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A rather far-reaching ballot proposal is being pushed by state Democrats to have more power to redraw the legislative districts .But state republicans call it ‘a sneaky power grab’. Dianne Byrum is a former Democratic politician in the state; she joins us to discuss the proposal.

A divided Michigan Senate late Friday voted 21-14 to limit competition in the state's electric market, a demand of big utilities before they seek financing for new multibillion-dollar power plants. The Senate also voted 20-12 to approve a requirement that a combined 7% of electricity in the state come from wind or other renewable sources or be saved by energy efficiency by 2016. State Senator Buzz Thomas and Hans Detweiler, of the American Wind Energy Association, discuss this controversial legislation.

T’was the Night before Summer is a new children’s book from Macinac Island Press at the center of a national public library pro-reading program. Plus, it features a glow-in-the dark cover. Swweeet. Illustrator Wendy Popko joins us to talk about the book and the program. (Author Anne Margaret Lewis is an unlucky root-canal patient today. Feel better soon)

At 11am, we’re proud to present the second installment of our First Friday Film Forum! Alas, it’s Thursday… we’re already off. WDET reporter and film buff Rob St. Mary takes the helm of the forum, along with Corey Hall and Jeff Meyers.

Next week's Metro Youth Day celebrates 26 years of fun on Belle Isle. Ed Deeb, one of the event's founders, shares his excitement over the success of the annual fun.

The Synagro sludge deal continues as we learn that four council members, and many other city officials are now under investigation. The Free Press reported on Saturday “that one person taped by the FBI was John Clark, Cockrel's chief of staff, who sources said accepted two payments of $2,000 from Rosendall earlier this year. Clark resigned last week. Cockrel had voted against the deal. Rosendall, 43, of Grand Rapids, vice president for market development for Synagro before the company announced his suspension Monday, came to the attention of FBI agents several months ago, sources said.” From then on, Rosendall worked with the FBI and continued to make payoff’s under federal monitoring. More this morning from the Free Press’s M.L. Elrick.

When asked what the next president can do for the auto industry, Rick Wagoner of GM told Barack Obama, “government support for basic research on new energy technologies is crucial.” What do you think about the government helping the industry in this way? How will it be regulated? Is the assistance justified? How do you factor in the 18.3% decline in sales? We’ll talk about it this morning with The Car Connection’s, Paul Eisenstein. What’s your take? 313-577-1019

"The Michigan Democratic Party would be the jackpot winner of a far-reaching ballot proposal to overhaul state government -- a movement that Republicans say is a sneaky power grab engineered by Democrats. A spokeswoman for Reform Michigan Government Now!, an organization whose origins and finances are shadowy, said Tuesday she believes enough voter signatures will be collected." Henry Woloson is a founder of the group, Reform Michigan Government. He says the new group, Reform Michigan Government Now! has stolen his groups' name, and in many ways, identity. We'll talk to Woloson this morning about how he thinks the balloting process is flawed.

Ron Bachman embodies perseverance and determination. After the amputation of both his legs at the age of four, Bachman found freedom by walking on his hands. He has grown to become a speaker and motivator to children and adults by founding Walk This Way. This organization delivers self-esteem and motivational programs to schools so children can be inspired to overcome challenges and stay confident. Now Metro-Detroiter Bachman is the finalist in 2008 Energizer Keep it Going Hall of Fame. You can vote for Ron here.

They lost their gym, but Kronk Boxing Team's fighters haven't lost their nerve. The Metro Times’ Michael Jackman brings us the intimate story today.

The Mayor’s decision to not purchase Detroit’s Incinerator is being regarded by many residents as a step in the right direction. Metro Times writer Curt Guyette has been drawing attention to the story before almost anyone else. He’ll join us to talk about the landmark decision and what he sees ahead.

With a multi-million dollar shortfall in their annual budget, the Detroit Public Schools’ Monday night vote decides what programs to cut, how many teachers to layoff, and what other sacrifices to make in an already suffering district. The Detroit Free Press’s Chastity Pratt Dawsy joins us to discuss the situation.

Michigan Education Association President Iris Salters then address the rest of the education crisis around the state. Many suburban and rural districts are forced into lay off and cuts in after-school and arts programs. What can, and should, be done at the state level to stop this trend?

Tuesday morning brings new developments in the Synagro scandal. We’ll let you know what’s going on.

The Muslim community is looking like an important factor in deciding this year’s presidential election, and Metro Detroit’s large Arabic and Muslim population will likely be a big stop for the candidates. What are some of the issues the community cares most about? For the past 7 years, Muslims in America have taken the suspicion and degradation of law enforcement, politicians, and many citizens because of 9/11. In the midst of the War on Terror, the year’s election will be historic, and American-Muslims will certainly play a role. Shaykh Baqir Berry of the Islamic Institute of Knowledge in Dearborn and Dawud Walid, Executuve Director of CAIR-MI join us.

Also, Seun Kuti, youngest son of Fela, tells us about his music and life before his performance at this year’s Cityfest.