Whitmer says reproductive rights a major issue in presidential campaign, refuses to call war in Gaza ‘genocide’
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer pointedly declined to use the word “genocide” on a Sunday morning news show to describe the war...
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.
White House gun safety rule would standardize closing gun show loophole
A rule issued Thursday by the White House to expand required background checks for many gun purchases largely mirrors a...
Michigan Supreme Court refuses terrorist sentence appeal
The Michigan Supreme Court has refused to hear the appeal of a leader of a white supremacist group who tried...
Whitmer repeals ban on surrogacy contracts in Michigan
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed bills Monday to lift Michigan’s 35-year-old ban on the use of paid pregnancy surrogates. Michigan was...
Judge struck down Michigan’s gay marriage ban 10 years ago
It was 10 years ago Friday that the first same-sex weddings took place in Michigan. That was one day following...
Bills to expand Michigan hate crime law advances to House
The Michigan Senate adopted two bills this week to expand the protections in Michigan’s ethnic intimidation law. The bills would...
Senate sends IVF bills to Whitmer for signature
Bills on their way to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s desk would repeal Michigan’s ban on surrogate parenting contracts. Michigan was among...
Most February Michigan primary votes were cast before Election Day
A state elections board on Monday completed the formality of certifying Michigan’s presidential primary results and, along the way, learned...
UAW endorses McDonald Rivet in 8th Congressional District race
State Sen. Kristen McDonald Rivet has won the influential United Auto Workers endorsement in the Democratic primary to fill Michigan’s...
House bill would permanently block convicted tamperers from election jobs
A state House committee held its first hearing Tuesday on a bill to permanently bar people convicted of many election-related...
Whitmer will consider MSU trustee removal request
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer will consider a request to remove two Michigan State University trustees over allegations of bullying and other...
Trump walks away with Michigan GOP convention, hard feelings linger
Former President Donald Trump swept Michigan Republican caucuses held Saturday in Grand Rapids. Trump’s victory and popularity among delegates belies...