Friday, June 19, 2026

How to make your own hummingbird syrup with 2 simple ingredients - Tiny Hummingbirds are back in Michigan & did you know, they eat about half their weight in nectar and insects every day…Ruby-throated hummingbirds have returned to Michigan for breeding season & it’s not too late to hang your feeder and fill it with a quick and cheap nectar substitute that hummingbirds love…The National Audubon Society says all you need is a ¼ cup or refined white sugar & a cup of water…Boil it, cool it & the birds will come in…Also, clean your feeder every other day…Ruby-throated hummingbirds are the only native hummingbird in Michigan, but there are 5 others who make appearances in the state in the summer

Stellantis recalls over 1 million Jeep vehicles due to fire risk - Stellantis is recalling more than 1 million Jeep vehicles in the U.S. over an electrical issue that could result in a fire…The company says owners should park them outside and away from other cars until the problem is fixed…Certain Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator vehicles are affected from the 2021 to 2025 model years…If you have one you might want to check the Stellantis website for more info…

THE ONE THING PET OWNERS SHOULD UNPLUG DURING THUNDERSTORMS: Safety experts say many pet owners overlook an important storm precaution: unplugging electric pet fences. Because these systems are always connected and exposed to the elements, a nearby lightning strike can send electricity through the wiring, potentially damaging your home or even causing a fire. Experts say unplugging the system before a storm takes only a few seconds and can prevent major problems.

City of Midland Announces ‘Name a Refuse Truck’ Contest Winners - After receiving over 300 name submissions, the City of Midland has announced the results of its first ‘Name a Refuse Truck’ contest…Residents will now see the trucks cruising the streets of Midland

          -Bin Diesel                      -Forrest Dump

          -Obi-Wan Binobi            -Tipper Flipper

          -Optimus Grime             -Trash-o-Saurus Rex

Pix of the newly-named trucks are on-line at cityofmidlandmi.gov/refuse

Sweet Finds of Shepherd Community Champion Initiative - Sweet Finds of Shepherd and the Second Chance Suite of Central Michigan have launched the "Strengthen Second Chances" Community Champion Initiative, a campaign designed to strengthen affordable shopping opportunities, sustainability efforts, and long-term community impact throughout Central Michigan…At the Second Chance Suite, 50% of thrift section sales are donated back to local charities and community organizations each month…

Major pizza chain has closed at least 40 locations in 2026: See the list so far - Trouble for pizza chain Papa Johns - The company has closed at least 44 locations so far in 2026, with plans to shut down up to 30 stores in 2026 & 2027…So far in Michigan, stores in Cadillac & Grand Rapids have closed…The closures come as part of the company’s overall plan to revamp its financials.

Michigan Launches Search For Official State Christmas Tree - Michigan is looking for the Official Christmas Tree for the state…The tree will be featured on the Capitol grounds…Last year’s 68-foot spruce came from Sault Ste. Marie…To be considered, trees must be a Spruce or fir, be at least 60 feet tall with a maximum crown of 24 feet and maximum trunk diameter of 30 inches…It also needs to be easy to access & be free…Deadline for tree nominations is Monday, Aug. 17 & can be mailed in or sent to ChristmasTree@michigan.gov.

Thursday, June 18, 2026

THIS PAINT COLOR COULD COST YOU THOUSANDS WHEN SELLING YOUR HOME:  Zillow's latest paint color analysis found that certain paint choices can affect home sale prices. Ochre yellow ranked as the worst color and could reduce offers by more than $18,000, while fire-engine red bathrooms and pale pink walls also hurt value. On the flip side, chocolate brown bedrooms, sage green living rooms and dark, moody kitchen colors were linked to higher offers.

