The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has announced a new rule allowing the use of Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes on improved-surface and natural-surface bicycle trails and pathways within state parks and recreation areas, and on state forest roads and pathways.

An electric bicycle, or e-bike, is a bicycle equipped with a small rechargeable electric motor that can either assist the rider’s pedaling or take over pedaling completely. Class 1 e-bikes feature a motor that activates only when the rider is pedaling and can reach a maximum speed of 20 mph.

The new rule also allows the use of Class 2 e-bikes with a free permit. These e-bikes have motors capable of propelling the bike even when the rider isn't pedaling and can only reach a speed of 20 mph. Class 3 e-bikes, which can reach speeds up to 28 mph, are not permitted on nonmotorized trails.

This new regulation opens Michigan trails to a broader range of users, including those who may need assistance to enjoy biking, such as individuals with disabilities and older adults. It provides more recreational opportunities and enhances access to Michigan’s vast trail system.

Anglers can look forward to exceptional fishing opportunities this fall across Michigan’s lakes and streams, thanks to a successful spring and summer fish stocking season by the DNR. This year, a total of 9,118,112 fish, weighing nearly 321 tons and comprising 10 different species and one hybrid, were reared and delivered to stocking sites.

Fish stocking plays a vital role in maintaining quality fishing experiences for anglers while also conserving fish populations and their habitats. These efforts contribute an estimated $4.2 billion annually to the state's economy. The DNR maintains a Fish Stocking Database, allowing the public to track when, where, and what species are stocked throughout the state.

Michigan's six state and two cooperative hatcheries work together to produce the necessary species, strains, and sizes of fish for fisheries management. The fish must be delivered and stocked at a specific time and location to ensure their success.

The public is welcome at any of Michigan’s state fish hatcheries to see the fish-rearing process firsthand.

The Michigan Department of Education is accepting applications for the Future Proud Michigan Educator: Military Veterans Grant. This program offers public school districts, public school academies, intermediate school districts, and local education agencies the opportunity to provide a paid mentorship and salary to military veterans seeking educator certification. Grants can be used to support participating veterans for up to two semesters of student teaching and cover additional costs or fees associated with obtaining a teaching certificate.

Nominations for the 2025-26 Michigan Teacher of the Year (MTOY) are open from now until Sept. 25.

Each year, one teacher is named Michigan’s Teacher of the Year, serving as a representative and advocate for Michigan’s more than 90,000 teachers. The MTOY works alongside nine fellow Regional Teachers of the Year to make up the Michigan Teacher Leadership Advisory Council. Each Regional Teacher of the Year from the 10 regions across Michigan brings recognition to their district and has additional opportunities for professional development and to share their expertise. The MTOY also serves as a non-voting member at State Board of Education meetings and represents Michigan as a candidate for National Teacher of the Year.

For more information about the MTOY year program or to nominate a teacher, visit the Michigan Department of Education’s MTOY page. Nominations can also be submitted using this online form.

Students across the state are returning to their classrooms. Whether you have a student who will be riding the bus or are a driver who may encounter a bus on the roadway, now is a great time to review school bus safety.

If your students ride the bus, make sure they are familiar with the proper safety procedures for getting on and off the bus. The Michigan State Police offer the following safety tips for students:

Drivers should also be aware of how to safely share the road with school buses. When encountering a school bus, drivers should always: