Michigan lawmakers on recess with budget work waiting for their return
The Michigan Legislature is on a three-week summer recess after finalizing budget bills and sending them to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s...
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.
Budget bills sent to Whitmer; billions held back for possible tax cuts
After a session that stretched late into the early morning, the Michigan Legislature on Friday approved a record-breaking budget for...
Michigan Legislature’s GOP leaders want to defend abortion ban in court
The Michigan Legislature’s Republican leaders say they want to step in to defend the state’s dormant abortion ban if Attorney...
Michigan Supreme Court rejects GOP governor candidate requests to put them on primary ballot
James Craig, Michael Markey and Perry Johnson won’t appear on the August Republican primary ballot in the race for governor....
Michigan Supreme Court has questions for Whitmer on abortion lawsuit
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has 14 days to file a brief with the Michigan Supreme Court to expand her argument that...
Flint water defendants take case to Michigan Supreme Court
The Michigan Supreme Court heard oral arguments Wednesday on whether defendants in the Flint water criminal case were denied...
Whitmer asks feds to keep west Michigan nuke plant running
Michigan is asking the federal government for an emergency infusion of money to keep a west Michigan nuclear power...
Deadlock between Benson, Republicans stalls absentee ballot rules
Republicans and Democrats on a joint House and Senate legislative committee are deadlocked on absentee ballot rules. The result...
Nessel announces reelection bid
With little fanfare and even less surprise, Attorney General Dana Nessel has announced she will seek a second term. She...
Michigan Supreme Court to hear arguments on whether civil rights law covers LGBTQ people
The Michigan Supreme Court will hear arguments Wednesday on whether the state’s civil rights law protects LGBTQ people against...
Mask requirements to be lifted in most state buildings
Mask requirements will soon be lifted in most facilities that are owned or leased by the state of Michigan. This...
State tax rollback possible even as Whitmer, GOP disagree on approach
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer hit the road Tuesday to sell her tax cut plans in metro Detroit as hints revealed room...