Gov. Snyder Names Lake Erie “Impaired’ Waterway
Jake Neher/WDET Gov. Rick Snyder and state environmental officials have declared western Lake Erie is an “impaired” waterway that needs to...
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.
Michigan Senate Adopts Energy Overhaul
Jake Neher/WDET The state Senate has adopted an overhaul of Michigan’s energy policy. It’s designed to ensure reliability as the...
Republicans Sweep Michigan Elections
Michigan Republican Party For the first time since 1988, Michigan helped elect a Republican president. The state’s 16 electoral votes...
State, Local Business Fight Over Iconic M-22 Highway Sign
Rick Pluta/MPRN There’s a fight over a simple black-and-white sign that identifies a state highway that runs through a popular...
Foes Make One More Attempt to Block Ballot Selfies Ban Before Election Day
Jake Neher/WDET With a week to go before Election Day, opponents of Michigan’s ban on voters taking selfies with their...
Anti-Fracking Group Challenges Petition Limits
Jake Neher/WDET The campaign to outlaw fracking in Michigan is asking the state Court of Appeals to strike down a...
Michigan Voters May Not Take Ballot “Selfies”
Jake Neher/WDET Some voters like to take “selfies” with their ballots on Election Day. But, in Michigan, that’s against the...
Snyder, GOP Leaders At Odds Over Medicaid
Jake Neher/WDET Gov. Rick Snyder’s administration and Republicans in the Legislature are at odds over how to pay for the...
Gov. Snyder Elevates Chief Medical Executive
Jake Neher/WDET Gov. Rick Snyder is boosting the position of Michigan chief medical executive to his official inner circle. The...
Senate To Vote On Flint Fix-Up Oversight
Jake Neher Flint could name its own experts to oversee the response to the city’s drinking water crisis under a...
Snyder Signs New Medical Marijuana Rules
WDET There will be new rules soon in Michigan governing how medical marijuana is grown, shared, and sold. Gov. Rick...
Snyder Still Not Satisfied With Federal Immigration Policies
Jake Neher/WDET A statewide conference on making Michigan more welcoming to immigrants kicks off Monday in Lansing. Local officials will trade tips...