Rick Pluta | MPRN
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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A challenge to Michigan’s rules on water contamination by a group of forever chemicals is on the Michigan Supreme Court’s November oral arguments docket. -
Two percent of Michigan voters remain undecided in the race for president according to new polling by Glengariff Group for The Detroit News and WDIV. With a race that has consistently shown Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump within the margin of error, two percent could make all the difference in winning Michigan’s 15 electoral votes and the White House. -
A handful of state House races will decide whether Democrats continue to control Lansing for another two years, or if Republicans will take the helm for the coming term. -
Early in-person voting is required to be offered at least nine days prior to Election Day under a 2022 amendment to the Michigan Constitution. -
On this week’s It’s Just Politics, former Republican members of Congress Liz Cheney and Fred Upton both speak out in Michigan in favor of Vice President Kamala Harris for president; plus Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Elizabeth Clement makes a surprise endorsement in the race for a seat on the state’s highest court. -
The race for president is largely viewed as Vice President Kamala Harris versus former President Donald Trump. But the race is not just the two big parties. -
On this week’s It’s Just Politics, Elon Musk name checks Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson on X, more than a million absentee ballots in Michigan are already sent in and the presidential candidates in Michigan are everywhere all at once. Plus, a surprising endorsement from Supreme Court Chief Justice Elizabeth Clement. Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta are joined on this week’s podcast by Bridge Michigan’s Lauren Gibbons and the Detroit Free Press’ Clara Hendrickson. -
We followed an absentee ballot from drop off to counting in Michigan to demonstrate how it works. -
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Polling shows that voters are concerned about election fraud but one new survey shows that when voters learn more about safety procedures their confidence skyrockets.
