Court Michigan Supreme Court Justice Joan Larsen has been chosen by President Trump to serve on the Sixth...
Teachers Union Can’t Force Members to Wait to Drop Out
Sascha Raiyn Teachers don’t have to wait if they want to drop out of their union. That ruling was handed...