Rick Pluta | MPRN
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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Bills introduced in the Michigan Legislature would offer many lower-income parents a tax break for every child under 4 years old.
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The Michigan Court of Appeals has rejected a constitutional challenge to the state’s concealed weapons law in an opinion made public Friday.
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A state House panel held its first hearing Thursday on legislation to create a right to legal representation for people facing eviction from their rental homes.
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The Michigan Supreme Court is asked to decide whether sneakers and flip flops can be considered a dangerous weapon for the purpose of charging a teenager with assault.
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The parents of the Oxford High School shooter have been assigned public defenders to handle their appeals of involuntary manslaughter convictions.
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The White House is calling for higher import taxes on Chinese steel to counter that country's subsidies. That could have big consequences in industry-heavy Michigan.
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The House has been evenly divided for five months since two Democratic representatives resigned to take office as the mayors of Warren and Westland.
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Two special elections in Michigan Tuesday could break the tie between Democrats and Republicans in the state’s House of Representatives.
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Whitmer declined to use the word “genocide” to describe the war in Gaza and the massive Palestinian civilian death toll as Israel tries to eliminate Hamas.
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A rule issued Thursday by the White House expands required background checks for many gun purchases. It largely mirrors a Michigan law already in place.
