FRIDAY, JUNE 9 2023

Canadian wildfires affecting air quality in central Michigan

We’re going to see the effects of the wildfires in Canada today as the air quality here in Central Michigan are expected to reach unhealthy levels. Smoke from the fires has prompted officials to issue an “Action Day” today. Action days are called when the Air Quality Index gets into the unhealthy ranges. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/EGLE or deqmiair.org.

Meta Shows Off Plans For Its "Sanely Run" Twitter Competitor

A top executive at Meta showed employees a preview of the company’s planned Twitter competitor, which will reportedly be a standalone app based on Instagram. Officials called the upcoming product their response to Twitter, and said the company had been hearing from creators and public figures who are interested in having a platform that is sanely run. No word on when it’ll go live but some say probably sometime in 2024

THE “6-SECOND KISS RULE” COULD BOOST YOUR RELATIONSHIP

TikTokers are discovering the “6-second kiss rule” as a way to build intimacy and strengthen your relationship. It’s simple - you just kiss your partner for at least 6 seconds every single day. Research shows that small gestures like this show your significant other love throughout the day and has a big impact on couples’ long-term happiness and success. Officials say it’s really all about doing things that boost oxytocin, a hormone that helps couples bond and feel trusting of each other. Kissing for at least six seconds or hugging for 20 seconds both trigger the release of oxytocin, but that’s the minimum time it takes, so you don’t have to stop there.

DR WARNS THESE FIVE THINGS ARE RUINING YOUR SEX LIFE

We all go through dry spells when it comes to special time with our partners, but one doctor claims some common things we all do could be making things worse. Doctors say these five “libido killers” that can have a negative impact on our physical relationships.

• Skimping on sleep - So many of us are guilty of this one. While many of us know it can affect our mood and energy levels, most don’t realize it can hurt our libido too.
• Drinking too much - Having one too many can keep things from working as they should, but if you’re a regular heavy drinker, that can have long-term effects on your libido as well.
• Eating too much or not enough - Being too hungry or way too full can also kill your libido
• Not managing stress - This can affect a lot of different areas of your life, including desire.
• Being too boring in the bedroom - If you’re not having fun and enjoying yourselves, you may lose interest.

Watch out for these Michigan road closures if you’re traveling this weekend

For those planning to travel, there are more than 68 new projects or special events beginning sometime between Friday and Sunday, June 9-11, that will result in lane closures throughout the state. That’s in addition to hundreds of ongoing road projects.

• I-75 in Oakland County between Saginaw Road and U.S. 24/Dixie Highway
• I-196 in Kent County from Ottawa Avenue to U.S. 131
• Blue Star Highway in Allegan County The interchange between Blue Star Highway and I-196 in the Saugatuck area
• Quick closure near Detroit Metro Airport A 30-minute closure is scheduled for Saturday moning
• U.S. 127 between Jackson and Lansing
• Drivers heading up to the Mackinac Bridge the left lane of I-75 is closed for about nine miles from Levering Road to U.S. 31. in Cheboygan County. Once across the bridge, there’s a single-lane closure from Old Portage Road to the I-75 crossover lane
• U.S. 31 in Benzie County from Center Line Road to M115

THREE FREE: No Fees For State Parks, Fishing, ORV Riding This Weekend

It’s a Three Free Weekend in Michigan. You can 1 - fish all weekend without a license, 2 – ride Michigan’s ORV trails without a trail permit, and 3 – visit any of Michigan’s 103 State Parks without a Recreation Passport. Free Fishing and Free ORV weekends each take place on back-to-back days twice a year, but the “Three Free” Weekend happens only in June.

THURSDAY, JUNE 8, 2023

Fire breaks out at Isabella salvage yard

Tuesday fire fighters were called to Fair Salvage just south of Clare after a spark from a piece of equipment started a fire. Themorningsun.com

Tips To Get Through Living Paycheck To Paycheck

Most Americans are living paycheck to paycheck, but there are ways to get through it. Whether your budget’s tight, you lost a job, or had a crisis and you don’t have enough to pay every bill, take a breath. Here are some tips to help you through it:

• Tell your creditors. Be up front and they’ll work with you
• Find out when your services would be cut off and work with the creditors to keep it from happening.
• Triage your bills with basic needs first, then ones to help you keep your job, and finally credit cards
• Curb your costs and do a course correction. Buy what you need and not what you want
• If you still can’t manage, talk to a finance counselor.