Change in snowmobile trail permit fees for 2026 - The Michigan DNR has out into place a required price increase for snowmobile trail permits for next season…The fee is increasing from $52 to $65 and will remain that price for the next 5 years…This change follows a statutory requirement to adjust snowmobile trail permit fees every five years to keep pace with inflation…There are 6,300-plus miles of snowmobile trails in Michigan that are maintained every winter by snowmobile clubs across the state

Hope of the American Dream Is Still Alive - More than half of people still believe the American Dream is possible for those who want it…58% of Americans said they still believe in the American Dream…67% of Gen-Z believes it, making them the most optimistic generation overall…

THE SURPRISING THING THAT GETS MORE ATTENTION ON DATING APPS: If you're looking to stand out on a dating app, showing that you're a reader might help. One study found that 75% of people find someone who reads or appears well-read more attractive, regardless of physical appearance. Experts say reading signals empathy, curiosity and a desire for self-improvement, making book lovers more appealing to potential matches.

It’s easy to see why this Lake Michigan beach was voted best in the U.S. - Manistee’s First Street Beach was named “Best Lakeside Beach” by USA Today in their Readers’ Choice Awards this year…Manistee's Beach is known for it's shoreline, accessible amenities, family friendly atmosphere, and unforgettable sunsets…Concerts, festivals, fireworks, fishing tournaments and more take place at First Street Beach throughout the year…4 Michigan beaches made the top 10 this year

Michigan DNR Expanding Digital Tagging System For Deer Hunters - The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is expanding its eHarvest digital tagging system to include most species that require a kill tag…Beginning this year, hunters harvesting deer, turkey, bear, bobcat, otter, fisher and marten will have the option to tag harvested animals digitally through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish mobile app…Hunters just need to have the most recent version of the app to take advantage of the new eHarvest tags…Traditional paper tags will continue to be available for hunters who prefer them.

WHY MORE SKIN CANCER IS SHOWING UP ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE BODY - Dermatologists have noticed that skin cancer appears more frequently on the left side of Americans' bodies, and the reason may surprise you. Researchers say it comes from years of driving, since the left side of the face and arm are exposed to sunlight through the driver's side window. Experts recommend wearing sunscreen daily, even if you're just commuting around town.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2026

AMERICA HAS A NEW FAVORITE FAST-FOOD CHAIN: After more than a decade at the top, Chick-fil-A has been knocked out of the number one spot in the latest American Customer Satisfaction Index. Based on more than 16,000 customer surveys, Jersey Mike's now ranks as America's favorite fast-food chain, earning an 84 out of 100 score compared to Chick-fil-A's 83. Jimmy John's and Panda Express tied for third place.

HAVING A MESSY CAR CAN BE BAD FOR YOUR LOVE LIFE: If you're dating, you may want to clean out your vehicle first. A new survey finds 73% of singles believe the way someone takes care of their car reflects how they take care of themselves, while 65% say a clean car makes someone seem more put together. One in four people admit they've actually ended a date early because of a messy car, with trash, bad smells, old food and cigarette odors topping the list of dating deal-breakers.

MOM'S 5 PIECES OF ADVICE FOR GIRLS STARTING HIGH SCHOOL GO VIRAL: A mom's viral social media post is resonating with parents and teens alike. Her advice for girls entering high school includes remembering that attention from older boys is a red flag, not a compliment, respecting personal boundaries, understanding that the internet is forever, always having an exit plan in uncomfortable situations, and creating a family code word that means "come get me" with no questions asked.

THINGS THAT WILL COMPLETELY DIE OUT WITH OLDER GENERATIONS: A viral Reddit thread asked what things will disappear when today's older generations are gone, and the answers ranged from cursive handwriting and physical newspapers to writing letters, memorizing phone numbers, and fixing things instead of replacing them. Other responses included family holiday gatherings, social clubs, paper checks, and the tradition of keeping tissues tucked into your sleeve.

PARENTS ARE USING THEIR PHONES MORE THAN THEIR KIDS AT DINNER: Parents may want to rethink the family phone rules. A new study found that more than 75% of parents admitted to using some form of media during their most recent family meal, compared to 70% of children between the ages of four and ten. Researchers say family meals provide important physical and mental health benefits, but screens may be getting in the way.

