AG: Benson violated campaign finance act but can’t be fined
Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson violated the Michigan Campaign Finance Act by using the lobby of a state office building...
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.
Whitmer signs bills to extend elected official asset disclosure deadline
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed bills Wednesday to give state officials another month to file asset and financial disclosure reports as...
Critics: Medicaid cuts in House GOP budget plan will burden Michigan health system
Health care advocates are pushing back against a new congressional Republican plan that would make cuts to Medicaid. In Michigan, that...
Court refuses Oxford shooter appeal
The Michigan Court of Appeals has refused to consider a request by the Oxford High School shooter to withdraw his...
Whitmer on dealmaking with Trump: ‘I will fight back when I need to’
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is responding to critics of her meetings with President Donald Trump by answering that they’ve yielded results....
Michigan Supreme Court rules in embryo custody case
A case involving a frozen embryo that’s at the center of a divorce dispute will not be heard by the...
House GOP subpoenas Jocelyn Benson for election materials
The Republican chair of the Michigan House Oversight Committee has delivered a subpoena calling on Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson...
Michigan House poised to approve $75M for ice storm recovery
The state House is poised to vote on legislation this week to allocate $75 million toward recovery efforts in northern...
Whitmer says she was surprised to be on camera in Oval Office visit
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said she was caught by surprise last week to walk into the Oval Office for a meeting...
WATCH: Whitmer delivers policy address in DC, meets with Trump
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer spent Wednesday in Washington D.C. to deliver an address where she warned about the dangers of sweeping tariffs...
Rep. John James seeks GOP nomination for Michigan governor
U.S. Rep. John James (R-Shelby Township) will not seek reelection to Congress in 2026, running instead for Michigan governor. The...
Tribes, enviro groups ask Michigan Supreme Court to block Line 5
Environmental groups and tribal nations are asking the Michigan Supreme Court to put the brakes on a Canadian company’s plans...