FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2

AI ROBOT THAT CAN DO YOUR CHORES

A California company has unveiled a new AI-powered robot called Taku. Taku can load washing machines, fold towels, chop vegetables and stock shelves — and it can supposedly complete entire tasks without human help. The company says the robots are already being used in hotels, restaurants and laundromats. The name Taku comes from a Japanese word meaning “master craftsman.” So basically, we’ve now built a robot that can do the laundry.

MORE THAN HALF OF AMERICANS DON'T THINK SOCIAL MEDIA IS A REAL CAREER

Colleges are now offering degrees in social media influencing and content creation, but a new survey finds that Fifty-two percent say it isn't a real job. Parents are split, too — 43 percent say they'd support their kid getting a degree in content creation, while a third say absolutely not. And here's the really interesting part: people were asked if they'd rather have a steady nine-to-five job or one million social media followers. Fifty-one percent picked the regular job.

HOW LATE IS TOO LATE?

How late can you be before you're officially being rude? According to a new survey the magic number is 29 minutes. Twenty-six percent say “I'm five minutes away” is the biggest lie their friends tell them, and 37 percent get annoyed when they receive a “just leaving now” text while they're already waiting. And apparently people have gotten so tired of waiting that a third admit they deliberately tell their chronically late friends an earlier start time.

SLIGHTLY UNETHICAL LIFE HACKS

Reddit users have been sharing their favorite “slightly unethical” life hacks — things that aren't exactly criminal masterminds, but definitely make you question the morality involved. One suggestion: if a gym says you have to come in to cancel your membership, tell them you've moved out of state and they'll supposedly send you an online form. Another says if you're about to be charged for a free trial, cancel it — companies may offer you a discount to stay. There's also the suggestion of telling a museum you're considering the building as a wedding venue so you can get a free tour. And if you're late somewhere, one Redditor suggests carrying around a broken key so you can blame it on getting locked out. Again, we're not endorsing any of this. We're just impressed by how much time people have spent figuring out how to avoid doing normal things normally.

YOU CAN NOW ORDER DOORDASH BY TEXT

DoorDash is testing a new way to order food and groceries, and you don't even have to open the app. You can text DoorDash what you want, get recommendations, build your order and check out entirely through the text conversation. It can even remember your usual orders and suggest cheaper grocery substitutions. So eventually You can just text, “Same thing as last Tuesday,” and somehow a cheeseburger and fries will show up at your door.

STRANGERS CAN NOW PLAY CUPID

There's a new dating app called Rivet that's basically asking strangers to play matchmaker. Instead of singles doing all the swiping themselves, other users can look at anonymous potential pairings and vote on whether two people seem like they'd make a good couple. Those votes create a “Social Matching” score that the potential couple can see before deciding whether to connect.

SCIENTISTS IN 1960 SAID DOOMSDAY WOULD BE NOVEMBER 2026

Back in 1960, scientists published an article titled “Doomsday: Friday 13 November A.D. 2026.” Their prediction was based on population growth. They basically calculated that if the world's population kept growing at the same rate, we'd eventually reach a point where humanity would be squeezed to death. The good news is, the population didn't continue growing at the rate they expected. Their projections started falling behind reality in the 1990s. So if you're worried about Doomsday arriving this November, the math from 1960 isn't exactly something you need to put on your calendar.

COZY CARDIO IS THE NEW HOT GIRL WALK

Hot girl walks are apparently getting too cold for fall, so now we've got something called “cozy cardio.” It's basically exercising at home while staying comfortable. Put on your favorite sweats, turn on a TV show or playlist and spend 15 or 20 minutes moving around. Dance to a few songs, march in place, walk during a TV episode, do some side steps or climb the stairs. The idea is simple: exercise without having to leave the house and freeze your face off.

HOW TO SAY “I TOLD YOU SO” WITHOUT SAYING “I TOLD YOU SO”

We've all been there. You warned somebody about something, they ignored you, and then exactly what you predicted happened. And now you're standing there thinking, “I TOLD YOU SO!” But apparently there are more diplomatic ways to get the same point across. You could say, “I was hoping to be wrong about that.” Or, “Well, now we know for next time.” Maybe, “Sometimes the writing really is on the wall.” Or my favorite: “We saw that one coming.” Same message... just slightly less annoying.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1

BEING A “NERD” IS HOT NOW

Remember when being called a nerd was an insult? not anymore.

A new survey finds 83% of people would actually take “nerd” as a compliment, and 69% say they consider themselves at least somewhat nerdy.  And intelligence? Turns out, that’s attractive. 95% say they’d date someone who’s much smarter than they are, and 58% say showing off your history knowledge on a date is “straight up hot.”

History and archaeology were the biggest nerdy turn-ons, followed by science and technology, collecting, chess and puzzles, and comics or fantasy books.

YOUR VACATION MISHAPS ARE COSTING YOU BIG MONEY

You know how you come home from vacation and think, “Wow, that was expensive”?

Turns out, it could be a LOT more expensive than you think. 73% of travelers have experienced some kind of major travel mishap, and those problems have cost the average traveler nearly $2,500. Bad weather was the biggest problem, followed by getting sick or injured    People also reported losing money because their phones died, they got lost, or the accommodations weren't anything like the pictures.

AMERICANS ARE FINDING WAYS TO SAVE MONEY WHILE DINING OUT

Going out to eat is getting more expensive, and Americans are starting to change the way they dine out.  67% of people are spending less on restaurants than they were last year, and 60% say they're eating out less often.   some of the money-saving strategies are pretty creative: 29% are ordering an appetizer instead of a meal, 28% are cutting back on alcohol, and 16% admit they're ordering kids' meals for themselves.  And then there's tipping. 40% say they're tipping less this year.

PEOPLE ARE TURNING THEIR CARS INTO DIY SELF-DRIVING EXPERIMENTS

Here's something that should make you feel completely safe on the highway.

People are now modifying their own cars to give them self-driving capabilities.

There are open-source assisted-driving systems, like Comma AI's Openpilot, that can be installed in some vehicles. For around a thousand bucks, you can add cameras and sensors and basically turn your car into a homemade self-driving experiment.

Which sounds fantastic... until you remember there's a human being sitting in that driver's seat thinking, “I watched a YouTube video about this. I've got it.”

THINGS FROM THE '90s AND '00s THAT SOUND COMPLETELY FAKE TODAY

There are things people did all the time in the '90s and early 2000s that would sound completely ridiculous to younger people today. 

• Like taking a road trip with a paper map and actually trusting your sense of direction.  Kids selling school fundraiser stuff door to door without their parents. 
• Leaving your phone off the hook so nobody could call you.
• The phone book — a giant book containing everyone's address and phone number, delivered directly to your house. 
• Writing a 15-page school paper using nothing but actual books. No Google. No AI. 
• going to the video store on Friday night, renting a movie and then remembering to rewind it before you brought it back.
• And maybe the craziest one of all...  You could just show up at someone's house. No text. No call. No “Are you home?” You just knocked on the door.

And somehow, we all survived.

New Look for City of Midland Website Launching September 29 - If you live in the City of Midland, you might want to check out the City's new website…The updated look & improved user experience went live on Tuesday…The homepage has been redesigned to align with the City’s brand colors & fonts & it's compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 level standards…Improving the mobile user experience was also a priority of this update so it should look & work better on your phone now…Visit www.cityofmidlandmi.gov.

FALL COLOR PREVIEW- October is the ideal time for an afternoon drive to take in the fall leaves…The County Road Association of Michigan has a list of the best county roads in the state for fall color…It's at micountyroads.org/mibackroads…Peak viewing conditions for the Upper Peninsula are expected October 3-18th…

Intense Hurricane Polo will eventually affect Michigan, here’s when and how - The wet from a hurricane near the Mexico coast is heading our way…It will move into Michigan by mid-week & when tropical moisture is involved, total rainfall is usually widespread and fairly heavy…M-Live is reporting Wednesday to Friday rain will actually be caused by three separate storm systems, the first storm is Hurricane Polo…There are no damaging effects from the hurricane expected in Michigan, but it will definitely bring rain, with the heaviest rain through the central third of Lower Michigan

Bidding farewell to Smith Hall - Smith Hall at CMU, an ivied brick building between Grawn Hall and Franklin Street is running out of time…This past June, the Central Michigan University Board of Trustees voted in favor of the demolition of Smith Hall…Their decision will save the University money, rather than maintaining the building & is expected in the Spring…Smith Hall has been on the CMU Campus for nearly 90 years…

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30

AI COMPANIES CREATE THEIR OWN “RULEBOOK” FOR THE FUTURE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

The biggest names in artificial intelligence are agreeing to police themselves. Several AI companies have signed what President Trump called a “constitution” for AI — a voluntary agreement designed to create safety standards as the technology keeps growing. The deal calls for companies to improve transparency, conduct reviews and audits, and put stronger controls in place. The catch? It’s not an actual law, and there are no penalties if companies don’t follow it.

