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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In 2023, a record number of states have passed rules or legislation to eliminate youth gender-affirming care, but a record number of states have also moved to protect care for trans youth and adults. -
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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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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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.
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In Kalamazoo, Mich., at least six people are dead and others injured after multiple shootings Saturday. Authorities say the shootings were random. Michigan Public Radio's Rick Pluta has an update.
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The Democratic presidential candidate visited Flint, Mich., on Sunday. While on the campaign trail, she's been highlighting the city's recovery from lead contamination in its water.
