Michigan Senate Adopts Criminal Justice Overhaul
Office of state Sen. John Proos The state Senate has adopted a criminal justice overhaul that aims to improve public...
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.
Top Snyder Aide Takes White House Job
michigan.gov Gov. Rick Snyder’s chief of staff has taken a new job at the White House. Jarrod Agen is the...
Governor, Legislature Would Be Subject to FOIA Under Bill Package
Cheyna Roth/MPRN Michigan and Louisiana are the only two states that don’t apply their public records laws to the legislature...
Snyder: Trump Immigration Order Opens Dialogue on the Topic
Jake Neher/WDET Gov. Rick Snyder says President Trump has opened a “much-needed” national conversation on immigration with his order...
Snyder Pushes Back Against Tax Cut Fever
Jake Neher/WDET There’s a split emerging between Gov. Rick Snyder and Republican leaders in the Legislature over cutting taxes. GOP...
Gov. Snyder: Enforcing Immigration Laws Not Top Priority for Michigan
Jake Neher/WDET Gov. Rick Snyder says enforcing immigration laws is not a top priority of state and local police in...
State Officials: No Fraud in Michigan Elections
Jake Neher/WDET State officials say any federal investigation will not turn up widespread vote fraud in Michigan, despite unsubstantiated accusations...
Judge Says Schuette Can’t File His Own Brief in Flint Water Case
Rick Pluta/MPRN A federal judge has rejected Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette’s request to weigh in on a lawsuit related...
Michigan GOP Averts A Leadership Fight
rlcsc.org A battle has been averted over leadership of the Michigan Republican Party. One of two contenders for the post...
Republican Lawmakers Again Set Sights On Repealing Prevailing Wage
Jake Neher/WDET It’s looking like “prevailing wage” will be an issue in the Legislature’s new session. It deals with pay...
Peters Impressed But Undecided On Trump Transportation Pick
Photo Courtesy of the Office of Gary Peters President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to be the next transportation secretary faced a...
Whitmer To Seek Democratic Party Nod For Governor In 2018
Rick Pluta/Michigan Public Radio Network (MPRN) Former state Senator Gretchen Whitmer is the first candidate to formally declare she’s running...