FRIDAY, AUGUST 4, 2026

STRESSED? YOUR SNACKS MIGHT BE ABLE TO HELP

If stress has you reaching for the snacks, you might as well make them work for you. Real Simple put together a list of foods that are good for your gut and may help with stress, and there are some pretty easy options on it. Salmon and other lean proteins, berries, oranges, chickpeas, eggs, nuts and turkey all made the list, along with chamomile tea, steel-cut oats and even dark chocolate. So the next time somebody tells you to “eat your feelings,” maybe there’s actually some science behind it — although I’m guessing they’re not talking about an entire bag of dark chocolate.

TIKTOK MIGHT BE MAKING YOU MORE ANXIOUS

Ever watch a TikTok about some weird health symptom and suddenly think, “Wait… I have that!”? Experts say there’s actually a name for this — “symptom borrowing.” The more you watch videos about medical problems, the more likely you are to start noticing sensations you might normally ignore. If you find yourself constantly checking your body or Googling every little symptom, it might be time to step away from TikTok and let your brain relax.

MIDDLE SCHOOL FASHION IS GETTING… YOUNGER?

If you have a middle schooler, you might notice something different this year — they’re dressing younger. One sixth-grade teacher says crop tops and super-short shorts are giving way to longer shorts, graphic tees, neon colors and even backpacks featuring characters like Bluey and Spider-Man. Sambas, Birkenstocks and jorts are still hanging around, but apparently Crocs are officially on their way out. And yes, the Birkenstocks apparently must be worn with socks.

WOULD YOU SKIP A VACATION FOR YOUR PET?

Turns out a lot of people absolutely would. A new survey of pet owners found that 45% have actually turned down a trip because their pet couldn’t come along. Nearly three-quarters say they’d rather take a road trip than fly so they can bring their dog or cat, and 51% say traveling with their pet is better than traveling with another human.

MOVE OVER, VINYL… CDs ARE BACK!

Remember when we thought CDs were basically dead? Well, apparently not. CD sales in the U.S. jumped nearly 59% during the first half of this year, with younger music fans driving the comeback. They’re cheaper than vinyl, you can actually own them, and there’s something appealing about listening to an entire album instead of letting an algorithm decide what you hear next.

WANT A LOWER CREDIT CARD RATE? JUST ASK!

Here's a surprisingly simple money-saving tip: call your credit card company and ask for a lower interest rate. A new survey found that 84% of people who asked for a lower rate got one — and those who succeeded lowered their rate by an average of 6.3 percentage points. It helps if you know your current rate, have a good payment history and can mention competing offers.

WHAT’S YOUR BIGGEST DATING “ICK”?

Researchers went digging through TikTok to find out what gives men and women the biggest dating “ick” — and there are some interesting differences. Women most often complained about guys acting “too feminine,” while men were most turned off by women who take astrology way too seriously. Both groups also listed embarrassing behavior and annoying comments. And apparently, a bad fashion choice can kill the romance, too.

HOW MUCH DOES YOUR PERFECT PARTNER NEED TO MAKE?

Forget height, hair and eye color — apparently salary matters, too. A new survey asked single Americans how much they’d ideally like their partner to make, and the average answer was $139,000 a year. Millennials wanted even more — about $160,000 — while Gen Z came in at $135,000. And there’s a pretty big gender difference: men said about $101,000, while women said $172,000. So apparently “What do you do for a living?” might be an early dating question.

ARE YOU SLEEPING TO ESCAPE REAL LIFE?