HOW TO STAND OUT IN A JOB INTERVIEW: With competition fierce in today's job market, experts say standing out requires more than simply answering questions. Career advisors recommend having a strong elevator pitch, researching the company beyond the job description, telling stories instead of listing duties, asking thoughtful questions, showing adaptability, and even ending the interview by asking if the employer has any concerns about your candidacy that you can address before leaving.

WAYS TO SAVE MONEY AT OUTLET STORES: Shopping at outlet malls can still save you money if you do it strategically. Experts recommend comparing prices online before buying, browsing store inventories ahead of time, checking clearance sections, stacking coupons and rewards programs, shopping before weekend crowds arrive, and looking beyond clothing for deals on home goods and other essentials.

FIVE FOODS EXPERTS SAY ARE WORTH BUYING ORGANIC: Nutrition experts say not every grocery item needs to be organic, but some are worth the extra cost. Foods that commonly appear on recommended organic lists include berries, leafy greens, apples, grapes, potatoes and oats because they are more likely to contain pesticide residues or are consumed frequently enough that even small differences may add up over time.

LYING TO YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT THESE THINGS COULD BE DANGEROUS: Doctors say honesty is critical when it comes to your health. Medical experts warn patients should never hide what medications and supplements they're taking, whether they're taking them as directed, or their use of alcohol, tobacco or recreational drugs. Even small omissions can increase the risk of dangerous interactions and make it harder for doctors to provide safe treatment.

THIS PAINT COLOR COULD COST YOU THOUSANDS WHEN SELLING YOUR HOME: Zillow's latest paint color analysis found that certain paint choices can affect home sale prices. Ochre yellow ranked as the worst color and could reduce offers by more than $18,000, while fire-engine red bathrooms and pale pink walls also hurt value. On the flip side, chocolate brown bedrooms, sage green living rooms and dark, moody kitchen colors were linked to higher offers.

THE SURPRISING THING THAT GETS MORE ATTENTION ON DATING APPS: If you're looking to stand out on a dating app, showing that you're a reader might help. One study found that 75% of people find someone who reads or appears well-read more attractive, regardless of physical appearance. Experts say reading signals empathy, curiosity and a desire for self-improvement, making book lovers more appealing to potential matches.

WHY MORE SKIN CANCER IS SHOWING UP ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE BODY: Dermatologists have noticed that skin cancer appears more frequently on the left side of Americans' bodies, and the reason may surprise you. Researchers say it comes from years of driving, since the left side of the face and arm are exposed to sunlight through the driver's side window. Experts recommend wearing sunscreen daily, even if you're just commuting around town.

THE ONE THING PET OWNERS SHOULD UNPLUG DURING THUNDERSTORMS: Safety experts say many pet owners overlook an important storm precaution: unplugging electric pet fences. Because these systems are always connected and exposed to the elements, a nearby lightning strike can send electricity through the wiring, potentially damaging your home or even causing a fire. Experts say unplugging the system before a storm takes only a few seconds and can prevent major problems.

TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 2026

Dads Want Memories, Not More Stuff

Father’s Day is this weekend, and a new survey suggests dads may prefer experiences over physical gifts. Seven in ten people say fathers would rather spend quality time with family than unwrap another tie or gadget. More than half of shoppers plan to give an experience this year, like a meal out or a special activity. Subscription gifts are also popular, including food, streaming services, and gaming memberships. Overall Father’s Day spending is expected to hit a record $27.9 billion this year.

What’s Going Into America’s 250-Year Time Capsule?

A massive 900-pound time capsule celebrating America’s 250th birthday is officially sealed and ready to be buried in Philadelphia. It won’t be opened until the year 2276. The capsule includes contributions from all 50 states, Washington D.C., the U.S. territories, and all three branches of government. Some states submitted letters, poems, and artwork, while others got creative. Arkansas included a diamond, Maine sent a whale bone, and California submitted an AI-generated prediction of what the state might look like 250 years from now. The capsule will be buried 10 feet underground and designed to survive centuries.

