FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2026

Moms Say What They Really Want for Mother’s Day Is Surprisingly Simple

Moms aren’t asking for spa days or fancy brunches this Mother’s Day—they’re asking for something a lot simpler: free time. A new survey of 2,000 moms found that 58% just want to drop everything and do absolutely nothing, 51% want quality family time on their terms, 42% want time alone to read or relax, and 10% say their dream gift is just going to the bathroom in peace. Between work, chores, and constant interruptions, many moms say real downtime is basically nonexistent.

Americans Say They Fear Running Out of Money More Than Death

A new survey shows Americans may be more afraid of running out of money than dying. According to the research, 67% of people worry more about outliving their savings than death itself.  experts say rising costs, longer lifespans, and healthcare expenses are driving the anxiety. Other top retirement fears include long-term care needs, Social Security cuts, and simply not having enough saved to last.

Old School Fitness Test Making a Comeback in Schools

A former school fitness test is making a comeback. The Presidential Physical Fitness Test, which was phased out in 2013 in favor of a less competitive approach, is being revived as part of a push focused on discipline and athletic performance. It is already required at U.S. military base schools, with other schools being encouraged to follow

Experts Say These Habits Are Worth Dropping Before 30

Experts say there are several habits people should try to leave behind before turning 30, including chasing constant validation, staying in their comfort zone, blaming others for everything, multitasking, perfectionism, and ignoring self-care. The message is that these patterns can lead to burnout, frustration, and feeling stuck, while small changes like focusing on one task at a time and taking care of basic needs like sleep and nutrition can make a big difference.

Grandparents’ Frugal Advice Is Going Viral for Being Surprisingly Smart

A thread about frugal habits learned from grandparents is going viral for reminding people that old-school money habits still work. The list includes borrowing instead of buying, fixing things instead of replacing them, cooking at home, buying quality items that last, keeping up with preventive healthcare, avoiding grocery shopping when hungry, and not worrying so much about appearances. Many say the common theme is simple: spend smarter, waste less, and focus on what actually matters.

How to Get Motivation Back When You Have None

When motivation disappears, experts say it is often not laziness but mental overload or stress. One strategy is starting with just five minutes of effort to get moving, while another is tackling the hardest task first, often called “eating the frog.” Other tips include doing anything that takes less than two minutes immediately, putting the phone away to reduce distractions, and cleaning up your space to reset focus. The idea is that motivation often follows action, not the other way around.

MULTIGENERATIONAL LIVING IS BOOMING

More families are deciding to live under one roof — and it’s becoming one of the hottest trends in housing. Realtors say buyers are specifically searching for “mother-in-law suites,” “granny flats,” and guest houses more than ever before. Homes already set up for multigenerational living are even selling for higher prices. Experts say families are teaming up financially to afford home ownership, build equity, and take advantage of tax breaks… while others just want loved ones closer by. Right now, about four million American households have three or more generations living together.

DECLUTTER NOW BEFORE SUMMER CHAOS HITS

If your house already feels packed and summer hasn’t even started yet… experts say now’s the time to declutter. Between graduations, vacations, and nonstop May schedules — some people are calling this time of year “Maycember.” Organizers say tossing a few key items now can make summer a whole lot easier. Things to get rid of? Dead potted plants, broken patio furniture, unused exercise gear, expired sunscreen and bug spray, worn-out hats and sunglasses, damaged goggles, ratty beach towels, old pool bags… and any cold weather clothes you never actually wore this winter.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 2026

Infant Form ula Recall Alert
More than 16-thousand containers of a2 Platinum Premium USA infant formula are being recalled after a toxin that can cause vomiting showed up in testing. The toxin can’t be killed with hot water, and three batches with mid-January and mid-July expiration dates are affected. The formula was sold online, on Amazon, and at Meijer stores. No illnesses reported, but parents should toss it or return it for a refund.

Spirit Airlines Refund Update
Spirit Airlines says most travelers who paid with cards have now been refunded after the airline shut down over the weekend. Customers who used cash, vouchers, or points may be waiting longer, with those cases tied up in bankruptcy. United stepped in and rebooked about 14-thousand passengers, while JetBlue added routes and perks for stranded flyers.

Toxic Bosses Are Everywhere
A new survey finds 60% of U.S. workers say they currently have a toxic boss, and 70% have dealt with one at some point. Nearly half say it’s hurting their mental health, and many are working extra hours just to keep up. Two-thirds have actually quit a job to get away from a bad boss, and more than half say better leadership training could fix the problem.

America Is Running On Empty
New CDC data shows nearly one in three adults isn’t getting enough sleep, and only about half wake up feeling rested. Women report more trouble falling and staying asleep, while older adults are more likely to feel refreshed. Lack of sleep is linked to serious health risks, including heart issues and mood problems.

Long-Distance Love Is Expensive
Couples in long-distance relationships are spending nearly seven-thousand dollars on travel just to see each other. That cost is pushing many to move in together faster, with three-quarters saying travel expenses played a role in the decision. On average, couples wait about three months between visits and bring up moving in less than a year into dating.

