What will it take to attract more people to work, live and stay in Michigan? Several groups presented their ideas Thursday afternoon.

Isabel Lohman
Michigan State launches tuition-free promise for families making up to $65K
Michigan State University is the latest Michigan university or college to announce a tuition-free guarantee.
In Michigan mental health crisis, a tug-of-war over too few social workers
Michigan schools, mental health agencies and hospitals fight over too few social workers. Could relaxed licensing, better pay help?
Michigan lawmakers consider making universal free school meals permanent
Michigan public school students can get free school breakfast and lunch at their schools during the 2023-2024 school year. Some lawmakers want to make the program permanent.
Michigan school M-STEP results remain down since pandemic, but some gains
Results from the spring standardized test, released Thursday, show continuing challenges after three years of COVID disruptions. But there were also a few gains from the previous year. See how your school district fared.
Michigan school tutoring funds not likely until spring state officials say
Michigan’s record education budget includes $150 million set aside for tutoring to help students recover from pandemic learning loss. But the state’s strict approval process means a wait until possibly March for the money.
The future of student loan forgiveness: What to know in Michigan
The U.S. Supreme Court struck down President Biden’s plan for widespread loan forgiveness in June. But there are other ways to get federal student loans forgiven. Plus, Michigan has a new program to help teachers pay back their loans.
Michigan State approves alcohol sales at Spartan Stadium this fall
MSU officials hope they can sell alcohol at home football games and other sporting venues this season. One MSU official estimates the school will sell about $250,000 in alcohol sales per home football game.
Michigan back-to-school COVID, flu vaccine requirements, and RSV too
A flurry of news about vaccines and boosters adds to family to-do lists as schools prepare to reopen for a new year.
What to know about Michigan’s universal free school meals program
Michigan lawmakers approved funding for public schools this year to offer free meals to all students, pre-K through 12th grade, regardless of income. Child nutrition experts are pushing to make the funding permanent.