Prosecutors Say Police Body Cams Will Add Time, Cost to Cases
WDET Prosecutors across Michigan say body cameras worn by police officers will aid in getting convictions. But they warn reviewing...
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.
Marijuana Legalization Campaign Challenges 180-Day Rule For Collecting Signatures
Jake Neher/WDET The campaign trying to legalize marijuana in Michigan has filed a lawsuit challenging the state's six-month time limit...
Federal Court Tosses Lawsuit Filed by Anti-Islamic Group
Michigan Legislature The U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals has dismissed a First Amendment case filed against the Allegan Police...
Michigan Jobless Rate Drops to 4.7 Percent
Flazingo Photos Michigan’s monthly unemployment rate has dropped to 4.7 percent. That’s the lowest it’s been in 15 years. The...
Michigan, Ontario Negotiating Waterways Strategy
Jake Neher/WDET Michigan and the Canadian province of Ontario are negotiating a strategy for improving and managing waterways. Gov. Rick Snyder...
Judges Dismisses Charges Against Gamrat; Courser to Stand Trial
Cindy Gamrat Former state Rep. Todd Courser (R-Lapeer) will face trial on perjury and misconduct charges, while a judge has...
Feds Sue Michigan Department of Corrections Over Treatment of Female Guards
Flickr/Scott Hadfield The Michigan Department of Corrections faces a U.S. Justice Department lawsuit that alleges sex discrimination against female guards...
Michigan Vigils Honor Orlando Victims
Rick Pluta/Michigan Public Radio Network (MPRN) Gov. Rick Snyder has ordered flags at state buildings to be flown at half-staff...
Marijuana Legalization Campaign Likely Headed to Court After Petitions Rejected
Jake Neher/WDET A state elections board has rejected petitions filed by the campaign to legalize marijuana in Michigan. The next...
Court Fight Looms Over Marijuana Ballot Drive
Jake Neher/WDET The state Elections Bureau says the petition drive to legalize marijuana in Michigan has failed to gather enough...
State Senate Could Vote on Detroit Schools Bailout
Jake Neher/WDET The state Senate could vote this week on a Detroit Public Schools bailout plan, even though it’s a...
Prosecutor Worthy Says Loaded Guns Around Kids Should Be a Crime
WDET Wayne County’s prosecutor says her office is drafting legislation to outlaw keeping an unsecured, loaded weapon in a home...