Whitmer says she was surprised to be on camera in Oval Office visit
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said she was caught by surprise last week to walk into the Oval Office for a meeting...
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.
WATCH: Whitmer delivers policy address in DC, meets with Trump
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer spent Wednesday in Washington D.C. to deliver an address where she warned about the dangers of sweeping tariffs...
Rep. John James seeks GOP nomination for Michigan governor
U.S. Rep. John James (R-Shelby Township) will not seek reelection to Congress in 2026, running instead for Michigan governor. The...
Tribes, enviro groups ask Michigan Supreme Court to block Line 5
Environmental groups and tribal nations are asking the Michigan Supreme Court to put the brakes on a Canadian company’s plans...
Michigan law lifts 38-year-old surrogate ban
The new state law that lifts Michigan’s 38-year-old ban on paid surrogate pregnancy contracts took effect Monday. Michigan banned the...
Michigan Supreme Court to hear arguments about felony life without parole
The Michigan Supreme Court has agreed to hear arguments on whether the state’s felony murder sentencing standard is constitutional and...
Michigan Supreme Court to hear embryo custody case
The Michigan Supreme Court will hear arguments next month over who gets custody of a frozen embryo following a couple’s divorce....
GOP legislators asks SCOTUS to let them sue over Michigan election rules
A group of Republican state lawmakers is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to clear the way for them to challenge...
Saturday marks 11 years since Michigan marriage equality decision
Saturday is the 11-year wedding anniversary for more than 300 gay and lesbian couples who were married in Michigan following...
House GOP to vote on tax rollback this week
Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall says there will be a floor vote this week on a bill to roll back...
House GOP, Dems at odds in chaotic budget fight
State House Republicans without advance notice Thursday muscled through a $20 billion dollar bare-bones budget, touching off a rancorous floor...
Lawmakers could adopt restrictions this year on phones in schools
A Republican state lawmaker says he hopes Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s support will help get a proposal enacted into law...