Shepherd Maple Syrup Festival returns for 65th year - The annual Shepherd Maple Syrup Festival is back, with a weekend of food, rides, entertainment, and pancakes & syrup…From the CFX-Morning Sun 24 hour newsroom, this year's 65th event is April 26-28…Pancake Meals run Friday thru Sunday, something new this year is the Pianos & Pancakes Show at 7pm Friday night featuring dueling pianos…As always the Emergency Lights Parade is on Friday the 26th at dusk & the Grand Parade Sunday the 28th at 2:30pm - More at themorningsun.com
TikTok Is Prepping To Sue After President Biden Signs Ban Bill
TikTok says it will take legal action to try to block new U.S. legislation that could lead to it being banned. President Biden signed a foreign aid bill into law Wednesday that also forces TikTok’s parent company to sell or be banned in the US. TikTok's CEO responded, saying "Rest assured - we aren't going anywhere."
Best Beaches In The U.S.
Plan on soaking up some sun this summer? There are some beaches that are tops in the U.S. Here are the best beaches in the U.S.:
Habits To Break For A Longer Life
There’s no one thing that can make you live longer. But there are some habits to ditch so you have a better quality of life as you age. Longevity experts say the key to staying healthy is minimizing cellular damage by not throwing accelerants into the fire, which is unfortunately what most Americans do.
Here are the bad habits he says to break:
FDA: One In Five Pasteurized Milk Samples Had Bird Flu Virus Fragments
The FDA has revealed that fragments of the bird flu virus have been found in 1 in 5 samples of pasteurized milk across the US. As of yesterday, bird flu has been detected in 33 herds across 8 states, but an influenza virologist says the number of positive milk samples seems high compared to the reported number of infected farms, suggesting there may be more infected animals than being reported. However, health officials maintain that pasteurized milk is safe to drink, as the FDA only detected small pieces of the virus and that they weren’t live, infectious virus.
FCC Reinstates Net Neutrality
The Federal Communications Commission voted to adopt net neutrality regulations, blocking internet service providers from selectively speeding up, slowing down or blocking users' internet traffic. What this does is restore net neutrality, which were first passed in 2015 but later rescinded in 2017. Consumer advocates have cheered the reversal as a win for activists and civil rights groups, though the broadband industry has criticized the decision as unnecessary regulation.
PASSENGERS CLAIM TO SEE UFO OUT PLANE WINDOW
A passenger on a flight above LaGuardia Airport in New York City has captured video footage of a mysterious "flying cylinder" that she believes could be a UFO. The passenger says other people also saw the object, which an expert from the Mutual UFO Network reviewed and determined was traveling at around 2,500 feet, relatively close to the plane. The FAA has confirmed it is "checking" on what the mystery object could be.
*LIST* THE WORST U.S. CITIES TO DRIVE IN
Think traffic is bad on Mission and Pickard? Some places seem to have it worse than others and a new report reveals where they are. There’s a new report out on the worst U.S. cities to drive in. According to the research, Oakland, California, is the worst city to drive in. The 10 Worst U.S. Cities to Drive In
(Check out the full list here)
More than 1 in 3 American travelers plan to go into debt for their summer vacations this year
If you ask around, it looks like about a third of American’s are willing to go into debt to finance a summer vacation this year. Of those not planning a summer getaway..cost is the thing holding them back.
Ask the MSU experts: The cicadas are coming
This summer, bug enthusiasts in the Midwest have a rare opportunity to witness the simultaneous emergence of two cicada broods, the 17-year "Northern Illinois Brood" (Brood XIII) and the 13-year "Great Southern Brood" (Brood XIX). These harmless insects spend years underground feeding on plant roots before emerging as adults to mate. While the double emergence has garnered excitement, Michigan may not see as many cicadas, as only a portion of Brood XIII overlaps with southern Michigan.
Saturday is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
Saturday is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. It's an opportunity for folks to safely dispose of their prescription drugs that are no longer needed. The goal is to keep prescription painkillers from being misused and to educate the public about prescription drug abuse. To find a drop off location, check the DOJ website here. You can also check with your local pharmacy for year round drop off info.
X Launches X TV
X is launching a dedicated app for smart TVs as it continues pushing video. X TV launched yesterday, and it includes a trending video algorithm. You can watch on your phone or on a smart TV.
New Rule Will Make Four Million Salaried Workers Eligible For Overtime Pay
Millions of salaried workers in the U.S. will soon qualify for overtime pay thanks to a new rule from the Biden administration. The rule announced yesterday by the Department of Labor changes the threshold under which salaried employees become eligible for overtime. The department estimates that an extra four-million workers will qualify for overtime once the rule is implemented in January.
Isabella County Parks August 2024 Ballot Proposal for Renewal of Millage Funding
The Isabella County Board of Commissioners ok’d ballot language for a proposal to renew a .35 mill dedicated to parks and recreation operations and programs for six years. The proposal will be on the ballot for the state primary election on August 6th, 2024.
New Airline Passenger Rights Are Put In Place By The Biden Administration
There are new rights for airplane passengers that the Biden Administration released overnight. Here are the highlights:
Airlines will be slapped with significant fines if they break the rules.
USDA Orders Dairy Cows Be Tested For Bird Flu If Moved Across State Lines
The USDA has issued a federal order requiring any dairy cows being transported across state lines to be tested for bird flu. Farmers were previously instructed to discard milk from sick cows and test symptomatic animals, but the discovery of the virus in the commercial milk supply indicates those measures were not enough. The outbreak has already been detected in dairy cows in eight states, raising concerns about how long it has been spreading and where else it may have spread.
NEARLY TWO-THIRDS OF YOUNG AMERICANS PREFER ALCOHOL-FREE DATES
More Americans are embracing a sober lifestyle, leading to a rise in dry dating. This trend emphasizes forming connections without alcohol, appealing particularly to younger generations. Motivated by health and stronger relationships, more people are considering dry dating in 2024. While some find it challenging, the majority believe society should normalize this trend.
*LIST* WOMEN SHARE THINGS THEY’RE DONE WITH AS A MOM
Last week the gang on the "Today" show shared their frustrations as parents, sparking a segment called "Mama Is Done." One vowed to retire from water parks after a scary incident, while a few expressed exhaustion with big parties, ungrateful behavior, and late-night negotiations. They invited viewers to share their own "done" moments on Instagram, with responses ranging from disdain for party favors to fatigue from school pickup small talk. Other grievances included endless dinner options, DIY projects, and being the family's password keeper.
Police investigate gun found at Oasis High School
A 17-year-old student at Oasis High School in Mt. Pleasant was found with a gun in his backpack on Wednesday morning. School administrators alerted the Mt. Pleasant Police, who took the student into custody. While the investigation is ongoing, the student is cooperating. Authorities assure there is no further risk to students or the public. Anyone with information is urged to contact the anonymous tip line or Isabella County Central Dispatch.
The Night Sky Is Full Of Excitement This Week
April's full moon and the Lyrids meteor shower will both happen this week. The April full moon is also known as the Pink Moon and will peak today. The Lyrids meteor shower will peaked yesterday. NASA says the moon may outshine the meteor shower, so for best viewing get away from city lights and look up.
Walmart Moves To Reduce The Amount Of Self Checkouts
Walmart is the latest retailer scaling back on the idea of eventually having no cashiers. The retail giant is physically pulling many self checkout machines from some states. Walmart says customer feedback is the reason for the change. "We believe the change will improve the in-store shopping experience and give our associates the chance to provide more personalized and efficient service."
U.S. Workers Aren’t Feeling That Mental Wellbeing Is Supported At Work
If you’re in burnout or feel stressed at work, you aren’t alone. Workers across America are increasingly feeling unsupported by their employers. This is despite over 80-percent of employees stating the importance of mental health support when seeking job opportunities. A majority think employers should be doing more to preserve employee well-being.
Cursive Is Being Reintroduced In Schools As A Call To Remove Devices Gets Louder
There’s a movement to reintroduce cursive writing in schools, and for good reason. IQ scores have dropped for the first time in a century and indicated that technology could be to blame. While young adults can use their devices, they can’t sign their own name or read cursive. Most can’t even hold a pencil. California, New York, and other states are now requiring the teaching of cursive again after CORE curriculum dropped it. Now, experts are pushing to have devices removed from the classroom so that students can tap into their own brainpower.
