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Friday, May 3, 2024

Ground Beef Sold At Walmart Is Recalled

Over 16-thousand pounds of ground beef from Walmart is being recalled due to possible E. coli contamination. Yesterday, the USDA announced the recalled beef was shipped to Walmart stores nationwide. The affected beef is from the company Cargill Meat Solutions, and the specific recalled products can be found here.

 

New Guidance Recommends Women Getting Mammograms Beginning At 40

Experts are now recommending women between the ages 40 to 74 to get a mammogram every other year. Previous guidelines said bi-ennial mammograms should start by age 50 and the decision for women to screen in their 40s was at their discretion. Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women in the U.S behind skin cancer.

 

The Benefits Of Hiking

What’s better than being in sunshine and getting exercise in one shot? Here are the benefits of hiking:

  • You’re unplugged
  • You get plenty of steps in
  • It helps with balance
  • You connect better with your hiking companions
  • It’s good for your mental health
  • You’ll get a good night sleep afterwards

 

 

IRS Says The Number Of Audits Is About To Surge

The IRS says it’s about to ramp up the number of audits it performs to crack down on tax cheats and pull more revenue into the federal government. We may still be in the clear; the agency said it won’t boost enforcement for people who earn less than $400,000 annually.

 

STUDY: THE AGE WHEN YOU ACTUALLY BECOME OLD

When exactly do we become ‘old’? Gen Z, those under 27, consider late 50s as old. They view retirement as primarily lounging around. Conversely, baby boomers feel 60 is the new 40 and are notably active, spending more time outdoors, exercising, and traveling. Many boomers report feeling younger than their actual age and appreciate their bodies more as they age. Overall, the study highlights diverse perspectives on aging, with a significant portion feeling younger than their years suggest.

 

NEW TIKTOK TREND HAS MOMS CONFESSING WHY THEY’RE READY TO “BURN IT ALL DOWN”

Moms are finding solace in Taylor Swift's song "But Daddy I Love Him," using it as an anthem to express their frustrations. They're taking to TikTok to share videos of themselves singing along while captions detail their parenting grievances. From unsolicited advice to judgmental attitudes, moms are venting about various challenges they face, finding camaraderie in Swift's lyrics.

 

AMERICANS GROCERY SHOPPING HABITS REVEALED

Nationwide it looks like we visit two different supermarkets each week for our grocery needs. More than half shop at mainstream grocery chains or supercenters like Walmart or Target, while a significant portion also frequent club stores and discount stores. People shop at multiple stores to find a variety of products and to take advantage of different promotions and discounts. Price and location are the primary factors influencing where people choose to shop, followed by product quality, store cleanliness, and customer service. On average, Americans spend $174 per grocery trip in 2024, with spending varying based on household size. The most commonly purchased items include dairy products, fresh produce, and snacks.

 

*LIST* THE MOST POPULAR STREAMING SERVICES

Which streaming service do you watch the most? We all have our favorites, and most of us subscribe to more than one, even if we don’t watch them all. The latest ranking:

  1. Netflix tops the list as the biggest streaming service in the world. They reported having 269.9-million global paid memberships as of March 31st. In the U.S. and Canada alone, they have 82.66-million subscribers.
  2. Amazon Prime Video - 200-million+
  3. Disney+ - 150.2-million
  4. Max - 97.7-million
  5. Paramount+ - 71.2-million
  6. Hulu - 48.5-million
  7. Peacock - 34-million
  8. ESPN+ - 26-million
  9. Apple TV+ - 25-million (estimated because they don’t release those numbers)
  10. Starz - 15.88-million

Thursday, May 2, 2024 -

The Debate About Who Gets Celebrated On Mother’s Day Heats Up Online

There’s a Mother’s Day war raging on social media. Younger moms are saying that grandmothers shouldn’t be honored on the holiday because they aren’t active moms. The grandmas beg to differ, throwing out that motherhood is for life. Young moms want to be able to do something different than their everyday stuff and older mothers want to be recognized for their hard work. As the debate continues, some families are finding a happy medium by having a multigenerational celebration. Luckily, every family is different so they all get to decide how to handle the holiday.