YOU LOOK HEALTHY… BUT YOUR BODY MAY BE HIDING WARNING SIGNS

You can eat right, exercise, and still have things happening inside your body that you don’t know about. Health experts say some warning signs are easy to miss — like higher blood pressure, high cholesterol, feeling tired all the time, getting winded easier than you used to, poor sleep, or changes in your resting heart rate. One study found some people with a normal BMI still had undiagnosed heart-related issues. The lesson? Looking healthy and actually being healthy aren’t always the same thing.

NEW GRADS SAY JOBS WANT TOO MUCH EXPERIENCE… FOR THEIR FIRST JOB

Remember when an entry-level job meant “we’ll teach you”? A lot of recent graduates say those days are disappearing. A new survey found 77% of grads believe companies are asking for too much experience for entry-level positions, and 75% say there aren’t enough true beginner jobs available. Employers say they’re looking for strong problem-solving skills, especially as more workplaces use AI. But many young workers say they’re stuck in a frustrating cycle: you need experience to get the job, but you need the job to get experience.

DESIGNERS SAY THESE TWO COLORS DON’T BELONG IN YOUR BEDROOM

Thinking about repainting your bedroom? Designers say you might want to think twice before grabbing the bright red or orange paint. Those colors are considered energetic and intense, which is not always what you want in a room where you’re trying to relax and sleep. Experts say calmer shades like blues and warmer, softer tones create a more peaceful atmosphere.

HEALTHY EATING MISTAKES YOU MIGHT BE MAKING WITHOUT REALIZING IT

Eating healthier sounds simple… until life gets busy. Experts say some common mistakes can derail your good intentions, like not getting enough protein and fiber, cutting out entire food groups, trying to be perfect all the time, or thinking one slice of cake ruins everything. They also say meal prep doesn’t have to mean spending your entire Sunday cooking, and frozen vegetables are actually a great shortcut. The biggest mistake? Thinking healthy eating is an all-or-nothing challenge. Small changes count.

THE “PINK TAX”: THE THINGS WOMEN SAY COST MORE

Women are once again talking about the so-called “pink tax” — the idea that products and services marketed toward women often cost more than similar ones for men. Online discussions pointed to everything from haircuts and clothing to personal care products and even some repair services. Critics say companies sometimes charge more simply because a product is targeted at women, while others argue pricing depends on factors like materials, labor, and demand.

WANT TO STAY HEALTHIER LONGER? DON’T IGNORE YOUR FRIENDS

We already know exercise and eating right matter, but there’s another piece of the health puzzle: having people in your life. A new study suggests strong social connections are linked to better health as people age. Researchers found loneliness was connected with losing healthy years, especially when it came to mental health. So the prescription might be simple: call a friend, meet someone for coffee, join a group, or just get out of the house.

WAKING UP WITH A PILLOW FULL OF DROOL? IT MIGHT BE WORTH NOTICING

Drooling in your sleep is pretty common, but if it suddenly becomes a regular thing, doctors say don’t just ignore it. Experts say excessive drooling can sometimes be connected to sleep problems like sleep apnea, acid reflux, or — in rare cases — neurological conditions. It doesn’t mean every drool spot is a reason to panic, but if it’s new and happening often, it might be worth mentioning at your next doctor visit.

