Whitmer to present spending plan this week
The first step toward spending Michigan’s surplus from tax revenue and federal recovery funds begins this week. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer...
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.
U.S. House January 6 committee subpoenas Michigan Republicans
Two Michigan Republicans are on a list of people subpoenaed Friday by the U.S. House committee investigating the Jan. 6,...
Whitmer rolls out themes on pre-State of the State tour
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is on a statewide tour to pre-sell and fine-tune the State of the State she will deliver...
Michigan House cancels session amid COVID-19 surge
COVID-19 is canceling votes and meetings this week in the Michigan House of Representatives. House Speaker Jason Wentworth said Monday...
Michigan secretary of state and attorney general are investigating whether fake electors broke law
State officials — including Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Attorney General Dana Nessel — say they’re looking into whether...
Michigan State University report finds racial disparities in traffic stops
Michigan State Police leaders are promising improvements after a study found a disproportionately high number of Black drivers are stopped...
Whitmer will deliver 4th State of the State on Jan. 26 virtually
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s fourth State of the State address will take place Jan. 26. This is the second year in...
Current and Former Detroit Lawmakers Challenge New District Maps
A group of current and former Detroit-area legislators say they’re filing a lawsuit to force the state’s redistricting commission to...
Whitmer on COVID-19: “Next 4 to 6 Weeks Are Going To Be Tough”
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said Wednesday that she’s not expecting to issue new COVID-19 restrictions in 2022, but that’s not out...
Petition Effort to Boost Michigan Minimum Wage Moves Closer to Collecting Signatures
The initiative campaign to increase Michigan’s minimum wage took another step Tuesday toward putting a question on the 2022 ballot....
LGBTQ Rights Group, Catholic Church Allowed to File Briefs in Supreme Court Case
An LGBTQ-focused health clinic in Detroit and the Catholic church in Michigan have been given permission to weigh in on...
Legislature to Take Up Controversial Incentives Before Break
The Legislature begins its year-end stretch Tuesday, and at the top of its to-do list is a controversial business incentive...