More than 49,000 hunters applied to hunt Michigan elk in 2021, a record that is part of a steady decade-long rise, state wildlife officials say.

A teacher shortage in the state’s public schools has grown worse during the pandemic. State Supt. Michael Rice wants to make it easier to certify teachers while providing financial incentives to get more young people into the profession.

Some local health departments plan to rescind mask orders over the holidays, while others have mandates that will stick around until COVID transmission levels drop.

The Supreme Court’s goal of protecting privacy is commendable, but concealing judicial records makes it harder for struggling businesses to operate and puts vulnerable populations at risk.

An uptick in deer hunting during COVID last year prompted whispers of a renaissance for a sport that has been losing participants for decades. Early numbers suggest many of the new hunters aren’t coming back.

With deer hunting in decline and land development pushing humans and deer ever-closer together, Michigan’s deer population may be headed toward an uncontrollable boom.

The Legislature is working to pass legislation that makes it easier to vote and harder to cheat. The governor should take note — and get her facts straight.

Kindergarten enrollment was down 11.3 percent across Michigan last year as parents chose to keep their students home rather than face the COVID health risk.