The U.S. Department of Education has denied Michigan’s request to waive the federal requirement to administer the state summative assessments, the Michigan Department of Education announced Tuesday.

DETROIT – A new program in Detroit aims to end generational poverty by pairing children who have had adverse experiences with a paid, professional mentor for 12 years. It’s a unique idea that has proven successful in other cities -- and now, Friends of the Children is starting a Detroit chapter. Friends of the Children’s goal is to give children a consistent and caring adult in their life. The nonprofit pairs children who face several systemic obstacles with a professional mentor, called a Friend. More information on Friends of the Children Detroit can be found on its official website or its official Facebook page here.

MACOMB COUNTY, Mich. LAnse Creuse Public School officials are facing some backlash from the teachers union on their back-to-school plan. The teachers union believes the district has used unfair tactics to force teachers back into the classroom. The district is the fourth largest in Macomb County, with more than 10,000 students and more than 570 teachers. So much so that while there is a virtual option for students, from a third party online school service, there was no virtual option for teachers. The teachers union said they are angry and feel like their arms are being twisted to return to the classroom.