America is getting ready to celebrate its 250th birthday, and apparently we're feeling pretty optimistic about the future.

How optimistic?

We're burying a time capsule that won't be opened for another 250 years!

Yep, it's called America's Time Capsule, and the plan is to seal it up and leave it untouched until July 4th, 2276.

Think about that for a second.

Nobody reading this will be around to see it opened. Your kids won't. Your grandkids won't. Unless somebody invents immortality or cryogenic freezing, we'll all just have to wonder what future Americans think about us.

The people behind the project say they want every state and territory represented.

The goal?

To capture America from sea to shining sea with objects that are personal and meaningful.

There are some rules, though.

No food that spoils.

So sorry, America... no apple pie.

And no leather or adhesives that could damage the other items.

So what IS going in the capsule?

So far, organizers say it will include:

• An iPhone 17
• Native American artwork
• Essays written by students
• A Coca-Cola bottle

Honestly, the iPhone might confuse people the most.

Imagine someone in 2276 pulling it out and saying:

"Wait... they stared at THIS thing all day?"

And now the fun question:

What would YOU put in America's Time Capsule?

A baseball glove?

A family recipe?

A vinyl record?

A jar of Michigan sand?

A Tigers hat?

Or maybe just a note that says:

"Please tell us if the Lions ever won the Super Bowl."

Because if future America can answer that question, we'll finally know if miracles are real.

Move over pumpkin spice. Pack your bags and head back to autumn because there's a new flavor king in town.

Pickles are having their moment.

Not just on burgers. Not just on sandwiches. Pickles are absolutely EVERYWHERE this summer.

We're talking pickle-flavored popcorn, pretzels, hummus, protein bars, frozen pizza, and probably somewhere out there, a pickle-scented candle just waiting to happen.

And if you think that's the weirdest thing you'll hear today, think again.

Smoothie King just teamed up with Grillo's Pickles to create a PICKLE SMOOTHIE.

Yes, an actual smoothie made with pickles.

Some people are calling it refreshing. Others are calling it a cry for help.

Food trend experts say pickles have become, quote, "the main character." Apparently Gen Z is obsessed with foods that have a little attitude. One trend forecaster says younger people are craving "food that bites back."

Which explains why sour flavors are suddenly hotter than a July afternoon at the county fair.

But here's the real question:

Have we gone too far?

Pickle popcorn? Maybe.

Pickle pretzels? Sure.

Pickle pizza? We're listening.

But pickle smoothies? That feels like something invented after losing a fantasy football bet.

Then again, this is Michigan. We happily put ranch on pizza, eat chili dogs with onions the size of golf balls, and will argue for hours about the best pickle brand.

So maybe the pickle takeover isn't so strange after all.

The only question left is:

What's the next flavor craze?

Because if somebody invents dill pickle ice cream, there's a decent chance half of Michigan will try it at least once.

There's progress being made toward ending the conflict between the United States and Iran, but there are still plenty of details to work out.

Vice President J.D. Vance says a memorandum of understanding aimed at ending the fighting is expected to be ceremonially signed Friday in Geneva. The agreement focuses on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, lifting the U.S. naval blockade, and providing financial incentives to Iran if certain benchmarks are met. Vance described the agreement as a broad framework, with many specifics still to be negotiated.

Meanwhile, oil prices have fallen to their lowest level in three months as investors wait for more details on the agreement.

Closer to home, Michigan drivers are paying a little more at the pump this week. According to AAA, gas prices are up two cents from last week, with regular unleaded averaging $4.19 per gallon statewide. That's down 70 cents from a month ago, but still $1.10 higher than this time last year.

In local news, Tittabawassee Township commissioners have approved an application from Jupiter Power Company to build a battery storage facility near Hackett and Tittabawassee Roads. The site would store electricity and send it back into the grid during periods of high demand. Developers say the project could generate millions of dollars in tax revenue over its lifetime.

In college sports, Michigan State is once again searching for an athletic director. Jay Batt is leaving East Lansing after just over a year on the job to take the same position at the University of Kentucky. Batt previously served as athletic director at Georgia Tech before coming to MSU.

On the diamond, the Detroit Tigers rolled past the Houston Astros 9 to 3.

Tonight, the Great Lakes Loons return home to host the Lake County Captains at Dow Diamond. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 PM.

Weather Forecast

Expect increasing clouds and breezy conditions today, with a 70% chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. High near 76.

Tonight will be cloudy with showers and thunderstorms likely, with a low around 54.

Wednesday brings increasing clouds and a 40% chance of showers after 2 PM, with a high of 74.

Thursday looks partly sunny and breezy, with a 30% chance of showers before 2 PM and a high near 71.

A mid-Michigan man, who wished to remain nameless, admits to being scared of his basement, because of spiders.  Having just moved in, he says the thought of them nibbling on him, keeps him from using this space as a bedroom.

"Generally, I'm not scared of a nibble,

but not from a spider."

- anonomous Michigander.

Sadly, research says you are within a few feet of 10 spiders in every room of your house.  Spiders do like the basement because it's dark and there are other insects there to prey on.  However, they make their homes in all parts of the house. 

In general, most spiders are just a harmless "micro nuiscence."  And for those who like to catch spiders and release them, this is a death sentance for spiders.  While your heart is in the right place, Indoor spiders, like most domesticated creatures are almost immediately preyed on by outdoor creatures.  

Here's a video of the only guaranteed way to rid your home of spiders.

Do you know someone addicted to online shopping?  We all get a little thrill from making an online purchase but for some it's getting to be a serious issue.  

In South Korea it has gotten so bad, they have invented a new ap to help you satisfy your needs without actually making a purchase!

After clicking the ap, you can shop.  CHeck reviews.  Compare prices.  Add items to your cart.  Choose you shipping options.  Input your payment methos and complete your purchase.

Then... NOTHING HAPPENS.  No money is taken.  No items are shipped.  It's ALL just so you can have the thrill of shopping without actually buying anything. 

No word when this ap comes to America but we bet you know someone who can use it!

Did you know the rise of the iPhone correlates to the decrease in romance amongst Michiganders?

The iPhone has caused a big drop in the birth rate. Research says there has been a 33% to 52% dip in the birth rate.  Fertility rates have fallen by 22% the early 2000s. 

The iPhone has caused a 69% drop in time spent with pals for teens.

IS IT TIME TO PUT THE PHONE DOWN?  If there's romance on the line, YES.  If you need to buy new shoes or a garden Gnome, then no.

Watch the Notebook trailer.  Watch the Notebook TONIGHT!  Leave your phone in the other room.  

U.S. and Iran Reach Agreement

A major international development overnight as the United States and Iran have reportedly reached an agreement to end the fighting and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

In a social media post, President Trump announced that a deal with Iran has been completed. He said he authorized the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and ordered the immediate removal of the U.S. naval blockade.

A formal signing ceremony is scheduled for Friday in Switzerland.

Financial markets reacted quickly to the news. Stock prices around the world moved higher, while oil prices dropped more than four dollars a barrel.

Ford Issues Large Recall

Ford Motor Company is recalling more than 250,000 Ford Focus vehicles from model years 2012 through 2018.

According to the company, the vehicles were incorrectly repaired during an earlier recall involving a defect that could cause the engine to stall while driving.

Owners are expected to receive notification letters early next month with instructions on how to get the issue corrected.

Road Work Begins in Midland and Clio

Drivers in Midland should expect delays beginning today.

Lane closures are underway on Saginaw Road from Manor Drive to Dartmouth Drive as crews prepare for a future reconstruction project. Officials expect the lanes to reopen by Saturday.

Meanwhile, in Clio, a two-month resurfacing project is beginning on M-57.

The project covers about a mile and a half from Linden Road to the city's west limits, so drivers should plan ahead and allow extra travel time.

Sports Update

The LPGA Dow Championship wrapped up at Midland Country Club with first-time winners taking home the trophy.

Nineteen-year-old Jana Wilson and 26-year-old Gina Kim captured the championship, finishing at 17-under par. It marks the first LPGA Tour victory for both players, and each earned just over $400,000 from the tournament's $3.3 million purse.

In hockey, the Carolina Hurricanes are your 2026 Stanley Cup Champions after defeating the Vegas Golden Knights 3-0 in Game 6.

The Great Lakes Loons fell to the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers 7-3.

And tonight, the Detroit Tigers continue their road trip as they take on the Houston Astros.

Weather Forecast

Today: Mostly sunny, breezy and cooler with a high near 72.

Tonight: Partly cloudy with a low around 56.

Tuesday: Increasing clouds with a 40% chance of showers and possible thunderstorms. High near 75.

Wednesday: Sunshine early, then a 50% chance of afternoon showers after 2 PM. High around 75.

Stay with 98 KCQ for more local news, weather, and everything happening across Mid-Michigan!

If you've looked at gas prices lately and thought, "There has to be a better way," you're not alone.

One Georgia man got so frustrated with spending between $60 and $90 every time he filled up his vehicle that he decided to take matters into his own hands.

And by "take matters into his own hands," we mean he turned a Barbie Dream Camper into a real vehicle.

Yep. A pink Barbie Dream Camper.

Thirty-year-old handyman Mali Hightower figured out how to transform the toy into a functioning mini-car by installing a small two-gallon engine from a power washer.

The result?

A tiny pink ride that can reportedly hit speeds of up to 55 miles per hour.

Even more impressive, it can travel about 40 miles on a tank of gas and costs roughly three bucks to fill up.

Three dollars!

That's less than some people spend on a cup of coffee.

Mali says he's been using the mini-car to run errands around town. It even has a little storage compartment for groceries.

Imagine pulling into Meijer in a Barbie camper and getting better gas mileage than everyone else in the parking lot.

Now before you start digging through your basement looking for old Power Wheels, there is one catch.

The vehicle isn't technically street legal.

However, Mali says local police have been pretty cool about it as long as he stays off major roads.

As if the story couldn't get any better, his wife also has her own mini-car.

Hers tops out at around 40 miles per hour, which is still faster than some people drive through Michigan construction zones.

The whole thing sounds like something straight out of a movie.

But in a world where gas prices keep climbing, maybe the future isn't electric cars.

Maybe it's Barbie-powered transportation.

And honestly, if you saw one cruising through Mid-Michigan this summer, would you really be surprised?

Local Update: Gordie Howe Bridge Delayed, Storm Recovery Continues, Tigers Crush Twins

Iran Deal Still Uncertain

Tehran says nothing has been finalized despite comments from President Trump suggesting a deal to end the conflict with Iran could be close.

President Trump told reporters yesterday that an agreement was likely to be signed soon, pending the completion of final documents over the next several days. Iranian officials, however, say negotiations are still ongoing and no final deal has been reached.

Gordie Howe International Bridge Opening Delayed

The highly anticipated Gordie Howe International Bridge connecting Detroit and Windsor will not open as originally planned.

The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority canceled a ribbon-cutting ceremony that had been scheduled for today. Officials say Canada and the United States have agreed to delay the opening while outstanding issues are resolved before the bridge begins operations.

No new opening date has been announced.

Power Restoration Continues Across Mid-Michigan

Consumers Energy crews continue working to restore power following severe storms that moved through Michigan earlier this week.

According to the utility company, more than 1,200 customers across Mid-Michigan remain without electricity as repair crews assess damage and restore service.

Saginaw Township Schools Seeking Community Input

After voters rejected a school bond proposal three separate times, Saginaw Township Community Schools is asking residents for feedback.

The district has launched an online survey to better understand community priorities and concerns regarding future school improvements.

Residents interested in participating can visit the district website at STCS.org and click on the "Post Bond Survey Invite" link.

Sports Update

The Detroit Tigers powered their way past the Minnesota Twins with an 11-0 shutout victory.

Detroit launched six home runs in the win as the Tigers continue their strong season.

The Great Lakes Loons and Wisconsin Timber Rattlers were rained out Thursday. The teams will make up the game today with a doubleheader beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Meanwhile, the LPGA Dow Championship is underway at Midland Country Club. The unique tournament features 72 two-player teams competing for a share of the $3.3 million purse.

Weather Forecast

Friday: Partly sunny and windy with a high near 80.

Tonight: Clear skies with temperatures dropping below 60.

Saturday: Sunny and breezy with a high around 86. A chance of showers and thunderstorms develops Saturday night.

Sunday: Morning showers followed by partial clearing. High near 72.

Stay tuned to 98 KCQ for the latest local news, weather, sports, and everything happening across Mid-Michigan.

Top Gun 3 is in production and scheduled for a 2028 release.  No details on the story just yet.  However, Tom Cruise has been chatting with pop star Shakira about creating a signature song for the movie.  We have some song suggestions.  LISTEN!

WHY SANDWHICHES!

Is it possible we have been cutting our sandwhiches incorrectly?  Folks who try the Y shape say it's legit.  Would you try it?

A Florida man posted a pic of a grilled cheese cut into a Y. People who have tried it say it "provides the correct ratio" of crust in every bite.  

You guys, I think I finally perfected the art of grilled cheese. This is a game changer! pic.twitter.com/FUfATPC3tY

— Ryan Duff (@ryancduff) April 27, 2024

Monopoly Still Rules America... Even If Nobody Ever Finishes the Game

Here's a fun fact that might surprise you:

Only 5% of American adults say they've never played Monopoly.

That means 95% of us have spent at least part of our lives arguing over Boardwalk, demanding rent, or threatening to flip the board after landing on somebody's hotel for the third time.

A new poll found that Monopoly remains one of America's most-played board games.

• 53% say they've played it many times

• 28% have played several times

• 12% have played once or twice

• 3% aren't even sure if they've played it

The real question the survey didn't ask?

How many people have actually finished a game of Monopoly.

Because most Monopoly games seem to end the same way: someone gets bored, someone gets mad, someone accuses Grandma of cheating, and the game gets packed away until next Christmas.

Board Games Are Still Popular

Despite Monopoly's reputation for causing family feuds, Americans still love board games.

The survey found:

• 21% of people say they LOVE board games

• 44% say they LIKE them

• 29% feel neutral

• Only 6% say they dislike or hate board games

That's a pretty impressive approval rating in a world filled with smartphones, streaming services, and endless social media scrolling.

A Generational Divide

The survey also found some interesting differences between age groups.

Younger adults are more likely to love board games and have experience with newer favorites like:

• Catan

• Ticket to Ride

• Azul

• Wingspan

Meanwhile, older generations are sticking with the classics:

• Scrabble

• Yahtzee

• Monopoly

• Clue

Honestly, both groups can agree on one thing:

Nothing reveals a person's true character faster than game night.

Winning Matters... Maybe Too Much

When asked about competition, 13% of people admitted that winning is VERY important to them.

Another 31% said winning is somewhat important.

Not surprisingly, adults under 30 were the most competitive group.

Which explains why a casual game night can suddenly feel like Game 7 of the NBA Finals.

Michigan Family Game Night Question

Let's settle this once and for all:

What's the greatest board game ever made?

Monopoly?

Scrabble?

Yahtzee?

Clue?

Catan?

Or something else?

And be honest...

Have you ever actually finished a full game of Monopoly?

Most people think the only way to make more money is to work harder, get promoted, or find a new job.

But according to a new study, sometimes all you have to do is cross a state line.

Researchers recently ranked states based on income levels by looking at three key factors:

• Average salaries of the top 5% of earners
• Average salaries of the bottom 20% of earners
• Median household income

The results reveal which states are putting the most money in people's pockets.

The Top 10 States for Income

1. Virginia
2. New York
3. New Jersey
4. Washington
5. Connecticut
6. Utah
7. Colorado
8. Minnesota
9. Illinois
10. Massachusetts

Some of the other big states landed just outside the Top 10. Texas came in at #11, California was #13, and Florida finished #15.

One interesting surprise?

Utah landed at number six.

Maybe all that money people aren't spending on fancy coffee is adding up.

The States With The Lowest Income Levels

At the other end of the list were:

• West Virginia
• New Mexico
• Mississippi
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Rhode Island
• Alabama
• Vermont
• Kentucky
• Alaska

Where Does Michigan Fit In?

Michigan didn't crack the Top 10, but it also avoided the bottom of the rankings.

For many Michiganders, quality of life still plays a huge role in deciding where to live.

Sure, you might earn a little more in New York or New Jersey, but you'll also pay more for housing, taxes, and everyday expenses.

Besides, those states don't have Great Lakes sunsets, Up North weekends, Tigers baseball, or Mackinac fudge.

The Big Question

If someone offered you a 20% raise but you had to leave Michigan, would you take it?

Or would you stay right here in the Mitten State?

That's a tough choice... especially if the move meant giving up summer weekends at the lake.

Middle East Tensions Continue, Kidnapping Plot Conviction Overturned

U.S. and Iran Exchange Strikes for Second Straight Day

Tensions remain high in the Middle East as the United States and Iran exchanged military strikes for a second consecutive day.

U.S. Central Command says it carried out a wave of self-defense strikes targeting military surveillance and radar sites in southern Iran.

Iran responded by launching attacks aimed at U.S. military assets in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan.

The latest exchange marks another escalation in an already volatile region.

Michigan Officials Condemn Court Ruling

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and Governor Gretchen Whitmer's office are criticizing a recent ruling by the Michigan Court of Appeals that overturned the conviction of a man accused of supporting a plot to kidnap the governor.

The court reversed the conviction of Joseph Morrison, stating that kidnapping was not considered a violent felony under the circumstances of the case.

Nessel called the decision "preposterous" and says her office plans to appeal the ruling.

Former Bay City State Theatre Director Files for Bankruptcy

Mike Bacigalupo, the former executive director of Bay City's State Theatre, has filed for Chapter 7 personal bankruptcy.

Bacigalupo previously pleaded guilty to wire fraud in a scheme that ultimately pushed the State Theatre into bankruptcy.

In April, he was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison followed by two years of supervised release.

Court records show he must pay more than $347,000 in restitution and faces a forfeiture judgment exceeding $750,000.

He is scheduled to report to prison in September.

Sports Update

The Minnesota Twins defeated the Detroit Tigers 6-4.

The Great Lakes Loons hit the road tonight to take on the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers.

In the NBA Finals, the New York Knicks completed a remarkable comeback from a 29-point deficit and defeated the San Antonio Spurs 107-106. The Knicks now lead the series three games to one.

Weather Forecast

Today: Mostly sunny with a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms. High near 91.

Tonight: Showers and thunderstorms possible overnight. Low around 63.

Friday: Mostly sunny, breezy, and cooler. High near 80.

Saturday: Sunny skies and pleasant. High around 85.

How Much Did You Spend On Your Entire Wedding?  

Insiders say Taylor's wedding may cost $20 million dollars.  Madison Square Garden costs $1 million a day!

Taylor Swift just went to the ‘’Toy Story 5’’ world. No red carpet.  She asked Tom Hanks to sign her VHS copy of Toy Story! She stuck around to perform "I Knew It, I Knew You."  Some folks noticed she had white ankles!  She must have been in the sun recently!

Have you ever confidently said a phrase your entire life . . . only to discover you've been getting it wrong the whole time?

Maybe someone corrected you.

Maybe you saw it written down.

Or maybe you had one of those horrifying moments where an entire room started laughing.

A Reddit thread recently asked people to share sayings they misunderstood for years, and the responses are absolutely hilarious.

Some of these people made it into adulthood before learning the truth.

"Minus Well"

One person admitted they thought the phrase was "minus well" instead of "might as well."

As in:

"Minus well go to Meijer while we're out."

Honestly, it kind of works.

The "Next Store" Neighbors

Another person said their brother believed the family living next door were their "next store neighbors."

Which sounds less like a neighborhood and more like a strip mall.

"Cease and Assist"

One Reddit user made it all the way into their 30s before realizing it wasn't "cease and assist."

It's actually "cease and desist."

One sounds like legal action.

The other sounds like customer service.

Up and Adam

For years, one person thought the saying was "Up and Adam."

A perfectly reasonable question followed:

"Who the heck is Adam?"

Poor Adam. Waking people up for generations and getting zero credit.

Bombfire

Another person spent years calling bonfires "bombfires."

To be fair, some Michigan bonfires get large enough that the mistake feels understandable.

Play It By Year

One user thought people said "play it by year" instead of "play it by ear."

Which sounds less like making plans and more like waiting until next summer.

Wheel Barrels

A man admitted he called a wheelbarrow "wheel barrels" for most of his life.

Honestly, that's exactly the kind of thing your dad would say confidently while helping with yard work.

Holier Than Hell

And perhaps the best one of all:

One person spent years saying someone was "holier than hell."

The actual phrase is "holier than thou."

Although "holier than hell" feels like it should mean something.

So What Have YOU Been Saying Wrong?

Let's be honest.

Almost everyone has one.

Maybe you thought it was "for all intensive purposes."

Maybe you've been saying "nip it in the butt."

Or maybe you're just now learning one of the phrases in this article is wrong.

The good news?

You're not alone.

The bad news?

Your friends are probably going to remind you of it forever.

The biggest sporting event on the planet kicks off tomorrow.

The World Cup is back, with matches taking place across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

But according to a new poll, most Americans are responding with a collective shrug.

Despite the tournament being played largely on U.S. soil, 54% of Americans say they are not at all interested in the World Cup.

Another 14% say they're not very interested.

That means nearly 7 out of 10 Americans are basically saying, "Wake me up when football season starts."

Only 13% describe themselves as very interested, while another 16% are somewhat interested.

The viewing numbers aren't much better.

Nearly 60% of Americans say they don't plan to watch a single match.

About 16% say they'll tune in when they can, and only 5% plan to watch games every day.

To be fair, soccer has always had a tough time competing with baseball, football, basketball, hockey, fishing, grilling, camping, and pretty much everything else on the American sports calendar.

Especially in Michigan, where this time of year many people are more concerned with Tigers baseball, lake weekends, and figuring out whether orange barrels are considered a state flower.

But here's the part that might surprise you.

A separate survey found that 72% of American soccer fans say they would actually bet AGAINST Team USA if they thought it would make them money.

Apparently patriotism has a price.

The most "traitorous" state?

North Carolina.

A whopping 87% of soccer fans there say they'd happily bet against the United States.

Meanwhile, Connecticut was named the most loyal state, although even there, half the fans admitted they'd still take the cash if the odds looked good enough.

So while billions of people around the world prepare for the World Cup, many Americans are preparing for something else entirely.

A weekend at the lake.

A backyard barbecue.

Or arguing over whether soccer should really be called football.

No matter where you stand, one thing is certain:

For the next month, the rest of the world will be obsessed with the World Cup.

And America will be checking the score between innings.

If you've ever loaded up the kids, packed half the house into the car, fought traffic, searched endlessly for parking, and then spent the afternoon dealing with sunburns, meltdowns, and skipped naps . . . this idea might change your summer.

A mom online is going viral for something she's calling a "Backwards Beach Day."

And honestly?

It's so simple you'll probably wonder why nobody thought of it sooner.

The concept flips the traditional beach trip on its head.

Instead of waking up early, rushing out the door, and spending the hottest part of the day baking in the sun, you do the exact opposite.

You enjoy a slow morning at home.

The kids eat breakfast.

Everyone relaxes.

Lunch happens on schedule.

The little ones get their naps.

Then, when everybody is refreshed and in a better mood, you head to the beach later in the afternoon.

By that time, something magical starts happening.

The crowds begin leaving.

Parking spots open up.

The blazing midday sun starts fading.

And the beach suddenly feels a lot more peaceful.

For parents, it can mean fewer cranky kids and less stress.

For everyone else, it means arriving just in time for one of the best parts of the day: sunset.

Let's be honest, some of the best Michigan beach memories happen when the sun starts dropping over the water anyway.

Whether it's Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, Higgins Lake, Torch Lake, or your favorite local swimming spot, showing up later might be the secret hack we've all been missing.

So this summer, maybe skip the dawn patrol.

Sleep in a little.

Let the kids recharge.

And try a Backwards Beach Day.

Because sometimes the smartest summer ideas are the ones hiding in plain sight.

Tornado Confirmed in Freeland, Middle East Tensions Rise

It was a busy and stormy day both here in Mid-Michigan and around the world.

U.S. and Iran Exchange Strikes

The United States has carried out a series of strikes on Iranian military and surveillance sites near the Strait of Hormuz. The action came in response to the downing of an American helicopter.

Iran says it responded by launching strikes on 21 targets at U.S. military bases in the region.

The good news is that the two crew members aboard the helicopter survived and have since been rescued.

EF-1 Tornado Confirmed in Freeland

The National Weather Service has officially confirmed that an EF-1 tornado touched down in Freeland just after 1 p.m. Tuesday.

The tornado damaged between 30 and 40 homes and overturned several recreational vehicles. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported.

Consumers Energy says approximately 800 customers lost power during the storm, but service has since been restored.

Mid-Michigan was under multiple tornado warnings Tuesday, including three separate warnings issued in Saginaw County.

Search Ends for Missing Michigan Woman

The U.S. Coast Guard has ended its search for 55-year-old Lynette Hooker, the Michigan woman who disappeared during a trip to the Bahamas with her husband on April 4.

Hooker was reported missing by her husband, Brian. He was detained several days after her disappearance but was later released and returned to the United States.

Sanford Lake Association Membership Increase

If you're planning to join the Sanford Lake Association, you'll want to do it before August 1.

Membership dues are increasing from $30 to $40, marking the first price increase in more than 20 years.

Membership is open to anyone and does not require owning property on Sanford Lake.

The association plans to continue water quality testing, reintroduce fish stocking efforts, and host its annual Fourth of July fireworks display.

Sports Update

The Detroit Tigers rolled past the Minnesota Twins 10-4 at Comerica Park.

In the Stanley Cup Final, the Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Vegas Golden Knights 5-3, evening the series at two games apiece.

Game 4 of the NBA Finals takes place tonight at Madison Square Garden, where the Knicks hold a two-games-to-one series lead over the Spurs.

Weather Forecast

Today: Patchy morning fog, followed by partly sunny skies. A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms arrives late this afternoon. High near 92.

Tonight: Showers and possible thunderstorms overnight. Low around 70.

Thursday: Mostly sunny and hot with a high near 91.

Friday: Partly sunny with a 30 percent chance of morning showers. High around 81.

Did you know 28% of adults have had a relationship with AI?

When asked, folks over 60 years old say its ok to have an AI relationship at the same time as you have a human partner!

If you are in an AI relationship, over 1/2 of people say they are ALSO in a successful relationship with a human.

A psychologist in London recently held a wedding ceremony with 500 guests so he could marry his AI partner.  They used an AI voice for her to say her vows.  The groom admits its not legally binding but he feels safer with AI than with a human, female partner.  

Did you hear about the woman who jumped into the aquarium at Bass Pro Shops?  She wanted some new pics for her dating profile! LISTEN!

It's not as unusual as you think!  Check out this compilation of "jumpers!"

Dating has changed a lot over the years.

There was a time when people dated for love.

Then came dating apps.

Now Gen Z has introduced something called "practice dating," and honestly, it sounds a little like spring training for your love life.

The idea is surprisingly simple: Go on dates with people who aren't necessarily your type.

Wait... what?

Yep. Instead of spending weeks searching for "The One" based on six photos, three emojis, and a profile that says "I love adventures," some singles are intentionally going out with people they wouldn't normally choose.

Why?

Because the goal isn't necessarily finding a soulmate.

It's getting comfortable with dating itself.

According to dating expert Serena Kerrigan, photos and profiles don't tell the whole story. Someone who doesn't seem like a match online could completely surprise you in person.

And let's be honest, most of us have probably swiped left on someone who turned out to be pretty cool.

The theory behind practice dating is that when you stop treating every first date like a potential wedding proposal, the pressure disappears.

Instead of wondering, "Can I see myself growing old with this person?"

You're just asking, "Can we survive a 45-minute conversation without checking our phones?"

That's a much lower bar.

Supporters say practice dating can help people build confidence, improve social skills, become better conversationalists, and learn what they actually want in a relationship.

Think of it as the dating equivalent of taking batting practice before the big game.

Of course, there's one important rule:

Don't use people.

If you're going on dates just to sharpen your skills, the other person deserves honesty and respect too.

Still, there's something refreshing about the idea.

Not every dinner needs to turn into a Hallmark movie.

Not every coffee date needs to end with wedding bells.

Sometimes it's okay to simply meet somebody new, have a conversation, and learn something about yourself along the way.

Besides, if you've ever sat through an awkward first date, congratulations.

You've already been practice dating for years.

If you've ever watched Guy Fieri cruise through Flavortown, demolishing giant burgers, loaded hot dogs, barbecue platters, tacos, wings, and enough cheese-covered creations to feed a small Michigan county fair, you've probably wondered:

How is this guy not the size of a pickup truck?

Well, according to a content creator known as "Doctor Spaghetti," Guy may have a secret weapon:

He hardly ever swallows the food.

Cue the dramatic music.

Doctor Spaghetti recently analyzed several episodes of Guy's shows and claims he discovered some interesting techniques that help explain how Guy can sample hundreds of dishes without exploding like a deep-fried state fair dessert.

The biggest giveaway?

Camera cuts.

Guy takes a bite. He chews once or twice. Then... CUT!

The camera jumps somewhere else before viewers ever see what happens next.

In other clips, Guy appears to talk immediately after taking a bite. Doctor Spaghetti believes he may be tucking food into his cheeks like a squirrel storing acorns before eventually spitting it out off-camera.

And then things get even stranger.

In one scene, Guy appears to grab food with chopsticks and take a bite. But when the video was slowed down frame by frame, Doctor Spaghetti claims there wasn't actually any food in the chopsticks to begin with.

Instead of eating, it looked more like Guy was giving the food a quick sniff and moving on.

Another clip shows Guy attacking a massive loaded hot dog. At first glance it looks like a championship-caliber bite. But slowed down? He barely nibbles the tip.

Suddenly, years of food television are starting to feel like a magic show.

Of course, Guy wouldn't be the first TV food personality to pace themselves. If you've got to film multiple restaurants in a day, swallowing every bite could turn a shooting schedule into a nap schedule pretty quickly.

Doctor Spaghetti even compared Guy to celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, pointing out clips where Gordon clearly takes bites and swallows.

Then there was one final observation that viewers may never be able to unsee.

Apparently, Guy sticks his tongue out right before taking a bite.

Every.

Single.

Time.

Now that you've read that, you're probably going to notice it forever.

So what's the lesson here?

The next time you see Guy Fieri crushing a mountain-sized burger on TV, remember: he may not actually be eating the entire thing.

Meanwhile, here in Michigan, we're over here finishing the burger, the fries, the onion rings, and asking if dessert is included.

Welcome to Flavortown. Population: mostly camera tricks.

TAKE A LOOK!

@jcroo419

Well that just happened… Amy gave her phone to the lady to hand to Morgan Wallen and he launched it. I get it… security should be doing security things, but….

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A Maccomb County Amazon driver said he was RESCUING a dog, not stealing it.  After he made his delivery and left, he came back and scooped up the pup.  It was all caught on the ring camera.  The dog had been out on the porch of the home, unattended.  The deliver driver is no facing charges.  The pups twin was in the yard just feet away.  

Since you clicked on a KCQ Dog Story, here's some cute puppies!