Spring Date Ideas That Get You Outdoors
It’s time to soak in the spring weather and what better way than heading outdoors with your SO for a date? The CFX Morning Research Team did some digging and put together a list of perfect outdoor date ideas to spark your creativity:
Home Depot Skeletons Sold Out But More Are Coming
If you are big into Halloween but missed Home Depot’s Halfway To Halloween sale on the 25th, don’t worry. The 12 foot Skelly, 7 foot Skelly’s Dog, and the three pack of five foot skeletons sold out, but they will be back. It only took hours for the skeletons and a seven foot Frankenstein’s monster to sell out, but Home Depot now says more of them will be rolled out through the summer. Just keep a close watch so you don’t miss it!
iPhone Alarm Problems Have Users Oversleeping
If your iPhone alarm isn’t waking you up in the morning, you aren’t alone. The clock app’s feature just isn’t working. Apple has heard hundreds of complaints in social media videos and discovered there is an issue. They say “the expected sound” for some users is not working and a fix is on the way. But, iPhone users are pointing to the Attention Aware Features setting and shutting it off. That seems to help. If you can’t figure it out… buy an old school alarm, which will go off unless there’s a power outage.
Americans Over 60 Lost $3.4-Billion To Scams In 2023
The FBI released their “Elder Fraud Report” yesterday and it says that people older than 60 lost over $3.4-billion to scammers last year, an 11-percent increase over 2022. The average dollar loss was $33,915, and almost 6,000 people lost over $100,000 to things like romance scams, investment scams, and the most commonly-reported variety of fraud…tech support scams, where the scammer convinces the victims that their bank accounts have been compromised and get them to either move their money to an account controlled by the scammer, or has the victim withdraw their money and give it to a special courier for “safekeeping.”
McDonald's First-Quarter Sales Fall Below Expectations
Yesterday McDonald’s said that customers are eating out less often, and that’s impacting their sales. McDonald did say that same-store sales rose 1.9-percent worldwide in the first quarter but that was mostly due to price hikes. The chain announced that it plans to step up deals and value messaging in an attempt to turn things around.
STUDY: TAKING THE STAIRS COULD HELP YOU LIVE LONGER
There’s a new study that says climbing stairs regularly can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease and increase longevity. The research found that those who frequently climbed stairs had a 39% lower risk of dying from heart disease. Additionally, stair climbing lowered the risk of heart attacks, heart failure, and strokes. The study suggests incorporating stair climbing into daily routines for optimal health benefits.
A THIRD OF AMERICANS HAVE SECRETLY WORKED REMOTELY ON VACATION
The numbers don’t lie, nearly a third of us say we have worked remotely during vacations without informing their employers. Why…?
This year we’re prioritize travel a bit more, with the average person planning 11 trips in 2024, including vacations, work trips, family trips, and "bleisure" trips combining business and leisure.
86% of Great Lakes litter is plastic, a 20-year study shows. And the plastic is ‘just getting smaller and smaller.’
A new report shows that 86% of litter entering the Great Lakes each year is mostly plastic. Large plastic items such as single-use bags, straws, and wrappers eventually degrade into microplastics, posing threats to human health and wildlife. Despite efforts by volunteers and organizations, plastic pollution levels have remained consistently high. Globally, negotiations are underway to develop a treaty addressing plastic pollution.
Beal City educator is finalist in ‘America’s Favorite Teacher’ contest
Amanda Schmidt, a kindergarten teacher from Beal City Elementary School, is competing for the title of "America’s Favorite Teacher" in a Reader’s Digest contest. She's among five finalists vying for a $25,000 prize, a trip to Hawaii, Voting for the finalists ends soon. To vote for her, visit https://americasfavteacher.org/2024/amanda-schmidt.
Ideas To Give Your Child A Boost Of Happiness
How do you keep the little ones happy? The CFX Morning Research Team found a list to help make a happy day for kiddos and it starts with making sure they wake up to sunlight.
Fertility Rates In The U.S. Are Dropping
Fertility rates in the U.S. are at a record low and the number of births is at the lowest in decades. Just under three-point-six million babies were born here last year, a two percent decline. The birth rate was at around one-point-six births per one-thousand women, lower than the two-point-one percent needed to sustain a population. It's the lowest number of births since 1979 and the lowest fertility rate ever recorded.
How To Wake Up Positive And Happy
How you wake up sets the tone for your day, and who doesn’t want a happy one? Tweaking your nighttime routine is the key.
Ending the day on a positive note will help you wake up appreciative of the day ahead!
How To Get Through Allergy Season
‘Tis the season for sneezing and itchy eyes. How do we get through it? The CFX Morning Research Team talked with allergy experts and here’s what they recommend:
US To Require Automatic Emergency Braking On New Vehicles In Five Years
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration revealed a new regulation yesterday that will require automatic emergency braking to come standard on all new passenger vehicles in the US starting in just over five years. Around 90-percent of new vehicles already have the feature under a voluntary agreement, but officials are touting the regulation as a way to cut down on traffic accidents.
