Lawmaker John Kivela Dead of Suicide
Office of state Rep. John Kivela (D-Marquette) There were tears and hugs on the floor of the state House today...
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.
Trump Names MI Supreme Court Justice to Federal Appeals Court
Michigan Supreme Court Michigan Supreme Court Justice Joan Larsen has been chosen by President Trump to serve on the Sixth...
Teachers Union Can’t Force Members to Wait to Drop Out
Sascha Raiyn Teachers don’t have to wait if they want to drop out of their union. That ruling was handed...
MSU Says It’s Caught Between FOIA and Interfering With Sex Assault Investigation
Cheyna Roth/MPRN Michigan State University is asking a court to decide whether it has to release police and arrest records...
Activists Try To Create Group Support for Ballot Drives
Jake Neher/WDET A small crowd that held a May Day rally in front of the state Capitol has a big...
State Lawmakers Finally Approve Money for Flint
Bre'Anna Tinsley/WDET After stops and starts, the state Legislature has finally adopted a bill to send $100 million dollars to...
Speed Limit Goes to 75 MPH on Some Highways Next Week
txdot.gov It’s going to be a quicker trip for many people traveling between southern and northern Michigan. Beginning next week,...
Appeals Court: Dog Not Dangerous Until It Bites Someone
Michigan Supreme Court A dog in Michigan is not considered legally dangerous until it bites or attacks someone. That’s the...
Deal Made Over Macomb County Sinkhole Funding
Jake Neher/WDET Macomb County will get money to work on a giant sinkhole. A deadlock in the Legislature was holding...
Judge Tosses State’s Challenge to M22 Logo Trademark
Rick Pluta/MPRN A federal judge has thrown out the state’s challenge to a Traverse City business that trademarked a highway...
Survivors Help Michigan Mark Holocaust, Armenian Genocide
Jake Neher/WDET Music, speeches, prayers and a candle-lighting ceremony that included 39 Jewish survivors were part of Michigan’s official commemoration...
Calley Hints at Run for Governor
Jake Neher/WDET Lt. Gov. Brian Calley is moving closer to a formal announcement that he will run next year for the...