Mt. Pleasant schools to provide free breakfast, lunch throughout summer break

There going to do it again this summer. Mt. Pleasant Schools will be serving free breakfast and lunch. The program is for anyone under 18 and for those who are eligible for special education services up to 26 years old. There is a schedule of which schools, what dates, and the drive thru option at the High School. You can find that in this story at themorningsun.com

PRESIDENT BIDEN VETOS BILL THAT WOULD HAVE STOPPED STUDENT DEBT RELIEF

President Biden used the power of the pen to veto the fifth piece of legislation in his term as president, vetoing a bill that would have repealed his student loan relief plan. Members of both the House and the Senate criticized Biden’s veto of the bill. While it’s unlikely that the House and Senate can put together enough votes to overturn the veto, a challenge to the plan is in front of the Supreme Court

This Robot Vacuum Drops Treats For Your Dog While It Works

It’s Pet Appreciation Week, and techs at iRobot came up with something that could lead to a truce in the eternal war between dogs and vacuum cleaners. The engineers have created a Roomba accessory that dispenses treats as it vaccuums, which could turn the robotic vacuums into friends instead of enemies. The “Tasty Reward Emission Apparatus Thingy,” or “T.R.E.A.T.”, isn’t for sale yet, but if you’re interested you can apply to test a prototype.

VICTORIA’S SECRET NOW SELLS BRAS & UNDIES ON AMAZON

After a successful beauty launch, Victoria’s Secret is expanding their Amazon storefront to include apparel. It’s the first time the lingerie brand has made their products available through a retail partner in North America. You can now buy their bras, undies and pajamas on Amazon and get speedy free shipping with Prime delivery.

WORRIED PARENTS WILL LOVE APPLE’S NEW “CHECK-IN” FEATURE

At the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference 2023 this week, they announced a new “Check In” feature that will make it easier to check in with loved ones. The new iOS 17 iMessage gesture will send automatic updates to selected contacts to let them know when you arrive at your destination. It can also track a trip and send automatic updates if the person you’re tracking is late or changes from the route.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 7, 2023

Should Butter Be Refrigerated?

Here’s something we never think about… butter. Is it safe to leave on the counter, where most people store it? The FDA says it should not be out of the fridge for a day or two.

But others have conducted their own tests showing no signs of spoilage after 30 days at temperatures up to 77 F. Several experts agree that butter can be kept out. And, judging by the 472 million views of butter boards on TikTok, most of us agree.

McDonald’s Rolls Out The Grimace Birthday Shake This Month

McDonald’s is celebrating Grimace this month. The fast food giant is introducing the Grimace Birthday shake, a purple, berry flavored treat to celebrate the character’s 51st birthday. You can get it solo, or as part of the Grimace Birthday Meal, which also includes medium fries and a 10 piece chicken McNugget or a Big Mac. It rolls out on June 20th along with new Cheesy Jalapeño Bacon Quarter Pounder with Cheese.

City of Mt. Pleasant Receives $1 Million MEDC Grant for Town Center Civic Space Project

The City of Mt. Pleasant got it, a $1 million grant to help rework Town Center.

• Expansive Green Space: A significant increase in green space contributing to improved air quality and biodiversity.
• Universal Accessibility Design: Ensures easy navigation for all community members.
• Installation of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
• Upgraded Electrical Infrastructure: A modernized electrical system to better support a range of events and activities.
• Additional Parking Spaces: Gain of (18) total parking lot and on-street parking spaces.
• Traffic Calming Plan: Removal of the portion of Mosher Street between Main and Broadway Street to increase pedestrian safety.
• New Accessible Public Restrooms
• Increased Pedestrian Lighting
• Site Added Features: Benches, trash cans, bike racks, universally accessible pathways.

Chris Christie Announces 2024 Presidential Bid

Another day, another contestant…yesterday former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie launched his campaign for the 2024 Republican nomination for president.

