Michigan Now Leads Nation in Interpreting LGBTQ Discrimination Cases, Say Advocates
Equality Michigan The state Department of Civil Rights is now accepting complaints from people who say they’ve faced discrimination based...
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.
Federal Judge: State Can’t Deny Good Conduct Points to Some Inmates
Jake Neher/WDET A federal judge says the Michigan Department of Corrections cannot deny good conduct credits to former juvenile lifers...
Snyder: It’s the Federal Government’s Turn to Raise Fuel Taxes
Marissa Gawel/WDET Gov. Rick Snyder has signed a budget bill that accelerates spending on road repairs in time to help...
State Superintendent Stepping Down to Focus on Cancer Battle
Photo Courtesy of Dearborn Public Schools State schools Superintendent Brian Whiston is stepping down to concentrate on his battle with...
Bills to Strengthen Sexual Assault Laws Clear State Senate
Jake Neher/WDET The state Senate passed legislation that sponsors say will increase the rights of victims of sexual assault. The...
Medically Frail Inmates Could Be Paroled Under House Bill
Michigan Legislature The state House has adopted bills that would allow prisoners in advanced stages of illness including cancer and...
Snyder Signs Tax Cut, Says State Can Afford to Fix Roads and Cut Income Tax
Jake Neher/WDET Gov. Rick Snyder signed legislation on Wednesday that ensures the personal exemption on state income taxes will not disappear...
Snyder Trying to Kick Start Plan to Block Invasives from Great Lakes
Pat Batcheller/WDET Gov. Rick Snyder says a new shipping lock in Joliet, Illinois is needed to stop Asian carp from...
Political Dynasties: Why Do Voters Keep Electing People With The Same Last Names?
Jake Neher/WDET Two of Michigan’s longest-serving members of Congress are ending their tenure in Washington. Congressman Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak)...
Legislature Compromises, Adopts Scaled-Back Local Retirement Overhaul
Jake Neher/WDET Gov. Rick Snyder and Republican leaders have backed down from a plan to give the state sweeping authority to...
Calley Launches Bid for GOP Governor Nomination
Jake Neher/WDET Lt. Gov. Brian Calley surprised no one when he announced Tuesday he would seek the Republican nomination for governor...
ACLU Seeks Release of Iraqi Detainees
Jake Neher/WDET The ACLU has asked a federal judge to release hundreds of Iraqis who are being detained by immigration...