Start Your Day Positive

Is pumpkin spice losing its grip on fall? New ordering data shows caramel, apple and cinnamon are now beating pumpkin as the most-ordered fall flavors — and even McDonald’s changed things up this year.

Plus, would you take a vacation just to stay in a really nice hotel room and do...nothing? We’re talking about the “room rotting” travel trend. And if you’re trying to spend less, researchers say there may be a surprisingly simple trick: use cash.

We’ll also find out why laughter really may be good medicine, celebrate some big moments in Today in History — from Gatorade to Peanuts and The Twilight Zone — and wish Kelly Ripa and Sting a happy birthday.

Thanks to our sponsors Liberty Healthshare and Northeast Factory Direct

THE DAILY 3: Ohio drivers could soon get a big break at the pump as lawmakers approve a 90-day suspension of the state gas tax. Plus, after eight years, The Chosen has filmed its final scene — and creator Dallas Jenkins is reflecting on the journey with one word: gratitude. And DoorDash isn’t just for dinner anymore. Clothing from Macy’s, The North Face, Vans and Timberland can now show up at your door — sometimes in as little as an hour.

PLUS: On the anniversary of the opening of Walt Disney World, we’ve got some fun Disney facts you probably didn’t know. We share a better phrase for parents to use when “CALM DOWN!” isn’t working. And Taylor Swift apparently has a new song about Cleveland…or does she? Depending on what your algorithm is feeding you, it’s either really good or really, really bad. 😂

A little news, a little fun, some encouragement, and a positive way to Start Your Day!

Why do certain songs give you actual goosebumps? There’s a scientific name for it — and apparently, not everyone experiences it!

Plus, Aldi is dropping prices on nearly a third of its products, and McDonald’s has a surprising new side hustle that could become a billion-dollar business.

We’ll also celebrate The Flintstones, find out where “Yabba-Dabba-Doo!” came from, and talk about why good enough really can be good enough in today’s Win the Day.

Plus Today in History, National Love People Day, and we’ll end the morning with prayer.

Thanks to our sponsors Liberty Healthshare, Northeast Factory Direct and Universal Windows Direct.

Could ordinary dish soap be more powerful than we give it credit for? Researchers put it up against 70% alcohol and a professional-grade disinfectant — and the results might make you look at that bottle by your sink a little differently.

Plus, Chili’s is having a major comeback, with five straight years of sales growth and plans for more restaurants — including possible expansion in Ohio. And if you noticed Al Roker suddenly disappear from TODAY, we finally know where he went. Spoiler: he had a pretty good excuse.

Also today:

It’s National Coffee Day! We’re sharing the very American reason coffee got a boost after the Boston Tea Party — and Len puts Sara to the test with a Price Is Right–style coffee game.

Today in History: Confucius was born, the five-day workweek begins to take shape, and we look at how much the workweek has changed over the years.

Win the Day: Len shares what he says is the best cure for the hiccups.

And as always, we’ll end the morning with a little encouragement and prayer.

Everything you need to know. None of the doom. Start your day with Sara & Len!

Thanks to our sponsors Northeast Factory Direct and Liberty Healthshare

Two little words could change the way your entire workplace treats each other... and researchers say there’s a reason it works.

Today’s Daily 3: the surprising ripple effect of saying “thank you,” why Gen Z may be bucking the trend when it comes to faith, and Meta’s new animated AI assistant that can actually get things done for you. Plus, Sara goes to her first Banana Ball game, Ted Williams’ record that still hasn’t been matched, and a memorable final moment on the mound for Justin Verlander.

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Thanks to our sponsors Universal Windows Direct and Liberty Healthshare