Michigan Election Monitors, SAT Scores and a Big Weekend of Sports

It's a busy Friday across Michigan, with federal election monitors preparing to visit several cities, new data raising questions about high school SAT performance, and a packed weekend of sports for fans across Mid-Michigan.

DOJ to Send Election Monitors to Michigan Cities

The U.S. Department of Justice plans to send election monitors to several Michigan cities on Election Day, including Detroit, Lansing, Flint and Grand Rapids.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel says federal election monitoring is a standard part of the election process. Federal monitors have been present in Michigan during several previous federal elections.

Meanwhile, former President Barack Obama is scheduled to visit Detroit tomorrow to support Democratic candidates Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Dr. Abdul El-Sayed. Obama's last visit to Detroit was in October 2024, during the presidential election.

Michigan SAT Scores Show a Decline

New state data shows Michigan high school juniors are performing below the levels recorded a decade ago on the SAT, with fewer students meeting the college-readiness benchmark.

Just over 25% of Michigan 11th graders met or exceeded the SAT benchmark this past spring. That's down three-tenths of a percentage point from the previous year.

The SAT is commonly used in college admissions, making the results an important measure of how prepared students may be for college-level work.

A Big Weekend for Michigan Sports Fans

There is plenty to watch this weekend, starting Friday night.

The Chicago Bears defeated the New England Patriots 30-24, while the Detroit Red Wings skated past the Vancouver Canucks 5-2.

Hockey fans in Mid-Michigan have a local rivalry to look forward to tonight, as the Saginaw Spirit take on the Flint Firebirds at the Dow Event Center. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

The Detroit Pistons are also on the road, facing the Miami Heat.

Baseball fans will see the World Series get underway in Milwaukee, with the Tampa Bay Rays and Milwaukee Brewers competing for their first championship title, according to the supplied report. First pitch is scheduled for 8 p.m.

Saturday brings more college football action:

• Michigan vs. Indiana: Kickoff at noon.

• Central Michigan vs. Miami (Ohio): Kickoff at 1 p.m. in Mount Pleasant.

• Michigan State vs. UCLA: Kickoff at 3:30 p.m.

Mid-Michigan Weather: Fog First, Sunshine Later

A dense fog advisory is in effect until 9 a.m. Friday. Skies are expected to remain mostly cloudy through midmorning before gradually clearing, with a high near 64 degrees.

Tonight, expect partly cloudy skies with late-night fog developing and a low around 41.

Saturday starts with patchy fog before 9 a.m., followed by mostly sunny skies and a high near 66 degrees. Sunday looks even warmer, with sunshine and a high around 71.

Halloween is just a week away, which means the clock is ticking if you still haven't figured out your costume. Maybe you're planning to be a vampire, a superhero, or that person who throws on a pair of cat ears five minutes before leaving the house.

If you're heading to Spirit Halloween this weekend, a former employee has some advice that could make your shopping trip a whole lot better. Before you grab the first costume you see and race to the checkout, here are four things to keep in mind.

1. Don't Just Grab a Costume and Run

Take your time and explore the entire store! According to a former employee, there are hidden gems all over the place, including the checkout area, where you'll find plenty of fun accessories and novelty items.

You might walk in looking for a basic witch costume and walk out with a witch hat, glowing jewelry, fake fangs, and a creepy little accessory you absolutely did not need but suddenly cannot live without.

Just remember: Halloween shopping has a way of turning a $30 trip into a $75 adventure.

2. Cheap Costumes Aren't Always the Best Deal

If you're only planning to wear your costume once, going with a cheaper option makes sense. But if you love dressing up every year, it might be worth spending a little extra on better-quality pieces.

A sturdier costume could become part of your Halloween wardrobe for years to come. Think of it as an investment in future costume parties, haunted houses, and those last-minute invitations where somebody says, “You HAVE to dress up!”

Of course, if your costume is a giant inflatable dinosaur, you might want to check how easy it is to store before committing to a lifetime of prehistoric appearances.

3. Buy the Makeup Remover Before You Need It

Planning to transform yourself into a zombie, skeleton, or terrifying creature of the night? Don't forget the makeup remover!

Some Halloween makeup and prosthetic products can be stubborn to remove with ordinary soap and water. That means your spooky transformation could follow you into the next morning, leaving you explaining to your coworkers why you still have black circles around your eyes.

Pick up the appropriate removal products when you buy your makeup. Your future self, your pillowcase, and possibly your bathroom towels will thank you.

4. The Best Deals Might Come After Halloween

Here's a tip for the serious Halloween fans: don't assume Spirit Halloween is finished once October 31 rolls around.

According to the former employee's advice, clearance sales typically begin November 1 and 2, making it a good time to look for discounted costumes, decorations, and accessories for next year.

Sure, it might feel strange shopping for Halloween when the candy bowl is half-empty and the decorations are coming down. But imagine opening your storage bins next October and realizing you already have next year's costume ready to go.

That's called being organized. Or, depending on how many skeletons you buy, starting a very unusual collection.

What's Your Halloween Shopping Strategy?

Are you the person who plans a costume months in advance, or are you still searching for inspiration with just days to go?

Whether you're going all-out with an elaborate costume or keeping things simple this year, these tips could help you find something fun without spending more than you planned.

Halloween is almost here, and if you and your significant other are still trying to figure out what to wear, don't panic! There are plenty of classic couples costumes that are fun, recognizable, and guaranteed to get some attention at your next Halloween party.

Mental Floss rounded up 10 couples costumes that never go out of style. Whether you want to be spooky, romantic, funny, or a little over-the-top, there's something here for every duo.

1. Morticia and Gomez Addams

The ultimate spooky couple! Morticia's long black dress and Gomez's pinstripe suit make this a timeless choice. Add a mysterious stare, a little dramatic flair, and you've got a Halloween look straight out of the Addams family mansion.

2. Lydia Deetz and Beetlejuice

For couples who love a little weirdness, this iconic duo is a perfect fit. One person can rock Lydia's gothic style while the other goes all-in with Beetlejuice's unmistakable black-and-white stripes and wild hair.

3. Bonnie and Clyde

Bring a little vintage outlaw style to Halloween with this classic pairing. Think old-school clothing, fedoras, and a dramatic pose worthy of a Hollywood crime movie.

4. Sally and Jack Skellington

Straight from The Nightmare Before Christmas, Sally and Jack are a fantastic choice for couples who can't get enough of Halloween. Jack's skeletal suit and Sally's colorful stitched-up look make for a recognizable and creative costume combination.

5. Mr. and Mrs. Smith

Want something stylish and a little mysterious? This action-movie-inspired couple's costume is a great option. Dress sharp, add a confident attitude, and you're ready to make an entrance.

6. Danny and Sandy from “Grease”

Bring back the magic of Rydell High! Danny's leather jacket and Sandy's classic black outfit make this a fun choice for couples who love a little nostalgia. Bonus points if you break into a dance routine.

7. Barbie and Ken

Bright colors, big smiles, and plenty of personality make Barbie and Ken a fun costume choice. You can recreate their classic looks or put your own spin on the famous fashion duo.

8. Mr. and Mrs. Incredible

For couples who make a great team, why not dress as everyone's favorite superhero pair? Matching red suits and the iconic logo make this costume easy to recognize, and you can have fun pretending your everyday skills are superpowers.

9. Fred and Wilma Flintstone

Yabba-dabba-doo! Fred and Wilma are a classic cartoon couple with instantly recognizable outfits. This is a fun, lighthearted option that's perfect for couples who want a costume that everyone will recognize.

10. Shrek and Fiona

For couples who aren't afraid to be silly, Shrek and Fiona are a fantastic choice. Green face paint, ogre ears, and Fiona's signature red hair will make this duo stand out. It's also a fun reminder that the best couples are the ones who can laugh together.

Which costume would you choose?

From spooky classics to cartoon favorites, these 10 couples costumes prove that some Halloween ideas never get old.

Whether you're planning a night out, attending a costume party, or just dressing up for fun, the best costume is one you both enjoy wearing.

Michigan News: Farm Relief Package, Bay City Manufacturing Expansion, and I-75 Lane Closures

Here's a look at the latest news affecting Michigan and Mid-Michigan, from a new federal farming aid package to manufacturing training in Bay City and upcoming roadwork on I-75.

Trump Announces $8 Billion in Farm Relief

President Donald Trump is rolling out an $8 billion farming assistance package aimed at helping farmers deal with rising fertilizer and diesel fuel costs.

The package will provide one-time relief payments to farmers. It follows two earlier rounds of funding mentioned in the announcement: $12 billion distributed earlier this year and another $14 billion announced just two weeks ago.

The announcement comes ahead of Trump's visit to Sioux City, Iowa.

Rising operating costs continue to put pressure on farmers, with fuel and fertilizer among the expenses that can take a significant bite out of a farm's budget.

Michigan Senate Candidates Debate Key Issues

With less than two weeks remaining until Election Day, Republican Mike Rogers and Democrat Abdul El-Sayed faced off in a Michigan Senate debate.

The debate largely stayed focused on the issues, with limited interruptions. Topics included the economy, trade, tariffs, gas prices, and the conflict in the Middle East.

The candidates discussed issues facing voters as the election approaches.

Bay City Company Opens New Training and Manufacturing Center

A Bay City manufacturer is investing in workforce development with a new training, technology, and manufacturing center.

Bay Plastics Machinery, located on North Euclid Avenue, says the facility is designed to help expand production while addressing workforce shortages in the manufacturing industry.

A company spokesman says the goal is to strengthen the local workforce through internships, vocational education, and other career-focused programs.

The investment could help provide more training opportunities for people interested in manufacturing careers while supporting the company's future growth.

I-75 Lane Closures Coming Near Bay City

Drivers traveling through the Bay City area should prepare for lane closures on northbound I-75 beginning Sunday.

According to the Michigan Department of Transportation, the left two northbound lanes will close between M-84 and Salzburg Road for concrete repairs.

Crews are expected to finish the work and reopen the lanes by Thursday, October 29.

Drivers should allow extra time, watch for construction signs, and be prepared for changing traffic conditions through the work zone.

Sports: Red Wings Fall to the Kraken

The Detroit Red Wings came up short against Seattle, losing to the Kraken by a score of 4-3.

Meanwhile, Thursday Night Football features the Chicago Bears hosting the New England Patriots.

Mid-Michigan Weather Forecast

Sunshine is on the way, but fog could affect early-morning travel over the next few days.

• Today: Patchy fog before 9 a.m., followed by sunshine. High near 67.

• Tonight: Partly cloudy with overnight fog developing. Low around 42.

• Friday: Areas of fog before 9 a.m., then mostly sunny. High near 65.

• Saturday: Patchy fog before 9 a.m., followed by sunshine. High near 67.

We’ve all seen someone out in public wearing an outfit that makes us wonder if their family tried to stop them before they left the house. Maybe the person forgot to change out of their pajamas. Maybe they got dressed in the dark. Or maybe they just looked in the mirror and thought, “Nailed it!”

Well, one 27-year-old guy is asking the internet to settle a fashion debate that could tear a marriage apart: Is it acceptable to wear pajama pants covered in golden retriever faces to Target on a Sunday?

His wife says absolutely not. He says there's nothing wrong with it. And thousands of people online were asked to choose sides.

The results? About 65% voted in favor of the pajama pants, while 33% agreed with his wife that a grown man should put on actual clothes before heading to Target.

Apparently, the remaining voters were busy looking for the Starbucks inside the store.

The Great Pajama Pants Debate

The comments were almost as entertaining as the pants themselves.

One person basically said that wearing pajamas might be acceptable at Walmart, but Target? That's a whole different level of sophistication.

Another suggested the real issue was that the wife didn't want to be married to the kind of guy who would willingly wear golden retriever pajamas in public.

Ouch. Forget marriage counseling. Somebody get this man a pair of jeans.

But things got even funnier when several people misunderstood the question. They thought the guy was asking if it was acceptable to wear pajama pants covered in golden retriever poop.

Yes, dog feces. Not adorable puppy faces.

Suddenly, the wife's position started looking a whole lot stronger. There's casual fashion, and then there's a public health concern.

What Would Michigan Think?

Here in Michigan, this debate could get complicated.

Picture a Sunday morning at Meijer in Saginaw. One guy is wearing golden retriever pajama pants, another is wearing a Carhartt jacket that has seen three winters and a fourth-generation snow shovel, and somebody else is shopping in slippers because they only came in for milk.

Who's judging whom?

In Michigan, we have people wearing shorts when it's 38 degrees, people wearing winter coats when it's 55, and people who consider a Lions jersey perfectly acceptable formal attire.

We've also got folks who will put on their nicest flannel shirt for a trip to the grocery store. Around here, fashion is less about the runway and more about whether the outfit has enough pockets.

And let's be honest: if those pajama pants have golden retrievers on them, there's a decent chance somebody in the checkout line is going to ask where you got them.

Then you'll have three strangers discussing the pants, one person showing you pictures of their own dog, and somebody's aunt telling you she could make a pair just like that.

Welcome to Michigan.

So, Who's Right?

Honestly, if the pants are clean, comfortable, and don't feature anything that would make a health inspector nervous, we're not sure there's a problem.

It's a Sunday. You're shopping for groceries and household supplies, not accepting an award at the Oscars.

Still, we understand the wife's argument. There's a difference between being comfortable and looking like you lost a bet with your laundry basket.

And if your spouse is begging you to change before leaving the house, maybe consider whether this is the hill you want to die on. Especially if they're the one driving.

Our official Michigan ruling: Golden retriever pajama pants are acceptable for a quick store run. Dog-poop pajama pants are not. And if you're wearing them to a nice restaurant, you might want to let your wife pick the outfit next time.

Now we want to know: Would you wear golden retriever pajama pants to Target or Meijer, or should grown adults have to put on real pants before entering a store?

Imagine paying $1,000 for a baseball ticket that promises you a seat at any future game, even the World Series. Sounds like a home run, right? Well, the Milwaukee Brewers are discovering that a deal made 11 years ago can come back to bite you harder than a foul ball to the shin.

Back in 2015, the Brewers sold something called “Timeless Tickets” for $1,000 apiece. The big selling point? You were guaranteed a seat at any future game, including the World Series.

Fast-forward to 2026, and the Brewers are headed to the Fall Classic. Suddenly, those tickets are a lot more valuable than anyone might have expected!

There’s just one problem: some fans aren’t happy with the seats they got.

The first two World Series games are being played in Milwaukee, and the team managed to find seats for all its Timeless Ticket holders. But some fans say the locations are nowhere near what they expected when they bought the tickets.

The Brewers even admitted they “did not live up to the spirit of the program.” As a make-good, they're offering Timeless Ticket holders another ticket for a future season.

The Michigan Connection: Would You Take the Deal?

Now, imagine a similar promotion with the Detroit Tigers. You pay $1,000 today, and you're guaranteed a seat at any future Tigers game, including a World Series.

Sounds pretty good if you're a Tigers fan! You could be sitting on that ticket for years, waiting for Detroit to make another championship run.

But what happens when the Tigers finally get there, and your big-ticket seat turns out to be behind a support pole, next to the stadium's loudest air-conditioning unit, or somewhere near Canada?

Michigan sports fans know patience. We've sat through rebuilding years, heartbreaking losses, and enough “maybe next season” conversations to fill Comerica Park.

The Brewers are now learning that guaranteeing someone a seat and guaranteeing them a good seat are two very different things.

And offering another ticket for a future season is a nice gesture, but it might not completely satisfy someone who spent 11 years waiting for their World Series moment.

So here's the question for Michigan fans: If you paid $1,000 for a lifetime ticket to Tigers games, would you be happy with any seat in the ballpark when Detroit finally makes the World Series, or would you expect a pretty spectacular view for your money?