 

Ideas To Help Plan Your Mother’s Day Celebration

  • Take a selfie with mom
  • Plan a picnic
  • Plant an herb garden together
  • Cook a family recipe
  • refresh a room for mom
  • Do a mom show and tell. Put everyday things that have a “mom story” behind them in a box and pull them out one at a time to share the story
  • Plan a getaway
  • Make a keepsake for mom with the kids
  • Help tackle her to do list

 

Federal Reserve Keeps Interest Rates At Current Level

The Federal Reserve left interest rates unchanged again this month. The current rate, between 5.25 and 5.5-percent, is the highest level in over a decade, Economists say they expect rates to stay high, possibly until after the November general election.

 

Ford Recalls Almost 243,000 Maverick Pickup Trucks Over Taillight Issue

Ford is recalling almost 243,000 Maverick pickup trucks because the tail lights might not light up when a computer falsely detects too much current on one or both of the lights. The recall covers some Mavericks from the 2022 through 2024 model years.

 

Instagram And Twitch Roll Out New TikTok-Like Features

Well that didn’t take long. With TikTok’s ban looming Instagram announced that a tweak to its algorithm would amplify small creators. Livestream platform Twitch has also announced the launch of its Discovery Feed to let viewers scroll through livestreams and clips, or short-form video content captured from streams. They’re not alone; LinkedIn is jumping on the bandwagon, saying they’re beta testing a scrollable short-form video feed.

 

HOW MUCH AMERICANS THINK THEIR TIME IS WORTH

How much is your time worth? Look like the average nation wide is about $240 per hour. And since we put such a high value on our time it’s no surprise that a significant portion of Americans are willing to sacrifice pay for more free time. Overall, saving time is prioritized over saving money for a considerable portion of Americans.

 

DOORDASH IS GIVING ONE MOM FREE BABYSITTING FOR A YEAR

As Mother’s Day approaches DoorDash is giving moms a chance to win a year of free babysitting. To enter, just order flowers on DoorDash during Mother’s Day weekend using the promo code “GIFTOFTIME”. Additionally, DoorDash is granting a day off to one mother in every state, with entries accepted via email until May 12th.

 

STUDY: HOW LONG WE SHOULD SIT, SLEEP, STAND & EXERCISE EVERY DAY

How long should we sit, sleep, stand, and exercise each day? The experts dug in and broke it down over a 24 hour period: six hours of sitting, five hours and 10 minutes of standing, eight hours and 20 minutes of sleep, two hours and 10 minutes of light physical activity, and another two hours and 10 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Dr.’s emphasizes the importance of reducing sitting time and increasing movement for improved heart health.

 

Walmart launches private-label food brand to appeal to younger shoppers

Walmart is launching a new store-brand called Bettergoods. Most items will be priced below $5, with some as low as $2. The brand targets young adults seeking affordable, chef-inspired foods amid inflation. Bettergoods offers three categories: plant-based options, dietary lifestyles, and restrictions, and "culinary experiences." It differs from Walmart's other store labels like Great Value and Equate by focusing on unique products rather than imitations of national brands.

 

Cedar Point’s record-breaking Top Thrill 2™ roller coaster opens Saturday

Cedar Point is set to unveil Top Thrill 2, the world's tallest and fastest triple-launch strata coaster, on Saturday. This coaster, builds upon Cedar Point's legacy in thrill rides, boasting two 420-foot-tall track towers. Riders will experience an immersive journey as part of the CP Racing Team, you board a sleek high-performance racing vehicles with open-air seating. Then a linear synchronous motor launch system propels you to speeds of 74 mph initially and later reaching 101 mph in reverse. Riders then ascend a 90-degree angle backward climb on a new 420-foot-tall tower before a final launch at 120 mph.

