We have a Sunday tradition at my house: we pile into our king-sized bed with our pets and watch football. A king-sized bed may sound nice and roomy — but it can get pretty crowded when we share it with three dogs and a cat. As my 80-pound dog, Henry, lays on my chest —
Veterans Day 2025 holds deep meaning for Greater Flint — a region with strong ties to military service, manufacturing, and civic pride. In Genesee County and across surrounding Mid-Michigan communities, honoring veterans isn’t just about gratitude; it’s a reaffirmation of who we are — resilient, service-minded, and deeply rooted in shared values. From Flint to
As of writing this column, the federal government is shut down. It is possible that the state government follows suit. The federal government typically shuts down for one of two reasons: either the debt ceiling has been reached, or the fiscal year has ended without a new budget. In this case, both the federal and
On August 20, a former Linden family of five—and their two dogs—set off on a once-in-a-lifetime journey: a 14-month, 6,000-mile boating adventure known as America’s Great Loop. Lisa McGill, 45, and her husband Bryan, 47, are traveling with their daughters—Sienna (14), Hannah (12), and Tessa (7)—as well as their dogs, Bruce and Norman. The McGills
During this year’s Port Huron to Mackinac Yacht Race, Bella Luna skipper Gabby Stephens of Davison turned to her crew and asked, “Is this some of the best weather we’ve ever had for this race?” Later, mid-journey, she checked in again: “Are we having fun yet?” The answer was yes—from all aboard, including her father
Do you remember your high school home-coming? The themed dress-up days, the hallway decorations, the contagious school spirit that seemed to seep into every locker and classroom. One day you might have worn your pajamas to school, and the next, a crazy hat or head-to-toe school colors. And of course, there was the big Friday
It is easy to wax nostalgic this time of year. I walk through the Halloween aisles in stores, amazed by how intricate some of the costumes are. They are so realistic, I can hear my inner child screaming with envy, especially if I am looking at a princess costume. Back in 1974, all I wanted
A 2024 poll by Navigator Research found that 57% of respondents blamed “greedy landlords who are jacking up rents” for the high cost of rent. This belief is misguided. Blaming landlords for rent is like blaming the weatherman for a heatwave. It is not possible for landlords to get together and collectively decide to “jack
Managing portfolios and building financial plans has been my focus for nearly 15 years. A recurring concern I hear from clients is the perceived “risk” of the stock market—often amplified by dramatic headlines and personal experience during downturns. Traditional finance defines risk through volatility, typically measured by standard deviation. Stocks might average an 8% return,
Austin is a special place. In general, yes—but especially to me. It was my first landing after leaving Michigan, my introduction to life outside the mitten. And it was spectacular. Austin, back then, was different. Not just in the way every city shifts over time, but different in its bones. It was a big city
A TV engineer or director. That’s what 19-year-old me wanted as a career. Since I vividly remember life before our dad brought home that first big box with a little black-and-white screen in 1956, the television industry called me to join the TV revolution — and I was a willing soldier. Everybody watched TV back
As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, Michigan transitions from September’s Indian summer to the vibrant hues and bustling energy of fall. It’s a season that uniquely blends the excitement of back-to-school, the thrill of football Saturdays, Halloween parties, apple orchard corn mazes, and the breathtaking beauty of autumn leaves—each inspiring a
