New Directive Outlines Policies for Pregnancies and Births in Michigan Prisons
A new state Department of Corrections directive outlines the rights of pregnant prison inmates to medical resources and support. The...
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 House Adopts Voter ID Bills, Sends It to Whitmer for Likely Veto
The GOP-led state House gave final approval Thursday to a bill that would require people to show a photo ID...
Biden Pitches Build Back Better and Infrastructure Plans in Livingston County
President Joe Biden traveled to Michigan Tuesday to pitch his Build Back Better and infrastructure plans to swing-state voters in...
Whitmer Signs Budget Deal, Vetoes Money for Anti-Abortion Efforts
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has signed the final bills of a budget deal with the Legislature in time to meet the deadline...
Whitmer to Veto Restrictions on Local Government COVID-19 Orders
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer will veto language in a budget bill that would punish local health departments that issue COVID-19 mask...
Former Michigan Democratic and GOP Chairs Launch Drive to Change Electoral College
A pair of former Democratic and Republican party leaders have teamed up to change how Michigan participates in the Electoral...
Craig Campaign Rollout Disrupted and Delayed by Protesters
Former Detroit Police Chief James Craig announced Tuesday that he is running as a Republican for governor of Michigan. Craig...
Whitmer Says Mask Mandates Up to Local Governments and Schools
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says she is ready to use her veto pen to stop Republican legislation to limit schools and...
Michigan State Medical Society: Time Again to Mask Up
The Michigan State Medical Society says it’s time for people to return to masking up indoors, regardless of whether they’ve...
Whitmer: Michigan Ready to Offer Afghans “a New Home”
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said Friday that Michigan will welcome Afghans fleeing their homeland country following the collapse of the U.S.-backed...
Michigan Surpasses 20,000 Confirmed COVID-19 Deaths
Michigan passed a grim COVID-19 milestone as the state reported more than 20,000 confirmed deaths due to COVID-19 since the...
Senate Infrastructure Bill Gets Mostly Positive Reviews in Michigan With Some Hoping for More
Senate.gov/Wikimedia Commons A bipartisan infrastructure bill cleared the U.S. Senate Tuesday with the support of both of Michigan’s senators. “There...