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
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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.
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The Michigan Supreme Court will decide whether changes made to the state’s auto insurance law in 2019 are constitutional. The court's ordering insurance companies to continue paying certain pre-2019 benefits at least until the case is decided.
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Abortion is still legal in Michigan after a circuit court judge ruled that county prosecutors can't charge providers with a felony. The decision blocks the enforcement of a 1931 pre-Roe abortion ban.
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Under a ruling by the Michigan Court of Appeals, local prosecutors in Michigan may soon be allowed to file felony charges against abortion providers. Multiple challenges are already underway.
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People in Flint, Mich., are awaiting justice after water there was poisoned years ago. The former governor is facing charges, but the state Supreme Court has issued an opinion weakening the case.
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Families on food assistance in Michigan will continue to get a boost of almost a hundred dollars this month. That’s after Congress approved a continuation of a pandemic recovery benefit.
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The Michigan State Police has executed a search warrant at the home of two top aides to former House Speaker Lee Chatfield.
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An LGBTQ-focused health clinic in Detroit and the Catholic church in Michigan have been given permission to weigh in on opposite sides of a court case…
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Three news organizations and the Michigan Press Association are suing the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission, and they’re taking their…
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Whitmer rolls out expanded plans to accelerate replacement of lead lines, other water infrastructureGovernor Gretchen Whitmer wants to use more federal funds to accelerate the replacement of lead lines and other water infrastructure.Whitmer proposed a…