The autumn equinox isn’t just the official start of fall; it’s also one of only two days each year when daylight and nighttime are near perfectly balanced. Across cultures, this turning point has long been a moment of celebration.

And here in Michigan, there are plenty of ways to join in on the tradition. The ’Gander’s Ellery Weil has rounded up equinox events across the state, from a witches’ market in Ferndale to a kayak adventure in St. Joseph, to celebrate the new season. Read on for the details.

Plus: The eight Michigan stereotypes are actually pretty accurate.

AG Nessel introduces laws to combat human trafficking (WLUC): Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced bipartisan legislation this week to crack down on human trafficking, strengthening penalties for traffickers and buyers while expanding protections for survivors. Lawmakers say the bills, the state’s first major update since 2014, target both sex and labor trafficking and could send offenders to prison for life.

MI man pleads guilty to voting twice during same election (Votebeat): A St. Clair Shores man has pleaded guilty to voting twice in Michigan’s August 2024 primary, once by absentee and again in person. Under a plea deal, he’ll serve six months of delayed probation, after which the case can be permanently dismissed if he meets the conditions; formal sentencing is set for late October.

Meijer announces changes to sale days (Freep): Meijer has shifted its weekly ad sales to start on Wednesdays instead of Sundays, with prices now running through the following Tuesday. The retailer says the move will ease weekend workloads for staff and aligns Meijer with competitors like Kroger and Aldi.

Whether you want to usher in fall with tea, art, or spiritual rituals, these autumn equinox events across Michigan have you covered. (ju_see/Shutterstock)

By Ellery Weil

The autumn equinox is coming up, and Michigan is full of ways to enjoy it, including:

Autumnal Equinox Celebration & Tea in the Garden

This all-ages event, held by the Genesee County Parks, is a great way for children and adults alike to connect with nature and practice mindfulness while welcoming the changing of the seasons. Guests will enjoy a mindfulness hike, where you will be encouraged to take in as much of your current physical and mental state and surroundings as possible without letting your mind wander. There will also be calming herbal tea and an exercise in gratitude. Pre-registration by September 19, 2025, is required.

Autumn Equinox on the River

The autumn equinox means the start of Michigan’s beautiful fall weather, and what better place to enjoy it than on a kayak? Third Coast Paddling in St. Joseph is offering Michiganders a 15% discount on kayak and paddleboard rentals at any of their three riverside locations for the weekend of the autumn equinox, so that you and your family can enjoy the beauty of southwestern Michigan’s rivers as summer turns to autumn. Please note that rental availability may vary by location, so be sure to check in advance.

We’re proud to be the Mitten State. (Breibeest/CC BY 2.0)

By Sophie Boudreau

We Michiganders are proud of our state, but that doesn’t mean we can’t poke fun at ourselves. Self-deprecation is at the heart of high-quality humor, and residents of the Great Lakes State understand this clearly. We’re even willing to admit that some of the most stereotypical beliefs about Michiganders are, well, kind of real.

While we’re not ready to tolerate the false assumption that Michigan is nothing but a flyover state (after all, we’ve got some of the most otherworldly destinations in the United States), we can’t deny every assumption about life in the Mitten. From nasally accents to militant adherence to calling carbonated drinks “pop,” here are eight common Michigan stereotypes that actually ring true.

Do you want to support The ’Gander’s mission and showcase your products or services to an engaged audience of 350,000+ subscribers?

Email advertise@couriernewsroom.com for more information.

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Karel Vega with stories from Ellery Weil and Sophie Boudreau. It was edited by Paula Solis. The ’Gander is happily free to read for everyone. Your financial support means a lot to us.

Donate here.

Have feedback or a news tip? Send it my way.