Whitmer Says Mask Mandates Up to Local Governments and Schools
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says she is ready to use her veto pen to stop Republican legislation to limit schools and...
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.
Michigan State Medical Society: Time Again to Mask Up
The Michigan State Medical Society says it’s time for people to return to masking up indoors, regardless of whether they’ve...
Whitmer: Michigan Ready to Offer Afghans “a New Home”
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said Friday that Michigan will welcome Afghans fleeing their homeland country following the collapse of the U.S.-backed...
Michigan Surpasses 20,000 Confirmed COVID-19 Deaths
Michigan passed a grim COVID-19 milestone as the state reported more than 20,000 confirmed deaths due to COVID-19 since the...
Senate Infrastructure Bill Gets Mostly Positive Reviews in Michigan With Some Hoping for More
Senate.gov/Wikimedia Commons A bipartisan infrastructure bill cleared the U.S. Senate Tuesday with the support of both of Michigan’s senators. “There...
Michigan Legislature to Return to Capitol with Goal of Adopting State Budgets
The Legislature is back in Lansing this week with the primary goal of wrapping up the state budget. That includes...
Gov. Whitmer Turns to Persuasion Over COVID-19 Restrictions
Less stick. More carrot. That appears to be Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s approach now. Last Wednesday, the governor visited Ford Field...
Opinion Leaves Whitmer COVID-19 Orders Tangled Up In Court
A Michigan Supreme Court opinion has created confusion surrounding the state’s COVID-19 response. But Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says she still...
Officials Urge Absentee Ballot Drop-Offs, Prepare for Days-Long Count
Don’t wait. Drop off your ballot in person. It’s too late to put it in the mail if you want...
Michigan’s Eviction Moratorium Expires Today, New Program Aims to Help Renters
Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s moratorium on people being evicted from homes and apartments for non-payment of rent expired Thursday. It’s being...
Whitmer Ready With ‘Plan B’ for Road Money, Potential Affordable Care Act Repeal
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says she’s ready to go-it-alone to come up with money to pay for road repairs. That’s if...
New State Rule Requires Water Systems To Eliminate Lead Service Lines
A new state rule requires local water systems to get rid of all their lead service lines over the next...