We all love a good nap, but apparently there’s such a thing as sleeping too much — especially if you’re using sleep to avoid dealing with life. Experts say people sometimes retreat into sleep when they’re overwhelmed by stress, loneliness, grief, guilt, disappointment or feeling bad about themselves. So if your bed has become less of a place to rest and more of an escape from everything else, that could be a sign something deeper is going on.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 3, 2026

CHEFS HAVE CHEAT CODES—AND YOU'RE ALLOWED TO STEAL THEM

Cooking dinner doesn't have to mean spending 45 minutes chopping, stirring and searching through your cabinets, and professional chefs have a few tricks that can make life easier. Save your pasta water because the starch can help thicken sauces and soups, salt your meat ahead of time for better flavor and browning, and use lazy Susans so you can actually find things in your pantry. Keep umami-packed ingredients like soy sauce or fish sauce around, save those Parmesan rinds for soups and sauces, and consider a cast-iron griddle for everything from pancakes to grilled cheese. And here's a big one: caramelize a bunch of onions ahead of time and keep them in the fridge. Basically, the secret to cooking like a pro is sometimes just doing a little work before you're hungry.

PARENTS, THIS ONE THING COULD HELP YOUR KIDS YEARS FROM NOW

Here's a simple thing you can do for your kids that doesn't cost anything and could pay off for years: read to them. A study finds only 41% of kids ages zero to four are read to frequently, down from 64% in 2012. And there's a pretty big payoff—kids who are read to every day are nearly three times more likely to enjoy reading on their own compared with kids who are only read to weekly. The more you read to them when they're little, the more likely they are to develop a love of reading, which can translate into doing better and enjoying school more. So tonight, put down the phone, grab a book and read them a story.

YOU MIGHT BE USING AN EXTENSION CORD WRONG

Extension cords are incredibly handy—until they aren't. Experts say there are some things you really shouldn't plug into one, including space heaters, air conditioners, refrigerators and high-powered countertop appliances because they can draw too much electricity and create a fire risk. And there's another big no-no: plugging one extension cord into another, That can cause heat to build up and even create voltage problems that could damage your electronics. So if an appliance gets hot or pulls a lot of power, skip the extension cord and plug it directly into the wall.

YOUR MORNING ROUTINE COULD SET THE TONE FOR YOUR WHOLE DAY

If you wake up already stressed out, there are a few simple things you can do to start the day differently. Try stretching before you even get out of bed, drink some water and establish a morning routine instead of immediately diving into your phone and the day's chaos. Getting outside, seeing a friend and taking a break from your phone can also help keep stress under control. None of these are exactly groundbreaking, but that's kind of the point—sometimes managing stress doesn't require a giant life overhaul; it just takes a few small changes to how you start your day.

YOUR BRAIN’S GOT A NEW ENEMY LIST

If you’re looking for ways to keep your brain healthy as you get older, the World Health Organization just added seven more things to its list of factors linked to dementia — including stroke, traumatic brain injuries, vision problems, sleep issues, HIV, air pollution and menopausal hormone therapy. The good news is, a bunch of the risk factors are things we can actually do something about, like exercising, not smoking, eating better, getting enough sleep and keeping things like blood pressure and diabetes under control.

CONGRATS… YOU’RE FINALLY ADULTING

Wondering whether you’ve officially got your life together? Apparently, the bar is lower than we thought. A new survey says the number-one sign you’re winning at adulthood is simply being financially responsible — having money in the bank, paying off your credit card and having some emergency savings. Other signs include actually enjoying your own company, admitting when you’re wrong, saying no without feeling guilty, knowing when trash day is and… making your bed every morning.

IS YOUR HOUSE YOUR SOULMATE… OR YOUR EX?

Apparently, some homeowners are ready to break up with their houses. A new survey finds one in five homeowners is actually thinking about moving on, with changes in their financial situation being the biggest reason, followed closely by having a house that needs too many repairs. And there are definitely some red flags — critters moving in, noisy neighbors, wall cracks, running out of space and water damage. But there are green flags, too: having room for everything, a great backyard, a huge kitchen and a big closet. And despite all the complaints, the average homeowner still rates their relationship with their house a 7.5 out of 10.

YOUR LABOR DAY ROAD TRIP JUST GOT MORE EXPENSIVE

If you’re hitting the road for Labor Day weekend, prepare to feel a little more pain at the pump. GasBuddy says this could be the most expensive Labor Day weekend for gas prices on record, with the national average expected to hit about $4.03 a gallon. That’s 87 cents more than this time last year and even higher than the previous Labor Day record from 2012. Global fuel supplies have been squeezed by conflicts involving Iran and Russia and Ukraine, so if you’re driving somewhere this weekend, it might be worth checking a few stations along your route before you fill up.

