Welcome to Nerd News, where we cover the most important developments in science so you can sound incredibly intelligent the next time somebody asks what you did all weekend.

This week's headlines include a toilet designed for astronauts, dinosaurs getting hit with an absolutely brutal heat wave, and evidence that your Chihuahua might secretly be a tiny coyote.

So... let's get nerdy.

1. The iThrone: A Toilet for Earth and Space

Former NASA researcher Diana Yousef invented a waterless toilet called the iThrone after realizing something pretty interesting:

People who don't have access to plumbing face some of the same sanitation problems as astronauts.

Think about that the next time you complain because your bathroom is two steps farther away than you'd like.

The iThrone rapidly evaporates about 95% of the water in human waste, making what's left safer to handle in places without traditional sewage systems.

And this isn't just some science experiment sitting in a lab. The toilets are now serving roughly 20,000 households in places including Uganda, Panama and the United States.

Honestly, this is one of those inventions that makes you wonder why we haven't figured this out sooner.

Humanity has invented smartphones that can translate languages in real time.

We can land rockets upright.

We can send a picture of a sandwich to somebody halfway around the world.

And we're still basically saying, "Okay, everybody, line up and wait for the plumbing."

 2. The Dinosaurs Didn't Just Have a Bad Day

We already knew the asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs was having a pretty rough impact on the neighborhood.

New research suggests it may have been even worse than scientists previously thought.

Researchers say fine dust blasted into the atmosphere after the asteroid impact trapped heat from falling debris, exposing animals on land to roughly 17 times a lethal heat dose.

In other words, if you were a dinosaur standing outside that day, things went from:

"Hey, what's that in the sky?"

to:

"OH, THIS IS BAD."

Plants caught fire.

Temperatures soared.

And suddenly being the dinosaur who liked hanging out underground wasn't such a weird hobby.

Animals that could burrow or take shelter in water apparently had a much better shot at surviving.

So, basically, the prehistoric survival guide was:

Get underground. Get in the water. Don't look up.

Michigan readers may recognize the strategy.

Except instead of an asteroid, we're talking about winter.

 3. Your Chihuahua Might Be Part Coyote

And finally, we have perhaps the most shocking scientific discovery of the week:

Chihuahuas may have coyote DNA.

A new genetic study found that these tiny dogs share portions of their DNA with coyotes.

Researchers at Stanford University discovered the connection while testing software designed to trace the ancestry of animal genomes.

Scientists don't know exactly when coyotes entered the Chihuahua family tree, but the evidence suggests it happened before European contact with the Americas.

And suddenly a lot of things make sense.

That Chihuahua that weighs eight pounds but thinks it can take on a German shepherd?

Coyote.

The one that barks at absolutely nothing?

Coyote.

The one that stares at you like it knows your darkest secrets?

Definitely coyote.

Meanwhile, the Chihuahua is probably sitting there thinking:

"Finally. They're starting to figure it out."

 That's Your Nerd News

So what did we learn this week?

Astronauts need toilets.

Dinosaurs really, really needed sunscreen.

And Chihuahuas might be tiny coyotes with anger-management issues.

Science is amazing.

And honestly, if next week's Nerd News tells us that Michigan squirrels are secretly running an underground intelligence operation, we're not even going to be surprised.

Stay curious, stay nerdy—and if you see a Chihuahua in the woods...

Maybe don't make eye contact.

We need to talk about toys.

The National Toy Hall of Fame has announced the 12 finalists for its 2026 class—and while there are some serious childhood classics on the list, there's one glaring omission.

Illegal fireworks.

Okay, technically those aren't a toy.

But if you grew up in Michigan, you know somebody's cousin, neighbor, or that one guy down the street who would like to make the case.

The 12 finalists

This year's finalists are:

• Bingo

• Bop It!

• Care Bears

• Mahjong

• Monster High dolls

• Mouse Trap

• Pokémon Trading Cards

• Polly Pocket

• The Slide

• Sorry!

• Tickle Me Elmo

• Yahtzee

Three of them will eventually be inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame, with the winners announced in November.

And yes, the public gets a say.

You can vote through the Museum of Play throughout the next week. Vote in the Players' Choice ballot

But let's talk Michigan childhoods...

Sure, Bop It! was fun.

Pokémon cards? Absolutely.

Mouse Trap? A classic.

