Lawsuit Challenges Michigan’s Vaccine Counseling Requirement
tschoppi/Flickr A legal challenge has been filed against a state rule that requires counseling for parents who have a religious...
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.
Replacement Process for Late State Rep. Plawecki Underway
Official Photo The process is underway to name a replacement on the ballot for state Rep. Julie Plawecki (D-Dearborn Heights),...
6th Circuit Says Enbridge Line 5 Can Run Through National Forest
National Wildlife Federation A federal appeals court says an Enbridge oil pipeline that runs through a northern Michigan national forest...
Gov. Snyder Signs New Budget With Money for Flint, Invasive Species
Asian Carp by Kate Gardiner/Creative Commons Gov. Rick Snyder has signed the final bill in the state’s $55 billion dollar...
K-12 Budget Could Face Challenge Over Aid to Private Schools
Marissa Gawel/WDET Gov. Rick Snyder traveled to a middle school in Oakland County on Monday to sign a $16 billion...
Governor Snyder Signs Detroit Schools Bailout
Detroit Public Schools Gov. Rick Snyder has signed a $617 million dollar bailout of the Detroit Public Schools – which...
Prosecutors Say Police Body Cams Will Add Time, Cost to Cases
WDET Prosecutors across Michigan say body cameras worn by police officers will aid in getting convictions. But they warn reviewing...
Marijuana Legalization Campaign Challenges 180-Day Rule For Collecting Signatures
Jake Neher/WDET The campaign trying to legalize marijuana in Michigan has filed a lawsuit challenging the state's six-month time limit...
Federal Court Tosses Lawsuit Filed by Anti-Islamic Group
Michigan Legislature The U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals has dismissed a First Amendment case filed against the Allegan Police...
Michigan Jobless Rate Drops to 4.7 Percent
Flazingo Photos Michigan’s monthly unemployment rate has dropped to 4.7 percent. That’s the lowest it’s been in 15 years. The...
Michigan, Ontario Negotiating Waterways Strategy
Jake Neher/WDET Michigan and the Canadian province of Ontario are negotiating a strategy for improving and managing waterways. Gov. Rick Snyder...
Judges Dismisses Charges Against Gamrat; Courser to Stand Trial
Cindy Gamrat Former state Rep. Todd Courser (R-Lapeer) will face trial on perjury and misconduct charges, while a judge has...