Mid-Michigan News Roundup: Election Results, Local Millages, Tigers Win & Your Forecast

It was a busy night across Michigan as primary election results rolled in, several local millage proposals passed in Saginaw County, and the Detroit Tigers picked up another impressive victory.

Michigan Primary Election Results

Michigan voters have chosen their nominees for this November's gubernatorial election.

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson won the Democratic primary for governor and will face U.S. Representative John James, who captured the Republican nomination, in the November general election.

In Michigan's Democratic U.S. Senate primary, votes were still being counted overnight. However, projections from major news organizations indicate Dr. Abdul El-Sayed is expected to win the nomination over Representative Haley Stevens. If those results hold, El-Sayed will face former U.S. Representative Mike Rogers in November.

Saginaw County Voters Approve Local Millages

Several important local proposals received voter approval Tuesday.

The Castle Museum of Saginaw County millage renewal passed with support from more than 30,000 voters. The renewal will continue providing free access to the museum's history and educational programs while generating an estimated $1.5 million during its first year.

Voters also approved the Saginaw County Sheriff's Services millage renewal, ensuring continued funding for county-wide law enforcement, road patrol operations, and the Sheriff's Office and Jail Facility.

The Saginaw County Parks and Recreation 10-year millage renewal also passed. The proposal maintains the current tax rate, meaning there is no tax increase for property owners.

Sports

The Detroit Tigers blanked the Seattle Mariners with an impressive 8-0 victory.

Meanwhile, the Great Lakes Loons held on for an exciting 8-7 win over the Dayton Dragons.

Mid-Michigan Weather

Clouds will increase throughout today with a 30% chance of scattered showers. Afternoon highs will reach around 86 degrees.

Tonight brings mostly cloudy skies with showers and thunderstorms possible. Overnight lows will fall to around 67 degrees.

Thursday starts with plenty of clouds and a 40% chance of showers, before sunshine returns during the afternoon. Highs will be near 80 degrees.

Friday looks much quieter with mostly sunny skies and a warm afternoon high of 86 degrees.

With August heat settling in across much of the country, many of us are cranking up the air conditioner before bed, then somehow ending up wrapped in a cozy blanket a few minutes later. If that sounds familiar, you're definitely not alone!

A new study looked at America's favorite sleeping temperatures, and the sweet spot nationwide is 67 degrees Fahrenheit. Cool enough to stay comfortable, but not so cold that you're shivering.

 The States That Love It Cold

Some states like their bedrooms feeling almost refrigerator-cool. Massachusetts tops the list with an ideal sleep temperature of just 63 degrees.

Other states that prefer cooler nights include:

• Rhode Island
• Oregon
• Connecticut
• Vermont
• Washington
• Maine
• West Virginia
• New Hampshire
• Arkansas

All of those states prefer sleeping in rooms that are 65 degrees or cooler.

 The Warm Sleepers

On the other end of the thermometer, Hawaii likes things the warmest, with an ideal bedroom temperature of 70 degrees.

Rounding out the warmer sleepers are:

• Florida
• Texas
• Maryland
• Arizona
• Utah
• Iowa
• Minnesota
• Ohio
• Nevada

Even then, "warm" only means around 67 to 70 degrees, proving most people still prefer a cool room for a good night's sleep.

 Other Sleep Facts

The survey uncovered a few more interesting bedtime habits:

• 47% of women say they overheat at night, compared to 38% of men.
•  22% of couples admit they can't agree on the bedroom temperature.
•  78% of Americans sleep with a fan running, and 40% use one all year long.

 Best (and Worst) Sleeping States

According to the study, these states report the best sleep:

• Nevada
• Indiana
• Vermont
• California
• South Dakota

Meanwhile, the states struggling to get quality rest are:

• Oklahoma
• Idaho
• Wyoming
• Arkansas
• Wisconsin

If you've ever cleaned out your refrigerator and thrown away food the moment you spotted a date on the package, you're definitely not alone.

But food safety experts say you may be throwing away perfectly good food.

"Best By" Doesn't Mean "Bad By"

Many of the dates printed on food packages aren't actually expiration dates.

Labels such as "Best By," "Best Before," and "Enjoy By" are generally meant to tell you when a product is at its best quality, not the exact day it becomes unsafe to eat.

That means many foods are still perfectly fine after the printed date, especially if they've been stored correctly.

Why It's So Confusing

One reason consumers are confused is because there isn't a single standard for food labeling across the country.

Researchers have found more than 50 different date labels being used in the United States.

With so many different phrases, it's easy to assume they all mean the same thing, even though they don't.

Some Foods Last Much Longer

Experts say many shelf-stable foods can often remain safe and tasty well beyond their printed dates.

Examples include:

•  Canned goods
•  Cereal
•  Cookies
•  Crackers

As long as the packaging isn't damaged and the food has been stored properly, it may still be perfectly good.

Of course, always use common sense. If something smells bad, looks unusual, or has signs of mold or spoilage, it's best to throw it away.

California Is Simplifying Food Labels

To help reduce confusion and food waste, California has become the first state to standardize food date labels.

Under the new rules:

• "Best If Used By" refers to quality.
• "Use By" refers to food safety.

Supporters hope the change will help consumers waste less food while making it easier to know when something truly should be discarded.

Mid-Michigan News: Strait of Hormuz Tensions, Cyclospora Update, Election Day & Saginaw Road Work

Here are today's top national and Mid-Michigan headlines.

Cargo Ship Reports Attack Near Strait of Hormuz

The crew of a cargo ship reported being attacked overnight near the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's busiest shipping routes.

President Trump said Monday that talks with Iran were underway and described the situation as a "last chance" for Tehran to reach an agreement.

Iran, however, has denied that any negotiations are taking place or are currently planned.

Michigan Reports First Cyclospora Deaths

Michigan health officials have confirmed the state's first two deaths linked to the ongoing cyclospora outbreak.

Both individuals reportedly had underlying health conditions.

The outbreak has now grown to 11,234 confirmed cases, with 193 people hospitalized across the state.

Health officials continue encouraging residents to wash fresh produce thoroughly and practice good food safety habits.

Election Day Reminder for Michigan Voters

Today is Election Day in Michigan.

If you've filled out an absentee ballot but haven't mailed it back yet, officials urge you to hand-deliver it to your local clerk's office. Ballots must be received by 8 p.m. to be counted.

Eligible residents who still need to register can do so in person today at their city or township clerk's office with proof of residency.

Polling places remain open until 8 p.m., and anyone in line by that time will be allowed to vote.

Tittabawassee Road Construction Continues

Drivers in Saginaw Township should expect traffic delays as the second phase of concrete repairs begins on Tittabawassee Road.

Construction is taking place between Fashion Square Boulevard and Town Center Road.

One westbound lane will remain open, while eastbound traffic is being detoured via Town Center Road, Schust Road and Fashion Square Boulevard.

This phase is expected to last about three weeks, before work shifts farther west toward Michigan Avenue.

Tigers Open Series in Seattle

The Detroit Tigers begin a road series against the Seattle Mariners tonight.

First pitch is scheduled for 9:40 p.m. Eastern.

Mid-Michigan Weather

Expect sunshine and warm temperatures today with a high near 88.

Tonight will be mostly clear with a low around 63.

Wednesday brings increasing clouds and a high near 86.

By Thursday, look for a mix of sun and clouds with a 30% chance of showers and a high around 81.

Few things can change your day faster than opening the mailbox and finding a jury duty summons.

For some people, it's an opportunity to participate in the justice system. For others, it's the fastest way to ruin an otherwise perfectly good afternoon.

A new poll asked Americans a simple question:

If you were called for jury duty, would you rather serve... or not?

The results may surprise you.

Americans Are Split

• 34% say they'd rather serve on a jury.
• 44% say they'd prefer not to.
• 21% aren't sure.

So while more people would rather avoid jury duty, about one out of every three Americans actually sees it as something they'd be willing to do.

The Midwest Leads the Way

The survey found that Midwesterners are the most willing to serve, with 37% saying they'd happily take a seat in the jury box.

Men were slightly more likely than women to say they'd serve, and Baby Boomers were the generation most open to jury duty.

Have You Ever Been Called?

Getting a summons isn't exactly rare.

According to the survey:

• 15% say they've been called many times.
• 47% have been called once or twice.
• 34% say they've never received a jury summons.

Even after getting called, there's no guarantee you'll actually serve.

Only 19% of people say they've been selected to sit on a jury, while 78% say they've never made it that far.

Civic Duty... or Just Bad Timing?

Whether you see jury duty as an honor or an inconvenience probably depends on what's already on your calendar.

For some, it's a chance to be part of the legal system and help decide an important case.

For others, it's a week of missed work, rearranged schedules, and wondering if anyone else can water the plants.

Spider-Man is officially back on top.

"Spider-Man: Brand New Day" has set a new record for the biggest domestic opening weekend in movie history, surpassing the long-standing mark held by "Avengers: Endgame."

The latest box office numbers show Brand New Day earned an incredible $360 million in North America, edging past Endgame's $357 million opening from 2019.

A Historic Opening

The film's record-setting debut exceeded early estimates of $355 million and cements Spider-Man as one of the biggest movie franchises of all time.

While Brand New Day now owns the domestic opening weekend crown, Avengers: Endgame still holds the edge worldwide.

Opening Weekend Totals

•  Spider-Man: Brand New Day: $360 million domestic, $932 million worldwide
•  Avengers: Endgame: $357 million domestic, $1.2 billion worldwide

Sony Celebrates the Milestone

Sony Pictures executives were quick to celebrate the achievement.

In a statement, the studio thanked the filmmakers, cast, producers and everyone involved in bringing the movie to theaters, adding:

"Records are made to be broken, but we will take great pride in this one for as long as we hold it."

Can It Keep Swinging?

The next question is whether Spider-Man: Brand New Day can continue its momentum over the coming weeks and challenge some of the biggest worldwide box office totals ever recorded.

One thing is certain: moviegoers showed up in a big way, proving there's still plenty of excitement for seeing superheroes on the big screen.

Mid-Michigan News: Iran Talks, Michigan Primary, Line 5 Ruling & Tigers Make a Big Trade

Here are some of the top stories making headlines today.

Trump Says Iran Talks Are Planned

President Donald Trump says talks with Iran are expected to take place today after previously saying he had paused an imminent military strike in hopes of reaching a diplomatic agreement.

Trump did not provide details on where the talks would be held or who would participate. No additional information about the negotiations has been released.

More Than One Million Michiganders Have Already Voted

More than 1 million Michigan voters have already cast their ballots ahead of tomorrow's primary election.

The Secretary of State says more than 73,000 voters participated during the state's early voting period, which ran from July 25 through July 30.

If you haven't voted yet, polls across Michigan will be open Tuesday from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m.

Michigan Supreme Court Rules on Line 5 Tunnel Project

The Michigan Supreme Court has overturned state regulatory approval of the proposed Enbridge Line 5 Tunnel Project.

The project involves replacing the section of the pipeline that runs beneath the Straits of Mackinac with a tunnel.

The court ruled that regulators did not fully evaluate the tunnel's potential environmental impacts or adequately compare the project with possible alternatives. The matter will now return for additional review.

Tigers Make a Blockbuster Trade

Just ahead of the 2026 MLB trade deadline, the Detroit Tigers have traded pitcher Tarik Skubal to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

In return, Detroit receives outfielder Zyhir Hope along with right-handed pitchers River Ryan and Brady Smith.

Skubal recently returned after missing about a month while recovering from arthroscopic surgery.

The Tigers also stayed hot on the field, shutting out the Oakland Athletics 11-0.

Meanwhile, the Great Lakes Loons fell to the Fort Wayne TinCaps, 12-5.

Mid-Michigan Weather

Expect a beautiful summer day today with sunshine and a high near 82.

Tonight will be clear and cool with a low around 57.

Tuesday brings more sunshine and warmer temperatures with a high near 88.

Wednesday looks mostly sunny with a 30% chance of afternoon showers and highs in the upper 80s.

If you thought you'd seen it all on the road, think again.

Police in New Jersey have found a unique way to crack down on distracted driving, and it's turning plenty of heads. Officers are literally dressing up as shrubs.

Covered in fake leaves and standing along sidewalks, the officers blend in just enough to catch drivers who are looking down at their phones instead of watching the road.

Here's how it works: the "shrub officer" spots distracted drivers, uses binoculars to record their license plates, then radios ahead to another officer waiting farther up the road. That officer makes the traffic stop.

It Worked... Really Well

During one recent enforcement operation, police issued 74 distracted driving citations in just six hours.

The goal isn't just to write tickets. Officials say the unusual tactic is also designed to grab attention and remind drivers that distracted driving remains one of the leading causes of preventable crashes.

Clever or Too Much?

Not surprisingly, the leafy law enforcement strategy has sparked plenty of debate online.

Some people applaud the creative approach, saying anything that gets drivers to put down their phones is worth trying.

Others wonder if disguising officers as bushes goes a little too far, or if seeing a moving shrub out of the corner of your eye might actually distract drivers who are paying attention.

Either way, it's certainly memorable.

Put the Phone Away

In New Jersey, violating the state's hands-free driving law starts with a $200 fine. Repeat offenses can climb to $600, and after three violations, drivers can face a 90-day license suspension.

Whether officers are hiding behind a patrol car or disguised as landscaping, the message is the same:

Keep your eyes on the road and your phone out of your hand.

Ever reach Sunday night with three bucks left in your wallet and no clear memory of where the rest went?

Apparently, that is very normal.

A new report finds that the average American spends $397 on summer activities every weekend. That does not include the serious grown-up bills like rent, mortgage payments, car payments or utilities. This is just the cost of going out, seeing people and trying to enjoy summer before it vanishes into the cornfield mist.

Where the Money Goes

Here is the average weekend breakdown:

• $61 on dining out, including restaurants, coffee shops and bars
• $60 on hosting gatherings or bringing food and drinks to someone else’s party
• $59 on celebrations and gifts, including weddings and birthdays
• $57 on entertainment, such as movies, concerts, shows and theme parks
• $55 on outdoor activities, including camping, boating, hiking and fishing
• $54 on self-care and wellness, such as haircuts, spas and beauty services
• $51 on transportation, including gas, parking, public transit and rideshares

Add it all together, and your “casual weekend plans” suddenly have the budget of a small municipal project.

Face-to-Face Fun Is Making a Comeback

The report says more people are choosing to spend time with friends and family in person instead of online.

That is good news for relationships, but rough news for checking accounts.

Staying home and scrolling is cheap. Meeting everyone for dinner, driving to the lake, buying concert tickets and somehow ending up responsible for the cooler is another story.

Restaurants Are the Most Popular Meetup Spot

The number-one thing people like to do with friends and family is go out to eat.

That is followed by visiting a park, beach or lake.

Other popular choices include:

• Movie nights
• Parties
• Road trips
• Picnics
• Weekend getaways
• Cooking together
• Game nights
• Concerts

Summer memories may be priceless, but the parking, snacks, gas and matching event T-shirts definitely are not.