GOP seeks to win back Lansing influence in Michigan House races
Polls suggest the presidential race in Michigan is a toss-up. The U.S. Senate race remains within the margin of error....
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.
Challenge to state PFAS rules on MI Supreme Court’s November docket
A challenge to the state’s rules on water contamination by a group of forever chemicals is on the Michigan Supreme...
Following an absentee ballot through the process
General election voting in Michigan is underway. Absentee ballots are in the mail or available for pickup and drop boxes...
Dana Nessel issues law enforcement election guidance memo
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has issued guidance for election workers and law enforcement on everything from new voting laws...
Rogers, Slotkin face off in final debate before election
Democratic Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin faced off tonight against former Republican Congressman Mike Rogers in Michigan’s final scheduled U.S. Senate debate...
Slotkin, Rogers debate EVs, abortion in first faceoff
Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin faced off Tuesday night against former Congressman Mike Rogers in their first debate in the race to...
SCOTUS denies challenge to Michigan ban on public money for private schools
The U.S. Supreme Court has refused to hear a challenge to Michigan’s constitutional ban on direct or indirect public financial...
Judge strikes down parts of Michigan sex offender registry law
A federal judge has struck down major portions of Michigan’s sex offender registry law. The decision potentially affects many thousands...
RFK Jr. asks appeals court to remove his name from Michigan ballot
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is continuing his bid to remove his name from the Michigan presidential ballot.He has asked the...
Absentee ballots to be mailed to voters this week
Absentee ballots will go in the mail this week to Michigan voters who have requested them. The Thursday mail drop...
Michigan’s unemployment rate ticks up for third consecutive month
Michigan’s jobless rate ticked up to 4.5% in August, the third month in a row the state unemployment rate has...
RFK Jr. files last-ditch effort to get off Michigan ballot
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. filed a last-ditch federal lawsuit Thursday in an effort to get his name off Michigan’s presidential...