Rick Pluta
Rick 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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After a court ruling Friday, abortion in Michigan continues to be legal for now - though there are more legal challenges ahead.
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Abortion is still legal in Michigan after a circuit court judge ruled that county prosecutors can't charge providers with a felony. The decision blocks the enforcement of a 1931 pre-Roe abortion ban.
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Under a ruling by the Michigan Court of Appeals, local prosecutors in Michigan may soon be allowed to file felony charges against abortion providers. Multiple challenges are already underway.
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People in Flint, Mich., are awaiting justice after water there was poisoned years ago. The former governor is facing charges, but the state Supreme Court has issued an opinion weakening the case.
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Michigan has seen a surge in COVID-19 cases, and skepticism is growing over health orders and vaccines. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is in persuasion mode to try to get vaccine skeptics on board.
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Michigan ex-Gov. Rick Snyder and a former Flint public works director have each been charged with two misdemeanor counts of willful neglect of duty in connection with the Flint water crisis.
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Democrats say it doesn't go far enough. Republicans say it goes too far. After armed protests in Lansing and a violent riot in D.C., Michigan capitol bans open carry, joining a majority of states. -
Days after Democratic Rep. Cynthia Johnson was harassed for her criticism of Rudolph Giuliani, Michigan Republicans removed her from her committee posts for sharing a 'threatening' video on Facebook.
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Michigan's top Republican lawmakers are reportedly headed to the White House Friday. Trump's campaign is trying to challenge votes from heavily Democratic parts of the state without success in court.
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Michigan open-carry advocates are challenging state officials' ban on bringing weapons into the polls next week, as some voters and poll workers fear intimidation.
