State faces rosier revenue, budget picture with new projections
Michigan’s employment and earnings numbers are coming in better than expected, which also means a likely windfall to help pay...
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.
Court of Appeals says MDHHS acted too quickly to sever parent’s rights
The Michigan Court of Appeals has ruled the due process rights of a woman who lost parental rights to her...
Michigan Supreme Court to hear youth life without parole challenge
The Michigan Supreme Court will hear cases in January that could decide whether more younger defendants convicted of murder will...
Whitmer signs bills to extend jobless benefits to 26 weeks
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed bills Monday that will expand unemployment benefits for people who are out of work. Over three...
Michigan appeals court upholds charges in political robocalls cases
The Michigan Court of Appeals has ordered criminal election fraud cases to go forward against two men accused of orchestrating...
AG releases report on clergy abuse on Lansing archdiocese
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued a report Monday outlining allegations of sexual abuse by clergy in the Lansing Diocese of the...
Senate approves ‘productivity credits’ that would reduce prison time
Inmates could see their time in prison reduced if they earn education credits or complete job training or other approved...
Republicans urge road funding revision as Legislature resumes lame duck session this week
The Michigan Legislature returns Tuesday to the state Capitol with a long shot possibility of adopting a road funding plan...
Oxford shooter’s mother wants her convictions tossed
The mother of the Oxford High School shooter is asking a judge to dismiss her felony convictions because the prosecutor...
U-M econ conference forecasts modest income growth for Michigan workers
A respected University of Michigan economic think tank has bumped up its projections for wages and salaries in Michigan this...
Oakland prosecutor asks court to refuse Oxford shooter’s request to withdraw guilty plea
Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald is asking a judge to refuse the Oxford High School shooter’s request to withdraw his...
Michigan Supreme Court refuses association’s COVID case
The Michigan Supreme Court has refused to hear a case filed by a business group that wants the state to...