Apple Autocorrect Is About To Use AI To Not Duck Your Texts
Apple has announced that it’ll be putting artificial intelligence into use with its autocorrect feature to stop correcting a common swear word to “duck”. The anti-fowl autocorrect change will be part of the iOS 17 operating system upgrade that should be released in September.

THE BEST WAY TO SOUND SMARTER WHEN MAKING SMALL TALK

Trying to make small talk with someone you’ve just met can be intimidating and stressful. We feel like we need to convince the other person that we’re smart, so we drop our job title, education and accomplishments. But that’s actually the opposite of what you should do. It turns out, the way to come off as smart is to simply ask for advice. The idea is that when someone asks for advice or help, it tends to make us think they’re smart to ask for our advice because we’re smart.

Midland nonprofit emphasizes need for foster families in Michigan

Michigan is still in need of families willing to become foster parents…Right now there are more than 10,000 children in foster care in Michigan, with only 4,3300 registered foster homes available…The significant loss of licensed families during the pandemic has hurt the numbers, causing the larger need…It's a lengthy, but rewarding process when it's all done to become a foster parent - To learn more about the process there are several websites you can visit - https://adoptionoptioninc.org - https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/adult-child-serv/foster-care

Large Wildfire Near Grayling 100% Contained; Crews Dealing With Hot Spots

Yesterday fire crews worked to put out hot spots on the Wilderness Trail Fire burn area as the 2,418 acre fire is now 100% contained. The fire’s done, but the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is still asking people to stay away from the area to give fire crews space to finish their work.

Mackinac Bridge Entering Busy Maintenance Season; Drivers Urged To Be Patient

As summer traffic picks up on the Mackinac Bridge so does the work required to maintain it. This summer look for crews to replace pieces of the original decking, repair deck joints, clean off a winter’s worth of grit, and this summer they’ll be replacing sections of the curb and rebuilding some bridge joints. Officials ask everyone to just be patient.

TUESDAY, JUNE 6, 2023

Blanchard celebrates 150 years with multiple events

This year marks Blanchard’s sesquicentennial and the celebration starts Sunday and runs thru Wednesday with a variety of events. For more information, visit the 150 Years of Blanchard Facebook page.

MIKE PENCE FILES PAPERWORK TO RUN FOR PRESIDENT

Yesterday former Vice-President Mike Pence officially filed the paperwork to enter the race for the 2024 Republican nomination for president. He joins an already-crowded field of candidates that includes former President Donald Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Pence is expected to have an official launch for his campaign tomorrow in Des Moines, followed by a CNN town hall tomorrow night

HARVARD NUTRITIONIST: THESE FOOD ADDITIVES CAN MAKE YOU HUNGRIER

A a lot of foods we buy have toxic additives in them that can actually make us hungrier. Experts say to watch out for:

• Monosodium glutamate (MSG) - It’s added to many flavored foods and it “antagonizes your pancreas into pouring out more insulin,” which makes you feel hungrier. Research has also linked MSG to diabetes and obesity.
• Refined flour - The refining process allows products to stay on shelves longer, but it also takes away the natural vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber. Refined flour also “jacks up your blood sugar levels fast, spiking your insulin levels and then making them crash,” That reaction makes you hungry very quickly, which is why you may want to eat again after having a bagel.
• Refined sugar - Similar to the way refined flour affects the body, it sends your blood sugar sky-high and then makes it crash soon after, leaving you with intense sugar cravings. Studies show that one form of refined sugar - high fructose corn syrup - slows down the release of leptin, known as the “I’m full” hormone.
• Gluten - It’s a protein in wheat that can also make you hungry because of its “sugar-like properties when refined,” Shah explains, adding that it’s also a gut irritant.
• Instead, she encourages us to make polyphenols our best friend - These are a type of micronutrient that helps clear our bloodstreams and toxins and they help control hunger and cravings for unhealthy, additive-filled foods. Foods high in polyphenols include avocados, berries, broccoli, cherries, chili peppers, coffee, dark chocolate, garlic, nuts, olives, onions, and spinach.