Because in Michigan, we might wait a long time for that World Series ticket. But after 11 years, we'd sure hope the view was worth the wait!

Mid-Michigan News: Ukraine Peace Proposal, Michigan Early Voting Surges, and Consumers Energy Faces Criticism

U.S. envoy to meet Putin over Ukraine peace proposal

White House envoy Steve Witkoff is scheduled to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Saint Petersburg today to present an updated proposal aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.

The meeting follows a day of talks in Oslo, Norway, involving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the leaders of Norway and Finland. The discussions come as diplomatic efforts continue to find a path toward ending the conflict.

More than 780,000 Michigan voters have cast ballots early

Early voting is picking up across Michigan, with more than 780,000 voters having returned absentee ballots or voted at an early voting site less than two weeks before Election Day.

According to the latest figures in the report, voters have requested more than 2.1 million ballots. That's a 17% increase compared with the same point before the 2022 midterm election.

Michigan's Secretary of State's office is reminding voters who have not yet returned their absentee ballots to deliver them directly to their local clerk's office or an authorized ballot drop box. Officials say hand delivery can help avoid potential postal delays.

Attorney General criticizes Consumers Energy over another proposed rate hike

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is criticizing Consumers Energy after the utility announced plans to seek another natural gas rate increase just days after state regulators approved a previous hike.

On October 15, the Michigan Public Service Commission approved a $139 million natural gas rate increase for Consumers Energy. The increase amounts to approximately 4.3% for a typical residential customer and is scheduled to take effect next month.

Then, on Monday, Consumers Energy filed notice of its intent to seek another natural gas rate increase on or after December 18.

The announcement has drawn criticism from Nessel, raising fresh concerns about the cost of keeping Michigan homes warm as colder weather approaches.

Sports: Pistons open season with a win

The Detroit Pistons kicked off their NBA season at Little Caesars Arena with a 121-113 victory over the Boston Celtics.

Detroit will hit the road Friday to take on the Miami Heat as the team looks to build on its season-opening win.

Mid-Michigan weather forecast

Today: Areas of fog this morning, followed by sunshine. High near 66 degrees.

Tonight: Clear skies with a low around 43.

Thursday: Sunny with a high near 63.

Friday: More sunshine, with a high near 63 degrees.

His campaign promise? “How Hard Could It Be?” Honestly, we've heard worse.

Ever feel like politicians promise to fix everything, then get elected and spend the next four years trying to figure out where they left the instructions?

Well, one guy in Canada decided to skip the usual political nonsense and just tell voters the truth. Or at least, a funny version of it!

Meet Brady Rogers, a 33-year-old man in Kelowna, British Columbia, who just won a seat on the city council after running one of the most refreshingly sarcastic campaigns around.

Instead of promising lower taxes, better roads, and a brighter future, Brady's campaign signs featured messages like:

• “Brady Rogers for City Council: Just Trying to Pay My Rent”

• “Brady Rogers: How Hard Could It Be?”

• “Brady Rogers: Let's See What Happens?”

• “Brady Rogers: I Barely Want to Do This.”

Finally, a campaign that sounds like the rest of us trying to assemble furniture without the instructions!

His unusual approach caught people's attention, went viral, and apparently convinced enough voters that he deserved a shot at the job.

Now, before we start nominating him for every political office in Michigan, Brady actually has some experience under his belt. He previously worked as a robotic automation engineer before starting a business that turns plastic waste into new products.

He says his campaign was tongue-in-cheek, and despite the jokes, he's taking his new responsibilities seriously.

But that got us thinking: What if Michigan politicians tried this approach?

Imagine campaign signs around Saginaw, Bay City, Midland, and Flint that actually told it like it is.

“Vote for Me! I'll Look Into Those Potholes Eventually.”

“Lower Taxes? Let's See What the Budget Says.”

“Fixing I-75 Traffic: I Have Some Ideas. None Are Good Yet.”

“Better Roads for Michigan! Unless It Rains. Or Snows. Or We Run Out of Orange Barrels.”

And our personal favorite:

“Vote for Me! At Least I'm Not Promising to Fix Everything in My First 100 Days.”

Of course, Michigan has some serious issues that need serious solutions. But there's something refreshing about a candidate who can laugh at himself instead of pretending he has every answer.

Maybe voters are tired of perfectly polished speeches, carefully rehearsed sound bites, and promises that disappear faster than a Michigan snowbank in April.

Sometimes, a little honesty and a sense of humor might be exactly what a campaign needs.

THE MICHIGAN QUESTION OF THE DAY:

If you could make one brutally honest campaign sign for a Michigan politician, what would it say?

Would you go with “I'll Fix the Roads When I Find My Car Keys,” “More Jobs, Fewer Excuses,” or something even better?

Give us your best campaign slogan. Just remember, if it goes viral, you might accidentally end up on the ballot next time!

Ever spend so much time trying to find something to watch that you finally give up, turn off the TV, and head to bed? Congratulations! You may have a case of streaming fatigue.

And here in Michigan, we've got enough things to complain about already. Road construction on I-75, potholes that could swallow a Jeep, and trying to figure out if it's going to be 75 degrees or snow tomorrow. Now we have to work a second job just picking a TV show?

A survey from a few years ago found that the average American streaming subscriber spends 110 hours a year just looking for something to watch. That's more than four full days spent scrolling through menus instead of actually watching anything!

Experts call it "content overload." Sure, Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Prime Video and all the others give us thousands of choices. But after a long day at work, sometimes making one more decision feels harder than getting through the afternoon traffic on I-69.

And apparently, we're reaching our limit. One report found that 49% of people would consider canceling a streaming service because they couldn't find anything worth watching.

Honestly, can you blame them?

You sit down, browse Netflix for 20 minutes, check Hulu for another 15, scroll through Prime Video, and somehow end up watching the same episode of The Office you've seen 37 times. At least you know what you're getting!

It's the streaming equivalent of opening the refrigerator three times, hoping something new magically appears.

So here's our Michigan question of the day:

What's your streaming routine?

• Do you spend an hour looking for something, then go to bed?

• Do you watch the same three shows over and over?

• Or do you let your spouse or significant other pick, then complain about their choice for the next two hours?

Around here, we have a simple solution: put on a Michigan football replay, turn on a classic movie, or find a show about people renovating houses. If that doesn't work, there's always the local weather forecast. Give it five minutes, and you'll know whether to grab a hoodie or start looking for your snow shovel.

Now, if you'll excuse us, we've got 47 minutes of scrolling ahead of us before we decide to watch absolutely nothing.

Mid-Michigan News: Alberta Voters Back Canada, Trump Plans Port Huron Rally, and Saginaw Food Club Prepares to Open 

Alberta voters back staying in Canada 

Voters in Alberta overwhelmingly backed remaining part of Canada in early referendum results, giving Prime Minister Mark Carney a boost in his efforts to promote national unity. The referendum was not a direct vote on independence. Instead, approval would have set the province on a path toward a future vote on separating from Canada. 

Trump planning Michigan rally in Port Huron 

President Donald Trump is heading to Michigan this weekend for a rally with Republicans ahead of Election Day. According to the Republican National Committee, Trump is scheduled to speak Sunday at 3 p.m. at McMorran Place in downtown Port Huron. 

Saginaw Community Food Club preparing to welcome customers 

The Saginaw Community Food Club and Kitchen is getting ready to welcome customers to its new, larger grocery store next month. 

The nonprofit grocery store will offer an expanded selection of fresh fruits and vegetables, along with meat, dairy products and bread. The store is located at 310 Meredith Street in Saginaw and plans to open during midday hours four days a week. The grand opening is scheduled for Wednesday, November 18. 

Sports: Pistons and Red Wings in action 

In Monday Night Football, the San Francisco 49ers defeated the Washington Commanders, 23-17. 

The Detroit Pistons host the Boston Celtics, while the Detroit Red Wings are on the road to take on the Seattle Kraken. 

In baseball, the Tampa Bay Rays defeated the Cleveland Guardians, 7-3, The Rays will face the Milwaukee Brewers in the World Series. 

Mid-Michigan weather forecast 

Today: Patchy fog before 9 a.m., followed by mostly sunny skies. High near 68 degrees. 

Tonight: Partly cloudy, with patchy fog developing after 2 a.m. Low around 39. 

Wednesday: Areas of fog before 10 a.m., then mostly sunny. High near 66. 

Thursday: Mostly sunny with a high near 67 degrees. 

Yes! I found a few promising new food spots and openings planned for October 2026 around Flint, Saginaw, Bay City, and Midland. The catch: some have confirmed opening plans but haven't announced an exact day, so here's what's actually worth watching.

New food places to check out

1. Bada Bing Pizzeria

Flint · 5418 S. Saginaw Street

October target, unconfirmed

A new brick-and-mortar location from a pizza business already serving the area. Expect New York-inspired and thin-crust pizzas, plus stromboli, sandwiches and pasta. The owner was hoping for an October opening, but an exact date wasn't confirmed in the report.

WhatNow

Read the opening report

2. Odesa by Chef Sergey

Midland · 1716 W. Wackerly Street

Planned for fall

A new Ukrainian-European restaurant from the team behind Chef Sergey's Bakery. The planned menu includes made-from-scratch dishes, house-made specialties, lunch and dinner, and a full-service bar. Its website lists a fall 2026 opening but doesn't specify a confirmed October date.

Ukrainian-European Restaurant in Midland, MI

Official restaurant website

3. 7 Brew Coffee

Flint · 415 Corunna Road

Coming soon

The drive-thru chain is expanding into Flint, offering flavored coffees, energy drinks, smoothies, teas and shakes. The location was announced in September, but I couldn't confirm that it has opened yet.

https://www.wnem.com

Read WNEM's report

4. 7 Brew Coffee

Bay City · 4001 N. Euclid Avenue

Coming soon

Bay City is also slated for a new 7 Brew location. It's another option for people who like customized coffee drinks without getting out of the car. The latest report I found announced the project but didn't confirm an October opening day.

https://www.wnem.com

Read WNEM's report

Other openings to keep on your radar

• Big O Hot Chicken, Saginaw: Planned for 118 N. Michigan Avenue in Old Town. The proposed menu includes jumbo chicken tenders, smash burgers, wings, loaded fries and flavored lemonades. No confirmed opening date was reported.

  

  WhatNow

  +1

   

• Leo's Coney Island, Midland: Planned for 820 Joe Mann Boulevard, serving coney dogs, Greek dishes and diner favorites. Its opening was delayed until around Christmastime, so it's not expected to be an October opening.

  

  Midland Daily News

   

One that has already opened

Dairy Queen, Kochville

3402 Tittabawassee Road, Saginaw County

This new location opened September 29 and was reported by WNEM in early October. It serves Dairy Queen's familiar hot food and frozen treats, with reported hours of 10:30 AM to midnight daily.

https://www.wnem.com

My takeaway: Bada Bing Pizzeria and Odesa by Chef Sergey are the two most interesting food openings to watch this month, but neither has a confirmed October opening date in the sources I found. The 7 Brew locations are also worth checking for opening announcements.

Here’s a list of haunted houses and Halloween attractions around Mid-Michigan for the 2026 season

Haunted houses to check out

1. The Edson Incident

Bay City

A haunted attraction aboard the historic USS Edson destroyer, with eerie ship corridors, themed scenes, and actors. One of the region’s most unusual Halloween experiences. Listed for select dates through October 31.

Haunted Michigan

+1

Website: Michigan Haunted Houses listing

2. Factory of the Dead Haunted House

Saginaw

906 Lapeer Avenue, Saginaw

An indoor haunted house featuring live actors, spooky sets, sound and lighting effects. The larger entertainment venue also offers activities such as escape rooms and GellyBall.

Great Lakes Bay Parents

Phone: 989-771-6900

3. Wild Woods of Terror

Saginaw

A seasonal outdoor haunted attraction on Venoy Road, aimed at visitors looking for nighttime scares. The 2026 guide lists it as operating on Fridays and Saturdays in October.

SCARIEST List of 2026

Address: 7500 Venoy Road, Saginaw

4. Spooky Trails

Swartz Creek

8266 Baldwin Road

A farm-based Halloween outing with a haunted hayride, Halloween light show, and seasonal activities. There are daytime family options as well as nighttime scares.

My Michigan Beach and Travel

Phone: 810-407-3035

5. Exit 13 Haunted House

Near Flint

6069 Saginaw Street, Mount Morris

An indoor haunted attraction near I-475, known for dark corridors, fog, effects, and interactive scares. Check its current calendar before making the trip.

Haunted Houses in Flint, MI

Phone: 810-858-9768

6. The Howling Haunted Trail & Party

Fenton

13575A Fenton Road

A haunted woodland trail with actors, themed scenes, and jump scares. A good pick for groups who prefer walking through the woods to being inside a haunted building.

Haunted Houses in Flint, MI

Phone: 810-629-0723

7. Bates haunted sawmill

Millington

7240 State Road

A classic-style haunt featuring practical effects, live actors, wooded sections, and maze-like areas. This is a good option for those who like old-school Halloween scares.

Great Lakes Bay Parents

Phone: 989-860-5257

8. Wicked Woods Of Terror Haunted Trail

Caro

2915 Ross Road

A guided outdoor haunted trail with frightening scenes and actors hidden throughout the woods. Listed with Friday and Saturday evening hours during the season.

SCARIEST List of 2026

Phone: 989-252-3398

9. Rotten Manor

Holly

13245 Dixie Highway

A larger haunt with several experiences, including the Manor and a haunted forest/asylum. Worth considering if you want more than one scare in a single outing.

My Michigan Beach and Travel

Phone: 947-426-3128

10. Slaughterhouse Adventure & Grand River Corn Maze

Fowlerville

A haunted house and haunted corn maze featuring chainsaw scares, creepy characters, and special effects. It’s a longer drive from the Tri-Cities, but a possible option for a full Halloween night out.

Address: 5781 W Grand River Avenue, Fowlerville

More local options

• Village of the Living Dead, St. Charles

• Factory of the Dead, Saginaw

• Hinterland Haunted Attraction, Ashley

• Terror on 27, Ashley

• Code Breakers Escape & Puzzle Rooms, Midland, for an escape-room style alternative rather than a traditional haunted house.

   

   

   

My picks: For a unique experience, try The Edson Incident in Bay City. For the Flint area, check out Spooky Trails. For a classic haunted house in Saginaw, Factory of the Dead is a solid place to start.

Hours and dates can change, so check the attraction’s official page before heading out, especially for Sunday nights and the final two weekends of October.

Michigan School Bus Safety Proposal, Saginaw Road Closure and Mid-Michigan Sports

Michigan Lawmaker Proposes Tougher Penalties for Passing Stopped School Buses

A new legislative package in Michigan aims to improve school bus safety by increasing penalties for drivers who illegally pass a stopped school bus.

State Representative Parker Fairbairn of Harbor Springs has introduced a proposal that would raise fines from the current range of $100 to $500 to between $500 and $1,000.

The legislation would also increase the required stopping distance from 20 feet to 50 feet.

The package must still be approved by the Michigan Legislature before any changes can take effect.

Railroad Crossing Repairs to Close Washington Avenue in Saginaw

Drivers in Saginaw should plan for a road closure beginning today.

Contractors working for Huron and Eastern Railway will close Washington Avenue at Emerson Street to make repairs to the railroad crossing.

Crews expect the road to reopen Friday. Drivers should allow extra time and consider alternate routes while the work is underway.

Weekend Protests in France Turn Violent

Protests over rising living costs and declining public services turned violent in France over the weekend, with more than 500,000 people reportedly taking to the streets.