But Michigan kids had a slightly different set of priorities.

We had sleds.

Not fancy sleds, either. I'm talking about whatever piece of plastic you could find after the first major snowstorm.

We had bikes that spent the summer flying down neighborhood streets.

We had Slip 'N Slides in the backyard until somebody discovered that the grass underneath was apparently 90% mud.

And let's not forget the ultimate Michigan toy:

The empty pop bottle.

You could make a million things out of that.

Okay, maybe not a million.

But enough to keep a kid busy until Mom yelled, "Dinner!"

And if you grew up in Michigan, you probably had a plastic shovel that was technically supposed to be for the sandbox but eventually became a snow shovel, digging tool, fort-building equipment and general backyard construction device.

That's versatility.

And Tickle Me Elmo is back?!

Poor Elmo.

He was nominated last year but didn't make the cut.

Apparently, being a cultural phenomenon wasn't enough.

Maybe this is Elmo's year.

Although if we're being honest, Michigan parents might have a different memory of Tickle Me Elmo:

"That thing went off at 2 a.m. and scared the life out of me."

Last year's inductees were Battleship, Slime and Trivial Pursuit—so clearly the Hall of Fame is willing to recognize everything from board games to goo.

Which raises an important question:

How long until someone tries to get the Michigan classic "throwing snowballs at your friends" inducted?

We're just saying.

What toy deserves a spot?

That's really the fun part of this whole thing.

Because every generation has that one toy.

Maybe it was a Care Bear.

Maybe it was Polly Pocket.

Maybe it was Pokémon cards you absolutely promised yourself you were going to keep in perfect condition—until you put them in your bike spokes.

Or maybe your favorite "toy" was whatever you could find outside.

For Michigan kids, that could mean a basketball hoop in the driveway, a sled on a snowy hill, a bike on a summer evening or a cardboard box that somehow became a race car.

The finalists may be official, but we're pretty sure Michigan has its own unofficial Toy Hall of Fame.

And we're still holding out hope for illegal fireworks.

You know... for historical purposes.

Top Stories: UN Report, F-16 Crash, Rising Gas Prices and Weekend Sports

Here’s a look at some of the biggest stories making news across Michigan and beyond.

UN Report Raises Questions About U.S. Strikes in Iran

A U.N.-backed fact-finding mission says it found “reasonable grounds” to believe the United States committed war crimes in two strikes in Iran, including an attack on a school in the city of Minab.

The report says the February strikes killed scores of civilians, including children. The second strike involved a sports facility and residential area in Lamerd.

The mission also accused Iranian authorities of committing crimes against humanity during a crackdown on anti-government protests.

The findings are not legally binding, but the report could become part of evidence used in future legal proceedings. U.S. officials have disputed the findings and questioned the human rights body's conclusions.

F-16 Crashes in Northern Michigan

An F-16 fighter jet crashed Thursday during a training exercise in rural Grand Traverse County after the pilot safely ejected.

The pilot was taken to a local hospital for medical treatment. Officials have not released the pilot's identity or details about any injuries.

The aircraft was from the Texas Air National Guard and was taking part in training based out of Alpena. A temporary evacuation was ordered near the crash site after hazardous material spilled from the wreckage. The evacuation was later lifted.

The cause remains under investigation. Preliminary air-traffic-control audio indicated a possible bird strike, but officials have not reached a final conclusion.

Gas Prices Keep Climbing in Michigan

If you've filled up lately, you've probably noticed the pain at the pump.

AAA's latest figures show Michigan's average regular gasoline price at about $4.89 a gallon, with diesel reaching a new record of about $6.68 a gallon.

Prices have been rising steadily this week, and some stations in Southeast Michigan are already charging more than $7 a gallon for diesel.

In Sports

It was a tough night for Detroit.

The Chicago White Sox beat the Tigers 3-1, while the Buffalo Bills defeated the Detroit Lions 41-31.

Looking ahead to Saturday, the Michigan Wolverines host UTEP at 3:30 p.m.

The Central Michigan Chippewas host Wyoming at 1 p.m.

And Saturday night, the Michigan State Spartans take on Notre Dame, with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

Your Mid-Michigan Weekend Forecast

For Friday, expect increasing clouds and a breezy afternoon, with a high around 71.

Tonight will be mostly cloudy with a low near 52.

