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
-
A state House committee has approved legislation that would prohibit people convicted of many misdemeanor domestic violence crimes from possessing guns. -
What makes the decision important is the determination that a violation of any single element of Michigan’s animal cruelty law can justify a conviction. -
The Detroit enclave has fewer than 9,000 residents, a poverty rate around 40%, and a giant past-due bill from the state-created Great Lakes Water Authority. -
Michigan courts are expanding a network of self-help centers for indigent people who can’t afford an attorney to represent them in civil cases. -
The Michigan Court of Claims is fast-tracking a legal challenge to seeking to block former President Donald Trump from appearing on the statewide ballot. -
A state House subcommittee held a hearing Thursday on bills to establish new housing protections, including what supporters are calling a “homeless bill of rights.” -
One of the first set of oral arguments was about exactly when a train operator had a duty to pull the brakes when he saw a person walking along the track. -
The court sharply split on the issue that came to the forefront in 2021 after an appeals court judge wrote an opinion lambasting a defendant's request to be referred to as “they.” -
Jobs numbers released Thursday show Michigan’s unemployment rate edged up ever so slightly in August to 3.7%. -
The Michigan Supreme Court will hear arguments next month on whether public universities owe students refunds for canceling in-person classes during the COVID-19 pandemic.
