Saturday marks 11 years since Michigan marriage equality decision
Saturday is the 11-year wedding anniversary for more than 300 gay and lesbian couples who were married in Michigan following...
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.
House GOP to vote on tax rollback this week
Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall says there will be a floor vote this week on a bill to roll back...
House GOP, Dems at odds in chaotic budget fight
State House Republicans without advance notice Thursday muscled through a $20 billion dollar bare-bones budget, touching off a rancorous floor...
Lawmakers could adopt restrictions this year on phones in schools
A Republican state lawmaker says he hopes Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s support will help get a proposal enacted into law...
Whitmer asks for bipartisan cooperation, positivity in State of the State speech
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says divided government in Lansing should not stop Democrats and Republicans from finding ways to get things...
Curtis Hertel Jr. elected Michigan Dem chair
Michigan Democrats have selected veteran political figure Curtis Hertel Jr. to serve as their new party chair headed into a...
Prosecutor asks Michigan Supreme Court to uphold terroristic threats law
Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy’s office is asking the Michigan Supreme Court to reverse a ruling that struck down the...
Whitmer: Legislature should strike wage and leave deal this week or extend status quo
Governor Gretchen Whitmer called on the Michigan Legislature to reach a bipartisan deal this week on new state minimum wage...
Final briefs filed on whether House must send bills to Whitmer
The final legal briefs were filed Tuesday in a lawsuit that pits state Senate Democrats against House Republicans for failing...
Whitmer road plan includes marijuana tax
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer released a road-and-transportation funding proposal Monday that includes a new tax on marijuana products, more revenue from...
Experts: Effect of tariffs on Michigan economy will depend on details
Business leaders and economists are on the lookout for how President Donald Trump’s plans will affect the state, especially the...
Whitmer says she wants to work with Trump ‘to solve problems’
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer congratulated President Donald Trump on his inauguration Monday, saying that she wants to work on “shared priorities”...