Supermarkets were looted, and police officers and vehicles were attacked. Officers used tear gas to control crowds during what was described as the country's worst unrest in years.

The demonstrations reflect growing frustration over the cost of living and concerns about public services.

Sports: Packers Win, Saginaw Spirit Fall at Home

In football, the Green Bay Packers defeated the Dallas Cowboys 23-13 Sunday night.

In Ontario Hockey League action, the Saginaw Spirit lost to the Owen Sound Attack 2-1 on home ice Sunday.

Meanwhile, in an exhibition basketball matchup, the Central Michigan Chippewas defeated the Saginaw Valley State University Cardinals 99-62.

Mid-Michigan Weather: Sunshine Returns

Mid-Michigan is looking at several days of pleasant fall weather.

• Monday: Sunshine with a high near 67 degrees.

• Monday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 44.

• Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 67.

• Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 66.

If you’ve been wondering what people are planning to wear this Halloween, Google has the answers. And judging by this year’s Frightgeist trends, we’ve got some pretty interesting choices on our hands.

Google’s Frightgeist tracks trending Halloween costume searches, and the latest list is a mix of pop culture, video games, movies, and a few choices that might leave you scratching your head like you just walked into a Meijer and forgot what you came for.

And here in Michigan, where Halloween can mean anything from a crisp fall night to freezing your costume off while trick-or-treating, choosing the right outfit is serious business.

The Top 20 Trending Halloween Costumes

Google’s list has something for just about everybody, including a few characters you might need to Google before you can explain them to your kids.

1. Buddy the Unicorn from Buddy

2. NeeDoh, the squishy cube toy. Yes, apparently a squishy toy is now Halloween inspiration.

3. Freaky Nikki from Obsession

4. King Agamemnon from The Odyssey

5. Lily Lovebraids from the horror video game Poppy Playtime

6. Oliver Tree

7. Verity from Minecraft

8. Carl from Dungeon Crawler Carl

9. Disco-themed Scooby-Doo

10. Hazel Hook from Descendants: Wicked Wonderland

11. Captain Clark from Backrooms

12. Dolly Parton

13. Grand Regent Thragg from Invincible

14. Kenny Rogers

15. Bowser Jr. from The Super Mario Galaxy Movie

16. Princess Rosalina from The Super Mario Galaxy Movie

17. Green Lantern

18. Michael Jackson from the Thriller music video

19. Skeletor from Masters of the Universe

20. Cyclops from X-Men

A few of these make perfect sense. Michael Jackson’s Thriller look is a Halloween classic, Skeletor is ready-made for spooky season, and Mario characters are always popular with the kids.

But NeeDoh? A squishy cube? Somewhere in Michigan, a parent is about to spend $40 putting together a costume that looks suspiciously like a toy sitting on the living room floor.

And we have to give a nod to Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers making the list. A Dolly costume could be a big hit at a Halloween party, especially if you’ve got the hair, the sparkle, and enough confidence to pull it off. Find a friend to go as Kenny Rogers, and you’ve got yourself a country music duo ready for karaoke night.

The Top 5 Trending Halloween Movies

Costumes aren’t the only thing Google is tracking. These five movies are also trending in Halloween searches:

1. Buddy

2. Other Mommy

3. The Whisper Man

4. Passenger

5. Brute

That list gives you a little bit of everything, from titles that sound mysterious to ones that sound like they might make you leave a light on overnight.

The Michigan Halloween Costume Test

Now, let's be honest. Picking a costume in Michigan requires a little extra planning.

Are you going trick-or-treating in a neighborhood where the kids walk for miles? You might want something comfortable. Heading to a Halloween party? Go ahead and get creative. Standing outside in late October while the wind blows off Saginaw Bay? You might want to build your costume around a winter coat.

A few unofficial Michigan costume rules:

• Check the weather first. Nobody wants to be a frozen superhero by 7 p.m.

• Make room for a hoodie. Even the best costume can use an extra layer.

• Don't underestimate a last-minute costume. A flannel shirt, jeans, work boots, and a sign that says “Michigan Fall” might be the most accurate outfit of all.

• If you're dressing as a squishy toy, make sure people know what you are. You don't want to spend the entire party explaining yourself.

So, What's Your Halloween Costume This Year?

Are you going with a classic like Michael Jackson, getting dressed up as a video game character, paying tribute to a country legend, or taking the easy route and wearing a flannel shirt because, well, you're in Michigan?

Google has its list, but we'd like to hear what Mid-Michigan is planning.

And if your costume requires explaining three different movies, a video game, and a squishy toy, we respect the commitment. Just make sure you can still fit through the door at the Halloween party.

Happy Halloween, Michigan!

Michigan Gubernatorial Candidates Clash Over Data Centers as State Faces Healthcare Cybersecurity Investigation

Mid-Michigan News | Friday, October 16, 2026

Oregon school shooting leaves four dead

A shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, left three children, ages 5, 8 and 11, and a teacher dead Thursday. Another child and a teacher were taken to the hospital with critical injuries.

Authorities say the suspected shooter, a 16-year-old Bend resident, was shot and killed by a community member who pursued him into the school. The motive remains unclear.

Benson and James face off in second gubernatorial debate

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Republican Congressman John James faced off Thursday night in their second gubernatorial debate, discussing data centers, healthcare costs, energy prices and the state's economic future.

Data center development was one of the major topics. Benson said Michigan needs safeguards to protect local communities while allowing development to move forward. James argued that local residents should have the final say on whether projects are approved in their communities.

The candidates also clashed over healthcare costs, energy prices and Michigan's economic outlook.

Vance rallies Republicans in Monroe

Vice President J.D. Vance brought his midterm election message to Monroe on Thursday, rallying support for Republican candidates ahead of November's election.

Vance spent much of his speech criticizing Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed while praising Republican candidate Mike Rogers.

MyMichigan Health investigates alleged data theft

MyMichigan Health is investigating claims of a possible data theft after a group identifying itself as Meta-Encryptor made allegations involving the healthcare organization.

The health system has hired an independent cybersecurity incident response firm and is working with law enforcement to evaluate the claims.

The investigation remains ongoing. MyMichigan Health says investigators have not yet found evidence of unauthorized access to its systems or a compromise of patient information.

Sports: Red Wings win, Saginaw Spirit play tonight

The Detroit Red Wings skated past the Philadelphia Flyers, winning 2-1.

The Saginaw Spirit are scheduled to face the Sarnia Sting tonight.

College football fans have several games to watch Saturday:

• Noon: Michigan State hosts Northwestern.

• 1:30 p.m.: Central Michigan hosts Western Michigan.

• 3:30 p.m.: Michigan hosts Penn State.

Mid-Michigan weather

Mid-Michigan will see mostly cloudy and windy conditions Friday, with a 50% chance of rain. Temperatures are expected to fall to around 53 degrees by 5 p.m.

Tonight will be cloudy during the early evening before skies gradually clear. The overnight low is expected to reach 32 degrees.

Saturday will bring widespread frost before 9 a.m., followed by sunshine and a high near 54 degrees.

Sunday looks sunnier and milder, with a forecast high of 64 degrees.

Ever get that dreaded notification that your iPhone storage is almost full? Suddenly, you're trying to decide which pictures to delete, which apps to sacrifice, and whether you really need 47 pictures of the same dog.

Before you start shopping for a new phone, take a breath. You might have plenty of room hiding in there. You just need to clean out some digital clutter.

And here in Michigan, we know a thing or two about holding onto stuff. We've got garages full of things we might need someday, junk drawers that haven't been organized since the Lions last won a playoff game, and apparently, iPhones that work the same way.

Here are eight things that could be eating up your phone's storage.

1. Apps You Haven't Used Since Who Knows When

Remember Fruit Ninja? Or that game you downloaded while waiting for your oil change? If you haven't opened an app in years, it might be time to let it go. Deleting unused apps can free up valuable space.

2. Forgotten Downloads

Those podcasts, movies, and TV episodes you downloaded for a road trip up north might still be sitting on your phone. Check your downloads and remove anything you've already watched or listened to.

3. Memes and Pictures From Your Friends

Some messaging and social media apps save photos and videos automatically. That hilarious meme your buddy sent three summers ago could still be taking up room. Check your app settings and saved media.

4. Text Messages and Their Attachments

Your text conversations might be hiding a surprising amount of digital baggage. GIFs, videos, and photos can pile up, especially in group chats where everybody thinks they're a comedian.

You don't necessarily need to delete the whole conversation. Start by reviewing large attachments and removing the ones you no longer want.

5. The Trash That Never Really Leaves

Deleted files and photos may hang around in a Recently Deleted folder for a while. On your iPhone, open Photos and check Recently Deleted. You can permanently remove items there if you're sure you don't need them anymore.

Just be careful. Once they're permanently deleted, getting them back may not be possible.

6. Your Browser's Digital Baggage

Safari and other browsers store temporary website data to help pages load faster. Clearing your browser history and website data can free up some space, although it may also sign you out of websites.

7. Duplicate Photos and Accidental Screenshots

How many screenshots do you have of your home screen? How about five nearly identical pictures of your lunch?

Your iPhone's Photos app has a Duplicates section that can help you find and merge duplicate images. It's worth checking before you start deleting pictures one by one.

And if you've ever accidentally taken a screenshot while trying to lock your phone, you're in good company.

8. Giant Video Files

Videos can be some of the biggest storage hogs on your phone. That birthday party, summer camping trip, or 14-minute video of the kids doing absolutely nothing might be taking up more room than you realize.

Consider backing up videos to a trusted cloud service or transferring them to a computer before removing them from your phone. Make sure the backup is complete before deleting the originals.

Give Your iPhone a Little Michigan Spring Cleaning

You don't have to wait until spring to clean things out. Head to Settings → General → iPhone Storage to see what's using the most space and get recommendations for freeing it up.

A few minutes of digital housekeeping could give your phone some breathing room without costing you a dime.

Because nobody wants to miss a great picture of a Michigan sunset over Lake Huron just because their phone is full of old memes and screenshots.

Musk Blames Trump Administration for Starlink Restrictions; Social Security Benefits Set for 3.6% Increase

Several major stories are making headlines today, from a dispute over Ukraine's military communications to a boost in Social Security benefits and road closures in Saginaw.

Musk Says Trump Administration Responsible for Starlink Restrictions in Ukraine

Elon Musk says restrictions affecting Ukraine's military-grade Starlink network were the result of actions by the U.S. government, ultimately pointing to President Donald Trump.

The comments follow complaints from Ukraine that SpaceX imposed new restrictions on its Starshield internet service without warning, disrupting Ukrainian military operations.

President Trump has denied that his administration cut intelligence sharing.

The dispute highlights the growing importance of satellite internet and communications technology in Ukraine's ongoing war, as questions continue about the role of private companies and the U.S. government in supporting Ukrainian forces.

Social Security Benefits Set for 3.6% Increase in 2027

Social Security beneficiaries are expected to receive a 3.6% cost-of-living adjustment in 2027, according to an announcement from the Social Security Administration.

The increase would be the largest annual adjustment since 2023, providing additional money to retirees and others receiving Social Security benefits.

The adjustment comes as inflation continues to put pressure on household budgets. Consumer prices rose 3.7% over the past year, with the ongoing war involving Iran contributing to rising costs.

For millions of Americans living on fixed incomes, the upcoming increase could provide some financial relief, although higher prices for everyday necessities may offset part of the gain.

J.D. Vance Expected in Michigan for Monroe County Rally

Vice President J.D. Vance is expected to visit Michigan today for a rally in Monroe County.

Vance is scheduled to appear at noon at the Level Up Training Complex, located at 987 Stewart Road.

Additional details about the visit have not been announced.

Road Closure Planned at State Street and Mackinaw in Saginaw

Saginaw drivers will need to find another route through the intersection of M-58, also known as State Street, and Mackinaw Street as road construction moves into a new phase.

The Michigan Department of Transportation says traffic on Mackinaw Street will not be able to cross State Street while crews complete grading, curb work and paving.

The closure is expected to remain in place through Thursday, October 22.

Drivers should plan for possible delays and consider alternate routes while construction crews work in the area.

Sports Update

The Milwaukee Brewers defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers 6-2, taking a commanding 3-0 lead in the National League Championship Series.

Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Rays and Cleveland Guardians are scheduled to play tonight, with their series tied at one game apiece.

In the NFL, the Denver Broncos host the Seattle Seahawks tonight. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:15 p.m.

Mid-Michigan Weather Forecast

Thursday: Mostly cloudy, with a slight chance of rain after 4 p.m. High near 63 degrees.

Tonight: Cloudy with rain. Low around 50.

Friday: Cloudy and windy, with rain likely. High near 58.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high around 54 degrees.

If Tom Cruise's upcoming movie Digger bombs at the box office, will that make it a bad movie? History says not so fast, Hollywood!

In the movie business, there's one number that can make studio executives lose sleep faster than a bad review: the box office total.

Spend hundreds of millions of dollars making and marketing a movie, only to watch audiences stay home, and suddenly everybody wants to know what went wrong. But here's the funny thing about Hollywood: sometimes the movies that struggle to find an audience today become the films people can't stop talking about tomorrow.

A movie can bomb in theaters and still become a cult favorite, a critical darling, or an all-time classic. Just ask the people who spent years discovering movies that Hollywood originally considered disappointments.

Deadline compiled a list of 20 great movies that struggled financially when they were released. Here are 10 highlights that prove a disappointing opening weekend doesn't always mean a disappointing movie.

10 Box Office Flops That Found a Second Life

1. Jennifer's Body (2009)

• Budget: $16 million

• Worldwide box office: $31.6 million

The horror comedy starring Megan Fox didn't become the sensation many expected when it first arrived. Over time, however, it developed a devoted following, with audiences embracing its dark humor and sharp take on teenage relationships. Sometimes a movie just needs the right audience to find it.

2. Donnie Darko (2001)

• Budget: $6 million

• Worldwide box office: $8.6 million

A troubled teenager, a mysterious figure in a rabbit costume, and a story that leaves viewers scratching their heads. Donnie Darko wasn't an immediate commercial success, but it became a cult favorite. It's the kind of movie that practically demands a second viewing, followed by a lengthy argument about what actually happened.

3. Fight Club (1999)

• Budget: $63 million

• Worldwide box office: $102.4 million

Brad Pitt and Edward Norton starred in this dark drama about consumerism, identity, and an underground fight club. Despite its eventual cultural influence, the film didn't deliver the theatrical success expected of a major studio release. Its reputation grew substantially after its initial run.

4. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

• Budget: $25 million

• Worldwide box office: $29.4 million

Today, it's frequently mentioned among the greatest movies ever made. But when The Shawshank Redemption first hit theaters, it struggled to attract a large audience. Word of mouth, home video, and repeated television airings helped turn the prison drama into a beloved classic. Apparently, hope really does have a long shelf life.

5. The Princess Bride (1987)

• Budget: $16 million

• Worldwide box office: $31.1 million

This fantasy adventure blends romance, sword fights, comedy, and unforgettable characters. It didn't become a massive theatrical phenomenon upon release, but generations of fans have since embraced it. It's proof that a great story, a little true love, and a few memorable one-liners can outlast a disappointing box office run.

6. Dune (1984)

• Budget: $40 million

• Worldwide box office: $31.5 million

Before the recent Dune movies became major cinematic events, David Lynch's 1984 adaptation struggled financially and received a mixed response. Its complicated story and ambitious world-building proved challenging for many viewers. Nevertheless, the film developed a following among science-fiction fans and remains a fascinating chapter in the history of the franchise.