AI IS ALREADY CHANGING WHAT STUDENTS WANT TO BE WHEN THEY GROW UP

AI is already changing what young people think they want to do for a living. A new survey found that 31% of people currently enrolled in school have either changed or considered changing their target industry because of AI. Nearly half have reconsidered the skills they’re developing, while others are changing the jobs and companies they’re targeting. The interesting part is that experts worry some students may be making those decisions before we really know what AI will mean for different careers.

STRESSED? YOUR SNACKS MIGHT BE ABLE TO HELP

If stress has you reaching for the snacks, you might as well make them work for you. Real Simple put together a list of foods that are good for your gut and may help with stress, and there are some pretty easy options on it. Salmon and other lean proteins, berries, oranges, chickpeas, eggs, nuts and turkey all made the list, along with chamomile tea, steel-cut oats and even dark chocolate. So the next time somebody tells you to “eat your feelings,” maybe there’s actually some science behind it — although I’m guessing they’re not talking about an entire bag of dark chocolate.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2026

FALL IS HERE… SO WHAT’S YOUR FIRST DATE?

September is here, which means it's basically fall — at least according to anyone who's ready for pumpkin spice everything. And if you're looking for something a little more interesting than dinner and a movie for your next date, there are plenty of fall options. Go apple picking, hit a corn maze, check out a haunted house or head to a football game. You could also do a scary movie night, take a cooking class, rent a cabin for the weekend or take a scenic train ride. Or keep it simple: hit a few bakeries and split some seasonal treats.

THE GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN… NOT SO FAST

Just when you thought Washington might be heading for another government shutdown, Congress has hit the pause button. The House has passed a short-term funding bill that keeps the government open through December 11th, pushing the next shutdown deadline until after the November midterms. Congress still hasn't finished the spending bills needed to fund the government for the entire year, so this is more of a temporary fix than a permanent solution.

WAIT… WHAT EXACTLY IS LABOR DAY FOR?

A new survey says about a third of Americans aren't completely sure what Labor Day is all about. When it comes to what we're celebrating, 18% think it's about the founding of labor unions, 9% think it's the official start of fall, and a few even picked the Constitution or the end of World War II. The correct answer? It's a celebration of the contributions and achievements of American workers. And apparently, we're also celebrating the idea of a three-day weekend becoming the norm—64% of people say every weekend should be three days long.

FORGET THE BIOHACKS—THIS IS WHAT ACTUALLY HELPS YOU LIVE LONGER

If you've been waiting for some expensive supplement, fancy gadget or miracle biohack to help you live longer, experts have some very boring advice: exercise, eat well and get some sleep. Experts rank regular physical activity and a balanced, nutrient-rich diet among the most important things for healthy aging. But here's the part that might surprise you—59% say social isolation is the most overlooked accelerator of biological aging. So apparently, staying active, eating your vegetables, getting enough sleep and actually hanging out with people might be a better longevity strategy than whatever the internet is selling you this week.

THAT GAS PRICE COULD GET EVEN MORE UNCOMFORTABLE

The U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve has dropped to its lowest level in more than four decades, and that's not exactly comforting news if you're already wincing every time you fill up. The reserve fell by more than three million barrels in the week ending August 28th, leaving about 286.6 million barrels—roughly 40% of its capacity. Since the war with Iran began, about 128 million barrels have been released as part of an international effort to increase the oil supply. Meanwhile, gasoline prices have climbed above four dollars a gallon and global oil prices are rising too.

YOUR COFFEE MIGHT BE BEGGING FOR BETTER WATER

Here's something that could make your morning coffee better without buying a new coffee maker: change the water. Coffee experts say filtered water can actually improve the taste of your coffee by removing chlorine, metallic flavors and other impurities—and it can also help keep mineral buildup from destroying your coffee maker. But don't go completely crazy and use distilled water, because coffee actually needs some minerals to extract properly. If your tap water tastes funky, experts say a simple pitcher or faucet filter may be all you need to upgrade your morning cup.

