By Rick Pluta, Michigan Public Radio Network

LANSING, MI – The state Public Service Commission has released a report that says Michigan does not need new coal-burning power plants to meet its energy needs. The report is a setback for Consumers Energy, which is seeking permission to build a large capacity power plant near Bay City that has fewer emissions than a traditional coal plant.

By Rick Pluta, Michigan Public Radio Network

LANSING, MI – Michigan is stockpiling a supply of anti-radiation tablets to help protect people within 10 miles of a nuclear plant in the event of an accident. People can get a one-day supply from a local pharmacy now that Michigan's joined a federal program to get the potassium iodide pills. They help protect from radiation damage to the thyroid gland.

By AP

KANSAS CITY, MO – Billy Butler drove in two runs, Kansas City's bullpen pitched 4 1-3 scoreless innings and the Royals ended the Detroit Tigers' six-game winning streak with a 7-5 victory Tuesday night.

The Royals had 11 hits and a rare strong performance from their bullpen to win
consecutive games for the first time since July 27-28 against Baltimore.

By Rick Pluta, Michigan Public Radio Network

LANSING, MI – Attorney General Mike Cox says he would cut the state's primary business tax in half in his first year if elected governor. That would cost the state $2 billion in lost revenue. And Cox says he would eventually phase out the Michigan Business Tax altogether. He says he'd also ask the Legislature to reduce the state income tax.

By AP

LANSING, MI – The Michigan Public Service Commission is giving negative reviews to proposals for two coal-fired power plants.

Commission staffers said Tuesday that Wolverine Power Cooperative has failed to show a need for the plant it wants to build in Rogers City.

In a separate report, the staffers also say Consumers Energy hasn't made the case for a new coal plant near Bay City unless some of the company's existing power generation is taken offline.

By AP

ROCHESTER, MI – Oakland University has asked a judge to order striking professors back to work as classes remain canceled at the suburban Detroit university.

A hearing is scheduled for 10 a.m. EDT Wednesday before Oakland County Circuit Judge Edward Sosnick on the university's complaint that the strike is illegal.

The campus chapter of the American Association of University Professors authorized a walkout Sept. 2 after the university proposed a three-year wage freeze along with cuts in health-insurance benefits.

By Laura Weber, Michigan Public Radio Network

LANSING, MI – Business groups met in Lansing Tuesday to call for structural reforms from the Legislature and Governor Granholm. They say their list of 20 reforms would help eliminate future embarrassment from state budget failures.

Jim Holcombe is with the Michigan Chamber of Commerce.

"We simply cannot keep going down the path we've set ourselves upon where each year we path together a budget, we cobble something together, and put off the tough choices for another two years," he said.

By Rick Pluta, Michigan Public Radio Network

LANSING, MI – Governor Granholm's released her plan for balancing the state budget for the new fiscal year that begins October 1. Her proposal to lawmakers includes a one-penny tax on bottled water, extending the sales tax to sports and entertainment tickets, and increasing the state tax on cigarettes to $2.25 cents a pack. She also wants to end some business tax breaks.

By Rick Pluta, Michigan Public Radio Network

Michigan Public Radio Network – The state Department of Community Health is offering a free one-day supply of potassium iodide pills for people who live near a nuclear power plant. The pills can help reduce the effects of radiation in the event of a nuclear accident.

Janet Olzewski is the director of the department of community health. She says getting the pills to people who face possible exposure to radiation is now part of the state's plans for dealing with a nuclear emergency.

By Mark Bashore, WKAR News

LANSING, MI – Immunization and common sense would help Michigan avoid serious outbreaks of two types of flu this coming season. That was the message from two state agencies Tuesday at a Lansing news conference.