Saturday brings cloudy skies and showers, with a high around 67.

And Sunday stays cloudy and breezy, with a high near 67.

So if you're heading to a game this weekend, bring the rain gear — and maybe leave the shorts at home.

Football is back, baby! And you know what that means: Carrie Underwood is back in the spotlight for “Sunday Night Football”!

Carrie is kicking off her 14th season as the voice of NBC’s football opener, a gig she took over from Faith Hill back in 2013. And after all these years, she still knows how to make that opening feel like the biggest game of the week

This season, Carrie is cranking up the rock-and-roll attitude with an all-leather look that says, “Yeah, I came to sing — but I also came to win!”

The song is still designed to get your heart pumping and your football-loving self ready for kickoff.

And if you're watching from Detroit? Well, we're thinking blue and silver leather might be the perfect finishing touch.

Because when the Lions are playing on Sunday night, Carrie can bring the anthem — Detroit can bring the roar!

So grab your jersey, fire up the snacks and get ready.

Football is back. Carrie is back. And around here… LET'S GO LIONS! 

If you’ve ever handed a kid a Capri-Sun, you already know the drill: sip, sip, sip… gone. Somehow that little pouch disappears faster than a Michigan summer.

Well, Capri-Sun apparently decided we’ve had enough of the tiny pouches.

They’re testing something called the “Big Pouch.” It stands about 9 inches tall, is 6 inches wide and holds a whopping 20 ounces. That’s more than three times the size of the original.

It even comes with a bigger straw.

And here’s the catch: it comes EMPTY. Yep. You’re basically buying a Capri-Sun water bottle with a coupon for Capri-Sun.

They recommend grabbing a 64-ounce jug so you can refill it multiple times.

For now, the Big Pouch is a limited-time promotion, available through daily drops at Walmart.com Monday through Thursday next week. They’re going for about $6 each, although nobody seems to know exactly how much the included flavor coupon will be worth.

If it takes off, Capri-Sun says it could become a permanent product.

Honestly, this feels like something Michigan parents have been training for their entire lives.

Twenty ounces of Capri-Sun?

That’s not a juice pouch anymore.

That’s a Flint-to-Detroit road trip beverage. ????

Just don't hand one to your kid before a four-hour drive unless you're prepared to hear, “I GOTTA GO!” approximately 11 minutes later.

Trump Threatens EU Tariffs as Canada Pursues Closer Ties With Europe

MID-MICHIGAN — September 17, 2026 — President Donald Trump is warning of possible economic retaliation against the European Union if the bloc moves forward with a proposal to give Canada an “associate member” relationship.

Trump said Wednesday that such a move could be considered a hostile act toward the United States and warned that his administration could respond with heavy tariffs or restrictions on trade with Europe. The comments come as Canada looks to diversify its economic relationships amid continuing trade tensions with the U.S. (AP News)

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, speaking to the European Parliament, endorsed deeper Canada-EU cooperation but stopped short of formally embracing the “associate member” label. Carney has called for a closer Canadian-European partnership involving areas including defense, energy, critical minerals, artificial intelligence and digital trade. (Reuters)

Fed Raises Interest Rates

The Federal Reserve raised its benchmark interest rate Wednesday by a quarter percentage point, bringing the federal funds target range to 3.75% to 4%.

It was the Fed's first rate increase since 2023. Officials cited persistent inflation and ongoing economic uncertainty, including geopolitical developments. The Fed said inflation remains elevated and that the latest move is intended to help return inflation to its 2% goal. (Federal Reserve)

The decision came despite President Trump’s continued calls for lower interest rates. Higher borrowing costs can affect consumers through credit cards, auto loans, mortgages and other forms of financing, while potentially providing higher returns for some savers.

Fed policymakers also indicated that another rate increase could come before the end of the year, although future decisions will depend on incoming economic data. (Reuters)

Strike Averted at MyMichigan Alma

A planned three-day unfair labor practice strike at MyMichigan Medical Center Alma has been canceled after nurses and the hospital reached a tentative contract agreement.

The Michigan Nurses Association said the agreement was reached Wednesday, preventing the strike that had been scheduled to begin September 21. Nurses will vote on whether to ratify the agreement on September 24.

The contract is not final until that vote. Details of the tentative agreement have not yet been released publicly. (MI Nurses Association)

The nurses had been negotiating with the hospital for more than nine months. Their previous contract expired in February. (MI Nurses Association)

Public Input Sought on Michigan Mobility 2050

The Michigan Department of Transportation is holding its second virtual webinar Thursday on Michigan Mobility 2050, the state's long-range transportation plan.

The webinar is scheduled for 11 a.m. to noon and will include a presentation followed by an opportunity for residents and other participants to submit comments. MDOT says the plan establishes a long-term vision for Michigan's transportation network, including roads, rail, freight and active transportation. (Michigan)

Residents can find information about the webinar through the Michigan Department of Transportation's website.

Sports

The Detroit Tigers' six-game winning streak came to an end Wednesday as the Toronto Blue Jays defeated Detroit 5-1. Toronto avoided a three-game sweep, with Max Scherzer pitching five effective innings and allowing one run. (Reuters)

The Tigers return to action Thursday night against the Chicago White Sox. First pitch is scheduled for 7:40 p.m. ET. (MLB.com)

The Detroit Lions are also in action Thursday night, traveling to Buffalo to face the Bills. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. ET. (NFL)

Mid-Michigan Weather

For Thursday, the forecast calls for mostly cloudy skies with a slight chance of showers and a high near 74 degrees.

Tonight will be partly cloudy with a low around 52. Friday is expected to be mostly sunny with a high near 73, while Saturday brings increasing clouds and a chance of showers with a high around 65.

Stay with your local news sources throughout the day for updates on weather, traffic, sports and breaking news across Mid-Michigan.

Will there be a Modern Family reunion or spinoff?  What WON'T Tom Cruise do in an interview?  SHOWBIZ HEADLINES!  Listen!

Swearing and Attitude seeming to be the leading answers?  What about YOUR kids?

Remember the kid in school that ate chalk?  How about your buddy who got suspended for dropping water balloons out of the teacher's lounge?  Did you ever  think these crazy people are all respected adults now?  LISTEN! 

What's The Number 1 Thing Mid-Michigan Single Women Worry About While Dating?

You'd think it was safety but that's number 2.  What's number 1? Plus are you talking to a BOT on that dating ap?  LISTEN FOR ROMANCE NEWS!

If you could go back and tell yourself ONE THING before you got married, what would you say?

What a great way to celebrate the fall and Dolly's life!  head to Grand Rapids for the Dolly Corn Maze.  She would LOVE that states across the country are honoring her this way!  Many are accepting donations for her IMAGINATION LIBRARY!

Click Here for details!

https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2026/08/31/dolly-parton-memorialized-in-6-acres-of-west-michigan-corn-stalks/91533984007/

Can you imagine having no idea your boyfriend was about to get married?  A woman in the UK makes wedding cakes for a living and was delivering one to a church when she discovered the groom was her boyfriend.  LISTEN.

Questions!

How did she not know?

How long had they been dating?

Was SHE the other woman or was the bride the other woman?

Does the bride know about her?

WHO HIRED HER to make the cake? 

Was THAT a coincidence?

Did she get paid up front for the cake?

What did her boyfriend's Mom say to her?

Did she speak to her boyfriend after the wedding?

Would she like to buy some swamp land we're selling in Florida?

The Latest From Around Michigan Today with John Conrad!

Did you hear about the woman who RAN from a guy that was trying to hug her at Target?  She forgot she was wearing a FREE HUGS T-shirt!  She said it was a very frieghtening moment, until she realizzed.  LISTEN!

Slim Jim decided to break the world record for the longest Slim Jim!  Over a football field long and weighed 70lbs!  FOOD NEWS!  LISTEN!

Zendaya has to have her pooch on set!  He's more comfortable there!  Celebrity headlines here!  LISTEN!

A UC Riverside student discovered a new bug and now it's named after Taylor Swift!  Check out the Celebrity News Minute here!

Three drunk guys got busted for throwing beef sticks at Waffle House at 4:30am. Two Two guys only weating tighty whities. Cops found them sitting on a bench outside of a laundromat.  They gave no reason for throwing the beef sticks!

Try these guys.  Better!

Ever learn something and immediately think:

"Wait... everybody else knew that?"

A Reddit user recently asked people to share the "common knowledge" facts they somehow made it through life without knowing.

And the answers are fantastic.

So, in the spirit of public education, here are a few things you may or may not have known.

1. Penguins are birds.

Yes. Birds.

They don't fly, they swim, they waddle around wearing tuxedos, and somehow we're supposed to believe they're birds.

That's basically a duck with a better publicist.

2. "The Beatles" is a play on the word "beat."

Apparently, some people thought it was just the English spelling of "beetles."

Which means somewhere in Michigan, there's a guy who spent 40 years thinking one of the greatest rock bands in history was named after a bug.

3. Pineapples don't grow on trees.

They grow from plants on the ground.

This one is especially weird because we've all seen pineapples, but apparently nobody ever stopped to ask:

"How exactly does this thing get up there?"

It's not a coconut.

It's a pineapple.

4. Chicken tenders are chicken tenderloins.

This one feels like something we should've figured out around age 12.

But no.

We've been ordering "chicken tenders" for decades like they're a completely different species of poultry.

5. Pickles are cucumbers.

Somebody had to tell people this.

Which means there are adults walking around Michigan right now who are still discovering that a pickle is basically a cucumber that went to a very aggressive spa.

6. Reindeer are real.

They're actual animals.

Santa didn't invent them.

Although if you've ever driven up north in Michigan during deer season, you probably already knew Michigan has plenty of animals capable of suddenly appearing in front of your vehicle.

7. Ponies are NOT baby horses.

This one genuinely surprised people.

A pony is not a baby horse. Ponies are their own type of horse.

A baby horse is called a foal.

So if you've spent your entire life thinking a pony eventually grows up into a horse...

Congratulations.

Today you learned something from a blog post.

And don't feel bad.

Michigan has its own version of "common knowledge" that can trip people up.

For example:

The hand is not an island.

The mitten is not technically our official name.

And yes, the UP is part of Michigan, despite what somebody from Detroit might tell you after two Vernors.

So if you learned something new today, don't worry.

Just act like you've known it forever.

That's what the rest of us are doing.

Think back to the last time your whole family sat down for dinner.

Everybody finally gets to the table... somebody says, "Okay, let's eat"... and Dad is already done.

Not just done. Plate scraped clean. Napkin deployed. He's standing up asking, "Anybody want anything from the kitchen?"

Meanwhile, Mom is still working on the first half of her mashed potatoes.

Apparently, there's actually a name for this: the "eating speed gap."

Researchers are looking at what happens when couples eat at completely different speeds. One person is inhaling dinner like they're trying to beat a traffic light on Woodward, while the other is taking leisurely bites and enjoying the experience.

And Michigan families have a special version of this.

One person is eating dinner.

The other is eating dinner and checking the weather for the weekend.

The fast eater isn't necessarily doing anything wrong. Experts say couples who eat at different speeds may actually balance each other out. One person moves through life with a little more urgency, while the other takes things at a slower pace.

Which sounds nice until you're at a Michigan coney restaurant and your partner says:

"You don't have to eat so fast."

And you respond:

"I'm not eating fast. You're eating SLOW."

Now you've got a relationship debate happening over a plate of chili fries.

The biggest problem comes when the fast eater makes the slow eater feel rushed, gets up from the table before everyone else is finished, or worse...

YOU'RE SHARING A PLATE.

That's when things get serious.

Because if one person eats 80 percent of the nachos before the other person gets three chips, that's no longer an "eating speed gap."

That's a crime scene.

And if you're eating at a Michigan restaurant and your partner says, "I'm just going to have a bite of yours..."

Guard your coney.

Guard it with your life.

Experts say the key is simply talking about it if different eating speeds are becoming a problem.

Just make sure you have that conversation before the fast eater finishes.

Because once that plate hits the dishwasher...

The meeting is adjourned.

Mid-Michigan Morning News: Trump Proposes $5,000 Dividend, State Street Project Nears Completion

Trump Proposes $5,000 Payment if Republicans Win Congress

President Donald Trump is proposing a $5,000 payment to every adult U.S. citizen if Republicans retain control of both the House and Senate in November's midterm elections.

Trump made the announcement Wednesday night during the Republican Party's first-ever midterm convention in Dallas. He called the proposal a "dividend" and said the money would have to be spent in the United States.

The proposal could cost roughly $1.2 trillion to $1.35 trillion, depending on how eligibility is defined. Trump did not provide details on how the payments would be funded or administered. The plan would also require congressional approval. Questions about its legal and financial implications were raised following the announcement. (Reuters)

Michigan State Police Highlight Cold Cases

Michigan State Police are highlighting cold cases across the state as part of an effort to generate new information from the public.

The MSP has created a dedicated online cold-case webpage where residents can search cases by district and submit information to investigators. The database includes cases from across Michigan, including the agency's Third District, which covers Saginaw, Bay, Midland, Genesee and several surrounding counties. (Michigan)

Anyone with information about a cold case can submit a tip through the MSP website.

Saginaw State Street Project Moves Toward Completion

After months of construction, lane closures and detours, work on Saginaw's State Street project is moving toward its next phase.

The Michigan Department of Transportation is rebuilding about 1.1 miles of eastbound M-58, or State Street, between Avalon Avenue and M-84, or Bay Street.

The $13 million project includes road reconstruction and paving, storm sewer work, sidewalk and driveway improvements, and new traffic signals. (Michigan)

Crews are completing road work and preparing for paving, with construction expected to continue into the fall.

Sports

The Great Lakes Loons take a 1-0 lead into Game 2 of the Midwest League East Division Championship Series tonight in Dayton.

The Loons beat the Dayton Dragons 6-0 in Game 1 and will try to close out the best-of-three series tonight at Day Air Ballpark. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. (MLB.com)

In Major League Baseball, the Detroit Tigers beat the Minnesota Twins 7-2.

And in the NFL opener, the Seattle Seahawks defeated the New England Patriots 13-10. Seattle rallied from a 10-point deficit, with its defense intercepting Patriots quarterback Drake Maye three times in the second half. (NFL)

Mid-Michigan Weather

Cloudy skies this morning will give way to sunshine this afternoon, with a high near 77.

Tonight will be clear with a low around 52.

Friday will be sunny with a high near 78, followed by mostly sunny skies Saturday and a high around 83.

There's a new list making the rounds of things that used to be free but now cost money.

And as Michiganders, we're already dealing with potholes, road construction, unpredictable weather and the emotional trauma of watching grocery prices climb.

We don't need this.

Some of this stuff should STILL be free.

1. Phone Chargers

Remember when you bought a new phone and it actually came with the stuff you needed to use it?

Headphones. Charger. Everything.

Now you open the box and there's a phone sitting there looking at you like:

“Good luck.”

It's basically buying a new car and finding out the steering wheel is sold separately.

2. Concert Ticket Fees

This one hurts.

You see a concert ticket advertised for $50.

You think, “That's not bad!”

Then you get to checkout.

$50 ticket.

$14 convenience fee.

$9 processing fee.

$7 facility fee.

$6 delivery fee.

Suddenly you're paying $86 to sit in Section 317 and watch somebody who you can barely see.

And don't even get us started on Michigan concert parking.

3. Checked Bags

Airlines used to let you check a bag without making you feel like you were smuggling gold.

Now you have to pay extra to bring the suitcase you packed with your own clothes.

At this point, I'm waiting for an airline to charge me a “shirt fee.”

4. Picking Your Airplane Seat

You bought the ticket.

You paid the taxes.

You paid the fees.

And now the airline says:

“Would you like a seat?”

Yes.

That's generally why I bought the plane ticket.

And if you don't pay extra to choose one, you could end up in the middle seat between two strangers who are both apparently trying to expand their personal space into your lap.

5. Free Airline Food

Remember when airlines actually fed you?

Now you're lucky if they hand you a tiny bag of pretzels and a beverage.

Meanwhile, you're sitting there thinking about the glory days when airplane meals were free.

Were they good?

Absolutely not.

But they were free bad food.

And that makes a difference.

6. Disney FastPass

Disney used to have a system that helped you skip some of the long lines for free.

Now there are paid options.

Michigan parents already know the feeling of paying admission and then realizing you're going to spend half the day standing in a line.

It's basically Cedar Point without the roller coaster at the end.

7. YouTube Without a Million Commercials

You click on a 10-minute video.

Commercial.

Watch for a while.

Commercial.

You're almost finished.

Another commercial.

At this point, the video is 10 minutes long and the advertising campaign is 45 minutes.

8. Internet Content

Remember when you could just read an article?

Now you click on something interesting and get:

“You've reached your free article limit.”

Apparently, the internet has developed a cover charge.

In Michigan, we're used to paying for parking.

Now we have to pay to read about why Michigan has the best pizza?

Come on.

9. Parking

This might be the most Michigan thing on the list.

You find an empty parking spot.

You park.

Then you look for the sign.

Then you scan a QR code.

Then you download an app.

Then you create an account.

Then you enter your license plate.

Then you enter your credit card.

Then you confirm your email.

By the time you're finished, someone has already parked behind you.

And somewhere in Michigan, there's still a guy saying:

“It used to be a quarter.”

10. Pizza Delivery

Pizza delivery used to mean you ordered pizza and tipped the driver.

Simple.

Now you've got a delivery fee, service fee, small-order fee, online ordering fee, mysterious fee and then the tip.

Pretty soon the pizza itself is going to be the cheapest part of the order.

And honestly, that's where we draw the line.

Because Michigan has survived winter.

We've survived potholes.

We've survived construction season.

We've survived the Lions.

But we're not paying $38 to have a $17 pizza brought 2.3 miles to our house.

So here's today's question:

What's something that used to be free that absolutely should NOT cost money now?

Parking? Bags? Chargers? Ticket fees?

Or maybe something completely different?

Because apparently we're living in a world where breathing is still free...

but we're probably on borrowed time.

Michigan dog owners, get ready.

Because next year, your dog may finally get to participate in one of America's greatest traditions: Girl Scout Cookie season.

And no, we're not talking about handing your dog a Trefoil and hoping for the best.

The Girl Scouts just announced a brand-new actual dog treat called Patch Pals, coming when the next cookie season kicks off in January.

They're soft-baked, blueberry muffin-flavored treats made specifically for dogs, developed in partnership with BARK.

The Girl Scouts say they're designed to celebrate the bond between people and their pups.

And honestly, Michigan dogs have earned it.

Think about everything our dogs put up with.

They go outside in January and immediately discover that the grass has disappeared beneath three feet of snow.

They step outside in July and discover that the sidewalk is approximately the temperature of a pizza oven.

They spend half the year watching us scrape ice off the car.

They've been dragged through muddy yards, chased by mosquitoes and forced to listen to us complain about road construction.

Give the dog a cookie.

There is, however, one potential problem.

We're going to have to make sure nobody accidentally eats one.

Apparently, Al Roker tried a Patch Pal on the Today show and said it was “not bad.”

That's either a strong endorsement...

...or the beginning of a very strange new Food Network competition.

Fortunately, the Patch Pals box has a dog on it and clearly says DOG COOKIES.

And unlike regular Girl Scout cookies, they'll only be available online for direct shipping.

So you probably won't have to worry about your dog walking into the grocery store and buying six boxes.

Although, if your dog figures out online shopping, you're in trouble.

There's a New Cookie for Humans, Too

The Girl Scouts also announced a new cookie for people called Sparkables.

They're oatmeal cookies with chocolate chips and sprinkles, and they're specifically designed to avoid the nine major food allergens.

So while your dog is enjoying a blueberry muffin-flavored treat, you can sit next to them eating chocolate-chip oatmeal cookies.

That's family bonding.

And if you're in Michigan, there's an obvious question:

What should the next Michigan-themed Girl Scout cookie be?

A Vernors Ginger Cookie?

A Better Made Potato Chip Cookie?

Maybe a Coney Dog Cookie?

Okay... maybe not that last one.

But you know your dog is going to be sitting there staring at you while you eat your cookies.

For years we've told them, “Sorry, buddy. You can't have chocolate.”

Now we can finally look them in the eye and say:

“Good news. Girl Scouts made you your own.”

Just don't be surprised if your dog suddenly starts checking the mailbox every afternoon in January.

Mid-Michigan News: Iran Conflict, Michigan Football, Speed Cameras and Saginaw Riverfront Plans

U.S.-Iran Conflict Escalates

The conflict between the United States and Iran is continuing to escalate.

The U.S. has attacked five Iranian oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman and near Karg Island after accusing Iran of launching ballistic missiles at a U.S. warship twice in two days.

Iran responded by firing missiles at U.S. forces stationed at a base in Jordan.

U.S. Central Command says no American personnel were harmed in the Iranian attack.

Michigan-Western Michigan Game Result Will Stand

The controversy surrounding Saturday's Michigan-Western Michigan football game is officially over, at least as far as the final result is concerned.

