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
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Governor Gretchen Whitmer says she’s NOT about to issue new health orders based on guidance from the CDC. -
The Michigan Court of Appeals is the next stop for the petition campaign to add LTBTQ protections to the state civil rights law.
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The US Department of Justice says it won’t open an investigation into Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s nursing home policies during the COVID-19 crisis.
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A law Governor Gretchen Whitmer used to issue emergency orders during the early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic was repealed Wednesday by a vote by the state House of Representatives.
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The Michigan House will meet Wednesday to adopt a petition initiative to reign in Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s use of emergency powers.
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The Michigan Senate will begin hearings soon on a proposed overhaul of publicly provided mental health services.
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The Michigan Senate has approved a petition initiative to repeal the emergency powers law used by Governor Gretchen Whitmer in the earliest months of the COVID-19 crisis. If repealed, the governor would have to get the Legislature’s permission after 28 days to extend emergency orders.
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Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the first four 50-thousand-dollar prize winners Wednesday of lottery drawings for people who’ve been vaccinated against COVID-19.
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The campaign to expand Michigan’s civil rights law has been given more time to show it’s collected enough signatures to qualify for the statewide ballot.
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A state board has certified that an initiative to curtail Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s emergency powers has gathered enough signatures to put the question before the Legislature.
