Hurricane Isaias, Dam Updates, New Michigan Laws and the Return of Stink Bug Season
It’s starting to feel like fall in Michigan, but there’s plenty happening around the country and right here at home.
First Hurricane of the 2026 Atlantic Season
Hurricane Isaias strengthened from a tropical storm late Wednesday night and is expected to make landfall along the U.S. Gulf Coast this weekend.
The storm is threatening parts of Mississippi, Alabama and the western Florida Panhandle. Isaias is the first hurricane of the 2026 Atlantic season, with residents along the Gulf Coast keeping a close eye on its track.
Meanwhile, here in Michigan, we're mostly concerned about whether we need a jacket before going out for dinner.
Four Lakes Dam Projects Move Forward
The Four Lakes Task Force provided an update Wednesday on the remaining dam construction projects.
Secord Dam remains on track for substantial completion in November, with the lake expected to begin refilling in spring 2027.
Work also continues at Edenville Dam, which remains on schedule for completion in 2027. The lake there is expected to be refilled in spring 2028.
So, for residents waiting to see those lakes return, the calendar is still doing a lot of the heavy lifting.
Michigan Takes Aim at Gift Card Fraud
Governor Gretchen Whitmer has signed bipartisan legislation aimed at cracking down on gift card fraud in Michigan.
House Bills 4598 and 4599 add gift card fraud to the state's existing Organized Retail Crime Act.
The new laws are designed to give law enforcement additional tools to go after people involved in gift card scams.
New Health Education for Michigan Kids
Governor Whitmer also signed Senate Bill 433, requiring the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to create educational materials for children about the long-term health risks associated with tobacco and cannabis use.
It's Stink Bug Season
And now for the most important Michigan story of the day:
The stink bugs are back.
As temperatures drop and daylight gets shorter, stink bugs start looking for somewhere warm to spend the winter.
Unfortunately, they apparently consider your house a five-star resort.
Stink bugs get their name from the chemical they release when they feel threatened. So if you find one inside, experts recommend using a vacuum or grabbing it with a tissue and dropping it into soapy water.
Whatever you do, don't squeeze it.
Nobody needs their living room smelling like a tiny defensive chemical plant.
Sports
The Detroit Red Wings picked up a 5-3 win over the Ottawa Senators.
And Thursday Night Football features the Dallas Cowboys taking on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Mid-Michigan Weather
Sunny and breezy today with a high of 68.
Tonight, mostly clear with a low of 44.
Friday will be sunny with a high near 70.
Saturday looks sunny, breezy and warm, with a high around 79.