BEFORE YOU BUY THAT GIFT CARD… CHECK THE BACK

Gift cards are convenient, but scammers have found a way to turn them into a trap. Criminals have been targeting store gift card displays, tampering with cards, stealing the numbers and PINs, then waiting until someone loads money onto them. Experts say if you buy a gift card, avoid grabbing the first one sitting on the front of the rack and check the packaging carefully. That quick birthday gift could become a gift to a scammer instead.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29

HALF OF WORKERS ARE ALREADY PLANNING THEIR NEXT CAREER

Think you’re staying in your job forever? Maybe not. A new survey finds 77% of American office workers have already started preparing for a backup career, and 48% are actively “career cushioning” — basically checking out their options in case their current job goes south. And what would make them actually make the jump? Many say they’d do it for a job they actually enjoy, a better lifestyle or less stress, even for the same money

SWANS, SILVER AND BALLETCORE: WEDDINGS ARE GETTING WEIRD

The Knot’s new wedding trends report says we’re about to see sophisticated colors like merlot, plum, moss green and powder blue, along with antique lace, whimsical flowers and a whole lot of swans and “balletcore.” Silver is making a comeback in everything from invitations to dinnerware, while couples are also ditching traditional venues for places like sports arenas, beach clubs and spas. And wedding favors are getting an upgrade, with pop-up experiences like fragrance stations and bouquet bars replacing the usual stuff guests throw in a drawer and forget about.

THE SOUNDS THAT MAKE PEOPLE WANT TO LOSE IT

Everybody has that one sound that instantly gets under their skin — and a recent Reddit discussion uncovered some serious contenders. People listed everything from slurping and finger tapping to babies screeching, loud cars and the dreaded smoke detector low-battery chirp. Others said they can’t stand the sound of someone brushing their teeth, a phone notification interrupting their music or somebody letting a door slam every time they walk through it. And then there’s the person scrolling through short videos without stopping long enough to actually listen — apparently the first half-second of those videos is enough to drive some people crazy.

FREE GAS? THAT POSTCARD COULD COST YOU

Getting a postcard promising hundreds of dollars in free gas or grocery vouchers sounds pretty good right now — which is exactly why scammers are doing it. Officials are warning about postcards designed to look legitimate that promise free gas or groceries but can actually lead to processing fees, recurring charges and stolen personal or payment information. The advice is simple: if you get one of these offers, don’t use the phone number or information on the postcard to verify it. Look up the organization yourself and use a trusted phone number before handing over any money or personal information.

NEARLY HALF OF KIDS SAY THEY’VE ALMOST BEEN HIT BY A CAR NEAR A SCHOOL BUS

A new survey finds 46% of kids say they’ve almost been hit by a driver who ignored the bus’s flashing lights or simply wasn’t paying attention. Those red lights aren’t a suggestion — they mean stop and give kids room to get on or off the bus safely. One distracted driver can turn a routine school pickup into a tragedy, so when those bus lights start flashing, stop the car.

HOLIDAY TRAVEL COULD COST YOU — START PLANNING NOW

If you’re traveling for Thanksgiving or Christmas, you may want to start looking at those flights now. One travel site says holiday airfare is approaching a 10-year high. Some ways to save money and stress: book before Halloween, check one-way flights instead of automatically buying a round trip, consider flying out of a larger airport, stay flexible with your dates, use rewards points and consider travel insurance. And if you absolutely have to be somewhere on a certain day, build in a buffer day — because the last thing you want is your holiday plans depending on a connection that gets delayed.

Is The Air Inside Your Home Dirtier Than You Think?

Your house may look clean, but the air inside can still contain dust, pollen, pet dander, mold, and other particles. Experts say improving indoor air quality doesn’t have to be complicated. Simple steps include leaving shoes at the door, controlling moisture and mold, opening windows when possible, using a HEPA air purifier, cleaning floors regularly, washing curtains, and keeping pets brushed and clean. A few small habits can help make the air you breathe every day a little fresher.

Fall Foliage Season Is Here: Time To Plan Your Leaf-Peeping Trip

The annual race to see America’s best fall colors has officially begun. Leaf lovers across the country are starting to plan road trips as trees begin their colorful transformation. Experts say timing is everything because peak colors can vary by weeks depending on location and weather. Parts of New England, upstate New York, Michigan, and other areas are beginning to show signs of changing leaves, while some western states are already seeing vibrant fall displays. A little planning can help you catch nature’s biggest show at its peak.

