Rick Pluta
MPRN Capitol Bureau ChiefRick 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 primary preceded next week’s decisive “Super Tuesday” when 16 states and one U.S. territory will host primaries and caucuses.
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While the winners of Michigan's Democratic and Republican primaries are not expected to be a surprise, the outcome can provide insights to candidate strength in a key battleground state.
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Michigan's GOP is dealing with a challenge to its leadership over alleged mishandling of party assets. The winner of Tuesday's GOP primary will not receive all of the state's party delegates.
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A Kent County judge has allowed a lawsuit to go forward that seeks a court order to legally declare that disputed Michigan Republican Party Chair Kristina Karamo is out.
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The “red flag” law is one of the new firearm safety laws about to become enforceable. Also: a law that requires guns to be safely stored and locked when not in use in homes with children and universal background checks for gun purchases.
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The budget season at the Michigan Capitol will kick off Wednesday when Gov. Gretchen Whitmer presents her spending plans to the House and Senate appropriations committees.
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Republicans were already questioning the cost of Governor Gretchen Whitmer's proposals on Wednesday. That will come into focus at upcoming state budget meetings.
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The governor is set to give her annual State of the State address at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 24.
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Under certain conditions, road salt can be more hindrance than help for drivers.