Wednesday, May 1, 2024

Spring Date Ideas That Get You Outdoors

It’s time to soak in the spring weather and what better way than heading outdoors with your SO for a date? The CFX Morning Research Team did some digging and put together a list of perfect outdoor date ideas to spark your creativity:

  • Go on a romantic picnic
  • Pick your own flowers at a local farm
  • Attend a fair
  • Go to the zoo
  • Try Pickleball
  • Go camping or glamping, whatever suits you
  • See a movie at a drive-in or create your own
  • Garden together
  • Go to a baseball game

 

Home Depot Skeletons Sold Out But More Are Coming

If you are big into Halloween but missed Home Depot’s Halfway To Halloween sale on the 25th, don’t worry. The 12 foot Skelly, 7 foot Skelly’s Dog, and the three pack of five foot skeletons sold out, but they will be back. It only took hours for the skeletons and a seven foot Frankenstein’s monster to sell out, but Home Depot now says more of them will be rolled out through the summer. Just keep a close watch so you don’t miss it!

 

iPhone Alarm Problems Have Users Oversleeping

If your iPhone alarm isn’t waking you up in the morning, you aren’t alone. The clock app’s feature just isn’t working. Apple has heard hundreds of complaints in social media videos and discovered there is an issue. They say “the expected sound” for some users is not working and a fix is on the way. But, iPhone users are pointing to the Attention Aware Features setting and shutting it off. That seems to help. If you can’t figure it out… buy an old school alarm, which will go off unless there’s a power outage.

 

Americans Over 60 Lost $3.4-Billion To Scams In 2023

The FBI released their “Elder Fraud Report” yesterday and it says that people older than 60 lost over $3.4-billion to scammers last year, an 11-percent increase over 2022. The average dollar loss was $33,915, and almost 6,000 people lost over $100,000 to things like romance scams, investment scams, and the most commonly-reported variety of fraud…tech support scams, where the scammer convinces the victims that their bank accounts have been compromised and get them to either move their money to an account controlled by the scammer, or has the victim withdraw their money and give it to a special courier for “safekeeping.”

 

McDonald's First-Quarter Sales Fall Below Expectations

Yesterday McDonald’s said that customers are eating out less often, and that’s impacting their sales. McDonald did say that same-store sales rose 1.9-percent worldwide in the first quarter but that was mostly due to price hikes. The chain announced that it plans to step up deals and value messaging in an attempt to turn things around.

 

 

 

STUDY: TAKING THE STAIRS COULD HELP YOU LIVE LONGER

There’s a new study that says climbing stairs regularly can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease and increase longevity. The research found that those who frequently climbed stairs had a 39% lower risk of dying from heart disease. Additionally, stair climbing lowered the risk of heart attacks, heart failure, and strokes. The study suggests incorporating stair climbing into daily routines for optimal health benefits.

 

A THIRD OF AMERICANS HAVE SECRETLY WORKED REMOTELY ON VACATION

The numbers don’t lie, nearly a third of us say we have worked remotely during vacations without informing their employers. Why…?

  • enjoying their work (39%)
  • avoiding missing deadlines (28%)
  • and conserving paid time off (26%).

This year we’re prioritize travel a bit more, with the average person planning 11 trips in 2024, including vacations, work trips, family trips, and "bleisure" trips combining business and leisure.

 

86% of Great Lakes litter is plastic, a 20-year study shows. And the plastic is ‘just getting smaller and smaller.’

A new report shows that 86% of litter entering the Great Lakes each year is mostly plastic. Large plastic items such as single-use bags, straws, and wrappers eventually degrade into microplastics, posing threats to human health and wildlife. Despite efforts by volunteers and organizations, plastic pollution levels have remained consistently high. Globally, negotiations are underway to develop a treaty addressing plastic pollution.

 

Beal City educator is finalist in ‘America’s Favorite Teacher’ contest

Amanda Schmidt, a kindergarten teacher from Beal City Elementary School, is competing for the title of "America’s Favorite Teacher" in a Reader’s Digest contest. She's among five finalists vying for a $25,000 prize, a trip to Hawaii, Voting for the finalists ends soon. To vote for her, visit https://americasfavteacher.org/2024/amanda-schmidt.


Tuesday, April 30, 2024

Ideas To Give Your Child A Boost Of Happiness

How do you keep the little ones happy? The CFX Morning Research Team found a list to help make a happy day for kiddos and it starts with making sure they wake up to sunlight.

  • Loop them in on activities that you’re planning
  • Have a Dance Party After Breakfast
  • Cook Meals Together
  • Get Outside A Lot
  • Get Into Their Interests
  • Write Letters for Family and Friends

 

Fertility Rates In The U.S. Are Dropping

Fertility rates in the U.S. are at a record low and the number of births is at the lowest in decades. Just under three-point-six million babies were born here last year, a two percent decline. The birth rate was at around one-point-six births per one-thousand women, lower than the two-point-one percent needed to sustain a population. It's the lowest number of births since 1979 and the lowest fertility rate ever recorded.

 

How To Wake Up Positive And Happy

How you wake up sets the tone for your day, and who doesn’t want a happy one? Tweaking your nighttime routine is the key.

  • Take an evening walk
  • Put your phone down, ideally in another room
  • Take a warm bath (or shower) - don’t make it hot
  • Do a body scan. “Check in” with each part of your body
  • Reflect on the day and the progress you made
  • End your day with gratitude

Ending the day on a positive note will help you wake up appreciative of the day ahead!

 

How To Get Through Allergy Season

‘Tis the season for sneezing and itchy eyes. How do we get through it? The CFX Morning Research Team talked with allergy experts and here’s what they recommend:

  • change your filters, whether it’s for a humidifier, air purifier, or HVAC system, switch it out regularly
  • Keep your windows closed no matter how tempting to feel the spring air is!
  • Take nasal steroids
  • Avoid or limit nasal decongestants
  • Talk with your doctor

 

US To Require Automatic Emergency Braking On New Vehicles In Five Years

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration revealed a new regulation yesterday that will require automatic emergency braking to come standard on all new passenger vehicles in the US starting in just over five years. Around 90-percent of new vehicles already have the feature under a voluntary agreement, but officials are touting the regulation as a way to cut down on traffic accidents.

 

USDA To Start Testing Ground Beef From States With Bird Flu In Dairy Cows

The USDA says they’re now going to test ground beef in states where there have been outbreaks of bird flu in dairy cows. Last week, the agency said it had found bird flu in a lung tissue sample from a dairy cow that was sent to slaughter.

 

SURVEY: WHAT MOMS REALLY WANT FOR MOTHER’S DAY

Research shows that most moms prioritize family time on Mother’s day, however, a significant portion, especially millennials, also value some alone time or a break from mom duties. Dining out, especially for brunch, is a top choice for many, while others prefer an escape like a short trip or outdoor activities. A clean house ranks high on the wish list, with some desiring a chore-free day. Pampering options like spa days are also popular, alongside traditional gifts like flowers.

 

A QUARTER OF AMERICANS ARE AFRAID OF LOSING THEIR JOBS

Right now about a quarter of American’s are concerned about losing their jobs within the next year. The main worries stem from the state of the job market and instability within their industries. The majority express interest in upskilling opportunities provided by their employers, indicating a strong desire to enhance job security and career prospects.

 

Mid Michigan College launches ‘College NOW!’ program

Mid Michigan College is introducing "College NOW," a grant-funded initiative aimed at supporting first-time college students. The program offers students a chance to attend a college readiness session, receive individualized support, and complete one math or English course for free. College NOW! is free and doesn't require a completed FAFSA, but assistance is available for those needing help with it. While open to all first-time college students, space is limited, and interested individuals should attend informational sessions and apply promptly.


Monday, April 29, 2024

Mt. Pleasant to replace bag/tag trash pickup service

Mt. Pleasant city commissioners are considering a new trash pickup provider, potentially ending the "bag/tag" system. Granger Waste Services, offering the lowest bid for trash and recycling collection, Their proposed rates vary based on bin size and pickup frequency, with Granger offering competitive prices and lower annual increases compared to other bidders. Switching to Granger would streamline services, reduce staff time, and offer more convenience for residents.

 

Daily Showers Aren’t Necessary For Everyone

Someone decided to restart the shower debate. One dermatologist says daily showers are not needed. She says daily showers can strip away the “skin’s microbiome,” which plays a role in protecting the skin and is “also extremely important in overall health of the body.” It turns out that we shower daily due to societal perception. So how often should you shower? Experts say shower based on what your body and hair tells you.