The NCAA says the outcome of the game will stand after the Mid-American Conference filed an appeal arguing that a final second should never have been added to the game clock.

The conference asked the NCAA to recognize Western Michigan as the actual winner.

The NCAA denied the appeal, saying there is no process for overturning the outcome of a completed game.

So, whatever you thought happened Saturday, the record book is keeping it.

Speed Cameras Coming to Michigan Work Zones

Michigan drivers could soon have another reason to slow down in construction zones.

The Michigan Department of Transportation says it plans to have automated speed cameras operating in work zones by the 2027 construction season.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed legislation in 2024 allowing the cameras to be used in Michigan construction zones.

MDOT originally hoped to have the system ready for the 2026 construction season, but the department said that timeline would be a challenge.

Now, 2027 is the target.

For anyone who has ever driven through a Michigan construction zone, the cameras may soon become one more thing to watch for, right alongside barrels, lane shifts and that one guy who somehow manages to merge at the last possible second.

Big Plans for Saginaw's Riverfront

Saginaw city leaders gave residents an update Tuesday on several major projects that could reshape the city's riverfront.

The plans include the Medical Diamond, a new riverfront park and improvements involving Ojibwe Island.

The city has secured $34 million for infrastructure and a new 5.5-acre riverfront park as part of a larger effort combining health care, development and public space.

Groundbreaking for Central Michigan University's building in the Medical Diamond is planned for later this month.

Sports

The Detroit Tigers fell to the Minnesota Twins 3-2.

The Great Lakes Loons, however, had a much better night.

Playing Game One of the Midwest League East Division series at Dow Diamond, the Loons shut out the Dayton Dragons 6-0.

Mid-Michigan Weather

Today: Showers and thunderstorms, high 78.

Tonight: Partly cloudy, low 60.

Thursday: Mostly sunny, high 76.

Friday: Sunny, high 78.

For the past 20 years, America went through a beer identity crisis.

We started with light lagers. Then came the craft beer revolution.

Suddenly, regular beer wasn't enough. We needed IPAs, Belgian ales, porters, stouts and beers with descriptions longer than the ingredient list on a frozen pizza.

You couldn't just order a beer anymore.

You had to say something like:

“I'll have the barrel-aged, bourbon-infused, triple-hopped, hazy, imperial stout with notes of dark chocolate, grapefruit and existential regret.”

But apparently, America is tired.

According to a new report, the most popular beer in America is Michelob Ultra.

Yes. Michelob Ultra.

The beer famous for being light, refreshing and apparently committed to making sure you don't accidentally taste too much beer.

Behind it are Bud Light, Stella Artois, Budweiser, Guinness, Coors Light, Busch Light, Miller Lite, Blue Moon and Corona.

Notice something?

There's a lot of “Light” happening here.

Meanwhile, the least popular beer is Milwaukee's Best Ice.

Which raises an important question:

If America doesn't want Milwaukee's Best Ice, what exactly does America want?

Apparently, anything except the beer that tastes like it was brewed during a lunch break.

Harp came in second on the least-popular list, followed by Sierra Nevada, Samuel Adams, Keystone, Molson, Labatt Blue, Carlsberg, Hamm's and Keystone Light.

And before the craft beer crowd starts throwing hops at the survey, yes, Sierra Nevada and Samuel Adams are part of the craft beer world, even though they're now major nationwide brands.

Who Loves Beer the Most?

The report also ranked the states most interested in beer.

And honestly, the list makes sense.

The top 10 are:

Wisconsin, Wyoming, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, North Dakota, South Dakota and Missouri.

Wisconsin at number one feels less like a statistic and more like someone simply remembered to count.

At the other end of the list are the states least interested in beer:

Alaska, Utah, Georgia, Washington, Mississippi, California, Virginia, Maryland, Oregon and Hawaii.

Although if you're sitting on a beach in Hawaii looking at the Pacific Ocean, maybe you don't need a complicated craft beer.

You already have the ocean.

So what do you think?

Has America moved on from craft beer and gone back to the classics?

Or are we just tired of paying $9 for a beer that comes with a 14-word description?

Because sometimes you don't want hints of citrus, oak, chocolate, vanilla and “forest floor.”

Sometimes you just want a cold beer.

Preferably one you can pronounce.