Senate Passes Aid Package And TikTok Ban
The Senate voted and now the foreign aid package and TikTok ban are on their way to the president’s desk. Included in the package is billions of dollars in aid to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, and legislation that gives TikTok’s parent company ByteDance nine months to sell the social media app or see it banned in the US. TikTok has said it’ll fight the law in court once it’s signed, a process that could take years.
The potential problems from bird flu aren’t gone quite yet
Yesterday the FDA said that parts of the bird flu virus have now been found in pasteurized milk. The agency is still waiting on the results of studies, but maintains that the milk is safe to drink while it waits for those results to back up its opinion. A positive result from the PCR testing used doesn’t necessarily mean that live virus was found in the milk, just bits of genetic material from the virus.
HOW MUCH “TIPFLATION” IS COSTING US
Tipping culture has morphed into an expectation across various businesses, leading to what's termed as "tipflation." Right now the average American feels pressured to tip $37.80 monthly, totaling $453.60 annually. Just about half of people say they’re seeing an increase in tipping options on digital devices. 31% have been asked to tip for services they wouldn't typically consider tipping for.
FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS NEED TO MAKE $120K TO AFFORD THE AVERAGE HOME
Homeownership is slipping out of reach for many Americans. With the median-priced home now at $332,494, prospective buyers need an annual income of $119,769 for a 10% down payment, far surpassing the national average income of $74,755. For those earning the median income, owning a home presents significant challenges. Even with a 10% down payment, they can only afford a home priced at $207,529
*LIST* TOP DRIVING DISTRACTIONS THAT LEAD TO ACCIDENTS
April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month and we could all use a reminder about potential hazards on the road. You might not think you need to worry about it, but distracted driving contributes to around 3-thousand deaths a year. To keep yourself and everyone else on the road safe, she says the key is understanding the most common driving distractions and “taking proactive measures to avoid them.”
Queen of Scots pageant set for Saturday - From the CFX-Morning Sun 24 hour newsroom, the 55th annual Alma Highland Festival is just a month away but first there must be royalty chosen…The Queen of Scots and Wee Queen will be selected at 7pm Saturday during a pageant at the Heritage Center on the Alma College Campus…Queen of Scots candidates are: Julie Becker, Lauren Devine & Nathalia Baltierra…Wee queen candidates are Elise Blandford, Lakelynn Morell, Maicee McDaid & Reagan Block
Congress likely to kick the can on COVID-era telehealth policies - Federal lawmakers face a year-end deadline to solidify or dump an array of COVID-era payment changes for telehealth services…Most of the proposals focus on how Medicare covers telehealth services, but the rules affect patients on all types of insurance plans because private insurers & some government programs follow Medicare’s example. If congress does nothing, virtual health care services like could end…It's an election year & nothing may get done now until after the election & just before the end of the year
Alma College's president steps down after 14 years - Alma College President Jeff Abernathy is spetting down at the end of the 2024-2025 academic year, after 14 years in the position…The college's Board of Trustees plans to begin a national search for its 14th president during the fall semester…Abernathy will stay on as an English professor at the college following a one-year sabbatical…Since Abernathy became president, 27 new undergraduate programs and Alma College's first-ever graduate program have been launched
US Drug Shortages Hit All-Time High, Pharmacists Warn - Having trouble getting prescription lately…Drug shortages in the US are at an all-time high, in facts, there were 323 active drug shortages in the first quarter of the year, that's the most most shortages since they started tracking data since 2001…All drug classes are vulnerable to drug shortages & some of the most worrying shortages involve generic injectable medications like cancer chemotherapy drugs and emergency medications stored in hospital crash carts & procedural areas.
