Rick Pluta
Reporter / Producer - 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 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 Michigan Supreme Court refuses to bypass a lower court in a suit that pits the Legislature’s Senate Democratic majority leader against the Republican House speaker. -
Michigan Court of Claims Judge Sima Patel voted the bills off the island, but didn’t send a boat. -
A group of tribal nations and environmental organizations say Enbridge’s plan to encase the oil and gas pipeline in a tunnel doesn’t remove the threat to the Great Lakes. -
A group of tribal nations and environmental groups argue Enbridge’s plan to encase the oil and gas pipeline in a tunnel doesn’t remove the threat to the Great Lakes.
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A ruling from the Michigan Supreme Court requires more than 250 felons sent to prison for life with no chance of parole for crimes committed when they were 18 to have their sentences reviewed -
Nine bills passed in last session’s legislature remain in legislative limbo as House Republicans defy a court ruling to send the bills to Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer to sign or veto. Plus, the latest on Trump’s “Liberation Day.” -
The new state law that lifts Michigan’s 38-year-old ban on paid surrogate pregnancy contracts took effect Tuesday. -
The Michigan Supreme Court will decide whether some people convicted under the state's felony murder law should have their life-without-parole sentences reconsidered. -
There is an empty state Senate seat in Michigan's thumb region. No one currently represents the district because Governor Gretchen Whitmer has not yet called a special election. Some Republicans are saying she's playing politics with the 35th state Senate District. -
Michigan’s unemployment rate edged up in February by one-tenth of a percentage point to 5.4%, the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget says.
