I woke up early this morning and was surprised when I actually found it to be a tad chilly outside.

That can only mean one thing: Michigan’s fall season is coming.

But you don’t have to wait for the leaves to fully change before getting into the autumn spirit. From apple orchards and corn mazes to scenic hikes, there are lots of ways to sneak in some early-fall fun before the crowds arrive.

Today, The ’Gander’s Sophie Boudreau rounds up some of the best ways to get a head start on fall across Michigan.

Also in today’s newsletter:

Voter citizenship proposal gets thumbs down from Bureau of Elections (Bridge Michigan): Michigan’s Bureau of Elections has found that the group seeking to put a Michigan ballot proposal requiring proof of citizenship and stricter voter ID rules on the November ballot appears to have fallen short of the required signatures. The bureau’s findings, however, are not final. The bipartisan Board of State Canvassers will make the final decision Aug. 24.

Michigan resident infected with ‘dangerous’ mosquito-borne disease (CBS News): The state has reported its first human case of Eastern equine encephalitis in five years, involving a Roscommon County resident. Health officials are increasing mosquito surveillance and urging residents to prevent bites, as EEE can cause severe brain inflammation and has a roughly 30% fatality rate among people who become ill.

Benson selects state Senate leader as running mate (Freep): Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson has selected state Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks as her running mate in the 2026 Democratic gubernatorial race. If elected, Benson and Brinks would make history as Michigan’s first all-women governor and lieutenant governor team.

Too impatient to wait until the “real” autumn arrives? There’s a fair share of early-fall activities in Michigan to keep you occupied. (Kate Trysh/Unsplash)

By Sophie Boudreau

Fall in Michigan is magical, no matter how many times you’ve experienced it. The Mitten State offers something for everyone when the leaves begin to change color, from hayrides to “U-pick” apple orchard outings to countless cozy coffee shops with pumpkin spice flavors galore. 

But if you’re just too impatient to wait until “real” autumn arrives, there’s a fair share of early-fall activities in Michigan to keep you occupied. As summer blends into autumn, check out some of the best fun fall activities in the Great Lakes State (minus those peak season crowds).

This “I Voted” sticker created by Hilarie Williams of Oak Park won in the general age group category of the Michigan Secretary of State’s 2026 “I Voted” sticker design contest. (USA Today Network)

By USA Today Network via Reuters Connect

A sleepy kitty, a fabulous frog, and several pieces of iconic Michigan culture are featured among the nine winners of the statewide “I voted” sticker contest for the 2026 midterm elections in November.

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson’s office announced the winners Tuesday afternoon following a public vote. Nearly 2,100 designs were submitted — more than four times the number for the inaugural contest in 2024 — and more than 53,000 votes were cast.

“Congratulations to the winners and thank you to everyone who submitted a design. The sticker contest is a great way for people of all ages to participate in our democracy,” Benson said in a statement.

The nine winning designs will be available for local clerks to order and give out to voters this fall, according to the Secretary of State’s office. Three designs were selected from three categories: elementary and middle school, high school, and general entry. 

Among the most Michigan-centric winners selected were designs depicting Superman ice cream, the SS Edmund Fitzgerald lake freighter (before its untimely demise) and a set of ever-present roadway construction orange barrels.

Two of the biggest issues we’ve covered in recent months are the spread of both data centers and Flock cameras.

And as we’ve covered these topics, one thing has become pretty clear: Michiganders hate both.

So, earlier this week I asked readers:

What’s the bigger issue facing Michigan—data centers or Flock cameras?

Here’s what you had to say:

“How can anyone choose between two evils. But if you must the larger evil is data centers. They harm people by raising utilities at a time when everything is rising. And the harm the environment.” — Mary, Battle Creek

“Data centers are way more problematic. worse for the environment, more costly and absolutely unnecessary for normal folks.” — Ken, Interlochen

“Data centers, definitely! Cameras we can deal with; a massive burden on the electrical grid and water systems, not so much.” — Rachel, Holland

“That’s a tough one because the FLOCK is part of the data that will be held in data centers…considering the privacy issues with FLOCK but the environmental issues with data centers, I feel they are BOTH equally an important issue and we don’t need EITHER ONE.” — Holly, Grand Rapids

“I believe the bigger concern between data centers and flock cameras is the data centers. While Michigan’s water table is higher than down south, these centers will wipe out Michigan’s waterways in no time.” — Antinia, White Pigeon

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.

You have questions about data centers… we have answers.

Artificial intelligence is driving a new wave of industrial development statewide. The ’Gander mapped the data centers that are proposed, approved, under construction, or already online in Michigan.

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 Sophie Boudreau and USA Today Network via Reuters Connect. It was edited by Crystal Niforos.

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