Strong Storms Leave Thousands without Power
The Detroit Free Press is reporting that more than 100,000 people lost power last night when severe thunderstorms moved across the state. The majority of the power outages were in West Michigan including Kent, Ionia and Midland Counties. The Grand Rapids Press says the storms downed trees and power lines and started at least one fire.
Michigan: 2nd Highest Jobless Rate in the U.S.
Michigan, once again, has the 2nd highest unemployment rate in the nation. The state's 13.1% unemployment rate is second only to Nevada. That state has a 14.4% unemployment rate. As Rick Pluta reports, Governor Granholm says, despite the high numbers, Michigan is starting to move in the right direction. She says tax breaks and other incentives are helping the state attract jobs in emerging fields such as alternative energy and advanced batteries.
Pieces of Budget Passed
Lawmakers in Lansing passed more pieces of the state's budget yesterday. The Republican-controlled Senate passed a Corrections spending bill that now goes to the Democratic-led House. The Senate passed a Department of Community Health budget as well. That budget will also, now, go to the House. The state faces a projected $484 million deficit for the fiscal year that begins October 1st.
