Report says local court funding relies too much on fines, fees
A new judicial task force report calls for an overhaul in how Michigan’s local courts are funded. The report says...
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.
House committee opens hearings on bill to ban medical research on dogs
A state House committee opened hearings Thursday on a possible ban on medical research using dogs in Michigan. The bill would...
Three days late, MI Legislature approves $80 billion budget
“Let us pray,” intoned Senator Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing) shortly after midnight.She got directly and succinctly to the point with her...
Michigan Legislature passes week-long stopgap budget
Michigan lawmakers approved a plan early Wednesday morning to fund state government for another week as they finalize a spending...
Michigan House panel approves subpoenas to state departments
The Republican-led Michigan House Oversight Committee approved a slew of legislative subpoenas Tuesday directed at state departments, including the Attorney General’s office. The...
Court of Appeals allows lawsuit by Oxford family against Michigan State Police
The Michigan Court of Appeals is allowing a case filed by the family of a murdered Oxford High School student...
Store that sold gun used in Oxford shooting wants lawsuit dismissed
The firearm store that sold the gun used in the Oxford High School shooting is asking the Michigan Court of...
Oxford shooter appeals life sentence, claims ineffective counsel
The Oxford High School shooter has asked the Michigan Supreme Court to order a new hearing before a judge to...
House bill would allow college athletes to join labor unions
Student-athletes at state universities would be allowed to organize into unions under bills recently sponsored in the Michigan House of...
K-12 leaders say budget inaction leaves schools, students, families hanging
Michigan school districts face tough choices as their fiscal years began Tuesday while the Legislature remains deadlocked on the state...
House panel approves bill to alter life-without-parole resentencing after MI Supreme Court ruling
A state House committee voted Wednesday to advance legislation to blunt the impact of a Michigan Supreme Court decision on...
Benson testifies before GOP-led House committee on disclosure glitches
Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson sat before the Michigan House Oversight Committee for roughly an hour and a half Tuesday...