Fall in Michigan means crisp air and beautiful, colorful leaves, but when they fall, they need to go somewhere, and often they end up on top of your car.

What you might not know is that the longer they linger, the bigger a problem you could have.

Today, we’re taking a closer look at how fallen leaves can damage your car and the trouble spots to watch for.

Then, I want to hear about how you handle the all the leaves around the house.

What’s important to you about voting this year? Maybe it’s an issue affecting your family, something happening in your community, an experience you’ve had, or simply something you hope will change.

We want to hear your story. Send us a short selfie-style video telling us what’s inspiring your vote, or your perspective on voting. Submit your video by 11:59 p.m. ET on Oct. 23, and if you are eligible, you will be entered for a chance to win a $25 gift card.*

Last day to register online to vote (CBS News): Monday is the deadline for Michigan residents to register online or by mail to vote in the Nov. 3 midterm election, though eligible voters can still register in person at their local clerk’s office through Election Day. About 9.2% of Michigan voters had already cast absentee ballots as of Monday morning.

Tlaib introduces bill to ban federal funding of AI surveillance tech (Michigan Advance): US Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Detroit) has introduced federal legislation to block the use of federal funds to purchase or operate mass surveillance technology, including Flock Safety’s automated license plate readers. The proposal comes as several Michigan communities have ended or reconsidered their Flock contracts over privacy concerns.

DNR confirms source of some UP wildfires (UpNorthLive): Michigan officials have confirmed lightning strikes caused the Black River and Craig Lake fires in the Upper Peninsula, where firefighters are battling three wildfires burning deep beneath layers of dry leaves. Despite recent rain, severe drought conditions continue to complicate suppression efforts, with the fires ranging from 50% to 90% contained.

Leaves are seen under a car hood, Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026. (USA Today Network)

By USA Today Network via Reuters Connect

As fall descends on Michigan, colorful leaves and cooler air can be quite charming. A soggy pile of leafy detritus wedged beneath your windshield wipers, though? Not so much.

According to experts at AAA and Consumer Reports, fallen leaves can do more than just make your ride look autumnal—they can clog drains, damage paint, create funky smells, and cause expensive damage to a vehicle.

“Leaves can clog drainage systems, damage paint, reduce visibility and even lead to costly repairs if they’re allowed to build up on or around a vehicle,” Adrienne Woodland, a spokesperson for AAA, said in an interview with the Detroit Free Press.

Common trouble spots for leaf build-up include sunroofs, windshields, doors, and the cowl (the area between the windshield and hood), which all have drainage channels intended to help carry water away from the engine. But leaves can collect in those spaces, break down, and block the drains.

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?

Now we know that it’s important to keep these fall leaves off our cars, but what about everywhere else?

As we all know, having to wade through a sea of leaves is an inescapable part of the season.

So this week, I want to know:

Whether you leave ’em, bag ’em, or maybe even use them for a creative project, I want to hear about it.

Reminder: When responding, include your first name and where you’re from to have your answer included.

Have a question you want me to ask our community? Send it my way. I might feature it in a future edition.

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Karel Vega with a feature story from USA Today Network via Reuters Connect. It was edited by Crystal Niforos.

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*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. VOTING, REGISTERING TO VOTE, OR PROOF OF VOTING IS NOT REQUIRED. Open to legal residents of the 50 U.S. and D.C., 18+. Entry Period: 12:00 a.m. ET 10/19/26 – 11:59 p.m. ET 10/23/26. Void where prohibited. Subject to Official Rules. Sponsor: Courier Newsroom, Inc.