News Organizations Sue Michigan Redistricting Commission
Three news organizations and the Michigan Press Association are suing the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission, and they’re taking their...
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.
Oxford Shooting Investigation in Hands of Oakland County Prosecutor, Nessel Says
Attorney General Dana Nessel expressed disappointment Tuesday that Oxford school officials turned down her offer to conduct an independent investigation...
Bills Would Allow Out-of-State Medical Workers to Help Relieve Shortage
Office of Sen. Curt VanderWall The Michigan Senate is expected to vote Tuesday on a bill to help relieve a...
Michigan House Adds Funds for School Resource Officers After Oxford High School Shooting
The state House voted Thursday to dramatically boost funding for police officers in schools. It was in response to Tuesday’s...
Oxford High School Shooting Renews Debate in Lansing Over Gun Control
At the state Capitol Wednesday, the House and the Senate began their sessions with a moment of silence for the...
Whitmer: New Mandates Not Needed If People Get Vaccinated
Governor Gretchen Whitmer said Wednesday that new statewide COVID-19 restrictions are not under consideration at the moment despite the state’s...
“Truth-in-Sentencing” Repeal Drive Plans Launch in Early 2022
A petition drive to repeal Michigan’s 1998 “truth-in-sentencing” law expects to begin signature gathering early next year. If the law...
Whitmer Touts Auto Insurance Savings; Injury Group Says Benefits Are Illusory
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced Tuesday that drivers can expect bigger savings on auto insurance rates over what they paid in the...
Whitmer Vetoes Bill to Forgive COVID-19 Workplace Fines
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer vetoed a bill Friday to forgive some penalties imposed on businesses for violating COVID-19 orders. The governor said...
House Dems Roll Out Election Bills, Offer Contrast to GOP Proposals
Michigan House Democrats rolled out an agenda Wednesday to make voting easier, especially for voters who want to vote by...
Michigan Supreme Court to Hear Grand Rapids “Print and Photo” Case
The Michigan Supreme Court has announced the cases it will hear during its November oral arguments. One is a civil...
New Directive Outlines Policies for Pregnancies and Births in Michigan Prisons
A new state Department of Corrections directive outlines the rights of pregnant prison inmates to medical resources and support. The...