"Struggling with understanding the hype around Labubus" by: Jessica Shepard

   You know that something is about to become a pop culture icon when NPR actually covers said object’s meteoric rise seemingly from nowhere.   I mean, I’ve lived through the Cabbage Patch, Beanie Baby, Funko Pop, Pokémon trading cards, and American Girl doll crazes already.

"The more we worry about the economy, the better it gets " by: John Sample

   We seem almost invulnerable to any kind of pullback.     It is almost like we have moved to an alternative reality.     Don’t get me wrong, I really appreciate getting my monthly statement that has increased in value.

PSA: You have an estate plan - whether you know it or not

   If you think estate planning is only for the wealthy or elderly, think again.   When someone passes away without an estate plan, state laws take over, deciding who gets what and when - and that may not reflect your wishes.   Instead, you can take control through a personal estate plan.

"Reel Reviews: Newest ‘Superman’ flick finally breaks the reboot of origin-story cycle" by: Jessica Shepard

   Various actors have portrayed DC Comic’s Superman character across the big and small screens my entire life – not including voice actors in animated segments!  That being said I’ve gotten tired of the reboots every decade or so that start over from the very beginning of Superman’s life.

‘The Final Report Card’

   Final - now there’s a word that has a serious connotation: culmination, conclusion, finale, climax, end or terminal.  It’s safe to say there’s no more exits.  When it comes to life, there’s no advance warning system of impending death or expiration date printed on our bottom at birth.

"Sea Grant, part of NOAA, now threatened with termination" by: Mike Reddell

   As the Trump Administration guts weather science and reduces disaster response with significant cuts to NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) funding, the National Sea Grant College Program could be eliminated.   Sea Grant is part of NOAA.

"Tourism deserves more respect, support" by: Jessica Shepard

   I have covered Bay City’s tourism board since we started this newspaper in 2014 – back when it was called the Convention and Visitors Bureau and was under the Bay City Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture.

"Last week taught me anything can jump up and bite you" by: John Sample

    Well, I have made it through the last week without giving up.    I feel the same way about this market.       We are close to record highs on the indexes and averages even after the first down week in a month.    Some are expressing concern over the recent news about new tariffs.

PSA: Should You Trust a ‘Finfluencer’?

   In the age of social media, it’s easy to find advice on just about everything - including how to manage your money.    Content creators known as “fin-fluencers” - short for “financial influencers” - use platforms like TikTok, YouTube and Instagram.    Some may have formal training or credentials.

"Reel Reviews: ‘Jurassic World: Rebirth’ again shows messing with Mother Nature is bad" by: Jessica Shepard

   I don’t know exactly how many movies we need highlighting the folly of mankind’s attempts to overturn nature’s will, but it looks like the Jurassic Park/World franchise isn’t done yet.