Lawsuit Claims Guards Joked, Bet on Inmate’s Suicidal Tendencies
Michigan Legislature A federal lawsuit claims state prison guards joked and made a bet on whether an inmate would try...
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.
Appeals Court Says Jackson Commissioners Violated Constitution with Prayer
Jake Neher/WDET A federal appeals court says the Jackson County Commission regularly violated the U.S. Constitution by opening its meetings...
Democrats Call for Restitution for Victims of Unemployment Agency Botch-Up
http://housedems.com/ There’s a fight brewing in the Legislature over compensation for people wrongly accused of ripping off the state’s unemployment...
Bill Would Restrict Public’s Access to Information About Bids for State Business
Jake Neher/WDET There could soon be tighter restrictions on the public’s access to information in bids for state business. A...
Lawmaker Representing Detroit, Harper Woods Quits to Avoid Felony Charges as Part of Plea Deal
Michigan House Democrats A state lawmaker has quit his job and agreed to plead guilty to a misdemeanor as part...
Michigan Senate Adopts Criminal Justice Overhaul
Office of state Sen. John Proos The state Senate has adopted a criminal justice overhaul that aims to improve public...
Top Snyder Aide Takes White House Job
michigan.gov Gov. Rick Snyder’s chief of staff has taken a new job at the White House. Jarrod Agen is the...
Governor, Legislature Would Be Subject to FOIA Under Bill Package
Cheyna Roth/MPRN Michigan and Louisiana are the only two states that don’t apply their public records laws to the legislature...
Snyder: Trump Immigration Order Opens Dialogue on the Topic
Jake Neher/WDET Gov. Rick Snyder says President Trump has opened a “much-needed” national conversation on immigration with his order...
Snyder Pushes Back Against Tax Cut Fever
Jake Neher/WDET There’s a split emerging between Gov. Rick Snyder and Republican leaders in the Legislature over cutting taxes. GOP...
Gov. Snyder: Enforcing Immigration Laws Not Top Priority for Michigan
Jake Neher/WDET Gov. Rick Snyder says enforcing immigration laws is not a top priority of state and local police in...
State Officials: No Fraud in Michigan Elections
Jake Neher/WDET State officials say any federal investigation will not turn up widespread vote fraud in Michigan, despite unsubstantiated accusations...