“Truth-in-Sentencing” Repeal Drive Plans Launch in Early 2022
A petition drive to repeal Michigan’s 1998 “truth-in-sentencing” law expects to begin signature gathering early next year. If the law...
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.
Whitmer Touts Auto Insurance Savings; Injury Group Says Benefits Are Illusory
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced Tuesday that drivers can expect bigger savings on auto insurance rates over what they paid in the...
Whitmer Vetoes Bill to Forgive COVID-19 Workplace Fines
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer vetoed a bill Friday to forgive some penalties imposed on businesses for violating COVID-19 orders. The governor said...
House Dems Roll Out Election Bills, Offer Contrast to GOP Proposals
Michigan House Democrats rolled out an agenda Wednesday to make voting easier, especially for voters who want to vote by...
Michigan Supreme Court to Hear Grand Rapids “Print and Photo” Case
The Michigan Supreme Court has announced the cases it will hear during its November oral arguments. One is a civil...
New Directive Outlines Policies for Pregnancies and Births in Michigan Prisons
A new state Department of Corrections directive outlines the rights of pregnant prison inmates to medical resources and support. The...
Michigan House Adopts Voter ID Bills, Sends It to Whitmer for Likely Veto
The GOP-led state House gave final approval Thursday to a bill that would require people to show a photo ID...
Biden Pitches Build Back Better and Infrastructure Plans in Livingston County
President Joe Biden traveled to Michigan Tuesday to pitch his Build Back Better and infrastructure plans to swing-state voters in...
Whitmer Signs Budget Deal, Vetoes Money for Anti-Abortion Efforts
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has signed the final bills of a budget deal with the Legislature in time to meet the deadline...
Whitmer to Veto Restrictions on Local Government COVID-19 Orders
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer will veto language in a budget bill that would punish local health departments that issue COVID-19 mask...
Former Michigan Democratic and GOP Chairs Launch Drive to Change Electoral College
A pair of former Democratic and Republican party leaders have teamed up to change how Michigan participates in the Electoral...
Craig Campaign Rollout Disrupted and Delayed by Protesters
Former Detroit Police Chief James Craig announced Tuesday that he is running as a Republican for governor of Michigan. Craig...