THE WORST DATING ADVICE EVER? STOP SHOWERING

We've officially reached a point where people are trying to "maxx" everything—including their natural body odor. A doctor is warning about something called "pheromone maxxing," which involves people deliberately not bathing or washing their clothes because they believe their natural stink will make them more attractive. The problem? There's no scientific evidence that it works, and Dr.s say you're probably more likely to repel somebody than seduce them. So if you're single and thinking, "Maybe I just need to smell worse," we've got some bad news for you: take the shower.

RETIREMENT IS SUPPOSED TO BE FUN… SO WHY ARE WE SO WORRIED ABOUT IT?

Retirement is supposed to be the reward for decades of working, but for a lot of people, just thinking about it can cause anxiety. The good news is you don't need to have one magical number sitting in the bank to feel better about retirement. Start by figuring out roughly what you'll need, then take one small step at a time. And don't forget to look at the whole picture, including Social Security, pensions, investments and other income. The goal isn't necessarily to have the biggest nest egg; it's to have enough to support the life you actually want when you stop working.

CHEFS HAVE CHEAT CODES—AND YOU'RE ALLOWED TO STEAL THEM

Cooking dinner doesn't have to mean spending 45 minutes chopping, stirring and searching through your cabinets, and professional chefs have a few tricks that can make life easier. Save your pasta water because the starch can help thicken sauces and soups, salt your meat ahead of time for better flavor and browning, and use lazy Susans so you can actually find things in your pantry. Keep umami-packed ingredients like soy sauce or fish sauce around, save those Parmesan rinds for soups and sauces, and consider a cast-iron griddle for everything from pancakes to grilled cheese. And here's a big one: caramelize a bunch of onions ahead of time and keep them in the fridge. Basically, the secret to cooking like a pro is sometimes just doing a little work before you're hungry.

PARENTS, THIS ONE THING COULD HELP YOUR KIDS YEARS FROM NOW

Here's a simple thing you can do for your kids that doesn't cost anything and could pay off for years: read to them. A study finds only 41% of kids ages zero to four are read to frequently, down from 64% in 2012. And there's a pretty big payoff—kids who are read to every day are nearly three times more likely to enjoy reading on their own compared with kids who are only read to weekly. The more you read to them when they're little, the more likely they are to develop a love of reading, which can translate into doing better and enjoying school more. So tonight, put down the phone, grab a book and read them a story.

YOU MIGHT BE USING AN EXTENSION CORD WRONG

Extension cords are incredibly handy—until they aren't. Experts say there are some things you really shouldn't plug into one, including space heaters, air conditioners, refrigerators and high-powered countertop appliances because they can draw too much electricity and create a fire risk. And there's another big no-no: plugging one extension cord into another, That can cause heat to build up and even create voltage problems that could damage your electronics. So if an appliance gets hot or pulls a lot of power, skip the extension cord and plug it directly into the wall.

YOUR MORNING ROUTINE COULD SET THE TONE FOR YOUR WHOLE DAY

If you wake up already stressed out, there are a few simple things you can do to start the day differently. Try stretching before you even get out of bed, drink some water and establish a morning routine instead of immediately diving into your phone and the day's chaos. Getting outside, seeing a friend and taking a break from your phone can also help keep stress under control. None of these are exactly groundbreaking, but that's kind of the point—sometimes managing stress doesn't require a giant life overhaul; it just takes a few small changes to how you start your day.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 1, 2026

-MICHIGAN WILL BE RECEIVING AT LEAST $171 MILLION DOLLARS AS PART OF A MULTI-SATE SETTLEMENT WITH META OVER CHILD SAFETY ON FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM. THIS SETTLEMENT RESOLVES CLAIMS THAT META USED ADDICTIVE FEATURES AND EXPOSED YOUNG USERS TO MENTAL HEALTH RISKS. UNDER THE AGREEMENT, META MUST ALSO ADD STRONGER AGE VERIFICATION AND PARENTAL CONTROLS.