CHILD SAFETY EXPERT WARNS NOT TO COVER STROLLER IN THE HEAT

Experts are warning parents…DON’T put a blanket over a baby’s car seat or stroller on a hot day. While you may be thinking that you’re shielding them from the sun, it actually traps hot air and it can get dangerously hot under the blanket. Experiments show that after just 10 minutes, the temperature in one stroller reached 112 degrees. Instead they recommend getting kids out of the car seat as soon as possible on hot days and taking frequent breaks when they’re in the stroller in direct sunlight, as well as adding a fan to the stroller or car seat.

Recreation areas reopen after Northern Michigan wildfire burns 2,400 acres

After announcing that they have the Wilderness Trail fire in Grayling more than 90% contained, the DNR says recreation and beach areas at Kneff Lake and Staley Lake have reopened and local roads should be reopened Today, but they ask if you do visit, stay on roads and keep pets on leashes. Fire crews likely will be in the area to finish duties and the DNR asks motorists to drive slowly.

AG Nessel, Michigan State Police Warn Of Cryptocurrency Scams

The Michigan State Police are joining other authorities in the state to highlight the dangers of cryptocurrency scams…Crypto scams commonly target older and vulnerable adults, but of all ages have been scammed in the past…Be wary if anyone tells you to go to the bank or credit union and:

1-Withdraw cash at a different branch than you would normally use

2-Lie to the teller about the reason you are withdrawing money

3-Leave a cell phone call “open” or keep a call going while in the bank so that the caller can give you further             instructions after you have withdrawn cash

MONDAY, JUNE 5, 2023

Vet Gives Tip On Summer Pet Care

Summertime means fun for the whole family… and that includes your pets. The CFX Morning Research team checked in with a few vets to get some tips on taking care of your fur babies as it warms up:

• Allergies are common. Talk with your vet when they show symptoms
• Give pets baths to keep allergens away and sooth itchy skin
• Be vigilant about fleas, ticks, and mosquitos. Use flea and tick treatments and heartworm prevention meds
• Beware of the heat. Go on walks in the early morning or at night
• Don’t leave pets in the car!
• Set aside outside bonding time

What To Do If Your Partner Is Getting On Your Nerves

It’s not uncommon for couples to be annoyed by each other sometimes. Relationship experts have put together a list of a few reasons why you and your partner may be driving each other crazy and what to do about it:

• You’re in clashing phases. Being in different stages of your emotional growth can throw couples out of sync. The fix? Try identifying the different phases you’re each in and discuss how to accommodate both individuals' needs during this time. Have a hard chat and assess if this is a long-term lack of compatibility or a phase.
• Increasing stress. Stress makes people cranky and less tolerant of the little annoying stuff. The fix? Tamp down stress with activities you love like walking. Share with your boo why you are touchy before things get out of hand.
• Loathing your partner during a fight. It’s totally normal to feel this way. You may not like confrontation, so that makes it worse. The fix? Resolve your issues quickly and respectfully.
• One of you wants your space. Sometimes we need personal space and autonomy. If you don’t like being around your SO, it may be because they’ve invaded your “me” time. The fix? Set boundaries and explain them.
• Reacting to hurtful behavior. This happens from time to time and your reaction, if not extreme, is valid. The fix? Be honest and share why the behavior is hurtful. Find ways to change the negative association with a positive one.

DIRECTOR'S GUILD REACHES AGREEMENT, WGA STILL ON STRIKE

The Directors Guild reached a tentative agreement on a three-year contract at the end of last week saying their new deal with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. As the Writers Guild of America enters the second month of its strike, its members are saying that the two guilds had different issues, but while some say the DGA deal will have some impact on their needs, others are saying that it’s making them “more determined to fight for a fair deal for us.

HOW LONG IT TAKES YOU TO FALL ASLEEP REVEALS A LOT ABOUT HEALTH

There’s no set “normal” amount of time it should take to drift off to sleep, but sleep specialists caution that both falling asleep too quickly and too slowly can be a sign of a bigger issue.

