After months of political games by Lansing Democrats, Republicans in the Legislature were finally able to secure $152 million for upgrades at Selfridge Air National Guard Base.

The funding will support runway improvements needed for a new F-15EX Eagle II fighter mission that will complement the base’s KC-46 Pegasus refueling tankers and replace its aging A-10 Thunderbolt II squadron. The new mission, first announced by President Donald Trump in April 2025, followed years of bipartisan efforts to secure a replacement fighter mission and prevent the base from permanent closure.

Selfridge supports an estimated 30,000 jobs statewide and contributes approximately $850 million to Michigan’s economy. It is one of the oldest military airfields in the United States still in operation. The new mission will help ensure Selfridge remains central to U.S. defense operations for decades to come.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer approved the funding days before the June 1 deadline.

Nominations are now open for the 2027-28 Michigan Teacher of the Year.

Each year, the program recognizes outstanding educators and offers award recipients an opportunity to learn more about state education policy and provide input on ways to better serve Michigan students.

Ten teachers will be selected as Regional Teachers of the Year through a competitive process, and one will be named Michigan Teacher of the Year. The honorees also serve on the Michigan Teacher Leadership Advisory Council.

The Michigan Teacher of the Year serves as a nonvoting member of the State Board of Education and represents the state as a candidate for National Teacher of the Year.

To nominate an outstanding Michigan public school teacher, use this online nomination form. Nominations must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 23.

Before heading out on an ORV ride, it is important to understand the rules and safety guidelines.

Most crashes result from excessive speed, careless operation or inadequate supervision of young riders. According to ORV crash data, more than 700 crashes were reported in 2025, including 32 fatalities and more than 500 injuries.

A parent or guardian must supervise children under the age of 16 operating a four-wheel ATV, and operators must possess a valid ORV safety certificate. Restrictions vary depending on age and whether the vehicle is operated on public or private property.

Stay safe by following these tips:

Click here for more information about ORV safety and trail etiquette.

Nine out of 10 wildfires in Michigan are caused by people, but taking a few precautions can help prevent fires from spreading.

Before burning yard debris such as brush or leaves, check the DNR’s interactive Burn Permit Management System map to see if conditions are safe for burning. The map provides daily county-by-county updates and contact information for areas where permits are issued by local municipalities.

When burning, follow these safety tips:

Click here for additional fire safety information, including prescribed burns and burn permits.

As camping season begins, the Michigan departments of Agriculture and Rural Development and Natural Resources are reminding Michiganders to use safe firewood practices to prevent the spread of invasive pests.

More than 140 harmful insects and diseases can travel unnoticed in untreated firewood, threatening the state’s forests, wildlife and economy. The stakes are high; Michigan’s $126 billion food and agriculture industries and $26 billion forest products industry are particularly vulnerable to invasive pests. Infestations can kill native trees, reduce biodiversity and even lead to quarantines that impact communities and businesses.

To help protect Michigan’s natural resources when camping or enjoying the outdoors, officials recommend:

Campers should also follow basic fire safety steps, including keeping fires small, never leaving them unattended and fully extinguishing them.

Learn more at DontMoveFirewood.org.

Dairy is Michigan’s top agricultural commodity, contributing $15.7 billion annually to the state’s economy.

Most milk sold in grocery stores comes from Michigan farms and processors. In many cases, milk travels from farm to processor to store within about 48 hours.

Every milk container has a five-digit code showing where it was processed. The first two digits identify the state where the milk was bottled, and Michigan’s code is 26.