State Environmental Agency Sues Flint to Make Water Deal
Sascha Raiyn/WDET The state of Michigan is in federal court trying to force the city of Flint to accept a...
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.
Calley: Part-Time Legislature Ballot Drive Destined for Court Fight
Jake Neher/WDET The ballot campaign to adopt a part-time Legislature amendment in Michigan decided to skip getting its petition approved...
Michigan Environmental Agency Scraps Line 5 Safety Report
Sandra Svoboda/WDET The state of Michigan has scrapped a risk study on Enbridge’s Line 5 and fired the contractor just...
Teacher Pension Overhaul Headed to Gov. Snyder
Jake Neher/WDET New teachers will get different retirement options than current school employees under a bill sent to Gov. Rick Snyder....
Tax Breaks Deal Falls Apart Amid GOP Feud
Political intrigue is being blamed for the collapse of a deal for the state to offer big tax breaks to...
Enbridge Says Second Pressure Test Shows Line 5 is Safe
Pat Batcheller Enbridge Energy says pressure tests on two sections of Line 5 that runs under the Straits of Mackinac...
Schuette Files Toughest Flint Water Charges Yet
Jake Neher/WDET Two high-ranking state officials in Michigan face serious charges for allegedly keeping an outbreak of Legionnaire’s disease in...
Enbridge Says Pressure Test Shows Mackinac Straits Pipeline is Safe
Pat Batcheller Enbridge Energy says it’s pressure testing the structural integrity of Line Five beneath the Straits of Mackinac. The...
Legislature Moving Budget Bills Despite Standoff with Gov. Snyder
Jake Neher/WDET There’s no end yet to the standoff between Gov. Rick Snyder and the Legislature’s Republican leaders that’s delayed wrapping...
State House Committee Adopts “Sanctuary Cities” Ban
Jake Neher/WDET A state House committee has adopted bills that would require local officials to help enforce federal immigration laws....
Michigan Dems Propose Bill to Seize Guns of People Deemed a Threat
Jake Neher/WDET Some Democrats in the state Legislature are calling for a law that would allow authorities to seize the...
Lawmakers Will Look Into Allegations DHHS Supervisors Fudged Caseload Numbers
Jake Neher/WDET State lawmakers say they will look into reports the Michigan agency that handles child abuse and neglect cases...