By Rick Pluta, Michigan Public Radio Network

LANSING, MI – The state House Republican leader says the odds of a state government shutdown increase dramatically each week there's not a budget deal in Lansing. The deadline for wrapping up the budget is September 30.

Minority Leader Kevin Elsenheimer says the budget plan just made public by Governor Granholm this week represents progress. But he says Republicans still think it relies too heavily on tax hikes and stimulus funds that add to the federal deficit.

By AP

ROCHESTER, MI – A judge has ordered around-the-clock negotiations between Oakland University and a union as part of an effort to resolve a nearly weeklong strike by the school's
professors.

Oakland County Circuit Judge Edward Sosnick on Wednesday said that if an agreement can't be reached by 10 a.m. Thursday he'll hold a hearing on the school's request for a back-to-work order for professors.

The strike has delayed the start of classes for 18,000 students.

By Peter Payette, Michigan Public Radio Network

LANSING, MI – A report by a state agency says there will be no new demand for electricity in Michigan until 2022.

The Michigan Public Service Commission says proposed new coal plants by Consumers Energy and Wolverine Power are unnecessary and unjustified.

But their report also says Consumer's plant near Bay City might be needed if the utility first closes one of its old coal-fired plants.

By Rick Pluta, Michigan Public Radio Network

LANSING, MI – State House Speaker Andy Dillon tried to turn down the heat today on his feud with Governor Granholm, and said Democrats are still on the same side in the budget debate in Lansing. Granholm and Dillon engaged in a round of name-calling Tuesday over progress on the state budget.

By Rick Pluta, Michigan Public Radio Network

LANSING, MI – Governor Granholm floated a plan Tuesday that would use spending cuts and new taxes on vending machine sales, bottled water, and live entertainment to balance the budget. The plan was quickly torpedoed by the Democratic leader of the state House.

AUDIO:

By Melissa Ingells, WKAR News

EAST LANSING, MI – The Lansing Symphony Orchestra begins its new season of concerts Saturday night at Wharton Center. Conductor Timothy Muffitt came to the WKAR studios recently to talk about the music on the program. The concert starts with a French take on the music of Spain--"Espana" by Emmanuel Chabrier.

AUDIO:

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.