WEEKLY POLL

What you need to know about Canada's wildfires and the impact on us

Adria Peters — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 19:00:00 GMT

The sky was hazy Monday, June 2, for much of the Midwest due to the Canadian wildfires. With the air quality being deemed unhealthy for everyone, specifically sensitive groups, many people have been spending as little time outside as possible.

According to Minnesota’s Pollution Control Agency, multiple rounds of smoke are expected to blow south. Canada’s wildfire season typically lasts from March until October.

With the fires escalating, two people were killed after a small Manitoban town becoming engulfed in flames, according to multiple news reports. These fires are serious, and people are urged to pay close attention to weather alerts and news.

According to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre, about 1.7 million acres had burned across both Saskatchewan and Manitoba by Monday afternoon. Manitoba’s wildfires are out of control, and are largely burning on its northwest border with Saskatchewan. However, in Saskatchewan, the fires are mostly concentrated in the north.

“About 17,00 people were ordered to leave and more communities can expect the same in the coming days, said Wab Kinew, the premier of Manitoba,” according to The New York Times.

So, what exactly is causing these wildfires? Government data shows that 98 of 106 of Manitoba’s wildfires have been caused by people. Four were determined to have occurred naturally, likely as a result of lightning, and another four are still under investigation.

“In 2023, scientists at Canada’s natural resources department found that lightning sparked fires that burned 93% of the total wildfire area, and the remaining 7% of the area burned from human causes,” the Times reported.

Canada’s prime minister, Mark Carney, has ordered an emergency response group to address the wildfires. The Canadian government also promised to match donations to the Canadian Red Cross, lend military aid, and provide other assistance.

Canada’s worst wildfire season on record was 2023, killing eight firefighters. In just that year, 7,100 wildfires burned 37 million acres, which is an area larger than the size of England, according to the Canadian government. Scientists even called those wildfires the top carbon emitter of 2023.

These wildfires mean hazy skies, campfire smells, and poor air quality for the Midwestern parts of the United States. Sensitive groups such as pregnant people, newborns, elderly adults, and those with respiratory or heart problems should limit their time outdoors as much as possible. This means only going outdoors when absolutely necessary. Even if you are a healthy individual, you should still largely limit your time outdoors to avoid the smoke.

While it is difficult to predict when these fires will ease up, the National Weather Service and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency predict that the conditions will persist through at least June 2, and likely last longer.

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The toilet paper roll debate: over or under?

Adria Peters — Wed, 21 May 2025 19:00:00 GMT

The debate about putting the toilet paper roll over or under is one with a passionate, long history, even though it may seem silly. People have been debating this topic for decades, arguing which way is the “correct” way to place your toilet paper.

The “over” side

Historically, “over” is the “correct” way to place your toilet paper roll. Seth Wheeler’s 1891 patent shows the original placement of the toilet paper roll going “over.”

According to Cottonelle, 70% of people prefer this position. Many people argue that the toilet paper is easier to grab in this position. It’s also a way to have less contact with bathroom surfaces, because your knuckles could rub against the wall when grabbing a sheet from “under.” It’s also considered easier to tear when the paper is facing away from the wall.

The “under” side

Many people argue that the “under” position looks tidier than the “over” position because you typically can’t see the hanging toilet paper. The “under” position also limits accidental unrolling that can occur due to pets or children. Because the “under” position is slightly more difficult to unroll, it can be a way to use less toilet paper.

Who cares?

While this debate may seem absurd, Cottonelle says that roughly 50% of the population say they actively pay attention to the way they place their toilet paper roll. A whopping 20% of people say they get “agitated” when the toilet paper roll is placed the wrong way, and 19% of people even admitted to changing the position of the toilet paper roll in someone else’s house.

Dr. Gilda Carle, a consultant for Cottonelle, says that generally, people who place their toiler paper roll “over” tend to have a more dominant personality type. And if you hang your toilet paper roll “under,” you’re more likely to be easy-going.

Do you have a strong preference for the way your toilet paper roll is placed? Comment below!]]>

Do you call it hotdish or casserole? Is there a difference?

Adria Peters — Wed, 22 Jan 2025 20:00:00 GMT

Hotdish vs. casserole is one of the hottest debates in the Midwest. What do you call it?

In the Midwest, casseroles or hotdishes are a cuisine staple. From tater tot hotdish to green bean casserole, they are a traditional household meal. But what is the difference between a hotdish and a casserole?

The name “casserole” comes from the French word for saucepan. A casserole is a one-dish meal that is baked and served in a baking dish — or more commonly known as a casserole dish. Casseroles are found in many cuisines, but they play a big role in American cuisine.

According to Food Network’s Cooking ��, what Minnesotans and North Dakotans call “hotdish” is a type of casserole, even though the definition is much narrower.

Food Network says, “A hotdish must be a main course, and almost always a hearty one that includes protein, starch, and at least some vegetables. It can’t be a breakfast or side dish, for instance.” However, many Midwesterners use the term “hotdish” interchangeably with “casserole.”

Oftentimes, the components of a hotdish are reliant on canned or convenience foods, inexpensive proteins, and easy “throw-it-all-together” assembly. Hence, why it is such a popular meal staple.

Do you call it hotdish or casserole? What are your favorite hotdish/casserole recipes? Join the conversation and comment below!

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Do you sleep in silence or with noise? Tips for better sleep in 2025

Adria Peters — Wed, 15 Jan 2025 20:00:00 GMT

Many people have very specific needs and habits when it comes to sleeping. One of the most common needs is either silence or light noise.

Mayo Clinic suggests six tips for getting a better night’s sleep.

1. Stick to a sleep schedule.

The recommended amount of sleep for a healthy adult is at least seven hours, and no more than eight hours. Most people should not need more than eight hours to be well rested. Going to bed and waking up at the same time everyday, including weekends, is crucial for a healthy sleep schedule. This consistency reinforces your body’s sleep-wake cycle.

Extra tip: If you can’t fall asleep within about 20 minutes of going to bed, leave your bedroom and do something light and relaxing to reinforce tiredness. This could be something like reading or listening to soothing music. Once you start to feel tired again, go back to bed.

2. Pay attention to what you eat and drink.

Don’t go to bed hungry, but don’t go to bed stuffed. Avoid heavy or large meals within a couple of hours before bedtime. This discomfort could keep you up. Things like nicotine, caffeine, and alcohol also interfere with sleep. Avoid these stimulants the couple hours leading up to bedtime.

3. Create a restful environment.

Keep your room cool, dark, and quiet. Light exposure can make it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep. It’s important to reduce light-emitting screens just before bedtime (phones, computers, televisions, etc.) Some devices that can help create an ideal sleep environment include room-darkening shades, earplugs, sleep masks, fans, sleep sound machines, etc.

4. Limit daytime naps.

Long daytime naps can interfere with nighttime sleep. Limit naps to no more than one hour and avoid napping late in the evening.

5. Include physical activity in your daily routine.

Regular physical activity can help promote better sleep. However, avoid physical activity too close to bedtime.

6. Manage worries.

Try to resolve worries or concerns before bedtime. While this is easier said than done, stressors make it much harder to get a good night’s sleep. Try doing some stress-reducing activities before bedtime to help ease whatever is on your mind.

Share your tips for a better night's sleep below ⬇️]]>