Michigan’s unemployment rate ticks up for third consecutive month
Michigan’s jobless rate ticked up to 4.5% in August, the third month in a row the state unemployment rate has...
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.
RFK Jr. files last-ditch effort to get off Michigan ballot
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. filed a last-ditch federal lawsuit Thursday in an effort to get his name off Michigan’s presidential...
Benson to testify before US House voting security panel
Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson will tell a congressional panel that “lies,” threats to election workers and foreign interference...
RFK Jr, Cornel West will be on Michigan presidential ballot
The Michigan Supreme Court ruled Monday that Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s name will be on the state’s presidential ballot.This appears...
State appealing court order to remove RFK Jr. from ballot
The state is taking what is likely the final round of the he’s-on/he’s-off fight over Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s presidential ballot...
Trump visits Howell to deliver law and order address
Former President and current Republican nominee Donald Trump made a campaign stop Tuesday in Livingston County to deliver an address...
Activist Cornel West booted from Michigan presidential ballot
The Michigan Bureau of Elections notified the independent presidential campaign of progressive political activist and academic Cornel West that a...
Harris, Trump campaigns eye Michigan with less than 100 days to go
It’s less than 100 days until the final day of the November general election and the beginning of vote-counting. At...
Whitmer signs bill to ban ‘gay panic’ defense in assault cases
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a bill this week that bans the use of what is sometimes called the “gay panic”...
Whitmer signs budget that offers K-14 guarantee
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a $23.4 billion education budget Tuesday that includes a guarantee the state will pay for at...
Whitmer to NAACP: ‘We must stay focused’
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer was one of the speakers Wednesday at the NAACP convention in Las Vegas, where she warned against...
Trump, GOP challenge Michigan voter registration rule
Former President Donald Trump’s campaign along with the Republican National Committee and the Michigan Republican Party filed a federal lawsuit...