Rick Pluta
Rick Pluta is Senior Capitol Correspondent for the Michigan Public Radio Network. He 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-hosted 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.
Follow him on Twitter at @rickpluta
-
First the first time in 40 years, Democrats control every part of Michigan's state government. After Monday's shooting at Michigan State University, the party is pushing hard for gun restrictions.
-
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat, won a second term over Republican Tudor Dixon. Voters also acted to enshrine abortion rights in the state's constitution.
-
After a court ruling Friday, abortion in Michigan continues to be legal for now - though there are more legal challenges ahead.
-
Michigan has seen a surge in COVID-19 cases, and skepticism is growing over health orders and vaccines. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is in persuasion mode to try to get vaccine skeptics on board.
-
Michigan's top Republican lawmakers are reportedly headed to the White House Friday. Trump's campaign is trying to challenge votes from heavily Democratic parts of the state without success in court.
-
Florida and Alabama are seeing rapid increases in coronavirus cases, which experts link to the states' reopening dates. But Michigan's case numbers are dropping — meaning schools can reopen this fall.
-
In a reverse decision, the judges say that barber Karl Manke, who refused to close his shop in defiance of Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's shutdown order, must shutter. -
Michigan's governor has started lifting restrictions but critics say not fast enough. Officials worry armed protesters will refuse to follow safety measures when they gather at the Capitol Thursday.
-
Democrats chose Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to give the English response to the State of the Union Address. But in Michigan, some wonder if she can live up to expectations.
-
A federal judge in Detroit has ordered bond hearings for hundreds of Iraqis detained by the Department of Homeland Security while they fight deportation. The decision says holding people who don't pose a serious flight risk is unconstitutional.
