Rick Pluta
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
-
Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson’s office confirmed that it was served with a subpoena by the special counsel investigating the Jan. 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol and former President Donald Trump’s attempts to reverse the results of the November 2020 election. -
A recount of ballots cast in a select number of precincts across Michigan in 2022 will go forward with a reluctant go-ahead from a state elections board.
-
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is on a two-day business jaunt to Washington, D.C., where she has meetings set up with Biden administration officials and members of Michigan’s congressional delegation.
-
The bipartisan Michigan Board of State Canvassers has certified the results of the statewide November elections in one of the final acts toward closing the books.
-
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer will name state Rep. Kyra Harris Bolden to the Michigan Supreme Court early next year. She will replace departing Justice Bridget Mary McCormack.
-
Elizabeth Clement was chosen this week in a closed-door meeting of the justices. She was named to the court in 2017 by Republican Gov. Rick Snyder and has shown an independent streak.
-
The report says overall, net personal income in the state will likely remain steady, and any growth in earnings will probably be eroded by inflation and taxes.
-
The Democratic governor also said she's ready to bargain with Republicans, as her party prepares to assume the majority in Lansing.
-
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat, won a second term over Republican Tudor Dixon. Voters also acted to enshrine abortion rights in the state's constitution.
-
Michigan Republican Secretary of State candidate and election denier Kristina Karamo wanted Detroit absentee ballots invalidated.
