ORV season opened April 1; permits available

Michigan’s off-road vehicle season kicked off April 1, and the Department of Natural Resources is reminding riders to purchase their 2025-26 ORV license and trail permit. The permits are valid through March 31, 2026, and are required to access more than 4,000 miles of state-designated trails, scramble areas and eligible forest roads across the state.

Michigan GOP shifts focus to tele-town halls

Facing pressure from activists, Michigan Republicans, including U.S. Rep. Jack Bergman, have opted for teletown halls instead of in-person meetings. Democratic activists in Delta County recently organized their own town hall for Bergman, but his office dismissed it as a political stunt.

Some Republican lawmakers cite concerns over disruptions at public events. Tele-town halls allow constituents to call in with questions, though some residents argue that they limit direct accountability.

Michigan UIA warns about fraudulent forms

The Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency is urging claimants to use only official documents when filing for benefits, warning that fraudulent forms circulating online could cause delays or denials in receiving unemployment payments.

Claimants should use forms only from MiWAM (Michigan Web Account Manager), the UIA website, official mailings or UIA offices. The agency has identified unofficial websites and social media pages distributing fake forms, some even charging users for fraudulent paperwork.

UIA Director Jason Palmer emphasized the importance of using verified sources to avoid fraud, directing residents to michigan.gov/uia for accurate information. Claimants encountering suspicious documents or potential scams are encouraged to report them to the UIA fraud website or the Michigan Department of Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Bureau.

For assistance, claimants can schedule in-person, phone or virtual meetings at michigan. gov/uia or call 1-866-500– 0017.