Longest zip line in the US will send riders hurtling a mile down a mountain - Ever wanted to rocket down a mountain at ridiculous speed? Upstate New York’s Catamount Mountain Resort has your zip-line, the longest zip line in the United States, at just over a mile, 5,523 feet to be exact…Not only is it long, but at 55mph, it's fast as well & at one point the ground drops away, leaving the rider suspended 270 feet in the air….You do have brakes so you can control the speed if 55 is too fast…After a chair-lift ride to the top of the mountain, it's a two hour zip-line ride to the bottom
The Dirtiest Places In Your Home To Hit When Spring Cleaning - We continue our Spring Thinking this week with Spring Cleaning…The germiest places in the home tend to be the ones you’d expect, like the kitchen and the bathroom, which should be cleaned first…Other places you might not think of…
-The surface(s) above the stove
-The water and ice dispenser on the fridge
-Refrigerator shelves
-Drains & Air Filters Source: Very Well Health
Kyle, Texas, Seeks Visitors Named Kyle for World Record Attempt - Calling all Kyle's…The City of Kyle, Texas, is making another attempt at breaking the Guinness World Record for the largest same-name gathering with an official "Gathering of the Kyles."…The city attracted 1,490 people named Kyle to the event last year, but that was short of the record…So May 18th at 1pm, if you're a Kyle your presence is requested in Kyle Texas to try again…July 2017 2,325 people named Ivan attended an official record attempt in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Link: https://www.upi.com/
Most Young Americans Think The Country Is Headed In The Wrong Direction
About 9%, that’s less than one in 10 young Americans think the United States is headed in the right direction. Meanwhile, 58-percent say the country is going the wrong way.
Mortgage Rate Spike As Potential Homebuyers Remain Sidelined
Prospective homebuyers are feeling the squeeze as mortgage rates rise.The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate jumped above seven-percent, its highest level in nearly five months. Rising rates can add hundreds of dollars a month for borrowers. The timing couldn't be worse with spring being the housing market's busiest time of the year.
Ways To Lessen The Effects Of The Rest Gap
What is a “rest gap?” The term describes the idea that women get less sleep than men because of societal pressures and expectations. In short, women have a bunch of reasons they aren’t getting seven to nine hours of sleep a night. Experts say if you aren’t sleeping, check in with yourself and take a mental rest break…set boundaries and say “no”
Mt. Pleasant woman wins Powerball lottery
A Mt. Pleasant woman, Jennifer Horton, recently discovered she won $150,000 from a Powerball ticket she bought and forgot about. She matched four white balls and the Powerball, with her $50,000 prize tripled to $150,000 thanks to the Power Play option. Forgetting about the ticket for a month, she eventually scanned it and was stunned to learn of her win. Horton plans to use the money to pay bills and treat her family to a vacation after claiming her prize at the Michigan Lottery headquarters.
How To Increase Your Attention Span
Thanks to screen time and “impulse” actions, our attention spans are much shorter than they used to be. What’s so wrong with that? Quite a bit. There are several side effects:
So how do we increase our attention spans? Here are a few tips:
House Passes Aid To Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan...And A TikTok Ban
Saturday the House approved a $95-billion aid package that includes sending $60.8-billions of dollars in aid to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, AND forcing ByteDance to sell TikTok or be banned in the US. The bill forces TikTok’s parent company to sell it within nine months of the bill becoming law or be banned in the US. The last major hurdle in front of the proposed ban is the fact that it’s being bundled with the three aid packages and sent to the Senate, where they’ll have to approve all of it or none of it.
LESS CROWDED ALTERNATIVES TO MOST POPULAR NATIONAL PARKS
More people are visiting national parks every year, which may have some travelers looking for similar experiences with smaller crowds. Travel and outdoor experts recommend alternatives to the most popular national parks that are just as beautiful and offer similar activities, but without the huge crowds.
Construction to begin on Mt. Pleasant Town Center project
More orange barrels in Mt Pleasant this time it's a big project in downtown Mt. Pleasant…From the CFX-Mroning Sun 24 hour newsroom, construction starts April 22nd on the Town Center project…The project will close the portion of Mosher Street that runs south and west of Main and Broadway & adds 18 new parking spaces, electric vehicle charging stations, an Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant public restroom and other amenities…The plan is to have it done by August 29th…Because of noise restrictions, construction will only be Monday through Saturday from 7am-7pm - More at themorningsun.com
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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