Thousands Still Without Power in Southern Michigan

(DETROIT, Mich.) -- Thousands of people in southern Michigan are still without power after storms ravaged the area over the weekend.

Some 120,000 customers in southeastern Michigan lost power in Saturday's storm. DTE Energy is seeking outside help to restore power to 12,000 customers, according to The Detroit Free Press.

Some areas may not see power again until Wednesday, although most of the customers can expect to have power by late Tuesday night.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

Unemployed College Grads Struggling to Find Work

(LANSING, Mich.) -- The number of unemployed Michigan college graduates is rising at an alarming rate, according to data compiled by the Michigan League of Human Services' fifth annual Labor Day report released Monday.

Among the most significant findings is how long the unemployed remain out of work.

Nearly half of all unemployed graduates who hold at least a bachelor's degree have been out of work for 26 weeks or more, representing an increase of 11 percent from 2009. Close to 52 percent of people who have attended "some college" have been employed for 26 weeks or more.

Despite the negative outlook for college grads, the report noted overall unemployment in Michigan dropped 1.1 percent.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

Back to School: Food Safety Tips for School Lunches

(LANSING, Mich.) -- As students make their way back into the classroom after a long summer break, parents are being urged to follow some food safety guidelines when packing their children's lunches.

The following are some of the safety tips offered by the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development, for parents when packing school lunches:

• Use a thermos to keep milk or juice cold until lunchtime
• Ensure countertops are clean when preparing lunch, and regularly wash and sanitize your child’s lunch box
• Rinse fruits and vegetables under running tap water
• Put something cold in the lunch box, such as a frozen juice box, to ensure that sandwiches don't get too warm

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

Gov. Snyder Delays Sending Layoff Notices to State Employees

(DETROIT) -- On Thursday, Gov. Rick Snyder said his office will not be sending layoff notices to state employees despite the absence of a deal between the state and unions.

Negotiations continue between the state and the United Auto Workers Local 6000 which is the largest state employee union. Budget problems forced Gov. Snyder to seek $145 million in concessions from 50,000 state employees.  The state is seeking to cut health care contributions and reduce management positions while the union seeks to save as many jobs as possible.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

Ann Arbor Post Office Evacuated Due to Suspicious Package

(ANN ARBOR, Mich.) -- A U.S. Postal Service facility in Ann Arbor was evacuated Friday due to a suspicious package, ABC News Detroit affiliate WXYZ-TV reports.

Ann Arbor Police confirm the package was discovered behind the building located on the 2300 block of W. Stadium Blvd.

The building was evacuated and the parking areas were cleared.

Police and the Michigan State Bomb Squad did not specify the package’s content.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio