There are some people who become famous.

And then there are people who become part of the family.

For generations, Dolly Parton was that person.

The woman with the big blonde hair, the sparkling dresses and the unmistakable voice became one of the most beloved figures in American music. But underneath all the rhinestones was something much simpler: a girl from the Tennessee mountains who never forgot where she came from.

Dolly Parton died peacefully in Nashville on August 25, 2026, at the age of 80, her family announced. A cause of death was not immediately disclosed. (Reuters)

And somehow, saying "Dolly Parton died" feels strange.

Because Dolly always seemed bigger than time.

From a tiny cabin to the biggest stages in the world

Dolly was born January 19, 1946, in Locust Ridge, Tennessee, the fourth of 12 children. Her family was poor, but music was everywhere around her. She grew up surrounded by Appalachian songs, church music and stories that would eventually become the raw material for one of the greatest songwriting careers in American history. (Dolly Parton | Official Website)

She started performing as a child and made her way to Nashville while still young.

The road wasn't easy.

But Dolly had something that couldn't be taught: an extraordinary ability to take ordinary human emotions and turn them into songs.

Heartbreak.

Loneliness.

Love.

Working hard.

Wanting more.

Missing home.

She wrote about people because she understood people.

And people heard themselves in her songs.

Then came the hits

There was "Jolene."

"There Wasn't Enough Time" in Dolly's world. There was always another song to write, another dream to chase.

She wrote "I Will Always Love You," a song that would eventually become a massive worldwide hit for Whitney Houston.

She gave us "9 to 5."

"Coat of Many Colors."

"Here You Come Again."

"Islands in the Stream" with Kenny Rogers.

And dozens upon dozens of others.

Parton wrote thousands of songs during her career, building a catalog that stretched far beyond country music. She became a Grammy winner, a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and one of the most successful entertainers the world has ever known. (Reuters)

But the numbers never really explain Dolly.

Because her greatest achievement may have been making extraordinary success feel wonderfully ordinary.

Dolly never forgot the little girl

Perhaps the most touching thing about Dolly Parton's life is that she never seemed embarrassed by her humble beginnings.

She celebrated them.

Her childhood inspired "Coat of Many Colors," one of her most personal songs. Her family, faith and upbringing became recurring threads throughout her work.

She could walk onto a stage covered in sequins and command an audience of thousands.

But she never stopped being Dolly from the Tennessee mountains.

That connection to ordinary people was a huge part of her magic.

She could make a grandmother, a factory worker, a teenager and a country-music fan sitting in a pickup truck all feel like she was singing directly to them.

And then there was her heart

Dolly's legacy isn't only sitting in record collections.

It's sitting on children's bookshelves.

Her Imagination Library has given free books to children around the world, turning her love of reading into one of the largest charitable literacy programs of its kind. (Reuters)

She also gave generously to education, health and disaster-relief efforts.

In 2020, her $1 million donation helped support research that contributed to the development of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. (Reuters)

She built Dollywood, created businesses, made movies, appeared on television and continued writing and performing long after most artists would have considered retirement.

She simply kept going.

A year filled with change

Dolly's final years were marked by both work and personal loss.

Her husband, Carl Dean, whom she married in 1966, died in March 2025 after nearly six decades of marriage. Dolly spoke openly about the grief that followed and the challenge of rebuilding her life after losing the man who had been beside her for so much of it. (ABC7 Los Angeles)

Yet she continued working.

As recently as this summer, she was involved in new projects, including plans surrounding a Broadway musical about her life. Her official website had also highlighted new business ventures and projects in the months before her death. (Dolly Parton | Official Website)

That was Dolly.

Even at 80, there was another idea.

Another song.

Another dream.

What do we really lose when Dolly Parton dies?

We lose a singer.

A songwriter.

An actress.

A businesswoman.

A philanthropist.

But we also lose something harder to describe.

We lose someone who made kindness look cool.

Someone who could be glamorous without taking herself too seriously.

Someone who could become one of the richest and most famous people in the world and still remember what it felt like to have very little.

Someone who understood that success means a lot more when you bring other people along with you.

And maybe that's why so many people are going to feel like they've lost someone they knew.

Dolly had a rare gift.

She made millions of strangers feel like friends.

The last song

Dolly Parton's life was never really about becoming famous.

It was about making something beautiful out of what she had been given.

A guitar.

A voice.

A mountain upbringing.

A pile of stories.

A stubborn belief that dreams were worth chasing.

She took all of it and built a life that reached around the world.

Now the stage is quiet.

The rhinestones are still sparkling.

The songs are still playing.

And somewhere, someone is hearing "Coat of Many Colors" for the first time. Someone else is singing along to "Jolene." Someone is discovering "I Will Always Love You." And somewhere a child is opening a book that arrived because Dolly believed every kid deserved a story.

That's the remarkable thing about a life like hers.

It doesn't really end.

Dolly Parton may be gone, but the songs remain. The books remain. The laughter remains. The memories remain.

And perhaps most importantly, the kindness remains.

For a little girl from the Tennessee mountains, that's one enormous legacy.

Rest easy, Dolly.

You gave the world a whole lot of songs.

But you gave it even more reasons to smile.

Football season is just around the corner, which means it's time to dust off the grill, find the folding chairs and start arguing about who makes the best tailgate food.

Over at Ranker, people have been voting on their favorite foods for a football tailgate, and the list is filled with the classics.

Right now, hamburgers are sitting at the top, followed by chicken wings, hot dogs, sliders, brisket, tortilla chips, salsa, sandwiches, short ribs and guacamole.

The rest of the Top 20 includes plenty of tailgate favorites:

• Chili dogs

• Chocolate brownies

• Meatballs

• Pigs in blankets

• Corn

• Seven-layer dip

• Fried onions

• Jalapeno poppers

• Baked potato skins

• Potato salad

Of course, not every food seems to have been made for tailgating.

Among the foods receiving fewer votes are stuffed mushrooms, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, trail mix, beans, oatmeal raisin cookies, hummus and whoopie pies.

And let's be honest, some of those are probably better suited for the office break room than the parking lot outside the stadium.

The beauty of tailgating is that there really aren't many rules. If it can be grilled, fried, covered in cheese or served with a dipping sauce, somebody is probably willing to put it on a folding table next to a cooler.

Disney and the NFL have teamed up for a new clothing collection that combines two things Americans take very seriously: football and Disney characters.

The collection features all 32 NFL teams, with each team paired with a Disney, Pixar, Marvel or Star Wars character. Some of the combinations make perfect sense. Others are going to have fans asking, "How did they come up with that one?"

For Detroit Lions fans, the choice is pretty fitting.

Detroit Lions: Simba

The Lions are represented by Simba from "The Lion King."

It's hard to argue with that one. Simba is a lion, the Lions are... well, the Lions. Somebody at Disney probably had that idea written down before the meeting even started.

But Detroit isn't the only team getting a Disney makeover.

Here are some of the other pairings:

1. Miami Dolphins: King Triton from "The Little Mermaid"

2. New England Patriots: Captain America

3. New York Jets: Buzz Lightyear from "Toy Story"

4. Cleveland Browns: Pluto

5. Kansas City Chiefs: The Big Bad Wolf

6. Denver Broncos: Maximus from "Tangled"

7. Las Vegas Raiders: Darth Vader

8. Dallas Cowboys: Woody from "Toy Story"

9. Philadelphia Eagles: Doctor Doom

10. Los Angeles Rams: Sulley from "Monsters, Inc."

11. Detroit Lions: Simba from "The Lion King"

12. Green Bay Packers: Chewbacca from "Star Wars"

13. New Orleans Saints: Louis, the trumpet-playing alligator from "The Princess and the Frog"

14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Captain Hook from "Peter Pan"

15. Seattle Seahawks: The seagulls from "Finding Nemo" that famously yell, "Mine! Mine! Mine!"

And those are just some of the highlights.

The Seattle Seahawks pairing might be the most brutally honest. Give them the seagulls from "Finding Nemo" and suddenly every fan understands the assignment.

The Raiders getting Darth Vader also feels less like a creative decision and more like somebody simply looked at the Raiders logo and said, "Yeah, that guy."

And Green Bay getting Chewbacca? That's another one that seems almost too obvious. Put a Packers jersey on Chewie and you've basically created the ultimate Wisconsin tailgate guest.

As for Detroit, Simba seems like a natural fit. Now the only question is whether Lions fans will actually wear the gear.

Because if there's one thing Disney knows, it's that eventually everybody wants to be part of the kingdom.

And right now, Lions fans are hoping Detroit's kingdom finally includes a Super Bowl.

Mid-Michigan News: Canada Tariffs, Mail-In Ballot Rules, OK2Say and Saginaw Cleanup Day

It’s a busy Tuesday across Michigan and beyond, with international trade tensions, election rules, school safety and a chance for Saginaw residents to pitch in and clean up their community.

Canada Preparing Retaliatory Tariffs

Canada is expected to announce retaliatory tariffs against the United States, as relations between the two countries continue to deteriorate.

President Trump has warned Canadian leaders to fall in line or face consequences that could be far worse than the tariffs already in place. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has accused Washington of attempting to subordinate Canada.

The latest escalation comes as the two longtime trading partners continue to navigate an increasingly tense relationship.

New Rules Could Affect Mail-In Ballots

The U.S. Postal Service has unveiled new requirements involving mail-in ballots, just weeks before some states are scheduled to begin sending ballots for the midterm elections.

The changes stem from an executive order from President Trump that would prevent the Postal Service from sending mail-in ballots from states that don't comply with requirements involving voter information.

However, the provisions are already facing legal challenges, and it's unclear whether the changes will take effect in time to alter election procedures in some states.

 Michigan Students Can Use OK2Say

Michigan school leaders are reminding students and families that the state's OK2Say program is available again this school year.

The program, operated through the Michigan State Police Office of School Safety, allows students to report concerns involving possible threats, criminal activity or other potentially dangerous situations at school.

Tips can be submitted by phone, text, email, through the OK2Say website or using the program's app. The service is designed for non-emergency reports.

 Saginaw's Team Up to Clean Up Is Coming

If you've ever driven through a Saginaw neighborhood and thought, "Somebody should really clean that up," here's your chance to be that somebody.

Saginaw's annual Team Up to Clean Up Day is set for Friday, September 18th.

Volunteers will help remove litter and debris and tackle overgrown areas throughout Saginaw neighborhoods.

The city will provide gloves, tools and supplies, and volunteers will also get a free lunch at noon at the Public Works Building.

You can register by visiting the City of Saginaw's website and searching for "Clean Up."

 Around Mid-Michigan Sports

The Detroit Tigers dropped a 4-1 decision to the Tampa Bay Rays.

Closer to home, the Great Lakes Loons are back in action tonight against the Lansing Lugnuts at Dow Diamond. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

 Mid-Michigan Weather

We're looking at a mostly sunny Tuesday with a high around 82 degrees.

Tonight will be partly cloudy with temperatures dropping to around 57.

Wednesday starts partly sunny, but showers and possibly thunderstorms could move in after 5 p.m., with a high around 83.

Thursday looks mostly sunny with another high near 83 degrees.

Is Vending Machine Ramen coming to Mid-Michigan?

7-Eleven says YES!  You can choose Pork Bone or Seafood Ramen for $5.50.

The machine thaws and heats the broth and noodles.

7-Eleven is only installing the machines in Japan for now, but coming to America next!

Two Highland cows, named Olaf and Anna, got married in Pennsylvania at the Red Fox Winery. More than 100 people watched the ceremony.   A couple sheep,  "Babydoll" and "Teddy Bear", were the maid of honor and best man.

Watch the wedding here!

More Highland Cows Here!

Wedding days are supposed to be romantic, emotional and maybe just a tiny bit stressful.

Now, some brides are bringing technology into the mix to keep tabs on exactly how stressed they are.

According to the New York Post, some brides are wearing fitness trackers, Oura rings and Apple Watches on their wedding day to monitor things like heart rate and stress levels.

And honestly, it makes sense. There are flowers to worry about, photographers to find, family members asking questions, somebody's running late, and there's always that one person who didn't understand the seating chart.

“Your Heart Rate Is 127. Maybe Don't Say Anything.”

The idea is that having access to the data can give brides some peace of mind.

Instead of simply thinking, “I'm freaking out,” you can now look down at your wrist and get confirmation:

Yep. You're freaking out.

Your watch might even tell you to take a deep breath while your mother-in-law is asking why the centerpieces aren't taller.

And let's be honest, the technology could become a pretty entertaining wedding-day scoreboard.

Heart rate: 132
Stress level: High
Steps: 14,000
Calories burned: Somehow 2,400 before dinner

Maybe the Groom Needs One Too

Of course, if brides are monitoring their stress levels, maybe the groom should get in on the action.

Imagine the wedding ceremony:

“Do you take this woman to be your wife?”

Apple Watch buzzes.

High heart rate detected.

“Yeah, that's probably just the tuxedo.”

The Ultimate Wedding-Day Accessory?

Wedding technology has certainly come a long way. We've gone from disposable cameras and answering machines to watches that can tell you whether your wedding is emotionally destroying you.

And maybe there's something comforting about having the data.

Because when the cake is late, the DJ can't find the playlist, Uncle Gary is already on his third drink and your stress tracker turns red, at least you'll know you're not imagining it.

Your wedding isn't stressful. Your watch has simply provided the evidence.

If you drop a can of pop, what's the first thing you do?

For a lot of us, it's automatic: pick it up and start tapping the top like we're trying to negotiate with it.

And here in Michigan, where we call it pop, not soda, this is important science.

Unfortunately, tapping the can may not actually save your shirt.

When a carbonated drink gets shaken, tiny bubbles form inside the liquid. Open that can immediately, and the sudden change in pressure can send all that trapped gas, and a whole lot of pop, shooting out the top.

So what about all that tapping?

Apparently, not much.

A 2019 study involving more than 1,000 beer cans found no meaningful difference between cans that were tapped and cans that weren't. In fact, tapping can create additional bubbles in the drink.

So your years of carefully tapping the top of your can?

You may have just been giving the pop more reasons to explode.

So What Should You Do?

The better strategy is pretty simple:

Put the can down. Keep it upright. Let it sit for a few minutes.

Then open it slowly.

That gives some of the gas time to escape before you completely release the pressure.

And if you're in Michigan, there's one more important step:

Don't waste the pop.

Because around here, we're not paying five bucks for a fancy coffee just to watch a perfectly good can of Faygo launch itself across the kitchen.

So the next time somebody drops a can of pop and starts frantically tapping the top, you can tell them:

“Stop tapping it. You're making the bubbles angry.”

News Around Mid-Michigan

Canadian Prime Minister Calls New U.S. Tariffs a “Miscalculation”

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is criticizing new U.S. tariffs on a wide range of Canadian goods, calling them a “miscalculation” after trade talks between the two countries broke down.

Carney blamed the collapse of negotiations on what he described as unfair and uneconomic demands from the Trump administration. The new 50% tariffs affect about $20 billion worth of U.S. imports from Canada.

Michigan School Vaccine Waivers Reach Highest Level Since 2013

The percentage of Michigan schoolchildren receiving vaccination waivers has reached its highest level in more than a decade.

According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the immunization waiver rate reached 6.2% in 2024, the highest level since 2013.

The increase comes as childhood vaccination rates have declined since the COVID-19 pandemic. Michigan students are required to receive at least six different immunizations to attend school unless they qualify for a medical, religious or philosophical waiver.

Michigan Republicans Nominate November Candidates

Michigan Republicans gathered in Mount Pleasant Saturday for their state convention and officially nominated candidates who will appear on the November ballot.

Representative John James, who is running for Michigan governor, kicked off the event. Former Congressman Mike Rogers, the Republican candidate for U.S. Senate, also spoke and emphasized the importance of voter turnout.

Candidates for the Michigan Supreme Court and university governing boards were also nominated.

The Michigan Democratic Party is scheduled to hold its state convention on August 29th.

Tigers Look to End Five-Game Skid

The Detroit Tigers are looking to get back on track after losing their fifth straight game.

The Kansas City Royals extended their winning streak to eight games with an 11-7 victory over Detroit.

The Tigers return home tonight to take on the Tampa Bay Rays.

Meanwhile, the Great Lakes Loons shut out the Fort Wayne TinCaps 2-0. The Loons return to Dow Diamond Tuesday night to take on the Lansing Lugnuts.

And in preseason football, the Detroit Lions defeated the Washington Commanders 17-13 Saturday.

Mid-Michigan Weather

Mostly sunny and breezy today with a high near 78.

Tonight, partly cloudy with a low around 54.

Tuesday will be sunny with a high near 82.

Wednesday stays mostly sunny, although there's a 30% chance of afternoon showers, with a high around 84.

Shaq was turned down for a Marvel Movie role so now he wants a movie role where he can fight the Rock!  LISTEN!

Did you hear about the Houston Uber driver who had the police jump in his back seat? They asked him to follow an assailant who was fleeing!  They didn't catch the guy but that Uber driver said it was, "...the craziest experience of his life..."

Tomorrow is National Tooth Fairy Day, one of TWO Tooth Fairy Days on the calendar. The other is February 28.

Two holidays for the Tooth Fairy? Somewhere the Easter Bunny is demanding a meeting with management.

To celebrate, Delta Dental released new polling about the tradition, and apparently the Tooth Fairy is dealing with the same problem as the rest of us: inflation.

A Lost Tooth Is Now Worth $5.84

The average payout for a single lost tooth has climbed to $5.84, up 17% from $5.01 last year.

That's the first year-over-year increase since 2023.

For parents who remember getting a quarter under their pillow, $5.84 probably sounds less like the Tooth Fairy and more like a dental insurance settlement.

And kids with a mouthful of loose teeth are suddenly sitting on a small portfolio.

The Tooth Fairy Has Beaten Inflation

Here's where it gets really interesting.

Back in 1998, the average Tooth Fairy payout was just $1.30.

Since then, it's jumped 349% to $5.84.

If Tooth Fairy payments had simply kept pace with inflation, today's payout would be closer to $2.69.

Apparently teeth have dramatically outperformed the stock market of childhood.

Maybe instead of saving for college, kids should just keep wiggling.

Kids Are Going to Bed EARLY

Parents may especially appreciate this one.

33% of kids go to bed early when they're expecting the Tooth Fairy, up from 23% last year.

So apparently we've finally discovered the secret to getting children into bed:

Cash.

Forget bedtime stories. Just whisper, “There's six bucks in it if you're unconscious by nine.”

Kids Are Asking Questions

Kids are also becoming increasingly curious about this whole Tooth Fairy operation.

About 30% are asking to learn more about the Tooth Fairy, compared with 24% last year.

Careful, parents.

Once the kids start investigating labor practices, flight patterns and why the Tooth Fairy has the exact same handwriting as Mom, this whole operation could unravel quickly.

Cash Isn't Enough Anymore

The Tooth Fairy is also apparently expanding beyond currency.

32% of children received a physical gift this year, up from just 19% in 2025.

A gift?!

When did losing a tooth become a baby shower?

Meanwhile, 35% of parents say the Tooth Fairy tradition encourages their children to take better care of their teeth.

So despite the rising costs, maybe there's a little return on the investment.

There are some foods Americans will argue about forever. Pineapple on pizza. Ketchup on a hot dog. Whether a Pop-Tart is technically a ravioli.

Now we can add sandwiches to the battlefield.

New data using Google Trends, social media and AI looked at the most popular sandwiches across the country, and the results vary quite a bit depending on where you live.

And here in Michigan?

Apparently, we’re perfectly happy with something Mom could've packed in our lunchbox.

Michigan Loves the PB&J

Michigan’s favorite is the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

No artisan bread. No $19 worth of deli meat. No sauce with a name you can't pronounce.

Just peanut butter, jelly and bread.

Honestly, considering how expensive lunch has gotten, Michigan might be onto something.

Although now we need another statewide debate: grape or strawberry jelly?

Turkey and Grilled Cheese Rule America

Across the country, turkey sandwiches and grilled cheese tied for the most states, with each taking the top spot in seven.

Turkey was tops in Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Minnesota, Missouri, Oklahoma and Washington.

Meanwhile, grilled cheese ruled Indiana, North Carolina, Ohio, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

Wisconsin choosing grilled cheese feels almost mandatory. If Wisconsin had picked tuna, somebody would've had to investigate.

New York and California Want Pastrami

Pastrami on rye came out on top in California, Nevada, New Jersey and New York.

That one makes sense for New York and New Jersey.

California choosing pastrami feels like somebody ordered lunch while everyone else was at yoga.

Then Things Get Interesting

Kentucky and Tennessee love bologna sandwiches, while Georgia and Texas picked brisket.

Mississippi and South Carolina went with the club sandwich.

Montana and Oregon prefer a tuna melt, while Alaska and Utah picked the Monte Cristo.

Hawaii loves Spam sandwiches, Louisiana goes for the po' boy, Illinois favors Italian beef, Maine picked the lobster roll, and South Dakota wants a BLT.

Then we have Delaware and Rhode Island.

Their favorite?

The ice cream sandwich.

Come on.

Delicious? Absolutely.

A sandwich?

That's between you and your attorney.

Whatever Happened to Blimpie?

The sandwich discussion comes as another familiar name from the past continues disappearing.

At its peak decades ago, Blimpie had more than 2,000 locations. Today, only a fraction of those shops remain.

For anyone who grew up in the '80s or '90s, Blimpie is one of those names that instantly unlocks a dusty little food-court memory.

But maybe Michigan never needed anything fancy.

Give us two slices of bread, some peanut butter and jelly, and apparently we're good.

Michigan News: First EEE Case Confirmed, Saginaw ISD Millage Renewal Heads to Ballot

Here’s a look at some of the top national, Michigan and Mid-Michigan headlines.

Trump Threatens New Economic Action Against Iran

President Donald Trump is threatening unprecedented economic action and further isolation against Iran, a move that could also have implications for countries that continue to trade with the nation.

Trump provided few details about what the potential measures would involve.

Michigan Confirms First Human EEE Case Since 2021

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has confirmed the state’s first human case of Eastern equine encephalitis, or EEE, since 2021.

The case involves a resident of Roscommon County.

EEE is a mosquito-borne illness. Many people who become infected do not develop symptoms, while others may experience a flu-like illness. In more serious cases, the virus can cause inflammation of the brain.

Saginaw ISD Millage Renewal Going Before Voters

The Saginaw Intermediate School District Board of Education has approved placing a career and technical education millage renewal on the November ballot.

The proposal would continue the voter-approved one-mill investment used to expand access to career and technical education programs for students throughout Saginaw County.

The millage was originally approved by voters in 2018. Additional information is available through the Saginaw Intermediate School District.

Emergency Training Planned at Hemlock Semiconductor

Don't be alarmed if you notice an increased presence of first responders around Hemlock Semiconductor next Tuesday.

The facility will be conducting live emergency training exercises from approximately 1 to 3 p.m.

Officials say similar training exercises will be held each Tuesday through September 15.

Sports

The Detroit Lions will be without tight end Sam LaPorta indefinitely after he suffered a hip injury during practice earlier this week.

The Lions take on the Washington Commanders Saturday at noon in preseason action.

The Detroit Tigers face the Kansas City Royals Saturday night, with first pitch scheduled for 7:15 p.m.

The Great Lakes Loons picked up a win, beating the Fort Wayne TinCaps 7-2.

Mid-Michigan Weather

Today: Increasing clouds and breezy, high near 85.

Tonight: Mostly cloudy with a 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms, low around 62.

Saturday: Cloudy with showers likely and a possible afternoon thunderstorm, high near 79.

Sunday: Sunny and windy, high around 78.

Did you hear about the Texas teacher who created a toot corner for her students?

A Houston teacher has a  yellow sign that reads "Fart Corner".  Viewers online praised the idea and joked with comments like, "It should be called the Gas Station."  The teacher said, "Don't mind me, just trying to keep the funk in one area."

See her instructional video here.

 

 

 

 

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Ricky Gervais getting married for tax reasons? He plans to marry Jane Fallon to protect his money.  They have been together for 44 years!

Ricky said taxes are the reason he'll marry Jane. 

"We haven’t done it yet. But if it wasn’t for [tax]… why? It’s mad. How more married can you be? We share all our money, we’ve been living together for 40 years. Some marriages don’t last a year. I've got to get around to marrying before I die.”

Gervais' net worth is almost $200 million. 

America has a complicated relationship with artificial intelligence.

We love AI when it helps write an email, plans a vacation or tells us what to make with the six random ingredients left in the refrigerator.

Then somebody shows us an AI-generated video of Abraham Lincoln doing a TikTok dance and suddenly we're ready to unplug the internet.

So, do Americans actually like AI?

According to new numbers from Pew Research Center, we're becoming increasingly nervous about it.

More Concerned Than Excited

Pew has been asking Americans whether they're more excited or concerned about the growing use of artificial intelligence.

The latest results show:

52% say they're more concerned than excited.

37% are equally concerned and excited.

And only 9% say they're more excited than concerned.

Basically, most of America is standing in front of AI saying:

“This is incredible. Please don't kill my job.”

One Age Group Is Surprisingly Chill About It

Here's an interesting twist.

People between 50 and 64 are the only age group where a majority didn't say they were more concerned than excited.

That doesn't mean they're preparing to marry a chatbot.

Only 8% of people in that age group say they're more excited than concerned.

They're just apparently a little less freaked out than everyone else.

Maybe it's because they've already survived dial-up internet, Y2K, MySpace, Facebook, smartphones and trying to cancel cable.

AI?

“Whatever. Just tell me how to get this printer working.”

AI: Love It, Hate It, Use It Anyway

That's probably the strange reality of artificial intelligence right now.

People can be worried about what AI could mean for jobs, privacy, misinformation and society while simultaneously using it to write a grocery list.

We don't completely trust it.

We don't completely hate it.

And apparently we're definitely not getting rid of it.

Which makes AI a little like the self-checkout machine.

We complain about it constantly, but somehow we keep ending up in its line.

Remember when Facebook was mostly vacation pictures, birthday reminders and your aunt posting “AMEN” under a photo of a bald eagle?

Those were simpler times.

Now Meta, the company behind Facebook and Instagram, is facing a massive legal battle involving U.S. states that allege its social media platforms use features that can be harmful to children and teens.

And while the eye-popping dollar figures surrounding the litigation get plenty of attention, the potentially bigger story is what could happen to social media itself.

If the legal challenges succeed, some very familiar features could eventually be targeted or changed.

1. Goodbye, Infinite Scroll?

You know how you open Instagram to check ONE thing and suddenly 47 minutes have disappeared?

Infinite scrolling and autoplay are designed to keep content coming without requiring you to make another choice.

Restrictions on those features could mean feeds actually have an END.

Imagine that.

“You’ve seen everything. Please go outside.”

2. Could the “Like” Button Disappear?

Another potential target is social validation metrics, including visible like counts.

For younger users especially, critics argue that chasing likes, views and reactions can turn social media into a giant popularity scoreboard.

Without likes, though, how will your cousin know whether the picture of his smoked brisket is receiving adequate validation?

3. Chronological Feeds Could Make a Comeback

Remember when your social media feed showed you what people posted in the order they posted it?

What a concept.

Restrictions on recommendation algorithms could potentially push platforms toward giving users more control over what appears in their feeds.

Instead of an algorithm deciding what will keep you staring at your phone, you might actually see the people you chose to follow.

4. Fewer Notifications

“Someone posted.”

“Someone went live.”

“Someone you haven't spoken to since high school added to their story.”

“COME BACK. WE MISS YOUR EYEBALLS.”

Another focus could be cutting down on excessive push notifications designed to repeatedly bring users back into an app.

5. The “Finsta” Could Get Tougher

A “finsta” is essentially a secondary or burner Instagram account, often used by teens to post things away from parents or their main group of followers.

Stricter age and parental verification requirements could make maintaining multiple secret accounts more difficult for younger users.

Could Social Media Actually Become… Less Addictive?

None of this means you should expect to wake up tomorrow to find the Like button missing and Instagram politely telling you to go mow the lawn.

Major lawsuits can take years, and exactly what changes could result remains uncertain.

But the case is part of a much bigger debate over how social media companies design products for children and teenagers.

And if some of these changes ever happen, we could eventually get something many of us haven't seen in years:

A social media feed that actually ends.

Then we'll have to figure out what to do with our thumbs.

Michigan News: Record State Farm Dividend, Benson Picks Running Mate and Saginaw Student Wins Sticker Contest

Here’s a look at some of the top national, Michigan and Mid-Michigan headlines.

Trump Nominates New FDA Commissioner

President Donald Trump has nominated Dr. Heidi Overton, a White House domestic policy aide, to lead the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

If confirmed by the Senate, Overton would replace former FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, who resigned in May following disagreements with the White House over flavored vape safety.

State Farm Announces Record $5 Billion Dividend

Millions of State Farm auto insurance customers could have some money coming their way.

State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance has begun distributing a record $5 billion dividend to qualifying auto insurance customers.

The company says it is the largest payout of its kind in State Farm’s more than 100-year history and will cover eligible customers representing more than 49 million insured vehicles nationwide.

The payment process is expected to take several months.

Jocelyn Benson Picks Winnie Brinks as Running Mate

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson has selected state Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks as her running mate in her Democratic campaign for governor.

Brinks was elected to the Michigan Senate in 2019 and became majority leader in 2023, making her the first woman in state history to hold the position.

Before joining the Senate, Brinks served three terms in the Michigan House.

Saginaw Student Wins “I Voted” Sticker Contest

A Saginaw student is among the nine winners of Michigan’s annual “I Voted” sticker design contest.

More than 2,000 designs were submitted this year, with more than 53,000 votes cast.

Lenora Coyle of Saginaw was selected as one of the winners in the high school category.

The winning designs could soon be appearing at polling places around Michigan.

Sports

The Detroit Tigers fell to the Pittsburgh Pirates 4-3.

The Great Lakes Loons also lost a close one, falling to the Fort Wayne TinCaps 6-5.

Mid-Michigan Weather

Today: Cloudy through mid-morning, then gradually clearing with a high near 82.

Tonight: Increasing clouds with a low around 58.

Friday: Mostly sunny and warmer with a high near 86.

Saturday: Partly cloudy with showers and possible thunderstorms developing after 2 p.m. High around 82.

Apparently, Colonel Sanders has a new customer... and he has claws.

A Kentucky woman woke up to find that a black bear had broken into her home. Was it looking for valuables? Nope. Electronics? Not interested.

The furry burglar had one mission... leftover KFC.

The woman had left her front door open overnight to let in some cool air. Around 5 a.m., the bear wandered inside, sniffed out the fried chicken sitting on the kitchen table, smashed the glass table in the process, enjoyed a midnight snack, and casually walked back into the woods like it had just gone through a drive-thru.

The best part? She slept through the entire thing.

She only found out after her sister called and said, "Hey... a bear just left your house."

Imagine that conversation.

"Did he take anything?"

"Just your Extra Crispy."

The woman later admitted she was "a little sad over my KFC," which is honestly the most relatable part of the story.

Wildlife experts say the smell of food likely attracted the bear. So if you live in bear country, here's a helpful reminder:

Lock your doors.

Put your leftovers away.

And if you're bringing home a bucket of KFC... just know you're not the only one craving those 11 herbs and spices.

Looking for something to do this weekend? Whether you're in Saginaw, Bay City, Midland, Flint, or anywhere across Mid-Michigan, there's no shortage of fun just a short drive away. From fairs and festivals to country concerts and classic cars, here's what's happening this weekend.

 Midland County Fair

The Midland County Fair wraps up this weekend with carnival rides, fair food, livestock exhibits, live entertainment, and plenty of family fun. It's one of Mid-Michigan's favorite summer traditions and a great way to spend an afternoon or evening.

 Cheeseburger in Caseville

Just about an hour and a half from the Tri-Cities, Cheeseburger in Caseville continues its island-inspired celebration. Expect live music, beach parties, parades, tropical vibes, and enough cheeseburgers to keep Jimmy Buffett fans smiling.

 Billy Currington at Freedom Hill

Country star Billy Currington takes the stage Saturday night at Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill. If you've been waiting to hear hits like People Are Crazy and Good Directions live, this is your chance.

Michigan Renaissance Festival Opens

Travel back in time as the Michigan Renaissance Festival kicks off its 2026 season in Holly. Knights, jousting tournaments, artisan shops, comedy shows, giant turkey legs, and costumed characters make this one of Michigan's most popular annual events.

 Woodward Dream Cruise

Car lovers will want to head toward Metro Detroit for the Woodward Dream Cruise, where thousands of classic cars, muscle cars, hot rods, and custom vehicles line Woodward Avenue for one of the biggest automotive celebrations in the world.

 Make the Most of Summer

If staying close to home is more your style, Mid-Michigan offers plenty of farmers markets, local parks, golf courses, riverwalks, and outdoor dining to enjoy before summer starts winding down.

No matter where you spend the weekend, it's shaping up to be a great one across Mid-Michigan. Get outside, support local events, and make the most of these late summer days while they're here!

Michigan News: Canadian Tariffs Paused, U-M Names New President, Saginaw Arson Investigation

Here’s a look at some of the top national, Michigan and Mid-Michigan headlines.

Trump Pauses New Canadian Tariffs

President Donald Trump says he is putting a three-day pause on new 50% tariffs on Canadian goods that had been scheduled to take effect at midnight.

Trump says the United States and Canada have reached a deal. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said the two countries have made “substantial progress,” but added that important work remains.

U.S. officials have not released additional details, and the Canadian government has not confirmed the contents of an agreement.

Demonstrators Gather Outside Dearborn City Council Meeting

Hundreds of people gathered outside a Dearborn City Council meeting Tuesday during a visit to the city by anti-Muslim activist Jake Lang.

Some demonstrators were arrested outside the meeting.

Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud responded to anti-Muslim rhetoric by emphasizing the city’s diversity, saying Dearborn was built by people with different backgrounds, accents, traditions and ways of worship.

University of Michigan Names Next President

The University of Michigan Board of Regents plans to hire Cybelle Raver, Vanderbilt University’s provost and vice chancellor, as the university’s next president.

Raver will become the 17th president of the University of Michigan and only the second woman in the school’s history to hold the position.

Saginaw Fire Marshal Seeks Person of Interest

The Saginaw Fire Marshal is asking for the public’s help identifying a person of interest in connection with a suspected arson at Saginaw’s Pit & Balcony Theatre on July 20.

The fire destroyed costumes and props.

The same person is also wanted for questioning regarding a breaking and entering at the Saginaw Art Museum that occurred around the same time as the theater fire on North Hamilton Street.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Saginaw Fire Marshal.

Sports

The Detroit Tigers fell to the Pittsburgh Pirates, 4-1.

In minor league baseball, the Great Lakes Loons lost a close one to the Fort Wayne TinCaps, 6-5.

Mid-Michigan Weather

Today: Mostly sunny with a high around 81.

Tonight: Partly cloudy with a low near 55.

Thursday: Sunny with a high around 82.

Friday: Mostly sunny and breezy with a high near 84.

The first electric Ferrari sold for $40 million dollars with proceeds going to charity!  Check it out!

Old Spice For Men is kicking off pumpkin spice season with a limited edition collection of deodorants and body sprays: 

Pumpkin Spice,

Apple Crumble 

Frankenstud

We don't know what Frankenstud smells like!  

How much will Tom Holland make for Spiderman - Brand New Day? For the last Spiderman movie Tom made $10 million.  He currently has a $20 million dollar guarantee.  BUT, for Brand New Day, Tom gets a small percentage of the back end.  Insiders predict he could make $100 million dollars!