Now that we’ve reached October, it’s time to turn up the dial on the spookiness, and Michigan has no shortage of it if you know where to look.

Today’s example: UFOs, which you may not know Michigan has quite the long history with. From strange lights over Lake Michigan to the infamous 1966 “swamp gas” incident, our state has seen its fair share of unexplained sightings.

Read on as The ’Gander’s Chaunie Brusie brings us 10 of the freakiest UFO sightings in Michigan’s history.

Plus: We take a trip to southwest Michigan to find six of the best happy hour spots in Kalamazoo.

MI prosecutor slams decision to remove Larry Nassar from state sex offender registry (CBS News): Disgraced former physician Larry Nassar is among more than 20,000 people removed from Michigan’s sex offender registry after a state Supreme Court ruling barred retroactive registration requirements for crimes committed before July 1, 2011. Nassar remains imprisoned over his sexual abuse convictions, but the Eaton County Prosecutor’s Office is criticizing the court’s decision. The office argues that lawmakers should address questions about the registry.

SE Michigan nurse charged after helping man flee ICE (The Guardian): An Ann Arbor nurse is facing a federal misdemeanor charge after authorities accused her of helping an undocumented immigrant escape from ICE custody while he was being treated at an area hospital. Court records allege she removed the patient’s IV and guided him to an exit.

Isle Royale wolves face inbreeding issues (AP News): Researchers say Isle Royale’s reintroduced wolf population has more than an 80% chance of surviving for 20 years, but inbreeding and a warming climate remain major concerns. While the wolf population has grown to an estimated 37, researchers are watching the sharp decline in moose and growing conflicts between wolves and visitors.

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It’s a drone! It’s a shooting star! It’s a satellite! Nope—it’s an unidentified flying object. These are the most infamous UFO sightings in Michigan. (Danie Franco/Unsplash)

By Chaunie Brusie

As the Trump administration has declassified files related to unidentified flying objects (UFOs), interest in potential extraterrestrial encounters has only grown. The administration released the sixth tranche of files in early September 2026, including reports and video evidence of flying saucers from the 1950s.

UFO reports and sightings have been around for decades, including some very famous UFO sightings in Michigan. Read on to learn more about some of the most interesting—and sometimes eerier—UFO sightings in Michigan.

And if you’re curious about keeping up to date on the latest UFO sightings in Michigan, you can check the National UFO Reporting Center Michigan database—anyone can report a UFO sighting and add details of what they witnessed. The database is a public nonprofit, and it reviews claims and investigates based on evidence.

Cheers to happy hour in the ‘Zoo. (Negley Stockman/Unsplash)

By Sophie Boudreau

After a long day of work or a stressful week of parenting, there’s something uniquely rejuvenating about grabbing a drink—with or without alcohol—and unwinding next to a friend or partner (or just yourself, of course!).

Deals for happy hour in Kalamazoo offer the perfect combination of downtime, delicious drinks, and delectable small plates to round it all out.

Here are six of our favorite spots to enjoy happy hour in Kalamazoo. 

We’re starting to really get into that fall feeling with the leaves set to change colors any day now, and the cider and donuts becoming inescapable at every store you go to.

But beyond color tours, cider mills, and bonfires, I want to know what other activities Michiganders should be taking advantage of this season that they might not be aware of.

That’s why earlier this week, I asked Michiganders:

What fall activity is underrated?

Here’s what you had to say:

“A fall hike at Ludington State Park is always a pleasure. A walk or hike through the dunes as well, if you’re adventurous enough to hike out to the Big Sable Point Lighthouse.” — Eric, Ludington

“What i am going to suggest isn’t something everyone will like it a haunted attraction. The Edson Incident in Bay City. The whole attraction is on a retired naval ship. Last year it was 25 or 30 per person. My boyfriend and I went last year. It’s creepy and informational at the same time.” — Heather

Heather sent this spooky photo along as well:

(Courtesy of Heather Terry)

“I think an underrated activity is enjoying the fall colors and sunshine with a walk through the woods. Preferably with a dog! The smells and the relaxation need to be experienced by everybody.” — Theresa, Brighton

And if you have a question you’d like me to ask our community, send it my way. I might feature it in a future newsletter.

*Responses may be edited for conciseness or clarity.

Want deeper coverage of Michigan politics? Our free Thursday newsletter, This Week in Michigan Politics, breaks down what’s happening in Lansing and Washington—clearly and without the jargon.

With the midterms approaching, we’ll keep you informed on what could affect your day-to-day life.

Interested?

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Karel Vega with stories from Chaunie Brusie and Sophie Boudreau. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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