Here’s what your body is telling you if you fall asleep quickly:

• You just need more sleep - Falling asleep right away could be a sign of exhaustion, that you’re overworking yourself and not getting the rest you need. If you’re exercising a lot or working 12-hour days, you may just need more sleep. You can always check in with your doctor if you’re worried about it.
• You have a mental health condition - Falling asleep quickly can be a side effect of medication as well as a condition like depression.
• You’re experiencing sleep apnea - Common in older adults, it’s a chronic sleep disorder where the upper airway is partially or completely blocked during sleep. People with sleep apnea may feel tired during the day and notice brain fog. If you suspect you have a sleep disorder like sleep apnea, experts advise seeing your doctor.

If you fall asleep slowly, your body may be telling you:

• You might have insomnia or a psychological or medical condition - It could be a sign of anxiety or chronic pain.
• Your sleep routine isn’t the best - Having an inconsistent bedtime and poor sleep habits can make it hard to fall asleep fast, and so can drinking too much caffeine or having it after 2 p.m., looking at screens just before bedtime, taking naps, or even exercising close to bedtime.
• You feel emotional or stressed - If your body is struggling with something that makes it feel unsafe or unable to settle down enough to get into sleep mode, it could be a sign of anxiety, stress or depression, according to neuroscientist and psychiatrist Dr. Dave Rabin. Creating an ideal soothing sleep environment, that’s dark, cool and includes white noise, may help you drift off faster.

SOCIAL MEDIA PARENT HACKS TO MAKE SUMMER WITH KIDS EASIER

Parents are sharing their top hacks to beat summer boredom and help parents keep their sanity.

Hacks to fight boredom:

• Create a summer routine chart - TikTok Mom @MrsBlinks suggests a chart with velcro labels and as kids do tasks, like making their bed, reading, and cleaning up, they move the label to the other side of the chart. And when kids finish the chart, they get rewarded.
• Use a clock to divide your kid’s day - This hack from TikToker @mdoesdiy uses an old-school clock to help kids know what’s coming up next in their day. It may keep them from asking “Is it lunchtime yet?” a dozen times, if you’re lucky.

Playtime hacks:

• Make a pool on the beach - For little kids who want to play in the water at the beach without getting knocked over by waves, try this hack from @athomewith.shannon. You dig a small hole, cover it with a cheap shower curtain, and pour water in to create a mini pool in the sand.
• Fun with bubbles - You don’t need fancy bubble wands, according to @thehouseofrealisticmom. This hack has you dip the end of a straw into a bubble solution and blow, which may be easier for young kids, as long as they don’t suck in by mistake.

Hacks to keep your house organized:

• Color code dishes for kids - Bianca, a mom on Facebook shares her hack of getting each child their own cup, plate, bowl and silverware in different colors. They can only use that and then wash it, so she doesn’t have a pile of dishes to do every day.
• How to get teens to clean their rooms - TikToker @krisreneeauthor uses this strategy with her own eight kids and it starts with giving them a grace period to clean up, then a 24-hour warning to get it done. If they don’t, then she cleans it up for them and gives them an itemized bill for her time and services.

On-the-go hacks:

• Use a makeup brush for sunscreen Mom @abbyluf shows how to use a makeup brush to apply sunscreen to little ones with ease.
• Bring popsicles to the park - A hack from a TikTok mom suggests keeping popsicles frozen by sticking them in a big insulated cup packed with ice, so you can enjoy them anywhere.

IRS announces record change to HSA contribution limits for 2024

If you use a Health Savings Account for your care, the IRS just jacked up the limits of what you can contribute each year…Starting in 2024, the maximum contribution for self-only coverage is increased to $4,150, up from $3,850 in 2023…For a family plan, the limit is now $8,300 up from $7.750 this year…The 55 or older crowd can also contribute an extra $1,000 on top of that…Contributions are tax free and there is no deadline for when you must use the money

Jeep Cherokee owners told to park outside as part of recall involving increased fire risk

Owners of an estimated 220,000 Jeep Cherokees are being told to park outside as a problem with the power liftgates may cause a fire, even when the vehicle is turned off…The recall affects certain 2014 to 2016 models…The number of fires caused by the issue is not known & no injuries have been reported as a result of the issue…Impacted owners are expected to begin receiving notices in the mail starting on June 30.