Good News For Parents: Video Games May Not Be All Bad

For decades, parents have worried that video games could hurt kids’ development — but new research suggests the story may be more complicated. Studies have found that children who play video games can sometimes perform better on certain cognitive tests, and online games may help kids connect socially with others who share their interests. The catch? Experts say moderation matters. Spending several hours a day gaming has been linked to concerns like attention problems and mood issues, meaning healthy limits may be the key.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28

HOLIDAY MAIL DEADLINES ARE HERE: USPS SAYS DON’T WAIT UNTIL THE lAST MINUTE

USPS has released its recommended mailing deadlines to make sure gifts and cards arrive before Christmas. For most of the country, the suggested send-by date for regular Ground Advantage and First-Class Mail is December 17th, with Priority Mail on December 18th and Priority Mail Express on December 19th. And remember, Hanukkah arrives earlier than usual this year, running December 4th through the 12th, so those gifts may need to hit the mailbox sooner.

NEW HALLOWEEN CANDY HITS: THE TREATS TAKING OVER THE CANDY AISLE

If you’re tired of handing out the same old candy every Halloween, there are plenty of new options hitting store shelves this year. Some of the treats getting attention include Skittles Creepy Crunch Pop’d Freeze-Dried Candy, Jolly Rancher Gummies Trickies Minis, KitKat Ghost Toast, and Reese’s Sweet and Salty Mix. Classic favorites are also getting spooky makeovers, with Snickers Pumpkins, Twix Candy Skulls, and other seasonal flavors joining the lineup.

WANT TO LIVE LONGER? EXPERT SAYS THE ANSWER MAY BE WAITING AT THE END OF A LEASH

A dog could be more than just a furry friend — it could be a boost for your health. One longevity expert says owning a dog may help people live longer because pets encourage daily activity, reduce loneliness, and provide companionship. Research has linked dog ownership with a lower risk of early death, including benefits for people recovering from major heart events. Experts say the combination of more movement, less stress, and stronger social connections may explain why dogs can have such a positive impact.

SKIP SPRING CLEANING: FALL IS THE NEW TIME TO GET YOUR HOUSE IN ORDER

Spring cleaning gets all the attention, but fall may actually be the perfect time to tackle those forgotten chores. As we start spending more time indoors, experts recommend clearing clutter, deep cleaning kitchens and bathrooms, refreshing carpets and furniture, checking fireplaces and heating systems, cleaning gutters, and getting guest rooms ready before the holidays arrive. A little work now could make those cold-weather months a lot more comfortable.

INSTAGRAM’S NEW RELATIONSHIP TREND: HIDING YOUR LOVE LIFE IN PLAIN SIGHT

Instagram is adding a new twist to the “soft launch” relationship trend. A new AI-powered feature lets users blur or pixelate someone’s face in a photo, making it easier to hint at a new romance without fully revealing who the person is. Supporters say it helps couples keep things private, while critics wonder if hiding someone completely takes the trend a little too far.

TOXIC COWORKER? THESE PHRASES CAN HELP YOU TAKE BACK CONTROL

Dealing with a difficult coworker can be frustrating, but experts say the right words can help you set boundaries without creating more drama. Instead of firing back emotionally, try phrases like “Your last-minute planning is not my emergency,” “I’m here voluntarily, but I am not a volunteer,” or “Let’s shift toward finding a constructive solution.” The goal is to stand up for yourself while keeping the workplace professional.

BAD NEWS FOR COFFEE LOVERS? EVEN ONE CUP MAY AFFECT YOUR SLEEP

That morning cup of coffee might be doing more than waking you up. A study found caffeine can affect sleep quality by reducing slow brain wave activity and keeping the brain more alert. Researchers say the impact varies from person to person, so the key may be paying attention to how your caffeine habits affect your energy and rest.

Want A Cleaner Kitchen? Minimalists Say Get These Things Off Your Counter

Your kitchen counter may be one of the most cluttered places in your home, but organization experts say it should be treated as a workspace — not storage. Minimalists recommend removing things like rarely used appliances, bulky knife blocks, utensil holders, extra decorations, produce bowls, and random everyday clutter. The goal isn’t an empty kitchen with no personality, but creating a space that feels easier to use, easier to clean, and less overwhelming.

Retro Is Back: The Backyard Trends Making A Comeback

The backyard styles of the 1960s and 1970s are making a return, and homeowners are embracing outdoor spaces with more personality. Instead of perfectly polished patios, people are bringing back features like gravel courtyards, outdoor conversation pits, wicker furniture, classic brick details, mix-and-match seating, and traditional European-inspired gardens. The appeal isn’t just nostalgia — many of these designs are practical, affordable, and create a more comfortable place to gather.