-ANOTHER FEATHER IN THE CAP FOR MACKINAC ISLAND. THE GREAT TURTLE HAS BEEN RANKED THE NUMBER ONE WEEKEND GETAWAY IN THE MIDWEST BY U.S. NEWS AND WORLD REPORT. TIM HYGH, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE MACKINAC ISLAND TOURISM BUREAU SAYS “THERE’S JUST SOMETHING SPECIAL ABOUT COMING TO THE ISLAND – LEAVING CARS BEHIND, GETTING ON A BIKE, ENJOYING THE WATER AND TAKING A LITTLE TIME TO SLOW DOWN. PLUS, A CHANCE TO ENJOY THE FALL COLORS UP NORTH”.

COULD YOUR PRESCRIPTION BILL FINALLY BE GOING DOWN?

President Donald Trump says nine more pharmaceutical companies have agreed to lower prices for Medicaid programs, bringing the total to 26 drugmakers representing about 90 percent of the U.S. market. and the White House says the deals could save Americans hundreds of billions of dollars.

MICHIGAN’S BOTTLE DEPOSIT LAW… TIME FOR A CHANGE?

Michigan's 50-year-old bottle deposit law is facing renewed criticism from retailers who want the system changed. The Midwest Independent Retailers Association says 90 percent of the retailers surveyed support moving bottle and can returns out of grocery stores, with 97 percent expressing concerns about cleanliness. Retailers say the current system creates extra costs, takes up space and turns grocery stores into recycling centers. The group is pushing for improved curbside recycling or community drop-off centers instead, and wants lawmakers to eventually sunset the current Bottle Bill.

THE TALK PARENTS HATE EVEN MORE THAN “THE TALK”

Forget explaining the birds and the bees — apparently, parents would rather have that conversation than talk about money. A new survey found 57 percent of parents say discussing drugs, alcohol and sex with their kids would actually be easier than talking about finances. And a third admit they avoid money conversations because of their own financial experiences or habits.

GO AHEAD… HIT SNOOZE — SCIENCE SAYS IT MIGHT BE GOOD FOR YOU

If you love sleeping in on the weekends, you may finally have science on your side. A new study found people who caught up on sleep over the weekend were up to 9 percent less likely to have high blood pressure. But there is a limit — researchers say the sweet spot is about an hour and 27 minutes of extra sleep. So sleeping until noon probably isn't doing you any favors.

YOUR DREAM WEDDING COULD COST… HOW MUCH?!

If you're thinking about getting married, you might want to check your bank account first. The Knot says the average American wedding now costs about $34,200, but where you get married makes a huge difference. New Jersey is the most expensive state, with the average wedding running about $57,000, while Wyoming is the bargain winner at around $17,000.

WHICH GENERATION ISN’T IMPRESSED BY AI?

Artificial intelligence may be everywhere, but one generation is apparently looking at the whole thing and saying, “Yeah… whatever.” A new study finds Gen X is the most indifferent generation when it comes to AI. Less than 40 percent of Millennials and Gen Z had something positive to say about the technology, compared with 46 percent of Gen X. But Gen X isn't exactly lining up to become AI's biggest cheerleader either — their positive and negative feelings are pretty evenly split. Basically, they’re not freaking out about AI… but they’re not buying it a birthday cake, either.

WANT A RELIABLE SUV FOR UNDER $15,000? START HERE

Shopping for a reliable used SUV for less than $15,000 isn't easy these days, but Consumer Reports has some suggestions. Their top five picks include a 2016 Toyota RAV4 or RAV4 Hybrid, a 2018 Nissan Murano, a 2019 Subaru Crosstrek, a 2019 Chevy Equinox and a 2020 Buick Envision. So if you've been looking for something practical, affordable and hopefully not one repair away from destroying your bank account, those five are worth checking out.

FALL IS HERE… SO WHAT’S YOUR FIRST DATE?