Dream Jobs That Aren’t So Dreamy
A viral thread is exposing jobs that look fun but are actually exhausting. Workers say roles like veterinarian, flight attendant, and stagehand come with long hours, stress, and tough working conditions. Even jobs in entertainment and food writing made the list, with many saying the reality doesn’t match the hype.

Most Trusted Grocery Stores
A new survey names Walmart as the most trusted grocery store, winning across categories like price and convenience. Aldi and Kroger also scored high marks, especially for affordability and loyalty perks. The rankings are based on real shopper feedback and habits.

Target Celebrates Pokémon Anniversary
Pokémon is turning 30, and Target is celebrating with a new limited-edition collection. The drop includes clothing, accessories, collectibles, and even themed tech items. A second wave is already planned for early June.

Protect Your Hair While You Sleep
Stylists say simple changes can prevent morning hair disasters. Loose braids, silk wraps, low buns, or even a silk pillowcase can reduce damage and frizz overnight. Curly hair benefits from the “pineapple” method, keeping volume intact while you sleep.

Airbnb Safety Checklist
Travel experts say don’t skip a safety check when you arrive at a rental. Look for cameras, check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, secure valuables, and get familiar with the space.

Travel Tips To Make Trips Easier
Experts say packing smart can make or break your trip. Don’t overpack, bring essentials like chargers and adapters, and set up your space as soon as you arrive. Some travelers are even trying “sleep tourism,” planning trips specifically to rest and recharge.

TUESDAY, MAY 5TH, 2026

Michigan Gas Prices Jump 85 Cents In One Week
If it feels like you’re suddenly paying way more at the pump, you’re not imagining it—gas prices across Michigan have surged 85 cents in just one week, with the average now sitting at about $4.87 a gallon, nearly a dollar higher than last month and significantly more than this time last year. Drivers are now shelling out around $73 to fill a typical tank, and experts say the spike is tied to tighter supply and shifting oil prices, meaning relief may not come right away as demand ticks up and production dips.

Which Animal “Personality Types” Make The Best Couples
If you’ve seen those viral animal personality types, a new survey says the dream match might be a “golden retriever” and a “bear,” pairing loyalty and optimism with warmth and care, and overall, relationships are doing just fine. People most often see themselves as bears, golden retrievers, or lions, and they credit happiness to simple things like communication, planning dates, and consistent romance, while quirks show up too—dachshunds fall fastest, orange cats take their time, butterflies love PDA, black cats don’t, and if you want affection, lions, retrievers, and wolves are the ones giving it out the most.

Therapist Reveals How You Might Benefit From A Drought
It may not sound appealing, but a relationship dry spell could actually have some upside, according to therapists who say stepping back from physical intimacy can help people stop relying on it for validation and instead build a deeper connection to what they actually want. Taking a break can also shake up routines couples fall into, and when things pick back up, there’s often a better understanding of needs and a stronger appreciation for intimacy, making the experience more meaningful than just going through the motions.

Airlines Step In To Help Stranded Spirit Passengers After Shutdown
Thousands of travelers were left scrambling after Spirit Airlines abruptly shut down operations early Saturday. Now, other carriers are stepping up to help people get home, with United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, and Southwest Airlines among those capping ticket prices or offering discounted “rescue fares” on overlapping routes, while others like American Airlines are adding flights and Frontier Airlines and Avelo Airlines are rolling out major discounts—so while it’s a travel nightmare for many, there is at least some relief as airlines work to pick up the slack.

Michigan Warns Of Bigger Tick And Mosquito Risks After Flooding
After recent flooding, health officials in Michigan are warning that mosquitoes and ticks could be a much bigger problem this season, thanks to all the standing water creating perfect breeding conditions and pushing pests into new areas. That raises the risk for illnesses like Lyme disease and West Nile virus, so experts are urging people to use bug spray, wear long sleeves, clear out standing water around their homes, and check themselves and their pets after being outside, because a simple bite could lead to symptoms days or even weeks later.

Why Many Gen X Women Are Deciding To Walk Away From Their Marriages
There’s a growing trend of so-called “walkaway wives,” with more Gen X women choosing to leave marriages, especially since the pandemic, after reassessing what they want out of life. Data shows women are filing for divorce about 63% of the time, with more than half saying they were simply unhappy, and many cite having fewer obligations, shifting priorities, and a realization they’re not done living yet as reasons to move on instead of settling.

Unhinged First Date Icebreakers That Actually Work
If first dates feel like awkward job interviews, switching up your questions could be the fix, with some offbeat, slightly chaotic icebreakers actually helping people open up and show personality. Instead of the usual small talk, questions like what you’re weirdly competitive about, your most questionable DM, or a bad decision that somehow worked out can spark real conversation, ease tension, and make the whole thing feel less like an interrogation and more like a genuine connection.

McDonald’s Is Quietly Ditching Self-Serve Soda Stations
An era is slowly coming to an end as McDonald’s phases out self-serve soda fountains, with the change rolling out during restaurant renovations and a full removal planned by 2032. The move is meant to cut down on labor and maintenance costs while keeping up with the shift toward takeout and delivery.

