Michigan Senate Debate, New Firewood Rules and a Busy Sports Weekend

From a historic Navy deployment to new rules affecting Michigan forests, there's plenty happening across the country and right here in the Great Lakes State.

USS Abraham Lincoln Returns Home After 286 Days at Sea

The USS Abraham Lincoln returned to its home port in San Diego on Thursday after a lengthy deployment that kept the aircraft carrier at sea without a port call for 286 days.

The deployment was the second-longest by a U.S. aircraft carrier since the Vietnam War. Questions had been raised about crew mental health and supply problems during the extended time away from home.

After nearly 10 months at sea, the crew is finally back on solid ground. That's a lot of ocean, a lot of shipboard meals and probably a whole lot of laundry waiting at home.

Michigan Senate Candidates Face Off in First Televised Debate

With less than a month remaining before the midterm elections, Michigan's leading Senate candidates met for their first televised debate.

Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed and Republican Mike Rogers spent much of the debate talking over each other while discussing the economy, the effects of the trade war and their positions on tariffs.

Both candidates criticized some of the economic fallout from trade policies while expressing support for more selective tariffs.

For Michigan voters, the debate comes with plenty at stake, particularly for industries and businesses affected by changing trade costs.

New Rules Could Affect Prescription Drugs Shipped From Canada

Americans who rely on prescription medications shipped from Canada could face new hurdles later this month.

New federal customs requirements are scheduled to take effect October 22, and the changes could block some prescription drug imports from Canada.

Anyone who relies on medication shipped across the border should keep an eye on official guidance and check with their pharmacist or healthcare provider about any potential impact.

Michigan Tightens Firewood Rules to Protect Forests

Planning a fall camping trip or a weekend around the bonfire? Michigan is preparing new firewood regulations designed to protect the state's forests from invasive insects and diseases.

Beginning January 1, 2027, a quarantine will prohibit untreated firewood from outside Michigan from entering the state.

Officials say firewood can transport more than 140 invasive plant pests and diseases, threatening trees and forests, including Michigan's beloved maple trees.

So before you bring a bundle of firewood across the state line, check the rules. Nobody wants to accidentally give Michigan's forests an unwanted hitchhiker.

Sports: Red Wings, Saginaw Spirit and a Big Football Weekend

Here's what's on the Mid-Michigan sports calendar:

• Detroit Red Wings: Host the Seattle Kraken tonight.

• Saginaw Spirit: Face the Kitchener Rangers Saturday night at the Dow Event Center, with puck drop scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

• Michigan State: Hosts Illinois Saturday at 3:30 p.m.

• Central Michigan: Takes on Ohio Saturday at 3:30 p.m.

• Detroit Lions: Travel to Arizona Sunday to face the Cardinals, with kickoff at 4:25 p.m.

Michigan State and Central Michigan fans have a Saturday afternoon football doubleheader, while Lions fans can spend Sunday hoping Arizona doesn't turn the afternoon into a desert-sized headache.

Mid-Michigan Weather

Today: Sunny with a high near 69.

Tonight: Increasing clouds, a 20% chance of showers and a low around 52.

Saturday: Mostly sunny with a high near 76.

Sunday: Cloudy skies with a high around 69.