September is here, which means it's basically fall — at least according to anyone who's ready for pumpkin spice everything. And if you're looking for something a little more interesting than dinner and a movie for your next date, there are plenty of fall options. Go apple picking, hit a corn maze, check out a haunted house or head to a football game. You could also do a scary movie night, take a cooking class, rent a cabin for the weekend or take a scenic train ride. Or keep it simple: hit a few bakeries and split some seasonal treats.

HEADING OUT FOR LABOR DAY? HERE’S WHEN NOT TO HIT THE ROAD

If you're traveling for Labor Day, AAA says you should prepare for higher prices and heavier traffic. AAA says Thursday morning is your best bet for getting where you're going, while Friday, Saturday and Monday — especially after 2 p.m. — are expected to be the worst travel days. And before you leave, check your car. More than 400,000 drivers needed roadside assistance during last year's Labor Day travel period.

MONDAY, AUGUST 31, 2026

THE PERFECT TAILGATE IS SIX HOURS LONG

Football season is back, and apparently the perfect tailgate is basically a full-day commitment. A new survey says the average fan wants to start about two and a half hours before kickoff, with 11 people, six foods and six drink choices. And most say the tailgate is actually better than the game! Burgers, hot dogs, chips and dip top the food list

GREAT SCHOOLS COME WITH A BIG PRICE TAG

Want to live in one of America’s best school districts? Better have a really good paycheck. A new study says you need to make at least $171,000 a year to live comfortably in the nation’s top district in Illinois. And 22 of the top districts require an income of more than $250,000, while five require more than $450,000.

GEN Z LOVES ORGANIC

Young adults (Gen Z) is apparently the generation most interested in organic food. A new survey found 69% say buying organic is important to them — more than any other generation. And younger Americans are also spending more time checking ingredients and nutrition labels.

THINGS BOOMER PARENTS ALWAYS SAID

If you grew up with Boomer parents, you probably heard things like, “That’s a want, not a need,” “Look them in the eye,” “You made a commitment, so keep it,” and “Write a thank-you note.” And then there was the ultimate parenting advice: “Figure it out.” We hated hearing it then… but unfortunately, they may have been onto something.

YOUR OLD NEWSPAPER CAN HELP YOUR GARDEN

Before you toss that old newspaper in the recycling bin, you might want to put it in the garden. Plain newspaper, brown kraft paper and cardboard can be used as mulch to suppress weeds and help the soil retain moisture. Just avoid glossy, waxed or thermal paper — and don’t soak the paper before putting it down.

THE TYPES OF PARENTS YOU’LL SEE AT COLLEGE MOVE-IN

It’s college move-in time, which means you’re guaranteed to see certain types of parents: the stressed-out ones, the ones who brought a U-Haul, the emotional ones, the parents who hired movers and organizers, and the drop-and-run crowd. Then there are the overbuyers who purchased everything imaginable and the parents who refuse to leave. And, of course, the documenters who need a picture of every single moment.

PARK RANGERS: PLEASE STOP DOING THESE THINGS

Park rangers are warning visitors about some common mistakes in national parks — like relying on cell service, failing to check the weather and getting too close to wildlife. Rangers say carry extra food and water, tell someone where you’re going and have a backup map. And remember: most wildlife requires at least 25 yards of distance, while bears, wolves and cougars require 100 yards. Basically, take the picture… just don’t become part of the wildlife documentary.

THEY BUILT A SECRET DESSERT CLOSET TO HIDE FROM THEIR KIDS

A North Carolina couple finally made their dream of having a secret dessert stash come true. Sara and Taylor Mathis spent about $2,000 turning an awkward bedroom alcove into a hidden dessert closet — complete with pink cabinets, a mini fridge, freezer and even a retro milkshake maker. The space is hidden behind a full-length mirror and was originally where their treadmill lived. The only problem? Their three kids eventually discovered it. But Mom says that’s OK, because as much as they wanted a place to hide their desserts, there’s really nobody they’d rather eat them with than their kids.