State Senate Approves Bills to Allow Concealed Weapons in More Places
Jake Neher/WDET Concealed guns could be carried in schools, churches and other places they’re currently banned under bills adopted Wednesday...
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.
Snyder Says He Will Not Fire Police Chief Over Facebook Post
Jake Neher/WDET Gov. Rick Snyder says there is no reason to fire State Police Col. Kriste Etue over a controversial Facebook post....
Wage, Leave-Time Petition Drives Moving Ahead
Jake Neher/WDET Voters might have the chance to decide a pair of workers’ rights questions next year. A petition campaign...
Schuette Asked Whether Commission Can Add LGBT Protections
Jake Neher/WDET The Michigan Civil Rights Commission is asking state Attorney General Bill Schuette for a formal ruling on whether...
State Pipeline Safety Board to Discuss Line 5 on Monday
Jake Neher/WDET A state board plans to review problems with Enbridge Energy’s Line 5 oil and gas pipeline at a...
Energy Chief Says Enbridge Downplayed Damage to Line 5 Safety Coating
National Wildlife Federation Michigan’s energy chief says damage to the protective coating on an oil and gas pipeline that runs...
State Supreme Court Won’t Rule in Virgil Smith Ballot Case Before Election
vote-mi.org The Michigan Supreme Court has agreed to decide whether prosecutors can force elected lawmakers to give up their seats...
Dave Trott to Exit Congress After Two Terms
WDET Congressman Dave Trott (R-Birmingham) says he will not seek reelection next year and will retire after four years in...
Schuette Charges 11 with Faking Records in Veterans Neglect Scandal
WDET Eleven former employees of the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans have been charged with felonies for falsifying reports to...
Unemployment Fraud Lawsuit Against State Dismissed by Court of Appeals
Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency The Michigan Court of Appeals dismissed a lawsuit claiming the state wrongfully accused thousands of people...
Mackinac Bridge Making Security Plans for Labor Day Walk
Mackinac Bridge Authority The operators of the Mackinac Bridge are warning there could be big traffic backups leading into the...
State Superintendent Expects ‘Tough Negotiations’ on Help for Failing Schools
Michigan Department of Education Michigan’s education chief forecasts some contentious negotiations with federal officials on the state’s plans for identifying...