U.S.-Iran Hostilities Flare Again as Labor Day Travel Faces Higher Gas Prices

The conflict between the United States and Iran has erupted again, with the U.S. military striking Iranian military targets Tuesday and Tehran responding with missiles and drones at several locations across the region.

U.S. Central Command said it had completed its latest barrage against Iranian military targets, including air-defense sites, radar systems and maritime assets. The strikes come as hostilities continue in an intermittent conflict that has lasted more than six months.

Higher Gas Prices Could Complicate Labor Day Travel

The renewed fighting is also hitting drivers at the pump.

The American Automobile Association says Labor Day is shaping up to be the busiest travel weekend ever, while the conflict with Iran has pushed crude oil prices higher.

Michigan drivers are already feeling the difference. Last Labor Day, the state's average price for regular gasoline was around $3.30 a gallon. This year, the average has climbed above $4.

AAA recommends travelers get an early start to avoid the worst traffic. Drivers heading out Thursday should leave before 1 p.m., while those traveling Friday are advised to leave before 10 a.m.

AAA also recommends keeping an emergency kit in the vehicle, including items such as a portable tire inflator, bottled water and protein bars in case of a breakdown.

State Street Closure Causing Delays

Drivers in Mid-Michigan are dealing with construction-related delays this week.

Both eastbound lanes of State Street between Delaware and Benjamin Streets are closed through Friday, September 4.

The closure is part of a larger improvement project covering about a mile of eastbound State Street. The work includes improvements to roads and sidewalks, along with sewer and water-main upgrades.

Drivers should allow extra time or consider an alternate route.

Bay City Recycling Reaches Record High

There's some good news on the local front.

Bay City's recycling rate has reached an all-time high, according to the city's Department of Public Works.

Bay City households recycled nearly 1,400 tons of material in 2025, a 50-percent increase compared with 2022.

City officials credit the increase to expanded curbside recycling carts and the popularity of the Bay City Recycles drop-off center.

Sports

The Minnesota Twins crushed the Detroit Tigers 15-2.

The Great Lakes Loons also came up short, losing 4-3 to the Lake County Captains.

Mid-Michigan Weather

We're looking at partly sunny skies today with a 50-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms and a high near 91 degrees.

Tonight will be partly cloudy with a 50-percent chance of showers and a low around 67.

Thursday: Partly sunny with a 30-percent chance of showers and a high of 84.

Friday: Cloudy with a 30-percent chance of showers before 2 p.m., with a high around 82 degrees.

For Mid-Michigan drivers, it's shaping up to be a busy and potentially expensive Labor Day weekend, so a little extra planning could save you time, money and a whole lot of sitting in traffic.