 

HOW AMERICANS REALLY FEEL ABOUT THE TIKTOK BAN

ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, says no, they’re not exploring selling, even after President Biden recently signed a bill into law requiring ByteDance to divest the app or face a ban in the U.S. ByteDance previously resisted selling TikTok when former President Trump attempted to ban it in 2020. As it sits, only 17% of TikTok users are based in the U.S.

 

Science Leans Toward The Full Moon Affecting People’s Behavior

It’s a pretty common thought that emergency rooms get crazy during a full moon. Now data is seemingly backing that up. 40-percent of health workers believe the moon’s phases have an impact on human behavior. And a new study showed that hospital workers use their panic buttons 9-percent more on nights of a full moon. A 2023 study could not disprove that so many trained medical workers believe the full moon affects people from observation. May 23rd is the next full moon.

 

-I-RIDE:

In celebration of our 50th anniversary, and in appreciation of our riders, I-Ride is rolling back cash fares to 1974 for the month of May!

  • Regular fare (5-59)                   50¢
  • Senior (60+)                             25¢
  • Disabled                                   25¢
  • Out-of-county fares are doubled.
  • Children under 5 ride free with a fare paying adult.

Be sure to call 24 hours in advance for the best service. 

 

“Quiet Life Travel" Is The Hottest Vacation Trend

Walking away from the grid is a hot new travel trend. “Quiet Life Travel” is an escape from digital life, As the hustle and bustle of daily life takes its toll, travelers seek digital detox and solace in serene landscapes and rejuvenating experiences,”. So say goodbye to crowded cities and hello to off-the-beaten-path destinations that promise tranquility and self-discovery.”

 

STEPS TO TAKE AT NIGHT TO BE HAPPIER IN THE MORNING

Most of us do things in the morning to help set us up for a good day, but it’s not just the a.m. routine that makes a difference. It turns out, some small tweaks to your nighttime habits can make a big difference in your happiness the next day.

  • Take an evening walk - Even a quick post-dinner stroll around the block comes with benefits. A brief walk outside after eating can help lower blood sugar levels and help you wind down, too. Psychologist and well-being expert Lee Chambers says an evening walk helps with processing the day’s information and that the “mental tidying up gives my busy mind a level of peace,” and helps quiet that internal dialogue.
  • Put your phone down, ideally in another room - Getting a good night’s sleep has been shown to positively affect your mental state the next day and how we use devices impacts the quality of our rest. Laurie Santos, a Yale University psychology professor and host of “The Happiness Lab” podcast, advises turning off screens 30 minutes before bed and then keeping devices away from bed so you’re not tempted to start scrolling at night or check work emails first thing when you wake up.
  • Take a warm bath - Psychologist Justine Grosso recommends evening baths for their physical and mental health benefits, explaining, “Totally immersing yourself in water, as opposed to showering, has been shown to lift mood in people with depression, improve sleep for people with insomnia and have positive effects on the cardiovascular system.”
  • Do a body scan - This is a mindfulness exercise that can be done in bed and research scientist Courtland Dahl says it can help ease chronic stress and mental rumination. Start with your head and think about each part of your body, moving down until you get to your toes, thinking about the sensations you notice as you relax and let go of tension, hopefully feeling more calm and ready for sleep.
  • End each day with gratitude - Before you go to sleep, think of three to five things you’re thankful for and write them down. Psychologist Robert Emmons’ research finds the act of listing your blessings can “lead to significant improvements in well-being.” And according to Dahl, reflecting on the people and things you’re grateful for as part of your bedtime routine can help you “naturally feel less stressed and more connected as you drift off to sleep.”

 

STUDY: PARENTS ARE LONELY AND BURNED OUT FROM PARENTING RESPONSIBILITIES

The CFX Morning Research Team crunched the numbers and it looks like Two-thirds of parents feel isolated and lonely due to the demands of parenthood. A significant amount feel they lack support and an overwhelming majority want to connect with other parents beyond work and home. Those feelings of loneliness can lead to conditions such as cardiovascular disease, depression, anxiety, cognitive decline, and weakened immune function,

 

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