Super-freezing temperatures will reduce effectiveness of salt to thaw roads
A cold snap expected to last until Thursday could make for treacherous driving conditions across much of Michigan. Officials are...
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.
2024 bringing boost in state minimum wage to $10.35
The new year will bring an automatic pay increase to minimum wage workers in Michigan. And it may not be...
Nessel charges former House GOP staffers with corruption
Two former senior aides to a Republican state House Speaker are facing a raft of felony corruption charges, and the...
Whitmer signs new laws to discourage threats and violence against health workers
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer hopes tougher laws will help stem the growth of threats and violence against health care workers. She...
Whitmer signs directive to transition state fleet to emissions-free by 2024
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive directive Tuesday instructing state departments and agencies to accelerate their transition to zero-emission vehicles...
Benson gets to sign bill adopting SOS ballot policy
Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson recently got to sign a voting rights law. Benson, Michigan’s top election official and a...
Whitmer signs bills to require notice on AI-generated political ads
Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed nearly two dozen bills Thursday to make major changes to Michigan election laws. “We’ve taken Michigan...
Whitmer signs more bills to repeal abortion restrictions
Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed bills Tuesday to roll back more abortion restrictions remaining on the books in Michigan even though...
Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice McCormack to resign
Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Bridget Mary McCormack announced Monday that she will resign by the end of the year,...
Ban on enforcing Michigan abortion law to be topic of court hearing
An Oakland County judge will open a hearing Wednesday on whether to continue an order that suspends enforcement of Michigan’s...
Abortion rights drive could help seed future campaigns
The Michigan Reproductive Freedom for All campaign turned in petitions this week to put abortion rights into the state Constitution....
Michigan GOP leaders ask court to let abortion ban take effect
The Michigan Legislature’s Republican leaders have asked the Michigan Court of Appeals to allow the state’s ban on most abortions...