Medically Frail Inmates Could Be Paroled Under House Bill
Michigan Legislature The state House has adopted bills that would allow prisoners in advanced stages of illness including cancer and...
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.
Snyder Signs Tax Cut, Says State Can Afford to Fix Roads and Cut Income Tax
Jake Neher/WDET Gov. Rick Snyder signed legislation on Wednesday that ensures the personal exemption on state income taxes will not disappear...
Snyder Trying to Kick Start Plan to Block Invasives from Great Lakes
Pat Batcheller/WDET Gov. Rick Snyder says a new shipping lock in Joliet, Illinois is needed to stop Asian carp from...
Political Dynasties: Why Do Voters Keep Electing People With The Same Last Names?
Jake Neher/WDET Two of Michigan’s longest-serving members of Congress are ending their tenure in Washington. Congressman Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak)...
Legislature Compromises, Adopts Scaled-Back Local Retirement Overhaul
Jake Neher/WDET Gov. Rick Snyder and Republican leaders have backed down from a plan to give the state sweeping authority to...
Calley Launches Bid for GOP Governor Nomination
Jake Neher/WDET Lt. Gov. Brian Calley surprised no one when he announced Tuesday he would seek the Republican nomination for governor...
ACLU Seeks Release of Iraqi Detainees
Jake Neher/WDET The ACLU has asked a federal judge to release hundreds of Iraqis who are being detained by immigration...
State Senate Approves Bills to Allow Concealed Weapons in More Places
Jake Neher/WDET Concealed guns could be carried in schools, churches and other places they’re currently banned under bills adopted Wednesday...
Snyder Says He Will Not Fire Police Chief Over Facebook Post
Jake Neher/WDET Gov. Rick Snyder says there is no reason to fire State Police Col. Kriste Etue over a controversial Facebook post....
Wage, Leave-Time Petition Drives Moving Ahead
Jake Neher/WDET Voters might have the chance to decide a pair of workers’ rights questions next year. A petition campaign...
Schuette Asked Whether Commission Can Add LGBT Protections
Jake Neher/WDET The Michigan Civil Rights Commission is asking state Attorney General Bill Schuette for a formal ruling on whether...
State Pipeline Safety Board to Discuss Line 5 on Monday
Jake Neher/WDET A state board plans to review problems with Enbridge Energy’s Line 5 oil and gas pipeline at a...