The Michigan Senate passed a bipartisan package of bills aimed at reducing the financial burden of medical debt and helping prevent a medical emergency from causing long-term financial harm.

Senate Bills 449, 450, 451, 701 and 702 would significantly rein in debt collection practices such as personal liens, wage garnishment and home foreclosures. The bills would also cap interest rates applied to medical debt.

Nonprofit hospitals are already required to maintain financial assistance programs under federal requirements. Under this legislation, all Michigan hospitals would need to offer financial assistance programs to provide patients with repayment options.

The bills have been sent to the House of Representatives for further consideration.

Nearly 500 designs were submitted in the 2024 “I voted” sticker design contest. The contest is returning for the 2026 election cycle, and entries are now being accepted.

Entries can be submitted online in one of three categories: elementary/middle (K-8), high school (9-12) or a general entry for residents of all ages. Artwork must be original, nonpartisan and include the phrase “I voted.” Submissions are due by 5 p.m. on May 1.

The public will vote for finalists in June. Winners will be announced later this summer, and stickers with the winning designs will be available for election clerks to order for the November election.

In response to ongoing concerns about overpopulation, the Natural Resources Commission established a coyote management season running from March 2 to Oct. 14.

The hunting and trapping season runs from Oct. 15 to March 1, with a management season for the remainder of the year, except on state park and recreation lands where hunting is prohibited from April 1 to Sept. 14. During the management season, the lethal take of coyotes is allowed from March 2 to Oct. 14 to address interspecies conflict and overabundance on private and public lands.

The NRC restored the ability to take coyotes year-round but limited the scope of the hunt during the management season.

Click here for a list of frequently asked questions about coyote management.

The 2026 Michigan Fishing Regulations guide is now available for the license season beginning April 1. The guide includes current rules, regulations and license information.

A fishing license is required for anyone age 17 and older. Annual and short-term licenses can be purchased online or through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app. Users can select auto-renew at the online checkout or in the Auto Renewals section of the app to automatically purchase future licenses as they become available. License fees are waived for Michigan residents who are veterans with 100% disability or active-duty military.

Schools and communities across the United States celebrate March as National Reading Month to highlight the importance of reading and literacy. Encouraging students to read helps build confidence, fosters curiosity and supports long-term academic success.