Rick Pluta | MPRN
MPRN Capitol Bureau ChiefRick 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 bureau’s review found 68 thousand signatures — all or most collected by paid circulators — that were likely forged, duplicates, or otherwise invalid. -
The Michigan Supreme Court has given Governor Gretchen Whitmer 14 days to file a brief arguing why the Michigan Constitution protects abortion rights.
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Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed a law Thursday that requires public places that already allow service animals to also allow handlers to bring service animals in training.
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Governor Gretchen Whitmer is waiting to hear whether the Michigan Supreme Court will hear her challenge to Michigan’s dormant abortion law that would take effect if Roe v. Wade is overturned.
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An official legal opinion from Attorney General Dana Nessel says the state has failed to comply with a 1978 law that requires it create a registry and safety rules for medical tests conducted on animals.
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There was a big debate in the state House this week on language in the nearly $20 billion K-12 schools budget that would financially sanction schools that allow transgender athletes to compete outside their sex assigned at birth.
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The Republican-controlled Michigan House rejected several efforts Thursday to soften the impact on abortion rights if Roe v. Wade is reversed.
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The Michigan Supreme Court heard oral arguments Wednesday on whether defendants in the Flint water criminal case were denied a key constitutional right. If they win, one attorney says charges against defendants going all the way up to ex-Governor Rick Snyder could be thrown out.
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The Legislature is poised to send bills to Governor Gretchen Whitmer that would clear the way for Michigan to get its share of the national opioid lawsuit settlement.
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The Michigan Court of Appeals has tossed out a legal challenge to the presidential election results in Antrim County.
