Michigan lawmakers are expected to vote Wednesday on legislation amending the state’s election process, including allowing clerks additional time to pre-process absentee ballots.

Bridge education reporter Isabel Lohman moderated a discussion with a panel of educators and researchers about causes of and potential solutions to teacher staffing issues.

Voters will elect two candidates apiece for the boards of each of Michigan’s largest universities. The currently unfilled positions wield enormous influence.

Districts are heeding expert warnings of a “perfect storm” of economic uncertainty fueled by inflation, enrollment declines, the threat of recession, and expiring federal aid.

Attorney General Dana Nessel and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson have millions of dollars in the bank. Their lesser-known rivals, Matthew DePerno and Kristina Karamo, have few funds left and not much time until Election Day.

The board has little influence over day-to-day operations of Michigan schools, but it has become a focal point of cultural and gender controversies over curriculum. Two seats are up for grabs.

Absentee ballots must be available to Michigan voters by Thursday, and at least one legislative leader says he’s confident there could be breakthrough soon to give clerks extra time to pre-process them.

What to know about how to register to vote, when to request absentee ballots and more in Michigan.

COVID’s tendency to hopscotch through communities — killing some and leaving others unscathed — has baffled scientists and likely left some Michiganders feeling invincible. Researchers search for clues.

EMU faculty union members are one step closer to having a new contract with their university. The deal came after a faculty strike that disrupted three days of classes and includes pay and benefit hikes.

Superintendents will be counting Michigan students Oct. 5, but many children will be out of school observing a major Jewish holiday. It’s a crucial day for Michigan school districts trying to maximize state funding, but this year it coincides with Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish year when the observant fast, pray, and abstain from work and school.

Mothers groups are becoming more involved, and the GOP says polling suggests dissatisfaction with schools is becoming a winning issue among voters.