Rick Pluta
Senior Capitol Correspondent - Michigan Public Radio NetworkRick Pluta is Senior Capitol Correspondent for the Michigan Public Radio Network. He has been covering Michigan’s Capitol, government, and politics since 1987. His reports appear regularly from the Capitol on public radio stations across the state and NPR.
He also hosts the weekly political program It’s Just Politics with Michigan Public's Political Director Zoe Clark.
Pluta's journalism background includes stints with UPI, The Elizabeth (NJ) Daily Journal, The (Pontiac, MI) Oakland Press, and WJR.
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.
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.
He is a lifelong public radio listener.
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An order issued earlier this week is the fourth time the U.S. Energy Department has extended operations of Consumers Energy's J.H. Campbell power plant in Ottawa County. -
Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall hints at a sweeping property tax overhaul, echoing Proposal A and setting up a consequential fight ahead of the 2026 elections. -
Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall says he will soon roll out plans soon to reduce real estate and property taxes without cutting funds for schools and local governments. -
An inside look at the proposals aiming for Michigan’s November ballot - from property taxes and school funding to voter ID and minimum wage - and where the campaigns stand now. -
Former Chicago Mayor, Obama Administration White House Chief of Staff, member of Congress, U.S. ambassador to Japan and possible Democratic presidential candidate Rahm Emanuel slipped into Michigan for a day, to test the waters for a presidential run — including an address Tuesday to the Detroit Economic Club. -
The Michigan Court of Appeals says a state civil rights investigation into police misconduct in Grand Rapids can continue for as long is at needs to because it is an administrative inquiry, not a criminal matter. -
Michigan’s safe gun storage and red flag laws adopted largely in response to mass shootings at Oxford High School and Michigan State University have been in effect for two years now. -
Governor Gretchen Whitmer unveils her 2026–27 budget as Republican Speaker of the House Matt Hall rejects new taxes, setting up an election-year showdown in Lansing. -
Governor Gretchen Whitmer's proposal rolls back spending compared with the current budget. State officials say there's less revenue available this year, and less help from the federal government. -
Michigan bans smartphones in classrooms starting next school year - what the new bipartisan law does and doesn’t do. Plus, Perry Johnson on entering the GOP primary for governor, Trump, and his pitch to voters.