USDA To Start Testing Ground Beef From States With Bird Flu In Dairy Cows
The USDA says they’re now going to test ground beef in states where there have been outbreaks of bird flu in dairy cows. Last week, the agency said it had found bird flu in a lung tissue sample from a dairy cow that was sent to slaughter.
SURVEY: WHAT MOMS REALLY WANT FOR MOTHER’S DAY
Research shows that most moms prioritize family time on Mother’s day, however, a significant portion, especially millennials, also value some alone time or a break from mom duties. Dining out, especially for brunch, is a top choice for many, while others prefer an escape like a short trip or outdoor activities. A clean house ranks high on the wish list, with some desiring a chore-free day. Pampering options like spa days are also popular, alongside traditional gifts like flowers.
A QUARTER OF AMERICANS ARE AFRAID OF LOSING THEIR JOBS
Right now about a quarter of American’s are concerned about losing their jobs within the next year. The main worries stem from the state of the job market and instability within their industries. The majority express interest in upskilling opportunities provided by their employers, indicating a strong desire to enhance job security and career prospects.
Mid Michigan College launches ‘College NOW!’ program
Mid Michigan College is introducing "College NOW," a grant-funded initiative aimed at supporting first-time college students. The program offers students a chance to attend a college readiness session, receive individualized support, and complete one math or English course for free. College NOW! is free and doesn't require a completed FAFSA, but assistance is available for those needing help with it. While open to all first-time college students, space is limited, and interested individuals should attend informational sessions and apply promptly.
Mt. Pleasant to replace bag/tag trash pickup service
Mt. Pleasant city commissioners are considering a new trash pickup provider, potentially ending the "bag/tag" system. Granger Waste Services, offering the lowest bid for trash and recycling collection, Their proposed rates vary based on bin size and pickup frequency, with Granger offering competitive prices and lower annual increases compared to other bidders. Switching to Granger would streamline services, reduce staff time, and offer more convenience for residents.
Daily Showers Aren’t Necessary For Everyone
Someone decided to restart the shower debate. One dermatologist says daily showers are not needed. She says daily showers can strip away the “skin’s microbiome,” which plays a role in protecting the skin and is “also extremely important in overall health of the body.” It turns out that we shower daily due to societal perception. So how often should you shower? Experts say shower based on what your body and hair tells you.
HOW AMERICANS REALLY FEEL ABOUT THE TIKTOK BAN
ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, says no, they’re not exploring selling, even after President Biden recently signed a bill into law requiring ByteDance to divest the app or face a ban in the U.S. ByteDance previously resisted selling TikTok when former President Trump attempted to ban it in 2020. As it sits, only 17% of TikTok users are based in the U.S.
Science Leans Toward The Full Moon Affecting People’s Behavior
It’s a pretty common thought that emergency rooms get crazy during a full moon. Now data is seemingly backing that up. 40-percent of health workers believe the moon’s phases have an impact on human behavior. And a new study showed that hospital workers use their panic buttons 9-percent more on nights of a full moon. A 2023 study could not disprove that so many trained medical workers believe the full moon affects people from observation. May 23rd is the next full moon.
-I-RIDE:
In celebration of our 50th anniversary, and in appreciation of our riders, I-Ride is rolling back cash fares to 1974 for the month of May!
Be sure to call 24 hours in advance for the best service.
“Quiet Life Travel" Is The Hottest Vacation Trend
Walking away from the grid is a hot new travel trend. “Quiet Life Travel” is an escape from digital life, As the hustle and bustle of daily life takes its toll, travelers seek digital detox and solace in serene landscapes and rejuvenating experiences,”. So say goodbye to crowded cities and hello to off-the-beaten-path destinations that promise tranquility and self-discovery.”
STEPS TO TAKE AT NIGHT TO BE HAPPIER IN THE MORNING
Most of us do things in the morning to help set us up for a good day, but it’s not just the a.m. routine that makes a difference. It turns out, some small tweaks to your nighttime habits can make a big difference in your happiness the next day.
STUDY: PARENTS ARE LONELY AND BURNED OUT FROM PARENTING RESPONSIBILITIES
The CFX Morning Research Team crunched the numbers and it looks like Two-thirds of parents feel isolated and lonely due to the demands of parenthood. A significant amount feel they lack support and an overwhelming majority want to connect with other parents beyond work and home. Those feelings of loneliness can lead to conditions such as cardiovascular disease, depression, anxiety, cognitive decline, and weakened immune function,
Must be 18 or older
Latest Winners - 04/25/24
Deb Walker - Clare
Won this week's CLICK TO WIN contest, a $50 Gift Card from Pisanello's Pizza, Downtown Mt Pleasant
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