America Runs on Snacks

Forget three square meals. A new survey finds 79% of Americans consider themselves “snack people,” preferring to graze throughout the day. The average person snacks four times daily, and nearly four in ten admit they’ve gone an entire day surviving on snacks alone. More than half say there’s nothing wrong with finishing a whole bag of chips in one sitting. And if you have a secret snack stash, you’re not alone—60% do. The most common hiding spot? The bedroom.

Raby's Golf Central Moving Into Summit Smokehouse

A popular local indoor golf destination is getting a new home. Raby's Golf Central is temporarily closed while it relocates inside Summit Smokehouse

Owner Chris Raby says the move will give customers more space, access to food and drinks, and room for larger events like birthday parties, holiday gatherings, and company outings. He hopes to reopen by June 22, with a backup target of the Fourth of July.

The expansion also means more than just golf. Visitors will be able to try virtual baseball, football, soccer, hockey, hunting games, and more. Once it reopens, Summit Smokehouse customers will be able to stop in and check out the virtual sports experience while enjoying a meal.

AI Is Saving Time…Then Creating More Work

Artificial intelligence may be making workers more productive, but it’s also creating a new job: babysitting the bot. A new survey finds employees save about 11 hours per week using AI tools. The catch? They spend roughly six hours a week double-checking AI-generated work, fixing mistakes, and rewriting prompts. So while AI is helping people work faster, many are still spending a lot of time making sure the technology gets things right.

Parents Are Tracking Their Adult Kids

A new study finds more than half of parents with children between 18 and 25 years old regularly track them using smartphone apps. Researchers say technology has changed the parent-child relationship, making it easier than ever to know where young adults are at all times. While many parents see it as a safety tool, experts say it can blur the line between staying connected and invading privacy.

Are You Accidentally Being Passive-Aggressive?

Relationship experts say some of the most common phrases couples use can actually be passive-aggressive. Examples include “I’m fine,” “Must be nice,” “Whatever you want,” and “I shouldn’t have to ask.” Therapists say these comments often hide feelings of frustration, disappointment, or loneliness instead of directly expressing what’s wrong. The advice? Say what you really mean instead of hoping your partner figures it out.

Michigan Gas Prices Tick Up Slightly

Michigan drivers are paying a little more at the pump this week. According to AAA, the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gas is now $4.19, up just two cents from last week. AAA says the increase is small, but fuel prices remain unpredictable and can change quickly.

Going Sugar-Free? Not So Fast

Cutting sugar sounds healthy, but researchers say eliminating it completely may not be the best move. A recent study found mice on a totally sugar-free diet developed gut health and inflammation issues, while mice consuming small amounts of sugar did not. Researchers say the findings suggest balance may be more important than total elimination when it comes to carbohydrates and overall health.

Old-School Habits of People Who Have It Together

According to a new lifestyle report, some old-fashioned habits may be the secret to staying organized and productive. Among the habits successful people still practice: budgeting with cash, taking breaks from screens, going outside without headphones, writing notes by hand, making small talk with strangers, getting dressed for the day, and sitting down for family dinners. Sometimes the old ways still work.

How To Become a Morning Person

If you’ve always wanted to be a morning person, experts say it starts with having a reason to get out of bed. They recommend sticking to a consistent sleep schedule, getting sunlight first thing in the morning, practicing good sleep habits, and keeping the same routine on weekends. The key is consistency—your body likes a schedule, even if you don’t.

MONDAY, JUNE 15, 2026

PHONE ZOMBIES: ARE YOU GUILTY AFTER THE KIDS GO TO BED?

You finally get the kids to bed, the house is quiet, and suddenly it’s you, your bed, and three straight hours of scrolling TikTok or Facebook. Experts are calling it being a “phone zombie.” Psychologists say it’s a form of “revenge bedtime procrastination.” Basically, after spending the whole day taking care of everyone else, parents finally get a little time to themselves and don’t want to give it up. The problem is, that late-night scrolling can leave you more anxious, irritable, and exhausted the next day. Experts say the fix is pretty simple: set app limits, create some phone-free bedtime time, or even give your phone its own bedtime and leave it in another room.

