Rick Pluta
Rick Pluta 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-hosts 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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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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In a reverse decision, the judges say that barber Karl Manke, who refused to close his shop in defiance of Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's shutdown order, must shutter.
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Democrats chose Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to give the English response to the State of the Union Address. But in Michigan, some wonder if she can live up to expectations.
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A federal judge in Detroit has ordered bond hearings for hundreds of Iraqis detained by the Department of Homeland Security while they fight deportation. The decision says holding people who don't pose a serious flight risk is unconstitutional.
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Retail giant Amazon is looking for a second home, and many cities are trying to land the HQ2 project. At stake are 50,000 jobs and a new economic anchor for the winner. It has led to a lot of stunts.
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The director of the state's Department of Health and Human Services, Nick Lyon, and Chief Medical Executive Dr. Eden Wells are the highest-ranking state officials to be charged in the crisis.
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Nick Lyon is the highest-ranking state official to be charged in the crisis.
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With its large population of Middle Eastern immigrants, the Detroit area is a natural destination for refugees from Syria. But a local leader has called for a stop to these refugee resettlements.
