Rick Pluta
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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There is an empty state Senate seat in Michigan's thumb region. No one currently represents the district because Governor Gretchen Whitmer has not yet called a special election. Some Republicans are saying she's playing politics with the 35th state Senate District. -
Michigan’s unemployment rate edged up in February by one-tenth of a percentage point to 5.4%, the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget says. -
Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall said Wednesday that a public safety trust fund is a top priority heading into the Legislature’s spring session. -
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan delivers his 12th and final state of the city address as he prepares for his 2026 independent bid for Michigan Governor. Duggan joins It’s Just Politics; plus, the politics surrounding an open Michigan Senate seat. -
A divorced couple's custody fight over a frozen embryo will head to the Michigan Supreme Court next month. -
A group of Republican state legislators is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to let them challenge two voter-approved amendments to the Michigan Constitution. -
The Democratic Michigan Senate leader is asking a judge to order the GOP-led House to send bills adopted last session, but never transmitted to the governor, to her desk. -
It’s the 11-year anniversary of a federal judge ruling that Michigan’s ban on same-sex marriage was unconstitutional. But, the issue of gay marriage is back in Lansing as a Republican lawmaker calls on the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn the ruling that made same-sex marriage legal nationwide. Plus, an update on the nine bills the Michigan House continues to hold. -
Saturday is the 11-year wedding anniversary for more than 300 gay and lesbian couples who were married in Michigan following a landmark court decision. -
Governor Gretchen Whitmer spoke out Wednesday against a Republican budget proposal that could force big cuts to federal spending, including popular programs like Medicaid.