AMERICA NEEDS A SELF-CARE RESET

two-thirds of Americans feel like they’re overdue for a “self-care reset.” But here’s the funny part — most people think self-care has to be some complicated 14-step wellness routine. Turns out, people say simple things count: taking a few minutes to rest, watching a favorite show, listening to music, having a snack you love, or enjoying a quiet drink. The survey found almost half of people feel guilty taking time for themselves, even though most say they only need about 45 minutes or less to feel recharged. And nostalgia helps too — a lot of people say rewatching childhood movies or eating snacks from when they were kids instantly boosts their mood.

WHAT HOUSE CLEANERS NOTICE THE SECOND THEY WALK IN

If you’ve ever cleaned your house before the cleaning crew arrives, congratulations — you’re apparently everyone. Professional cleaners say people constantly apologize for the mess, but they’re not judging you. They’re mostly doing a quick mental checklist. The first things they notice? Clutter on counters, the smell of the house, the condition of the floors, and whether the kitchen sink looks like a disaster zone. They also notice buildup in places most of us ignore — ceiling fans, vents, baseboards, corners. But cleaners say they’re not snooping through your medicine cabinet or judging your lifestyle. One cleaner summed it up perfectly: “We’re there to help, not to judge.”

PAPER BOOKS MAY ACTUALLY BE BETTER FOR YOUR BRAIN

New research suggests paper books may actually help your brain more than screens do. Researchers had students reading on paper or on a tablet. Both groups understood the story, but the tablet readers took longer to answer questions that required connecting details from the story. Scientists think physical books give your brain tactile and spatial clues — basically, your brain remembers where things were on the page and builds a stronger mental map of the story.

GLP-1 USERS MAY BE SKIPPING THE GYM

Here’s an interesting health trend: researchers looking at Fitbit data found that people taking GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy were becoming less physically active after starting the medication. Doctors say ideally, losing weight would motivate people to move more, but the data so far shows activity levels dropping instead. The takeaway from experts is that these medications can help with weight loss, but they’re not meant to replace exercise. Your body still wants movement, strength, and cardio.

MILLENNIALS AND GEN X ARE STILL CALLING MOM AND DAD FOR MONEY

A new survey says 42% of adults still feel financially dependent on their parents. That includes more than half of millennials and about a third of Gen X. Parents are helping cover groceries, utilities, streaming services, rent, mortgages, medical bills, and education costs. Honestly, with housing prices, student loans, and grocery bills right now, this may be less “failure to launch” and more “survival strategy.” Somewhere out there, a 41-year-old just texted, “Hey Mom, quick question…”

RELATIONSHIP RED FLAGS PEOPLE WISH THEY HADN’T IGNORED

BuzzFeed asked people for the subtle red flags they ignored early in relationships, and some of these are… yikes. Things like someone constantly talking about their goals but never “us,” controlling behavior around family visits, wanting to go through a partner’s purse, or showing up unexpectedly to monitor where someone was. The big theme was this: behaviors that seem “quirky” or “intense” early on can become major problems later. One person put it bluntly: “Those behaviors you think are endearing at first? They are not. Run.”

FUN SUMMER PARTY IDEAS IF YOU WANT TO HOST

If you’ve been wanting to host friends this summer but don’t want another basic cookout, here are some trending party ideas: a farmers market swap party, a summer solstice dinner, an at-home café night, ice cream float night, craft night, “Summerween,” summer camp party, spritz cocktail party, or even Christmas in July.

EXPERTS DEBUNK VIRAL SLEEP HACKS

And finally, sleep experts are weighing in on all those viral internet sleep hacks. Mouth taping? Experts say that can actually be risky for some people. Eating fatty foods before bed to “stabilize blood sugar”? Not really supported by evidence for sleep. The tart cherry juice and magnesium mocktail? That one may help some people relax, as long as it’s not loaded with sugar. And the “nappuccino” — drinking coffee right before a 20-minute nap — is actually considered a reasonable strategy if you do it early in the afternoon. But experts say none of these hacks replace the basics: consistent sleep schedule, less screen time before bed, and actually getting enough sleep.