Michigan’s gubernatorial candidates Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Republican challenger Tudor Dixon will debate at 7 p.m. Thursday in Grand Rapids. You will be able to watch a live video stream of the debate on this post.

The Democratic governor cites unprecedented investments in public schools during her first term. But her aggressive COVID pandemic policies, including school closures, have fueled conservative attacks on her leadership.

The GOP nominee for governor leans strongly into culture-war issues that are now Republican mainstream, including restrictions on LGBTQ books and critical race theory. Parents, she said, are too often left out of school curriculum decisions.

Monthly benefits will increase 8.7 percent in January because inflation has soared all year. Here’s how much it will benefit Michigan families.

The form, previewed on Twitter, is simple and short, and is expected to be officially released later this month. It promises to save Michigan borrowers up to $10,000 or even $20,000 in student debt.

After weeks of tension with the Board of Trustees, MSU President Samuel Stanley Jr. said he had lost confidence in the board, accusing some trustees of “micromanagement.” He is the third MSU president in five years to resign for issues related to Title IX compliance.

People with college degrees tend to make more money than those without them. Which is why the governor and legislature passed measures to cut tuition. Some schools are going further: eliminating book fees, financial red tape and other obstacles to graduation.

There will be a lot of money for college on the table for high school seniors graduating next year. But first, they need to fill out forms.

Counties that voted for Joe Biden for president so far have sought more absentee ballots. But that may be cold comfort for Democrats since Republicans are more likely to vote in person.

You still need an ID to vote. Billionaires can contribute to running elections. Prisoners can’t vote. What else to know about Promote the Vote.

Local school boards across Michigan are seeing more candidates running on LGBTQ books, transgender rights and history curricula than on the more prosaic concerns of school leaders, including budgets and boosting student achievement.

Historic marker recognizes Birwood Wall, a symbol of racist housing practices and a challenge to do better.