Republicans Dream of Winning at Mackinac Conference
Many Michigan Republicans spent the weekend on Mackinac Island, where they enjoyed fine dining and cocktail receptions, listened to the campaign pitches...
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.
Gamrat Files for Her Old House Seat
Expelled state Representative Cindy Gamrat has filed to run for her old House seat. Gamrat joins a Republican field that’s already...
Snyder Declares Michigan ‘Welcoming Week’ to Honor Immigrants
The immigration question is causing turmoil in the Republican presidential primary, but Governor Rick Snyder is standing by his staunchly pro-immigration position....
Campaign Files Petition to Outlaw Prevailing Wage
The business-led campaign to outlaw union-level prevailing wage mandates on publicly funded construction projects says it has filed 390 thousand...
Courser, Gamrat Out; Special Elections to be Held
The Michigan House voted Friday morning to expel Rep. Cindy Gamrat (R-Plainwell) and accepted the resignation of Rep. Todd...
Courser Asks for Forgiveness, Censure
A special state House disciplinary panel will begin deliberating on a punishment for state Representatives Todd Courser (R-Lapeer) and Cindy Gamrat (R-Plainwell)...
Gamrat Offers Tearful Apology, Asks for Censure
State Representative Cindy Gamrat (R-Plainwell) offered a tearful apology as she asked a special committee to consider censure and the loss of...
Cotter Activates Courser/Gamrat Expulsion Committee
A select committee will begin its work to help whether state Representatives Todd Courser and Cindy Gamrat will keep their jobs...
Michigan to Develop its Own Plan to Reduce Carbon
The state of Michigan will develop its own plan to meet new federal carbon emissions standards. “Not to do so would...
Cotter Activates Courser/Gamrat Expulsion Committee
A select committee will begin its work to help whether state Representatives Todd Courser and Cindy Gamrat will keep their jobs following...
Michigan Jobless Rate Drops to 5.3%
Michigan’s monthly jobless rate has dropped to 5.3%. That’s the lowest it’s been in 14 years, and it matches the national average....
6th Circuit: Federal Booking Photos are Public
A federal appeals court says US marshals in Detroit were on the wrong side of the law when they tried...