7. The Thing (1982)

• Budget: $15 million

• Worldwide box office: $20.9 million

John Carpenter's chilling science-fiction horror movie initially disappointed at the box office. Its grim atmosphere and groundbreaking creature effects weren't enough to win over audiences at the time. Later, fans and critics increasingly recognized it as one of the great horror films, proving that sometimes a movie's reputation improves with age.

8. Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971)

• Budget: $3 million

• Worldwide box office: $2.7 million

Gene Wilder's unforgettable performance as the eccentric candy maker helped create a movie that generations of children would grow up loving. Yet the original film struggled financially during its initial theatrical release. Today, its songs, strange characters, and chocolate-filled fantasy are firmly embedded in pop culture.

9. Mother! (2017)

• Budget: $30 million

• Worldwide box office: $44.5 million

Jennifer Lawrence starred in Darren Aronofsky's unsettling psychological drama, which divided audiences and sparked plenty of debate. Its worldwide box office total exceeded its reported production budget, but marketing costs and theater revenue splits complicate the financial picture. It certainly wasn't a conventional crowd-pleaser, and that's part of what made it such a conversation starter.

10. The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)

• Budget: $1.2 million

• Worldwide box office: $120.2 million

Here's the ultimate Hollywood comeback story. The musical comedy initially struggled, opening to roughly $135,000 over its first weekend. But midnight screenings, audience participation, costumes, and an enthusiastic cult following transformed it into a cultural phenomenon.

Those decades of screenings eventually helped it generate an enormous cumulative box office total. What began as a theatrical disappointment became one of the most enduring moviegoing traditions around.

And yes, showing up dressed as Dr. Frank-N-Furter is practically a Halloween tradition in some circles.

Other Famous Movies That Initially Struggled

The list also includes several other films that went on to achieve legendary status, including:

• It's a Wonderful Life

• Citizen Kane

• The Big Lebowski

• Blade Runner

• Brazil

That's quite a collection of movies that Hollywood might have judged differently if it had looked only at their original box office results.

So, Does a Box Office Flop Mean a Bad Movie?

Not necessarily.

A movie can struggle because of its release date, marketing, competition, subject matter, or simply because audiences aren't ready for it. Some films are too unusual to find a large audience immediately. Others get rediscovered through streaming, television, home video, or word of mouth.

Of course, not every flop becomes a classic. Plenty of movies disappear from public memory without anyone demanding a sequel. But a disappointing opening weekend isn't a reliable measure of a film's artistic value or long-term popularity.

That brings us back to Tom Cruise and Digger. If the movie underperforms, the box office numbers will tell us how it performed commercially. They won't automatically tell us whether it's worth watching.

Hollywood has a long history of getting the first verdict wrong.

The bottom line: A movie can lose money and still win over audiences for decades. Sometimes the biggest success story begins with an empty theater.

And if Digger does flop, perhaps Tom Cruise can take comfort in knowing that some pretty impressive movies have been in the same boat. Just don't expect the studio accountants to celebrate the news.

Want a spooky movie night without spending the entire evening hiding behind a throw pillow? We've got you covered!

October in Michigan means colorful leaves, pumpkin patches, cider mills, and the annual debate over whether it's a good idea to watch a horror movie right before bed.

Some people love terrifying movies. They want creepy music, things jumping out of closets, and enough nightmares to keep the hallway light on until Thanksgiving. Other people hear one strange noise in the house and immediately start pricing new locks.

If you're in that second group, Entertainment Weekly has put together a list of 20 horror and spooky movies for people who enjoy the Halloween atmosphere but aren't necessarily looking to have their souls scared out of them.

Think creepy stories, supernatural surprises, dark comedy, and classic monster fun, without making every trip to the basement feel like a survival mission.

20 Spooky Movies for Scaredy Cats

Here are the movies to put on your Halloween watchlist:

1. The Birds (1963): Alfred Hitchcock's classic proves that even an ordinary afternoon can go terribly wrong when nature decides it has had enough of humanity.

2. Crimson Peak (2015): A gothic ghost story filled with creepy hallways, beautiful scenery, and a house that desperately needs a home inspection.

3. Death Becomes Her (1992): Dark comedy, outrageous characters, and a whole lot of trouble with the fountain of youth.

4. Get Out (2017): A psychological thriller that turns an awkward weekend meeting the family into something considerably more unsettling.

5. House on Haunted Hill (1959): A classic haunted-house mystery with Vincent Price, creepy surprises, and plenty of vintage Halloween atmosphere.

6. Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956): What if the people around you weren't really the people you thought they were? Suddenly, your neighborhood looks a little different.

7. Jennifer's Body (2009): A darkly funny horror movie about friendship, high school, and a classmate with some seriously unusual eating habits.

8. The Love Witch (2016): A colorful, retro-inspired tale of romance and witchcraft that looks like a vintage movie poster come to life.

9. The Menu (2022): An exclusive dinner turns into a very unusual culinary experience. Maybe stick with the local Michigan diner next time.

10. The Others (2001): A mysterious old house, strange happenings, and an atmosphere that makes every shadow suspicious.

11. Personal Shopper (2016): A supernatural mystery involving a personal shopper who believes she may be receiving messages from beyond.

12. Phantom of the Paradise (1974): A bizarre musical horror comedy with a rock-and-roll edge. It's definitely not your typical night at the movies.

13. Picnic at Hanging Rock (1975): An eerie mystery about a group of schoolgirls who disappear during an outing. The unsettling atmosphere does much of the work.

14. The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975): A cult musical packed with outrageous characters, catchy songs, and enough weirdness to keep Halloween interesting.

15. Rosemary's Baby (1968): A psychological horror classic about a pregnancy that raises some deeply disturbing questions.

16. Shaun of the Dead (2004): A zombie comedy that mixes British humor with the end of the world. Finally, a movie where being unmotivated might actually be a survival strategy.

17. Signs (2002): Strange happenings on a Pennsylvania farm suggest that something may be visiting from beyond Earth. Fair warning: this one does have a famously startling jump scare!

18. The Sixth Sense (1999): A supernatural mystery with a memorable twist that makes you want to watch the whole thing again.

19. Tremors (1990): Giant underground creatures terrorize a small desert town. It might make you think twice about walking across an open field, though Michigan's biggest October threat is probably mud.

20. Young Frankenstein (1974): Mel Brooks' hilarious take on classic monster movies. It's an ideal choice for anyone who prefers laughing at Halloween rather than screaming through it.

The Michigan Scaredy-Cat Movie Night Challenge

Here's our recommendation for a proper Mid-Michigan Halloween evening: grab some fresh cider, pick up a few doughnuts from your favorite cider mill, get comfortable under a blanket, and let somebody else choose the movie.

Just establish a few ground rules before the opening credits roll:

• No judging anyone who covers their eyes. Some people watch the movie through their fingers. That's still watching.

• Keep the lights on if necessary. Electricity bills are cheaper than replacing a perfectly good couch after someone launches themselves off it.

• Choose your snacks wisely. Nothing ruins a tense scene quite like choking on a caramel apple because a character opened a suspicious door.

• Don't watch Signs right before bed if you're already convinced every noise outside is something extraterrestrial.

And remember, the best Halloween movie isn't necessarily the scariest one. It's the one everyone enjoys, whether that means screaming at the television, laughing at the monsters, or arguing over who has to turn off the lights afterward.

So, what's your Halloween movie personality? Are you a horror-movie fanatic, a comedy-and-candy person, or someone who considers Hocus Pocus the absolute limit of acceptable terror?

Around Michigan, we can handle cold weather, potholes, and the first surprise snowfall of the season. But a creepy noise coming from the basement? That's a problem for tomorrow.

KCQ News: Pope Leo's Lung Cancer Diagnosis, Bay City Bridge Tolls and Kroger Layoffs

Pope Leo has been diagnosed with lung cancer, according to the Vatican. The announcement came just hours after the Pope underwent surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung. The Vatican says the surgery was completed successfully and that more information about his condition will be released soon.

A federal judge has ordered the White House to continue allowing journalists from CNN, MS NOW and Politico to access the building while a lawsuit against the Trump administration moves forward. Judge Timothy Kelly granted the news organizations a 14-day reprieve on September 24. The journalists had been barred from entering White House grounds six days earlier after President Trump accused the outlets of repeatedly reporting what he called fake news.

Here in Mid-Michigan, drivers could soon pay more to cross the Liberty and Independence bridges in Bay City. Bay City Bridge Partners plans to increase tolls starting January 1. Under the proposed rates, cars and pickup trucks would pay $2.50 with a B.C. Pass transponder or $7.50 without one. Bay City residents with a valid B.C. Pass would continue to cross for free in eligible vehicles.

The toll proposal comes amid questions from local officials about whether Bay City Bridge Partners is meeting its obligations under a 75-year agreement with the city.

Meanwhile, Kroger plans to lay off 3,000 corporate employees over the next three years as the grocery giant expands its use of artificial intelligence to streamline operations. The Cincinnati-based company has approximately 409,000 employees and more than 2,700 stores operating under various brands, making it the nation's largest stand-alone supermarket chain.

Michigan Sports

On the ice, the New Jersey Devils edged the Detroit Red Wings, winning 5-4 in a high-scoring matchup.

Mid-Michigan Weather

Expect partly sunny skies today with a high near 65 degrees. Tonight, clouds will increase, with temperatures dropping to around 45.

Thursday will be mostly cloudy, with a 30 percent chance of rain after 5 p.m. The high will reach about 63 degrees.

Friday looks cloudy and breezy, with rain and a high near 58 degrees.

Country music drama is usually reserved for heartbreak, truck breakdowns, and whiskey, but sometimes the real tea is served on social media.

If you missed the latest round of country music chatter, here is a quick recap: on a recent episode of "The Voice", country star Riley Green was chatting with a duo of sisters and mentioned that they reminded him of Ella Langley. He went on to talk about how he brought her out on tour with him, and that now she's doing pretty well for herself.

Naturally, some fans took that as Green trying to claim some major foundational credit for her skyrocketing career. So, during a recent Instagram Live, a fan decided to go straight to the source and ask the burning question:

"When Riley took credit for your success on 'The Voice', did that rub you the wrong way?!"

Ella didn’t miss a beat with her response:

"Yeah, when that man took credit? No, didn't love that, but typical. Typical. Pretty typical."

Ouch. Short, sweet, and dripping with enough sarcasm to fill a Nashville honky-tonk.

While touring with an established artist is undeniably a massive break for any rising act, fans and artists alike clearly draw a hard line between supporting an emerging talent and trying to wear their crown. Ella has been putting in the grueling work, writing hits, and building her own powerhouse fanbase—so it is safe to say she prefers her success measured by her own talent, not someone else's highlight reel.

Looks like somebody might need a little extra time in the writers' room to rethink their stage banter!

If you check out The Takeout, they define a "Boomer" candy as anything that has stood the test of time without undergoing too many dramatic makeovers. Basically, if your grandfather unwrapped it out of his coat pocket while waiting in line at VG’s Grocery or after an afternoon staring at the changing leaves by the cider mill, congratulations—you’re looking at certified vintage gold.

The internet recently tackled the definitive ranking of these generational time-capsule treats, and the lineup is a masterclass in dental hazard and pocket lint:

1. Werther's Original – The undisputed heavyweight champion. If you didn't receive one of these from a relative's candy dish while listening to the Tigers game on a transistor radio, did you even grow up in the Midwest?

2. Laffy Taffy – Providing jaw workouts and terrible dad jokes since day one.

3. Milk Duds – The ultimate cinematic test of whether your dental fillings are secure.

4. Cinnamon Jawbreakers – For when you want to question all your life choices by minute three.

5. Butterscotch – The mystical cousin to Werther's that always materialized out of nowhere.

6. Starburst – A bit of a low blow considering they arrived in 1959, but hey, if unperapping stuck-on wax paper builds character, we're all Boomers now.

7. Cinnamon Discs – The fiery pucks that grandparents kept locked away in glass candy dishes right next to the front door.

8. Smarties – Chalky, reliable, and completely indispensable for sorting by color.

9. Root Beer Barrels – Because nothing says Halloween like sucking on a miniature barrel that tastes suspiciously like old-school pop.

10. Strawberry Bon Bons – That legendary, mysterious foil wrapper hiding a gooey strawberry center that you never quite figured out how they got inside.

(Just missing the cut: peppermints, candy corn, and the eternal classroom-party staple, Tootsie Rolls).

The Pure Michigan Spin on Halloween Sugar

Let’s be honest: if you're handing out candy on a chilly October night in Mid-Michigan while the wind whips off the lake and the thermostat drops below 40, standard rules don't apply. Up here, your Halloween candy stash has to endure a very specific set of regional hurdles.

Here is how our local treats stack up against the classics:

• The Cider Mill Survival Stash: While Smarties and Root Beer Barrels are classic, nothing competes with a pocket full of fresh apple cider donuts or caramel corn you picked up after getting lost in a corn maze in Frankenmuth. By comparison, a pocket-warmed Butterscotch disc is basically a tactical survival ration.

• The Dental Insurance Test: Milk Duds might test your fillings, but biting into a frozen-solid, locally made caramel apple on a brisk 35-degree Halloween night in Saginaw is a whole different extreme sport. You don't just lose a filling; you risk an entire architectural collapse of your jaw.

• The Grandparent Pocket Factor: Let's face it—every single one of these top ten candies has survived decades precisely because they are indestructible. You can run them through the washer, drop them in the gravel at a tailgate, or leave them in the glove box of a pickup truck all summer long, and they will still taste vaguely like they did in 1974.

Michigan Sues Over Unemployment Funding, Saginaw Mayor Honored and Spirit Win

Michigan is taking legal action over millions of dollars in federal funding, Saginaw Mayor Brenda Moore is receiving statewide recognition, and the Saginaw Spirit are adding another win to the scoreboard. Here's your latest news from Michigan and beyond.

Saudi Capital Faces More Missile Attacks

Saudi Arabia's military coalition fighting in Yemen says it intercepted another ballistic missile launched by Houthi rebels toward Riyadh.

The latest attack comes after a series of strikes that have killed at least 14 people in recent days. King Khalid International Airport remains closed following attacks on Saturday and Sunday.

The escalating situation continues to raise concerns about security in the Saudi capital and disruption to air travel.

Michigan Joins Lawsuit Over $45 Million in Unemployment Grants

Michigan is joining 14 other states in a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration's decision to terminate federal grants intended to improve state unemployment insurance systems.

Attorney General Dana Nessel says more than $45 million in funding was intended to help Michigan modernize its technology and strengthen efforts to prevent fraud.

The U.S. Department of Labor terminated the agreements in May 2025. The lawsuit argues that the decision cut off unused grant money and disrupted modernization projects that had already been approved for funding.

For Michigan, the dispute involves more than just dollars. It's also about updating the systems people rely on when they lose their jobs and need unemployment benefits.

Saginaw Mayor Brenda Moore Receives Statewide Honor

Saginaw Mayor Brenda Moore is being recognized for her work with the Michigan Municipal League.

During its convention in Traverse City, the organization presented Moore with its honorary life member award.

Moore's involvement began after she was elected to the Saginaw City Council in 2013. She later served as mayor pro tem before becoming mayor in 2020.

Her work with the Michigan Municipal League has included serving as president of its board of trustees and helping lead efforts focused on municipal finances and education for elected officials.

It's recognition for years of public service and work on issues affecting communities across Michigan.

Saginaw Spirit Win a Close One

The Saginaw Spirit picked up a 3-2 victory over the Windsor Spitfires.

A one-goal finish means the game stayed competitive right to the end, giving Spirit fans another reason to keep an eye on the team's progress.

Bills Edge Rams in Overtime Thriller

The Buffalo Bills defeated the Los Angeles Rams 37-34 in overtime in a high-scoring NFL showdown.

With 71 combined points and the game requiring extra time, fans certainly got their money's worth. For anyone who enjoys a quiet, low-stress football game, this wasn't the one.

Your Mid-Michigan Weather

Today: Sunny and breezy, with a high near 80.

Tonight: Cloudy, with temperatures dropping below 55.

Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 66.

Thursday: Cloudy, with a 40% chance of rain and a high near 63.

You ever look across the living room at your partner and think, "I know everything there is to know about that person"?

Careful. According to relationship therapists, that kind of thinking could be one of the biggest mistakes couples make.

People change over time. Your partner's favorite food might have changed, their hobbies might be different, and that thing they used to find hilarious might now get you nothing but a look that says, "Are you seriously still doing that?"

Here in Michigan, we know all about things changing. One day it's 75 degrees and sunny, and the next you're scraping ice off your windshield in October. Relationships can use a little weatherproofing, too.

Here are five mistakes couples make without even realizing it.

1. Thinking You've Got Your Partner All Figured Out

Just because you've been together for 10, 20, or 30 years doesn't mean you've unlocked every level of your partner.

People develop new interests, change their minds, and discover things about themselves. Keep asking questions and stay curious.

Maybe your husband suddenly wants to try yoga. Maybe your wife has developed a passion for fishing. Maybe the person you've known for years has a secret dream of moving to a cabin Up North.

Don't assume you know everything. You might be surprised by what you learn.

2. Avoiding the Tough Conversations

Money, intimacy, household responsibilities and future plans aren't always fun topics. Neither is figuring out why one person thinks the thermostat should be set to 68 while the other dresses like they're preparing for an expedition to the Upper Peninsula.

But avoiding difficult conversations doesn't make problems disappear. It just lets them sit there and get comfortable.

Talk honestly, listen without turning every disagreement into a courtroom trial, and try to solve problems as a team.

3. Focusing Too Much on What's Wrong

It's easy to notice what isn't working in a relationship. Maybe you're not spending enough time together, romance has slowed down, or your idea of a big night out is wildly different.

But therapists recommend paying attention to what's going right, too.

Compliment your partner. Tell them what you appreciate. Focus on what makes you feel connected instead of treating every little issue like a repair job on I-75.

Nobody wants to feel like they're getting a performance review every time they walk through the door.

4. Getting Stuck in Maintenance Mode

Life can turn into an endless checklist: work, groceries, laundry, bills, dinner, repeat.

In Michigan, you can add shoveling snow, mowing the lawn, raking leaves, and wondering why the same pothole keeps destroying your suspension.

Before you know it, you're less like a couple enjoying life together and more like two coworkers managing a household.

The solution? Make time for something different.

Try a new restaurant, take a weekend drive along Lake Huron, visit a cider mill, or plan a spontaneous trip Up North. It doesn't have to cost a fortune. Sometimes, just doing something together that isn't another chore can make a difference.

5. Keeping Your Good Feelings to Yourself

You might think your partner already knows you love them. And maybe they do. But hearing it still matters.

Tell them you appreciate what they do. Thank them for the little things. Give them a genuine compliment that doesn't involve asking where they put the remote.

A simple "I'm glad we're doing this together" can mean more than you realize.

Don't save all the nice things for anniversaries, birthdays, and Valentine's Day. Your partner shouldn't have to wait for a greeting card holiday to find out they're appreciated.

The Bottom Line

A strong relationship isn't about knowing everything about your partner. It's about staying interested in the person they're becoming.

Ask questions. Have the difficult conversations. Make time for fun. And remember to say the nice things out loud.

Because whether you're spending a romantic weekend in Traverse City or arguing over who left the empty Vernors bottle in the refrigerator, the little things add up.

And if you really want to keep the romance alive in Michigan, here's one final piece of advice: Never forget who volunteered to drive when the roads are icy. That's true love.

Based on relationship advice reported by the New York Post.

Fashion trends always come back around. Bell-bottoms, baggy jeans, chunky sneakers, and now apparently the hairstyle that made every guy in a boy band look like he lost a fight with a bottle of bleach.

Frosted tips are officially making a comeback. Yes, Michigan, it's time to dust off those cargo shorts, dig out your old CD collection, and prepare for the return of hair that looks like it got dipped in vanilla frosting.

Remember *NSYNC's Lance Bass? He's been helping lead the charge, bringing back the frosted tips last December. He even joked that all he needed was a Walkman and some cargo pants to make it feel like 1997 again.

And honestly, if you're old enough to remember 1997, you probably still have a Walkman somewhere in a basement storage tub next to a stack of VHS tapes and a snow brush that hasn't worked since the Clinton administration.

From Boy Band Disaster to Fashion Statement

Back in the day, frosted tips were practically a uniform. Every guy wanted hair that was dark on the sides and looked like someone sprinkled powdered sugar on top.

Justin Timberlake had them. Lance Bass had them. Guy Fieri apparently never received the official notice that the trend was over.

For years, frosted tips were considered an embarrassing relic of the late '90s and early 2000s. Now, somehow, they're cool again.

Fashion experts say the comeback may be connected to the buzz-cut-and-bleach trend from the early 2020s. Someone buzzes their hair, bleaches it, and lets it grow out. Before long, they've accidentally recreated a hairstyle that used to come with a free TRL countdown.

It's less polished than the salon-perfect frosted tips of the old days. Think less boy-band photo shoot, more "I got a haircut and forgot to finish the job."

Michigan Is Ready. Probably.

Here in Michigan, we understand that everything eventually comes back. Road construction returns every spring. The potholes return after every winter. And apparently, hairstyles we spent decades trying to forget are getting another shot.

Picture a guy walking into a Saginaw barbershop and asking for the Lance Bass special. Somewhere in the back, a barber quietly puts down his clippers and wonders if this is what the career has come to.

Or imagine pulling into a Flint gas station and seeing a dude with frosted tips, a tribal tattoo, and a pair of cargo shorts big enough to carry groceries for a family of six. You wouldn't know whether to compliment his hair or ask if he still has a working Motorola Razr.

And let's not forget Michigan winters. Frosted tips might actually be practical here. When it's 12 degrees outside and your hair is already white on top, you can save money on a winter hat. Just tell everyone it's a fashion choice.

Should You Bring Them Back?

If you rocked frosted tips the first time around, congratulations. You're now old enough to experience your questionable decisions becoming vintage.

If you're young enough to be trying them for the first time, just remember that fashion has a long memory. Somewhere, a friend has a digital camera, and someday that photo will resurface at the worst possible moment.

So go ahead, Michigan. Grab the bleach. Find the cargo shorts. Put some 98 Degrees on the stereo.

Just maybe leave the spiky hair gel in the cabinet until we know whether JNCO jeans are coming back, too.

We've got enough things to worry about around here. We don't need to bring back every hairstyle from the era of dial-up internet.

Midland Court Rejects New Trial, Michigan Flu Cases Rise and Lions Roll to Victory

It's a busy Monday across Michigan, with a court ruling in Midland, rising flu numbers statewide, a road closure to watch for and a big win for the Detroit Lions.

Here's what's happening across the region and beyond.

Deadly Attack Reported at Saudi Arabia Airport

One person has been killed and 11 others wounded in a reported attack at Saudi Arabia's King Khalid International Airport.

The incident came hours after Houthi-affiliated media reported an airstrike on an airport in Yemen's capital, which is controlled by the rebel group.

Meanwhile, Iran's foreign minister said messages are continuing to pass between Iran and the United States through intermediaries. He emphasized that the exchanges do not constitute formal negotiations.

Former Midland Pastor Denied New Trial

A former pastor at a Midland church who was convicted of sexually assaulting a child will not receive a new trial.

James Randolph, 60, had requested a new trial, arguing that he received ineffective legal counsel. He was convicted of sexually assaulting a girl younger than 13 and sentenced to 25 to 40 years in prison.

Midland County Circuit Court Judge Michael Beale ruled there was no evidence supporting the request for a new trial.

Michigan Flu Cases Are Climbing

Flu season is getting underway, and cases are already increasing across Michigan.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reported 390 influenza cases statewide during the week ending September 26, up from 280 the previous week.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends annual flu vaccination for everyone six months and older, with certain medical exceptions.

If you haven't gotten your flu shot yet, now is a good time to talk with your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Nobody wants to spend the fall feeling like they got hit by a Zamboni.

Midland Road Closure Today

Drivers in Midland should plan for a detour today.

Rockwell Drive will be closed between Bay City Road and James Savage Road while crews work on the railroad crossing.

The road is expected to reopen Sunday. If you're traveling through the area, allow extra time and watch for posted detour signs.

Because apparently Michigan's roads like to remind us that fall isn't just about colorful leaves. It's also about orange barrels.

Sports: Lions Crush the Cardinals

The Detroit Lions took care of business Sunday, defeating the Arizona Cardinals 45-21.

The offense put up plenty of points, giving Lions fans a reason to enjoy their Monday morning a little more than usual.

If you're a Detroit fan, feel free to celebrate. Just remember that in Michigan, confidence about the Lions is always accompanied by a tiny voice saying, "Let's see how next week goes."

Mid-Michigan Weather

Today: Patchy morning fog, then partly sunny with a high near 82.

Tonight: Partly cloudy with a 50% chance of rain and thunderstorms. Low around 64.

Tuesday: Mostly sunny and breezy, with a high near 80.

Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a cooler high near 67.

Every time you talk to your grandparents or that one neighbor who has been living in the same house since 1968, you’re bound to hear about how "things used to be better."

And while old-timers are mostly just complaining—as is their divine right after surviving decades of Michigan winters—sometimes they actually have a point. Somewhere along the line, we traded simple, fun traditions for doomscrolling and endless screen time.

Here is our definitive list of old-school social trends that need to make a massive comeback in the Great Lakes State.

1. Gathering Around the Radio

Before everybody had their faces glued to a screen 24/7, families actually gathered around the radio for news, music, and entertainment.

And look, I’m not just saying this because I work in radio and want to afford a brand-new sports car with enhanced acceleration and a power-retractable roof panel. It’s just facts.

Gathering around the radio is a lost art. In Michigan, radio is still the heartbeat of the daily commute—it keeps you sane while you’re stuck in a 45-minute standstill on I-75 or dodging potholes on your way to work. Plus, radio has one huge advantage over streaming apps: you don't have to waste 20 minutes arguing about what to play. You just turn the dial, get your country hits, catch the local news, and let someone else do the work.

2. Flying Kites

When was the last time you saw someone flying a kite? It’s a safer way to see bright colors flowing through the air than taking magic mushrooms, and it’s dirt cheap.

Michigan is practically custom-built for kite flying. We’ve got constant Great Lakes breeze, massive open parks, and beautiful shorelines. You just grab a piece of fabric on a string, run around like a lunatic for ten minutes, and watch it catch the wind. No Wi-Fi required, no battery charging, and zero monthly subscriptions. Just keep it away from the power lines—we’re trying to bring back wholesome nostalgia, not cause a blackout for Consumers Energy.

3. Writing Victorian-Era Letters

Modern digital communication has completely ruined romance and basic politeness.

Compare these two options:

• Option A (Modern Text): "U up?"

• Option B (Victorian Note): "M'Lady: Dost thou wish to venture to the local cider mill for warm cinnamon sugar donuts and a goblet of pressed apple nectar?"

Option B wins every single time. Imagine opening your mailbox and finding a real, handwritten letter on parchment instead of another jury summons or an overdue utility bill. Bring back wax seals, fancy cursive, and poetic drama.

4. Taking Pictures with Actual Cameras

Remember disposable cameras and Polaroids? You took a picture, had no idea if anyone’s eyes were closed, and had to wait a week for the pharmacy to develop them. Half the roll was blurry, and one photo was just a close-up of your thumb, but those physical prints actually meant something.

Nowadays, people go to concerts at the Dow Event Center or Pine Knob and spend the entire night holding their phones high in the air, recording a blurry 30-second clip nobody will ever watch again. If we went back to actual cameras, people might actually watch the stage with their own eyes instead of viewing the show through a six-inch screen.

5. Waking Up to a Real Double-Belled Alarm Clock

Smartphone alarms are far too forgiving. It is way too easy to groggily swipe your thumb across an iPhone screen, hit snooze six times, and suddenly realize you’re 45 minutes late for work.

We need to bring back the classic, dual-bell metal monstrosity. That thing didn't politely chime with a soothing nature sound. It hit you with a CLANG-CLANG-CLANG that sounded like a mechanical emergency at a manufacturing plant. It didn’t care about your feelings or how cold your bedroom was on a 10-degree January morning in Mid-Michigan—it DEMANDED that you get out of bed immediately.

Honorably Discharged: Drinking at Work

The original list also suggested bringing back liquid lunches and drinking alcohol at work.

Yeah... let's leave that one in the 1960s. Driving through Michigan roundabouts, construction zones, and winter slush requires 100% of your mental focus. We’ll stick to the radio, kites, polaroids, and Victorian letters!

Tomorrow is National Costume Swap Day, which is a great opportunity to trade Halloween costumes with friends, family or that one neighbor who still has a full-body inflatable dinosaur outfit in the garage.

But if you're planning to swap costumes with somebody in Michigan, you might want to ask a few questions first.

A new study looked at Google Trends data from the past 12 months to determine the most popular Halloween costume in every state. And apparently, Michigan has decided to keep things very simple.

Our No. 1 costume is "Monster."

That's it. Just monster.

Not Dracula. Not Frankenstein. Not the Creature from the Black Lagoon.

Just... monster.

Apparently, Michiganders don't have time to explain which monster they're dressing up as. We've got cider mills to visit and potholes to avoid.

Michigan: Home of the Generic Monster

According to the study, Michigan shares the monster crown with Indiana, Kentucky and West Virginia.

Meanwhile, other states apparently put a little more thought into things.

Mermaids topped the list in seven states, including Florida, New York and Hawaii. Dinosaurs were No. 1 in six states, while bats also took the top spot in six.

Skeletons, princesses, angels and aliens each ruled three states.

But Michigan?

We typed "monster Halloween costume" into Google and called it a day.

Honestly, that tracks. We've got enough scary things around here already. Ever drive through an I-75 construction zone at rush hour?

That's a horror movie with no ending.

Oklahoma Has Entered the Candy Corn Era

Oklahoma apparently decided this study needed a little more sugar. Its most popular costume is CANDY CORN.

Imagine showing up to a Halloween party dressed as a piece of candy corn.

Everybody else is dressed as vampires, witches and superheroes, and here comes Oklahoma looking like a snack from a gas station checkout counter.

The good news? You don't need makeup, fake blood or complicated accessories.

The bad news? Everybody will want to bite your head off.

Michigan's Costume Swap Suggestions

Since tomorrow is National Costume Swap Day, here are a few Michigan-themed costumes we'd like to see making the rounds:

The Road Construction Barrel: Wear orange, stand in the middle of a hallway and refuse to let anybody pass. Extra points if you have no explanation for why you're there.

The Michigan Winter Driver: Shorts, sunglasses, a hoodie and a windshield scraper. Tell everybody you're perfectly comfortable driving in a blizzard because you've got all-season tires.

The Cider Mill Regular: Flannel shirt, boots and powdered sugar on your face. Carry a half-dozen donuts and explain that you only came for one.

The Pothole: Wear gray, crouch in a driveway and demand $600 from every vehicle that passes over you.

The Lions Fan: Wear a jersey, carry a bag of chips and explain that THIS IS OUR YEAR. This costume may require emotional support by Sunday afternoon.

The Michigan Monster: Throw on an old sheet, cut two eyeholes and call it a day. If anyone asks what kind of monster you are, just say, "Michigan."

So, What Are You Swapping?

The whole point of National Costume Swap Day is to reuse costumes instead of buying something new every year. It's cheaper, better for the environment and a good excuse to get creative.

Just remember: If somebody offers you a monster costume, ask whether it's a specific monster or just a general Michigan monster.

And if somebody from Oklahoma offers you a candy corn outfit?

Take it. You never know when you'll need to look like a traffic cone that tastes like sugar.

Happy National Costume Swap Day, Michigan. May your costumes be creative, your candy buckets be full and your monsters be slightly more specific next year.

Michigan Senate Debate, New Firewood Rules and a Busy Sports Weekend

From a historic Navy deployment to new rules affecting Michigan forests, there's plenty happening across the country and right here in the Great Lakes State.

USS Abraham Lincoln Returns Home After 286 Days at Sea

The USS Abraham Lincoln returned to its home port in San Diego on Thursday after a lengthy deployment that kept the aircraft carrier at sea without a port call for 286 days.

The deployment was the second-longest by a U.S. aircraft carrier since the Vietnam War. Questions had been raised about crew mental health and supply problems during the extended time away from home.

After nearly 10 months at sea, the crew is finally back on solid ground. That's a lot of ocean, a lot of shipboard meals and probably a whole lot of laundry waiting at home.

Michigan Senate Candidates Face Off in First Televised Debate

With less than a month remaining before the midterm elections, Michigan's leading Senate candidates met for their first televised debate.

Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed and Republican Mike Rogers spent much of the debate talking over each other while discussing the economy, the effects of the trade war and their positions on tariffs.

Both candidates criticized some of the economic fallout from trade policies while expressing support for more selective tariffs.

For Michigan voters, the debate comes with plenty at stake, particularly for industries and businesses affected by changing trade costs.

New Rules Could Affect Prescription Drugs Shipped From Canada

Americans who rely on prescription medications shipped from Canada could face new hurdles later this month.

New federal customs requirements are scheduled to take effect October 22, and the changes could block some prescription drug imports from Canada.

Anyone who relies on medication shipped across the border should keep an eye on official guidance and check with their pharmacist or healthcare provider about any potential impact.

Michigan Tightens Firewood Rules to Protect Forests

Planning a fall camping trip or a weekend around the bonfire? Michigan is preparing new firewood regulations designed to protect the state's forests from invasive insects and diseases.

Beginning January 1, 2027, a quarantine will prohibit untreated firewood from outside Michigan from entering the state.

Officials say firewood can transport more than 140 invasive plant pests and diseases, threatening trees and forests, including Michigan's beloved maple trees.

So before you bring a bundle of firewood across the state line, check the rules. Nobody wants to accidentally give Michigan's forests an unwanted hitchhiker.

Sports: Red Wings, Saginaw Spirit and a Big Football Weekend

Here's what's on the Mid-Michigan sports calendar:

• Detroit Red Wings: Host the Seattle Kraken tonight.

• Saginaw Spirit: Face the Kitchener Rangers Saturday night at the Dow Event Center, with puck drop scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

• Michigan State: Hosts Illinois Saturday at 3:30 p.m.

• Central Michigan: Takes on Ohio Saturday at 3:30 p.m.

• Detroit Lions: Travel to Arizona Sunday to face the Cardinals, with kickoff at 4:25 p.m.

Michigan State and Central Michigan fans have a Saturday afternoon football doubleheader, while Lions fans can spend Sunday hoping Arizona doesn't turn the afternoon into a desert-sized headache.

Mid-Michigan Weather

Today: Sunny with a high near 69.

Tonight: Increasing clouds, a 20% chance of showers and a low around 52.

Saturday: Mostly sunny with a high near 76.

Sunday: Cloudy skies with a high around 69.

Just when you thought baby names couldn't get any stranger, 2027 is apparently coming for the birth certificates.

Nameberry has released its predictions for next year's baby-name trends, and parents are getting creative. Very creative.

We're talking names inspired by ancient Greece, the moon, medieval Europe, luxury brands and soccer players.

Meanwhile, somewhere in Michigan, Grandma is still asking:

"Why can't you just name the kid Mike?"

1. Namemaxxing

This is the art of smashing two names together to create one brand-new human.

Maeve + Avery = Mavery.

Michigan version:

Kyle + Tyler = Kyler.

Wait...

We've apparently been namemaxxing since 1997.

2. The "Odyssey" Names

Names like Ajax, Calypso and Homer could make a comeback.

Homer is especially interesting in Michigan.

You could yell "HOMER!" at a backyard barbecue and have absolutely no idea whether you're calling your child, your neighbor or somebody's dog.

3. Lunar Names

Apparently, we're naming babies after the moon now.

Elara. Moon.

Michigan parents may take this one step further:

Lake.

Because nothing says Michigan like naming your kid after something you're constantly worried will freeze over.

4. World Cup Names

Soccer could inspire names like Haaland and Enzo.

Imagine a Michigan kindergarten teacher taking attendance:

"Emily?"

"Here."

"Jackson?"

"Here."

"Haaland?"

"GOOOOOAL!"

5. Names Ending in "Omi"

Names like Tomi, Ayomi and Zyomi are expected to gain popularity.

We're not saying these names are difficult to pronounce, but there's going to be at least one Michigan grandparent saying:

"Is it ZY-oh-me, ZO-me, or did somebody just sneeze?"

6. Medieval Names

Agnes, Winifred and Archibald could make a comeback.

Archibald is particularly interesting.

That's not a baby name.

That's the name of a man who owns 400 acres and has been feuding with the neighboring family since 1432.

7. Opulent Names

Parents are apparently looking for names that sound expensive.

Cashmere. Golden. Hampton. Trust.

Michigan version:

Lakehouse.

Or perhaps Meijer, although we're probably not quite ready for that one.

8. Coastal Names

Names like Clifton, Cove, Fisher, Reef and Tide are expected to rise.

Michigan has been preparing for this trend for decades.

We already have plenty of people named Fisher.

And we have 3,000 miles of coastline, so technically every Michigan kid can say they're a coastal baby.

Even the ones from Flint.

9. Old-School Nicknames

Names like Ernie, Archie and Ozzie could return.

This one might actually work in Michigan.

Especially if your kid is born with the personality of somebody who has been sitting at the VFW since 1978.

10. European Place Names

Florence, Marbella, Oslo and Roma could become fashionable.

Michigan has its own geographic baby-name possibilities:

Detroit.

Flint.

Saginaw.

Although "Bay City" sounds less like a baby name and more like a kid who already has a municipal zoning hearing scheduled.

The Michigan Nameberry Challenge

If we're going all-in on Michigan baby names, here are a few more possibilities for 2027:

Mackinac
Mitten
Coney
Vernors
Pothole
Lakeshore
Frankenmuth
Pontiac

And nothing says Michigan parenting quite like looking at your newborn and thinking:

"He looks like a Brayden, but let's call him Archibald Moon Pothole Storey."

Good luck explaining that one at parent-teacher conferences.

Forget the latest gaming system. Forget the action figures. Forget whatever toy requires you to sell a kidney on eBay because stores ran out in 14 minutes.

This holiday season, parents might be searching for something much stranger:

Butt Face.

Technically, the toy is called Chester Cheeks, but let's be honest. Once you've seen it, you're probably calling it Butt Face too.

Chester is basically a squishy, naked backside with a human face, hands, feet and a little tuft of hair sitting on top of his butt-head. He's also wearing what appear to be tiny shorts and a pair of headphones.

Because apparently even a butt needs a podcast.

And Then Things Get Noisier

Squeeze Chester, or "spread his cheeks," and he makes a variety of fart noises.

Press his head and he dances while bouncing around and tooting.

So if you're looking for a toy that combines music, movement, comedy and the unmistakable sound of a middle-school cafeteria...

Congratulations. Your search is over.

Michigan Parents, Prepare Yourselves

Imagine Christmas morning in Michigan.

Your kid opens the biggest present under the tree.

"WHAT IS IT?"

You hear a squeeze.

PFFFFT.

Grandpa looks up from his coffee.

Mom freezes.

Dad says, "Well... that's certainly one way to start Christmas."

Meanwhile, the dog has already left the room.

And if you're hosting Christmas in Michigan, you know there's another concern: Will Chester Cheeks survive the trip from the living room to the basement without becoming a projectile?

Because we've all got that one kid.

At Least It's Not a PS6

Here's the good news for parents: Chester Cheeks isn't a $700 gaming console.

It's reportedly selling for around $30, and it's available from major retailers including Amazon, Target and Walmart.

So unlike some holiday toys, you probably won't have to spend Thanksgiving morning refreshing a website while yelling at your Wi-Fi.

And if it really does become the hot toy of the season, Michigan parents may soon be standing in checkout lines asking:

"Do you have any more Butt Faces in the back?"

That's a sentence nobody expected to say in 2026.

But here we are.

Michigan's newest holiday tradition: cider, donuts, snow and a farting butt with headphones.

Pure Christmas magic.

Hurricane Isaias, Dam Updates, New Michigan Laws and the Return of Stink Bug Season

It’s starting to feel like fall in Michigan, but there’s plenty happening around the country and right here at home.

First Hurricane of the 2026 Atlantic Season

Hurricane Isaias strengthened from a tropical storm late Wednesday night and is expected to make landfall along the U.S. Gulf Coast this weekend.

The storm is threatening parts of Mississippi, Alabama and the western Florida Panhandle. Isaias is the first hurricane of the 2026 Atlantic season, with residents along the Gulf Coast keeping a close eye on its track.

Meanwhile, here in Michigan, we're mostly concerned about whether we need a jacket before going out for dinner.

Four Lakes Dam Projects Move Forward

The Four Lakes Task Force provided an update Wednesday on the remaining dam construction projects.

Secord Dam remains on track for substantial completion in November, with the lake expected to begin refilling in spring 2027.

Work also continues at Edenville Dam, which remains on schedule for completion in 2027. The lake there is expected to be refilled in spring 2028.

So, for residents waiting to see those lakes return, the calendar is still doing a lot of the heavy lifting.

Michigan Takes Aim at Gift Card Fraud

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has signed bipartisan legislation aimed at cracking down on gift card fraud in Michigan.

House Bills 4598 and 4599 add gift card fraud to the state's existing Organized Retail Crime Act.

The new laws are designed to give law enforcement additional tools to go after people involved in gift card scams.

New Health Education for Michigan Kids

Governor Whitmer also signed Senate Bill 433, requiring the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to create educational materials for children about the long-term health risks associated with tobacco and cannabis use.

It's Stink Bug Season

And now for the most important Michigan story of the day:

The stink bugs are back.

As temperatures drop and daylight gets shorter, stink bugs start looking for somewhere warm to spend the winter.

Unfortunately, they apparently consider your house a five-star resort.

Stink bugs get their name from the chemical they release when they feel threatened. So if you find one inside, experts recommend using a vacuum or grabbing it with a tissue and dropping it into soapy water.

Whatever you do, don't squeeze it.

Nobody needs their living room smelling like a tiny defensive chemical plant.

Sports

The Detroit Red Wings picked up a 5-3 win over the Ottawa Senators.

And Thursday Night Football features the Dallas Cowboys taking on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Mid-Michigan Weather

Sunny and breezy today with a high of 68.

Tonight, mostly clear with a low of 44.

Friday will be sunny with a high near 70.

Saturday looks sunny, breezy and warm, with a high around 79.

Traveling to another country can be an eye-opening experience. Different languages, different foods, different customs and, apparently, different opinions about how we're supposed to behave in a restaurant.

BuzzFeed recently highlighted some American habits that can leave people in other countries scratching their heads.

And honestly, if you think some American habits are confusing overseas, wait until they meet somebody from Michigan who just drove through a construction zone.

"I'll Do the..."

One complaint is Americans saying, "I'll do the..." when ordering food.

As in, "I'll do the chicken."

Apparently, that's confusing.

Here in Michigan, we're just trying to get our coney dog before somebody changes lanes without signaling.

Others apparently don't like when Americans say "gimme" when ordering.

For the record, "Gimme a Vernors" seems perfectly reasonable in Michigan.

Why Isn't My Food Here Yet?

Another complaint is that Americans expect restaurant service to be immediate.

This might be true.

We're used to checking the menu, ordering, eating and getting the check before we've completely forgotten why we came in.

Michigan has its own version of this.

If you've been waiting 20 minutes for your food, you don't necessarily complain.

You just start wondering whether your server got trapped behind an orange construction barrel.

We Clean Our Plates

Apparently, finishing every last bite can be considered strange in some cultures.

In places such as Iran, an empty plate can suggest that your host didn't give you enough food.

Meanwhile, in Michigan, an empty plate usually means:

"Yep. Those were good. You got any more?"

Especially if we're talking about Coney dogs, pizza, pasties or cider mill donuts.

Don't Pat People on the Head

One person specifically warned against patting someone on the head in another country.

Fair enough.

But this raises an important Michigan question:

Does this apply to dogs?

Because if there's a friendly golden retriever at a Michigan backyard party, we're probably going to pat that dog.

It's practically state law.

Americans Are Too Loud

Another complaint is that American tourists can be loud, complain about everything and expect things to work exactly the way they do back home.

We're also apparently pretty friendly.

One person said Americans smiling and chatting with strangers is actually refreshing, even though the downside is...

We're loud.

Michigan can relate.

Have you ever been inside a Michigan bar during a Lions game?

That's not "loud."

That's community broadcasting.

The Michigan Tourist Starter Pack

If somebody from another country really wants to understand Michigan culture, just give them this checklist:

• Say hello to strangers.

• Talk about the weather with everyone.

• Apologize when someone else bumps into you.

• Complain about road construction.

• Defend your favorite Coney dog.

• Give someone directions using landmarks that haven't existed since 1998.

• Say "It's not that far" when it's clearly 45 minutes away.

• And if somebody offers you a cider mill donut, take it.

That last one isn't a custom.

That's just common sense.

Halloween costumes have changed quite a bit over the decades. According to Reader's Digest, the most popular costumes have ranged from Mickey Mouse and Batman to Madonna, the Spice Girls and Harry Potter.

But if you're celebrating Halloween in Michigan, we've got a few ideas that may be even more appropriate.

Back in 1953, Mickey Mouse was the big costume. A few years later, Batman took over, followed by Frankenstein's Monster in 1957.

Then came some very 1960s choices: Sonny Bono and Cher in 1965, followed by Morticia Addams in 1967 and an astronaut in 1969.

The 1970s brought Willy Wonka, Dr. Frank-N-Furter from The Rocky Horror Picture Show and eventually Michael Myers from Halloween in 1978.

The 1980s had Indiana Jones, Madonna, Beetlejuice and Ghostbusters.

Then the '90s arrived with Power Rangers, the Spice Girls and Ghostface from Scream.

By 2000, everyone apparently wanted to be Britney Spears, followed by Harry Potter and Hermione in 2001, Spider-Man in 2002 and Darth Vader in 2005.

But What About Michigan?

Forget Batman. Around here, you could make a pretty convincing Halloween costume out of everyday Michigan life.

The Michigan Road Construction Barrel:
Orange shirt, orange hat and spend the evening standing in someone's way while absolutely nothing gets done.

A Pothole:
Wear gray clothes, crouch down in the middle of the driveway and make everyone pay $800 to walk over you.

The Michigan Driver in October:
Shorts, hoodie, sunglasses and a giant cup of coffee. Bonus points if you're driving 45 mph because you don't trust the weather forecast.

A Cider Mill Employee:
Flannel shirt, boots and enough powdered sugar on your face to suggest you lost a fight with a dozen donuts.

