1. The time has come; Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump will meet on the debate stage for the first time tonight at Hofstra University in New York.
Trump, whose primary debate tactics consisted of insulting his opponents and playing to the audience, will face a seasoned debate veteran in Clinton.
As the week leading up to the debate was filled with tension and violent protests after police-involved shootings in Tulsa and Charlotte, racial issues have dominated the two candidates’ campaign trails and are sure to come up tonight.
NBC’s Lester Holt will moderate the political showdown which airs on all major networks at 9 p.m.
2. More than two dozen students are the 'guinea pigs' for a new class at Grand Valley State University.
The class, called “Black Lives Matter,” is a one credit class that is aimed to give students a closer look at race relations.
There are 16 students in the class who are all from different races and backgrounds.
The students work in groups and are encouraged to have open conversations with one another.
Their final grade depends on participation and a final project.
Similar courses are offered at other universities, but it’s being treated as a “pop up class” at Grand Valley State University and focusing on current events.
3. There’s a new Miss Michigan U.S.A.
23-year-old Krista Ferguson won the title at the McMorran Arena in Port Huron on Saturday.
She was first runner up last year, and she says this year's win is really special because she's struggled with Type 1 diabetes for the past year.
Ferguson will move on to next year's Miss U.S.A. pageant, and the winner of that will advance to the Miss Universe.
4. If you don't have any dinner plans tonight, you can enjoy a six course meal for a good cause.
It's part of the second annual Rocktoberfest at New Holland Brewing to benefit Feeding America.
The dinner features several regional chefs who will make dishes based on a rock and roll song or artist of their choice. Each course will be paired with a beer or cocktail.
The dinner is at the brewery's pub on 8th Street in Holland.
The reception is at 6:30 p.m., dinner starts at 7 p.m., and tickets cost $85.
5. Breakfast is getting a little bit happier at McDonald’s.
McDonald’s is testing a breakfast Happy Meal at 73 locations in the Tulsa area today.
Customers will have the choice between two McGriddles, or a new egg and cheese McMuffin without Canadian bacon, plus two sides.
If the roll-out is successful, the offering could be available nationally by next year.
This is the first major change to the happy meal in 30 years.