Eating And Drinking Habits That Give Daters The Ick
“The ick” is that instant moment a date completely turns you off, and apparently, a lot of it happens at the dinner table, with one site dedicated to these horror stories. We’re talking everything from someone not paying at a “pay what you want” restaurant, to dumping seasoning or sugar on food before even tasting it, using a borrowed bathrobe as a napkin, or having wildly incompatible eating habits like refusing vegetables altogether—basically, it’s not always the big red flags that end a romance, sometimes it’s how they treat your fries, your cooking, or the check that kills the vibe instantly.

MONDAY, MAY THE 4TH BE WITH YOU

False Threat Prompts Police Response At Alma High School: A scary situation turned out to be a hoax Friday morning after Gratiot County Central Dispatch received an anonymous tip about a possible threat at Alma High School. Police from Alma and surrounding agencies quickly responded, placing the school into secure mode as a precaution, but after investigating, officials determined it was a hoax . Authorities say there was never any real danger to students, staff.

Mother’s Day Ideas For Spending Time Together As A Family: Mother’s Day is this Sunday, and if the mom in your life wants quality time over quiet time, there are plenty of easy, meaningful ways to celebrate together without leaving the house. You can turn the day into a themed staycation with food, music, and décor inspired by her favorite place, or take a walk down memory lane by flipping through old photos and creating a scrapbook filled with stories and captions. If relaxation is the goal, bring the spa home with DIY treatments and coupons for things like naps or massages, or head outside to plant flowers that will keep growing long after the holiday. Other ideas include making sentimental artwork like handprint keepsakes, cooking a favorite family recipe together, volunteering as a group, or ending the day with a cozy movie marathon full of mom-approved picks.

USPS Unveils Barbie-Themed Stamp Collection: Barbie fans have something fun coming to their mailboxes this summer as the U.S. Postal Service rolls out a new collection of 10 Barbie-themed stamps, each featuring the iconic doll in careers like astronaut, surgeon, soccer player, and even sign language teacher. The stamps will stand out with a taller-than-usual design and plenty of signature Barbie pink, and they will be sold as Forever stamps at the current First-Class rate of 78 cents each. The official debut is set for July 11th at the 2026 National Barbie Doll Collectors Convention in Austin, Texas.

Survey Finds Families Would Fall Apart Without Mom In Less Than A Day: A new survey confirms what most families already suspect, moms are doing a lot more than they get credit for, and if they stopped, things would unravel fast. In fact, 58% of moms say their household would crash and burn in less than a day without them. From cleaning and cooking to acting as chauffeur, teacher, and event planner, moms are juggling multiple roles, often on just six hours of sleep a night. Nearly half say they feel like they are in survival mode, and about one in five cannot remember the last time they had a full day to themselves. With many also working full-time jobs, burnout is a real issue, and when asked what they actually want for Mother’s Day, many said a professional cleaner, a spa day, or even just a week off from cooking.

Money Moves To Make In Your First 90 Days At A New Job: Starting a new job is exciting, but financial experts say the first 90 days are key to setting yourself up for success. With that first paycheck comes a chance to get ahead by locking in retirement contributions, building a budget based on your new income, and starting an emergency fund. It is also important to review your benefits so you are not missing out on anything, and to automate your savings so money is consistently set aside. One big tip is to avoid reward spending right away, even though it is tempting, and instead focus on long-term financial stability and building wealth from the start.

Mayo Clinic Develops AI Model To Detect Pancreatic Cancer Early: There is a potentially life-saving breakthrough from the Mayo Clinic, where researchers say a new AI-assisted model can detect pancreatic cancer up to three years earlier than it is usually diagnosed. The system uses routine CT scans to identify subtle signs of the disease, which is known for showing little to no symptoms until it has already progressed. Early detection is critical since pancreatic cancer has a five-year survival rate of under 14 percent

Mother’s Day Experience Gifts That Go Beyond Flowers: If you are still trying to figure out what to get mom, consider giving her an experience instead of just a traditional gift. You can step in as her personal chef for the day, plan a scenic road trip, or create a “yes day” where whatever she wants, the answer is yes. Another idea is setting up a bouquet-building activity so you can spend time together while she creates something beautiful to take home.

Meditation Apps That Can Help Boost Your Mental Health: It is Mental Health Awareness Month, and experts say meditation can be a simple but powerful way to support your mental health. If you are not sure where to start, there are several apps that can help, including Insight Timer for a wide range of free content, Headspace for guided meditation and mental health support, and Waking Up for a more in-depth, masterclass-style approach to building a meditation practice.

Creative Ways To Upcycle Old T-Shirts: If spring cleaning has left you with a pile of old T-shirts, there are plenty of ways to give them new life instead of throwing them away. You can turn them into a quilt filled with memories, make throw pillows, or create practical items like tote bags, cleaning rags, or rugs. There are also fun options like transforming them into hair accessories, pet toys, or even plant hangers, making it easy to repurpose old clothes into something useful again.