The Mackinac Bridge:
Probably the easiest costume. Just wear gray and spend the entire night worrying about the wind.

And if you really want to terrify people, dress as a Michigan winter forecast.

Walk into the party and say:

"Snow possible after midnight."

That's scarier than Michael Myers.

So while Halloween costumes may change every few years, one thing remains constant in Michigan: there's always another road construction project, another pothole and somebody who insists they're still wearing shorts in November.

October 7 Remembered: Michigan Voters, School Count Day and Business Leaders Push for Trade Stability

Today brings a mix of remembrance, election news, education and business developments across Michigan, along with plenty happening in the sports world.

Israel Marks Three Years Since October 7 Attack

Israelis gathered today to mark three years since the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack that killed about 1,200 people and resulted in 251 people being taken hostage.

In southern Israel, families gathered at the site of the music festival where many victims were killed during the attack. The assault sparked the devastating war in Gaza, which has left much of the territory in ruins and millions of people facing dire humanitarian conditions.

More Than 2 Million Michigan Voters Request Absentee Ballots

With about four weeks remaining until Election Day, more than 2 million Michigan voters have requested absentee ballots.

According to the state, 2,047,983 voters had requested a ballot by mail as of Tuesday morning. That's about 30 percent higher than the number at this point in 2022.

If you've already received your ballot, you can return it by mail, place it in a ballot drop box or take it to your local clerk's office.

It's Count Day in Michigan Schools

Today is Count Day, when Michigan's public schools tally their students to help determine state funding.

The enrollment count is used to distribute money to school districts on a per-pupil basis. With each student representing roughly $10,000 in state funding, school districts across Michigan are hoping their numbers add up.

In other words, today is one day when being counted at school is actually a very good thing.

Mid-Michigan Business Groups Join Trade Coalition

The Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce and Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce are the latest Michigan organizations to join the Michigan Smart Trade Alliance.

The coalition is calling for more consistent federal trade and tariff policies, saying businesses need greater certainty when making decisions about costs, hiring and future investments.

Sports

The Milwaukee Brewers fell to the San Diego Padres, 4-3, in Game 3 of the NLDS, while the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Atlanta Braves 3-1.

And soccer legend Lionel Messi played what was described as his final game for Argentina. Argentina defeated Puerto Rico 3-0, with Messi reflecting on the pride of wearing the national team's jersey for more than 20 years.

Mid-Michigan Weather

Mostly cloudy today, becoming sunny, breezy and warm with a high of 74.

Tonight, partly cloudy with a low of 47.

Thursday will be sunny and windy with a high of 66.

Friday stays sunny with a high near 68.

Today is National Taco Day, and because it happens to fall on a Tuesday, we also get the bonus holiday known as Taco Tuesday.

That's not a coincidence. That's the universe telling you to eat tacos.

And apparently, almost everybody agrees.

About 90% of American adults say they like tacos, while roughly 83% eat Mexican food at least once a month. About 17% say they eat it every week.

But here's the statistic that really needs an investigation:

2% of Americans have never eaten a taco.

Two percent!

What are these people doing? Living in a cabin in the Upper Peninsula with no access to a tortilla?

Michigan Has Some Taco Decisions to Make

Americans are pretty divided on how they like their tacos.

About 53% prefer soft shells, while 47% go with hard shells.

Michigan's official position should probably be: Why choose? Get both.

And 71% of Americans say they prefer tacos over burritos.

That's another win for tacos.

A burrito is basically a taco that went to the gym, got wrapped up and started taking itself too seriously.

Cheese Wins the Taco Election

Cheese is the favorite taco topping in 47 states.

Forty-seven!

Meanwhile, onions were the No. 1 favorite for only 3% of people.

But let's be fair. Just because onions aren't your favorite doesn't mean you don't want them on your taco.

That's the problem with taco statistics. They're complicated.

Cilantro is even more controversial. When people were asked which topping could ruin a taco, cilantro was the most popular answer, followed by black olives.

Here in Michigan, we have enough things to argue about already.

Michigan vs. Ohio.

Detroit vs. everybody.

Coney Island vs. Coney Island.

We don't need to start a cilantro war.

How Many Tacos Can You Eat?

The average hard-shell taco fan eats about 7.3 tacos a month, while soft-shell fans average about 6.9.

But Arizona apparently isn't messing around.

About 10% of Arizona residents surveyed said they can put away six or more tacos in one sitting.

Six tacos?

That's not dinner.

That's a taco-based endurance event.

And if you're attempting six tacos in Michigan, you better have a plan for the drive home.

So What's Your Taco Style?

Are you a soft-shell person?

Hard shell?

Extra cheese?

Hot sauce?

Cilantro?

No onions?

Whatever your answer, today is the day to celebrate.

And if somebody asks why you're eating tacos on a Tuesday, just tell them:

It's National Taco Day.

If they say, "But it's Tuesday," you can simply respond:

Exactly.

Now go get yourself some tacos, Michigan. Your dinner plans have officially been handled. 

Fall is officially in full swing, which means the leaves are changing, the temperatures are dropping and somewhere in Michigan, somebody has already complained that it's "too cold."

So, have you picked out your Halloween costume yet?

A new YouGov poll asked Americans which fall activities they're looking forward to the most. And apparently, we're all pretty predictable once the pumpkin decorations come out.

1. Watching scary movies

This came in at number one.

And Michigan has plenty of opportunities for this. Just wait until you're driving down a dark country road at 10 p.m. and your GPS suddenly tells you to "turn left onto an unpaved road."

Congratulations. You're now starring in your own horror movie.

2. Pumpkin-flavored foods and drinks

Pumpkin spice has officially returned to Michigan.

Pumpkin spice coffee. Pumpkin spice donuts. Pumpkin spice cereal. Pumpkin spice everything.

Pretty soon we'll be putting pumpkin spice on a Coney dog.

Please don't give anybody ideas.

3. Putting up Halloween decorations

Nothing says Halloween like turning your front yard into a graveyard and then forgetting to take everything down until Thanksgiving.

In Michigan, that's called getting your money's worth.

4. Handing out Halloween candy

Handing out candy made the list, although we're wondering why the survey didn't specifically include eating Halloween candy.

Because that's the real event.

You buy three bags of candy for the neighborhood kids and somehow one bag disappears before Halloween even gets here.

And you know exactly who did it.

You.

5. Carving a pumpkin

Nothing beats sitting around the kitchen table, scooping pumpkin guts out with your bare hands.

Then five minutes later you're wondering why you didn't just buy the plastic pumpkin from Meijer.

6. Dressing up in a Halloween costume

Adults still enjoy dressing up, although choosing a costume gets harder every year.

Especially in Michigan.

You can always dress as a construction barrel, a pothole or someone who's trying to merge onto I-75 during road construction.

7. Visiting a pumpkin patch

Nothing says fall in Michigan quite like a pumpkin patch, cider and donuts.

And then spending $47 on a pumpkin that will sit on your porch for three weeks before becoming a science experiment.

8. Taking a child trick-or-treating

It's a great family tradition.

Although parents know the real job isn't supervising the kids.

It's quality control on the candy haul.

"That Reese's looks suspicious. Dad will take care of it."

9. Going to a Halloween party

Costume parties are great until somebody shows up wearing the exact same costume.

That's when you both spend the rest of the night pretending it was intentional.

10. Playing tricks on friends, family or neighbors

This one made the Top 10.

Which brings us to the big Michigan question:

Is it still considered Halloween fun if you toilet-paper somebody's house, or is that just a good way to spend Saturday morning cleaning up toilet paper from a tree?

Just missing the Top 10 were hayrides and haunted houses.

Which is surprising because Michigan has no shortage of either.

So grab the cider, find the biggest pumpkin you can carry and start thinking about that costume.

Because before you know it, you'll be standing on your porch in 42-degree weather, wondering why you bought full-size candy bars instead of the little ones.

Happy fall, Michigan.

Mid-Michigan News: Bay City Approves Major Neighborhood Street Project

A major street improvement project is coming to neighborhoods across Bay City.

The Bay City Commission has unanimously approved a proposal to pave 50 neighborhood blocks across all nine wards.

The first-year investment is expected to be around $900,000, including more than $430,000 for equipment and roughly $318,000 in annual costs for three new employees.

Residents could see a proposed list of the streets included in the project early next year, with paving work expected to begin in April 2027.

So, Bay City drivers may want to enjoy those potholes while they can. Their days could be numbered.

Saginaw Transit Changes

Several service changes are now in effect for riders of the Saginaw Transit Authority Regional Services, or STARS.

Routes 2 and 4 have been combined into Route 4, while Routes 3 and 11 have been combined into Route 3.

Officials say the changes are designed to better match bus service with ridership while improving connections to important destinations.

Riders can check the updated maps and schedules at the STARS website.

National News

President Donald Trump has approved the execution by U.S. Army firing squad of Nidal Hasan, the former Army psychiatrist convicted of killing 13 people during the 2009 Fort Hood shooting in Texas.

Hasan was sentenced to death for the attack.

If the execution takes place as approved, Hasan would become the first U.S. service member executed by the U.S. military in more than 60 years.

Detroit Sports

The Detroit Pistons picked up a preseason victory Monday night at Little Caesars Arena, beating the Phoenix Suns 109-107.

Meanwhile, in Monday Night Football, the Atlanta Falcons rolled past the New Orleans Saints 45-24.

And tonight, the Detroit Red Wings host the Ottawa Senators.

Mid-Michigan Weather

A frost advisory was in effect this morning, so if your car looked like it spent the night at the North Pole, you're not imagining things.

We'll see mostly sunny skies today with a high near 68.

Tonight, clouds will increase with a low around 54.

Wednesday looks mostly sunny with a high near 74.

Thursday should bring more sunshine, with temperatures again warming into the 60s.

There are plenty of ways to get out of paying a restaurant bill.

Pretend you left your wallet at home.

Suddenly remember you're "allergic" to credit cards.

Or, apparently, call 911 and fake a medical emergency.

A 26-year-old Georgia man named Abdul Rasheed was arrested last week after police say he faked a medical emergency at a Red Lobster because he didn't want to pay his $63.77 dinner bill.

We're guessing the phrase "all-you-can-eat shrimp" may have been taken a little too literally.

Rasheed called 911, first responders showed up, checked him out...

And determined he was completely fine.

Which is probably when someone at Red Lobster said, "Great news! Your medical emergency is over. Here's your bill."

He's now facing charges of theft of services and making an unlawful 911 call.

And his bond is reportedly set at $3,000.

So congratulations, sir. You may have discovered the most expensive way possible to avoid paying a $63 dinner.

The Michigan Version

Now, if this happened at a Michigan restaurant, things might have played out a little differently.

Imagine trying this at a Red Lobster in Saginaw.

You call 911 and say, "I think I'm having a medical emergency!"

The first responders show up.

They check you out.

You're fine.

Then somebody looks at the $63.77 bill and says:

"Well, good news. You're healthy enough to pay for it."

And if the bill included endless shrimp?

That's when the real emergency might begin.

Because here in Michigan, we've got enough experience with questionable decisions after eating too much food.

Just wait until Thanksgiving.

And let's be honest, if you really wanted to escape a restaurant bill in Michigan, you could probably just tell everyone you're going to stand outside and scrape the ice off your windshield.

By the time you're done, the restaurant may have closed.

Rasheed is still reportedly in jail, with a $3,000 bond.

At this point, he might want to start saving his money.

Because if his plan was to avoid a $63.77 dinner bill...

He may have accidentally ordered the $3,000 combo meal.

If you're planning to dress up for Halloween this year, you might want to start figuring out your costume NOW.

Because apparently, some Halloween costumes have officially worn out their welcome.

According to a new survey, the most overdone Halloween costume is... the "sexy version" of basically anything.

About 29% of people said they're ready to retire the whole sexy-costume routine.

So, ladies and gentlemen of Michigan, this may be the year to finally retire Sexy Nurse, Sexy Cop, Sexy Cat... and yes, apparently even Sexy TSA Agent.

Not because you're too old.

Not because TSA agents are a protected species.

Apparently, we've just seen enough.

Coming in second on the list of most overdone costumes? Pirates, with 25% of the vote.

So if your Halloween plan involved an eye patch, a plastic sword and yelling "ARRR!" at the bartender, you might want to rethink things.

And Jokers are also apparently on the way out, with 22% saying that costume has officially had its run.

Other costumes getting the boot include cowboys and cowgirls, Harley Quinn, hippies, Minions, mimes and Where's Waldo.

Which raises an important Michigan question:

If you dress up as Where's Waldo, can you just stand in the middle of an IKEA in Canton and call it a day?

And let's be honest, Michigan already has plenty of Halloween costumes available without spending a dime.

You could dress as a Michigan road construction barrel.

Just stand in the middle of the driveway and prevent everyone from getting where they're going.

Or go as a Michigan pothole.

No costume required. Just find a road after the first freeze.

Want to get really ambitious?

Dress as a Michigan winter driver: hoodie, coffee, sunglasses, one hand on the wheel and absolutely no intention of scraping all the ice off the windshield.

And if you're going to a Halloween party in Frankenmuth, just dress as someone who knows how to pronounce "Frankenmuth" correctly.

The survey also found that adults are getting less interested in dressing up altogether. Only 24% say they plan to wear a costume this year.

Which seems like a shame because 68% of Americans still say you're never too old to dress up for Halloween.

So whether you're going as a pirate, a cowboy, a Minion, a pothole or just yourself after spending six hours in I-75 construction traffic...

Halloween is still Halloween.

Just maybe leave the Sexy TSA Agent at the airport.

Mid-Michigan News: Coast Guard Returning to Full Operations and Local Streets Could See Improvements

U.S. Air Force Bombers Return Home Following Security Investigation

The U.S. Air Force has brought its bombers home from a U.S.-run military airbase in England that had been used for strikes against Iran.

The move follows an investigation into a planned terror attack at RAF Fairford. Last month, six people were taken into custody following a security incident at the base. They were later released on bail.

The bombers have now been redeployed to their home bases in the United States.

Coast Guard Plans Full Operations at Saginaw River Station

There is good news for the U.S. Coast Guard presence in Mid-Michigan.

After operating at reduced capacity for the past two years because of workforce shortages, the Coast Guard plans to restore full operations at its Saginaw River Station in 2027.

The Coast Guard says record recruiting results are helping make the expansion possible.

The service is still accepting recruits as it works to rebuild its workforce.

Midland Residents Can Request Street Improvements

Some Midland residents have an opportunity to ask the city for improvements to their streets.

Residents living on streets without public water, sewer service or pavement can ask the City of Midland to consider adding those improvements.

Requests must be submitted in writing to the Midland Engineering Department and postmarked by November 1.

City engineers will review the requests, with proposals expected to go before Midland City Council in early 2027.

Bay City Could Pave 50 Blocks Next Spring

Several Bay City neighborhood streets could be getting some much-needed attention next spring.

The city has presented a local street paving proposal to the Bay City Commission that would include paving approximately 50 blocks.

City leaders also want to add three employees to the street department and purchase the equipment and materials needed to handle paving work themselves.

If the proposal is approved, paving could begin as early as next April.

For Bay City drivers, that could mean fewer rough rides and a few more streets where you don't have to brace yourself for the next pothole.

Detroit Sports

The NBA preseason gets underway tonight, with the Detroit Pistons hosting the Phoenix Suns.

The Detroit Lions are coming off a tough loss Sunday night, falling to the Carolina Panthers 32-26.

Mid-Michigan Weather

Today will be mostly sunny with a high around 62.

Tonight will be clear and chilly, with temperatures dropping below 38.

Tuesday will bring patchy frost before 9 a.m., followed by mostly sunny skies and a high near 65.

Wednesday will be sunny and breezy, with temperatures warming to around 72.

So, Mid-Michigan, enjoy the sunshine while you can. And if you're heading out early Tuesday morning, you might want to give the windshield a little extra attention.

29 days until Halloween.

Which means there's still plenty of time to buy candy, figure out a costume, decorate the house and completely ignore all of those things until October 30th.

If you're looking for something spooky to do every night, several networks and streaming services are going all-in on Halloween.

Freeform has its 31 Nights of Halloween, AMC has FearFest, hosted by the Crypt Keeper, and streaming services have plenty of Halloween collections, including HBO Max's Horror Comes Home and Hulu's Huluween.

So why not make October a giant horror-movie marathon?

We've got 29 movies for 29 days, starting with the classics and working our way into more recent horror.

Your 29-Day Halloween Movie Marathon

October 3: Frankenstein (1931)
Start with one of the classics. Boris Karloff, crazy laboratory, lightning and absolutely no concern about workplace safety.

October 4: Plan 9 from Outer Space (1959)
Widely considered one of those movies that's so bad it's entertaining. Perfect for a Michigan night when it's raining and you don't feel like leaving the couch.

October 5: Psycho (1960)
Maybe don't watch this one right before taking a shower.

October 6: Night of the Living Dead (1968)
Zombies. Classic horror. And the perfect movie for anyone who has ever complained that Michigan drivers are basically the walking dead during rush hour.

October 7: The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)
Probably not the movie to watch while you're home alone.

October 8: The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
A Halloween tradition with plenty of music, costumes and weirdness.

October 9: Halloween (1978)
Michael Myers. Suburban streets. A mask. A knife. And suddenly every quiet Michigan neighborhood looks suspicious.

October 10: The Shining (1980)
A family trip to an isolated hotel goes badly. Very badly.

Also, a great reminder that you should probably be careful when somebody says, "Hey, let's go somewhere remote for the weekend."

October 11: Friday the 13th (1980)
Jason's just getting started.

October 12: The Evil Dead (1981)
Cabin in the woods. Bad decisions. Things that definitely should have stayed buried.

October 13: Poltergeist (1982)
Because apparently even the TV isn't safe anymore.

October 14: A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
Freddy Krueger shows up in your dreams.

Which means you might want to avoid falling asleep during this one.

October 15: The Lost Boys (1987)
Vampires, California and one very good soundtrack.

October 16: Beetlejuice (1988)
Say his name three times.

Actually, don't.

October 17: Child's Play (1988)
Chucky proves that buying a creepy-looking doll for your kid might not be the best parenting decision.

October 18: Killer Klowns from Outer Space (1988)
Because apparently regular clowns weren't terrifying enough.

October 19: Edward Scissorhands (1990)
Tim Burton brings us a guy with scissors for hands.

Not exactly the person you want helping you carve the Michigan pumpkin.

October 20: It (1990)
Pennywise.

Need I say more?

October 21: The Addams Family (1991)
A nice change of pace. Weird, funny and considerably less stressful than watching somebody get chased through the woods.

October 22: The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Is it a Halloween movie? A Christmas movie?

In Michigan, we don't care.

It's October and it's cold outside. Put it on.

October 23: Hocus Pocus (1993)
Three witches, one Halloween night and enough nostalgia to make you feel like a kid again.

October 24: Scream (1996)
Ghostface arrives and suddenly everyone has caller ID.

October 25: The Blair Witch Project (1999)
Found footage, creepy woods and absolutely no cell phone service.

So basically, a Michigan camping trip with worse customer service.

October 26: It Follows (2014)
A supernatural force that just keeps coming.

Kind of like Michigan road construction.

You think you've finally escaped it, and then there's another orange barrel.

October 27: The Witch (2015)
Dark, creepy and definitely not something to watch while sitting alone in the woods.

October 28: Mandy (2018)
A wild, colorful and very strange horror trip.

By this point in the month, you're basically committed.

October 29: Smile (2022)
If somebody gives you an unsettling smile after watching this, just leave.

October 30: The Substance (2024)
Save one of the newer movies for the night before Halloween.

October 31: Obsession (2026)
Finish the marathon with a brand-new entry and head into Halloween night officially terrified.

The Michigan Halloween Movie Rules

Of course, watching 29 horror movies in Michigan comes with a few additional rules.

If the movie takes place in a creepy cabin in the woods, do not rent one in northern Michigan afterward.

If there's a scene involving a mysterious sound outside, check the weather first. It might just be the wind.

If someone says, "I'll be right back," they're definitely not coming back.

And if you're watching a scary movie while it's raining outside, the power goes out and you hear something scratching at the door...

It's probably your neighbor's dog.

Probably.

Happy October, Michigan.

You've got 29 days to get scared, eat too much candy and pretend you're not checking the locks after every horror movie.

When people talk about the smell of a city, it's usually not a compliment.

Nobody has ever stood on a downtown sidewalk, taken a deep breath and said, "Wow. Put THAT in a candle."

But apparently, somebody decided it was time to scientifically figure out which American cities smell the best.

Researchers looked at things like local candle shops, bakeries, perfumeries, florists and overall cleanliness.

They also considered air quality, garbage disposal satisfaction and the amount of green space.

And somehow, after all that sniffing...

Detroit made the Top 10.

Yep.

Detroit is officially ranked the ninth-best-smelling city in America.

Apparently, Michigan can now add "smells pretty good" to the list of things Detroit is famous for.

The Top 10 best-smelling cities were:

1. Boston

2. Washington, D.C.

3. San Francisco

4. Seattle

5. Philadelphia

6. Portland, Oregon

7. Denver

8. Baltimore

9. Detroit

10. Las Vegas

Chicago came in at number 11, while New York landed at number 13.

Now, as a Michigan resident, I have some questions.

Did they do the Detroit smell test on a perfect 72-degree Saturday morning?

Because that's one thing.

Try this study again during a Michigan summer, when you've got hot pavement, traffic, garbage trucks and somebody grilling something mysterious three blocks away.

And what about winter?

Maybe the snow helps.

You can't smell much when your nose has gone numb.

What About the Rest of Michigan?

Unfortunately, the study only looked at 30 cities, so we don't know where Saginaw, Flint, Bay City or Midland would rank.

But I think we can all agree that Michigan has some very specific smells.

There's the smell of a Michigan cider mill in October.

Fresh donuts. Apple cider. Leaves. Campfire smoke.

That's a Top 10 smell right there.

Then there's the smell of a Michigan highway after a summer rain.

That's harder to describe.

It smells like wet pavement, grass and approximately 17 different things leaking from somebody's pickup truck.

And we can't forget the unmistakable smell of a Michigan lake on a hot August afternoon.

Nature's way of reminding you that "freshwater" doesn't necessarily mean "fresh-smelling."

Meanwhile, the worst-smelling city in the study was Jacksonville, Florida, followed by Oklahoma City, San Antonio, El Paso and Memphis.

Memphis made the list, which raises an important question:

Did barbecue not count?

Because if Memphis barbecue smells are being ignored, I'm not sure we're conducting this study correctly.

So congratulations, Detroit.

You're number nine.

Michigan may have potholes, unpredictable weather and roads that occasionally make you question your life choices...

But apparently, at least according to this study, we don't stink.

And honestly, we'll take the win.

Mid-Michigan News: Gas Prices Drop, SVSU Welcomes Biggest New Class in Years

U.S. Sends Another Aircraft Carrier Toward Iran

The United States has deployed a third aircraft carrier to waters around Iran, according to multiple media reports.

The USS Theodore Roosevelt left San Diego on Sunday, followed a day later by the Marine Expeditionary Force aboard the USS Makin Island, carrying more than 2,000 Marines.

Reports say the move is intended to keep military options available for President Trump as diplomatic efforts continue.

Michigan Gas Prices Finally Head Lower

There may finally be some good news at the gas pump.

For the first time in more than two weeks, Michigan is seeing a noticeable drop in gas prices.

According to AAA, Michigan drivers are now paying about $4.53 a gallon for regular gas, down approximately 27 cents from a week ago.

That's encouraging, although prices remain about 41 cents higher than they were a month ago. Michigan's average is also still slightly above the national average.

So, yes, gas is getting cheaper.

But we're not exactly at "fill up the boat and drive around for fun" prices yet.

SVSU Welcomes Biggest New Student Group Since 2019

Saginaw Valley State University is welcoming its largest group of new students since 2019.

SVSU says 1,970 new students arrived this fall, including about 1,350 first-time college students, along with international students and new graduate students.

The university also says many of its new freshmen have their tuition covered through scholarships and grants.

That's a pretty good way to start college: fewer tuition bills and more time worrying about finding your classroom.

Lions Add $60 Standing-Room Tickets

Detroit Lions fans looking for a cheaper way into Ford Field will have another option later this season.

Beginning October 25th, when the Lions host the Green Bay Packers, the team plans to offer a limited number of $60 standing-room-only tickets on game days for the remainder of the season.

The Lions will offer at least 100 of those tickets per game, with a limit of four tickets per person.

And if you're wondering what you get for $60, apparently the answer is a ticket and the opportunity to spend three hours finding something to lean against.

The Lions face the Carolina Panthers Sunday night.

College Football Saturday

It's a busy Saturday for Michigan college football.

The Michigan Wolverines play Minnesota at noon.

Michigan State takes on Wisconsin at 12:30.

And Central Michigan hosts the Akron Zips at 3:30.

Mid-Michigan Weather

Today will be cloudy through the morning, followed by gradual clearing, with a high of 66.

Tonight will be clear and chilly, with temperatures dropping below 40.

Saturday will be sunny with a high of 64.

And Sunday looks even warmer, with sunshine and a high near 70.

We need to have a serious conversation about pizza.

Pineapple on pizza has been dividing families, friendships and perfectly good comment sections for years.

But now?

Candy corn on pizza.

And not just any pizza.

Frozen pizza.

Tombstone is introducing a limited-edition Halloween creation they're calling "The Pizza Nobody Asked For."

Honestly, that's a pretty accurate name.

The kits come with a frozen Tombstone pepperoni or Five Cheese pizza, packets of candy corn and instructions for combining the two.

Here's how it works:

Bake the pizza.

Take it out.

Sprinkle candy corn all over it.

Put it back in the oven until everything gets nice and melty.

That's it.

You've officially created something that would make both your dentist and your Italian grandmother very nervous.

But There's a Michigan Problem

Imagine bringing this to a Halloween party in Michigan.

Somebody walks in with a box of pizza.

Everyone gets excited.

Then you open it.

"What's on that?"

"Candy corn."

The room goes silent.

Somebody from Detroit immediately asks, "Who hurt you?"

Someone from Flint says, "You drove all the way over here for THAT?"

And somebody in Saginaw is already scraping the candy corn off and asking if there's a Little Caesars nearby.

The kits are only $1.31 each, which seems appropriate because that's approximately how much money I'd be willing to risk on this experiment.

But there's a catch.

You can't just walk into the grocery store and buy one.

The limited-edition kits will be available through online "drops."

The first drop is October 2nd at 2 p.m. Eastern, followed by drops on October 9th and October 23rd, also at 2 p.m. Eastern.

So if you've ever dreamed of combining America's favorite frozen pizza with America's most aggressively Halloween-shaped candy, your moment has arrived.

And if you try it, please remember:

Michigan has plenty of hospitals.

Just saying.

The real question isn't whether candy corn belongs on pizza.

The real question is:

What kind of person looks at a perfectly good frozen pizza and thinks, "You know what this needs? Candy."

Happy Halloween, Michigan.

We've officially gone too far.

It’s October 1st, which means you officially have 30 days to figure out your Halloween costume.

Thirty days sounds like plenty of time. In Michigan, however, we know better.

You’ll blink twice, somebody will put Christmas decorations out at Meijer, and suddenly it’ll be Halloween night and you’ll be standing in the kitchen wearing a flannel shirt wondering if you can just tell everyone you’re a lumberjack.

If you want to stay on top of pop culture, there are plenty of costume ideas making the rounds this year.

Some of the big ideas include:

• Freaky Nikki from "Obsession"

• The bushes from Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show

• Athena and Odysseus from "The Odyssey"

• Taylor Swift and her friends in their coordinated Knicks-game shirts

• The hazmat-suit operatives from "Backrooms"

• Ilya and Shane from "Heated Rivalry"

• Doctors from "The Pitt"

• Dolly Parton

• Olivia Rodrigo from the "You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So In Love" cover

• Harry Styles from the "Dance No More" video

• HUNTR/X from "KPop Demon Hunters"

• Patricia from "Widow’s Bay"

• Charli XCX

• Pitbull

• Sabrina Carpenter

• Ryland Grace from "Project Hail Mary"

• Spider-Man

• Michael Jackson

But here’s where Michigan enters the costume conversation.

You could skip pop culture altogether and go pure Michigan.

Dress up as a Michigan pothole. Just stand in the driveway and refuse to move.

Go as road construction. Throw on an orange vest, grab a traffic cone and spend the entire evening telling people, “Sorry, you can’t get through here.”

Want something really terrifying?

Go as a Michigan driver trying to merge onto I-75 during construction.

Or dress as a cider mill employee and walk around handing everyone donuts while complaining that the line is too long.

You could even go as Michigan weather.

Start the night in shorts. Add a hoodie at 7 p.m. Put on a winter coat at 9. By midnight, nobody knows what season you're supposed to be.

And if you live in Mid-Michigan, there’s always the classic:

"Guy Who Said He Wasn't Dressing Up."

Just wear jeans, a hoodie and a baseball cap.

Congratulations. You’re every guy at the Halloween party.

So you've got 30 days.

Don't wait until October 30th.

Because nothing says Halloween spirit like walking into a party wearing a sheet and telling everyone you're a ghost because Spirit Halloween was sold out of everything else.

Mid-Michigan News: Gas Plant Plans, SVSU Raises and a New Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit

Tennessee Execution Attempt Fails

Tennessee officials were unable to carry out the execution of Christa Gail Pike, who was sentenced to death for a 1995 murder she committed when she was 18.

Officials administered two doses of a lethal drug, but Pike remained alive and was taken to a hospital for treatment. Her attorneys said they had not been told about her condition.

Pike had been scheduled to become the first woman executed in Tennessee in more than 200 years.

Consumers Energy Proposes New Natural Gas Plant

Residents in the Big Country area got a look Wednesday at Consumers Energy's plan to build a new natural gas plant at its Karn Energy Center.

The project still needs approval from local government and the Michigan Public Service Commission.

Consumers Energy says the plant could bring construction jobs, permanent positions and additional local tax revenue. The company hopes to have the plant operating by 2031.

SVSU Faculty Getting a Raise

Faculty members at Saginaw Valley State University are getting a pay increase.

The SVSU Board of Control approved a new three-year contract with the university's Faculty Association during a special meeting Monday.

The agreement includes raises for faculty along with additional university contributions toward health insurance.

Midland County Sheriff's Office Creating K-9 Unit

The Midland County Sheriff's Office is establishing a new Canine Unit with help from a grant from the Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation.

The grant will pay for a dedicated vehicle and specialized equipment needed to operate the program.

The Sheriff's Office plans to have the new K-9 program up and running later this year.

Sports

In the National League Wild Card Series, the Phillies beat the Braves 4-3, while the Padres defeated the Cubs 4-1.

In the American League, the White Sox beat the Astros 7-3, and the Yankees knocked off the Red Sox 9-2.

Mid-Michigan Weather

Today: Showers, with thunderstorms possible. High 71.

Tonight: Showers, mainly before 11 p.m. Low 51.

Friday: Cloudy through mid-morning, then gradually clearing. High 66.

Saturday: Sunshine and a high of 64.