Rick Pluta
Rick Pluta is Senior Capitol Correspondent for the Michigan Public Radio Network. He 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-hosted 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.
Follow him on Twitter at @rickpluta
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The Justice Department has taken steps to close the so-called "gun show loophole." But there's a murky legal question: Who counts as a gun seller?
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While the winners of Michigan's Democratic and Republican primaries are not expected to be a surprise, the outcome can provide insights to candidate strength in a key battleground state.
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Michigan's GOP is dealing with a challenge to its leadership over alleged mishandling of party assets. The winner of Tuesday's GOP primary will not receive all of the state's party delegates.
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Governor Gretchen Whitmer formally rolled out her budget proposal for the coming fiscal year Wednesday. It includes more money for public safety and schools. -
The crux of the state’s defense is that COVID restrictions were necessary during a public health crisis and they were applied equally to businesses with differences based only on levels of risk. -
The Michigan Supreme Court ruled Wednesday to uphold a lower court ruling that allows former President Donald Trump to appear on the ballot in 2024. Michigan is a pivotal state.
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The Michigan Senate last week adopted a bill to do that and sent it to the House. But the effort appears stalled, largely over repealing the law that forbids the use of Medicaid funds for most abortions. -
Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed bills Thursday to preserve Obamacare coverage in Michigan — even if all or part of the Affordable Care Act is someday reversed at the federal level. -
The Michigan Senate voted Wednesday for a bill to lift Michigan’s sweeping immunity law that protects drug companies against product liability lawsuits. -
A state House committee has approved legislation that would prohibit people convicted of many misdemeanor domestic violence crimes from possessing guns.
