WOOD-TV

Michigan's third-grade reading proficiency has fallen sharply over the past decade, prompting U.S. Senate candidates Abdul El-Sayed (D) and Mike Rogers (R) to outline differing federal responses. El-Sayed calls for a federal right to literacy, backed by increased education funding, full IDEA funding for special education, and tying defense spending increases to education spending. Rogers proposes directing existing Title I funds toward phonics-based reading intervention for struggling students and opposes promoting students to fourth grade without grade-level reading skills.

Since education policy is largely controlled at the state and local level, a senator's influence would come through federal funding and priorities rather than direct control over curricula.

Early in-person voting opened in Grand Rapids, Michigan, giving residents 13 days to cast ballots before the Nov. 3 general election—beyond the nine days required by state law. Voters can cast ballots at any of four sites—St. Peter and Paul School, GRPS University, Ottawa Hills High School, and New Hope Baptist Church—rather than being limited to a home precinct, as on Election Day. The city is also offering live wait-time tracking online. City Clerk Joel Hondorp said absentee voting remains the most popular early option, and voters can bring absentee ballots to any early voting site or their precinct to run through the tabulator in person. The early voting window closes the Sunday before Election Day.

Nexstar Media Group's Michigan television stations will air two live, multi-market debates dubbed "Debate Week in Michigan" ahead of the state's high-profile 2026 races. The gubernatorial debate airs October 6 from 7 to 8 p.m. ET, followed by the U.S. Senate debate on October 8, same time slot. Both events will originate from WOOD-TV's studios in Grand Rapids, moderated by political reporter Rick Albin with anchor Amber Krycka fielding viewer questions on topics including technology, healthcare, immigration, and the economy.

In the governor's race, Republican U.S. Representative John James faces Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, competing to succeed term-limited Gretchen Whitmer. The Senate debate pits Democrat Abdul El-Sayed, a former public health official and past gubernatorial candidate, against Republican former Congressman Mike Rogers, vying for the seat being vacated by retiring Senator Gary Peters. The debates will broadcast across Nexstar's Michigan stations, stream digitally, and have excerpts air nationally on NewsNation and The Hill.