Across America|News|
A Changing Political Tide as the War Cools – “The Sunday Political Brunch” - August 9, 2026
My political analysis of the week's top stories
Mark Curtis, Patch Contributing Writer
US News
Across America|Sponsored|
6 Trusted Companies That’ll Send You Cash
From a brand partner: From bank bonuses to debt relief, these offers could help you save money or earn extra cash.
Across America|Sponsored|
'Smile!': Patch Readers Share Their Best Back-To-School Advice
From a brand partner: Work hard, be kind, ask for help — and whatever you do, don't forget to get some sleep.
Across America|News|
Late Guests And Early Arrivals: When Timing Becomes Rude [The Question]
Chronic latecomers test everyone’s patience, but guests who show up early can create their own problems. How much leeway should hosts give?
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![Late Guests And Early Arrivals: When Timing Becomes Rude [The Question]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20260806/043358/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-1854209032___06163221430.jpg)
Across America|News|
Cyclospora, Salmonella, E. Coli Linked To These Foods: Recall Roundup
Food safety concerns lead the latest recalls, along with millions of vehicles, attic ladders, climbing ropes, eye drops and other products.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Across America|Sponsored|
Millions In Prizes Up For Grabs: Is Your High School Football Team Next?
From a brand partner: T-Mobile's Friday Night 5G Lights returns with 1,000 $5K winners and a $1 million grand prize.
Across America|News|
A Potentially Deadly, Drug-Resistant Fungus Is Spreading In 27 States
The persistence of the fungus in health care facilities underscores need for stronger infection control measures, researchers say.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Across America|News|
School Drop-Off Lane Chaos Puts Children At Risk: Block Talk
Impatience, entitlement and poor planning can turn school drop-off and pickup into a daily test of safety and sanity.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Across America|News|
Most Kids, Including 2-Year-Olds, Are Consuming Caffeine Daily, CDC Says
Nearly two-thirds of U.S. children and teens ages 2 through 19 consumed caffeine daily, but the sources of the stimulant differed by age.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Across America|News|
How To Know If You’ve Been ‘Flocked’ As Concerns Grow Over Automated License Plate Readers
Flock cameras help police solve crimes, but civil rights groups say the vast license plate network enables warrantless tracking and abuse.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Across America|News|
Head Start Preschool Standards May Be Left To States
The Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees Head Start, expects a rule to be published this week.
Across America|News|
Shrub Is A Cop, Hell Sells, And A 66-Foot Tall Nutcracker: Weird News & Oddities
The collection includes the sale of Hell, a record-setting nutcracker, a stolen Taylor Swift cutout, predatory otters and other oddities.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Across America|News|
How To Wash Lettuce, Berries And Herbs To Reduce Cyclospora Risk
How to wash fruits and vegetables properly, what doesn’t work against cyclospora and why even prewashed greens aren’t risk-free.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Across America|News|
School Drop-Off Lane Etiquette Still Tests Parents: Block Talk
Cutting in line, blocking crosswalks and lingering over goodbyes can turn the school drop-off lane into a daily test of patience.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Across America|News|
Wedding Cash Registries Spark Etiquette Debate Among Guests [The Question]
Survey respondents are split over cash registries, honeymoon funds and destination wedding costs as couples embrace modern gift etiquette.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![Wedding Cash Registries Spark Etiquette Debate Among Guests [The Question]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20260730/035214/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-1937146000___30152630446.jpg)
Across America|News|
In National Blood Supply Crisis, This Type Is Urgently Needed
Blood donations have fallen to a four-year summer low and are not keeping pace with hospital demand during the busy trauma season.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Across America|News|
Political Wars: Outside and Inside the United States - “The Sunday Political Brunch” - August 2, 2026
My political analysis of the week's top stories.
Mark Curtis, Patch Contributing Writer
Across America|News|
August Congressional Recess Puts Affordability, Iran War And Voting Laws In Focus
The August break could still be disrupted by President Donald Trump’s push for the Senate to stay in session until it passes the SAVE Act.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Across America|News|
School Cellphone Bans Expand As Students Return To Class In 2026
School cellphone rules are tightening nationwide, but there’s debate over whether the restrictions improve learning or simply limit access.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Across America|News|
Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Grows: How To Order Fast Food Safely
The cyclospora outbreak is hurting lettuce sales and restaurant traffic. Here’s what to do to avoid the parasite causing severe diarrhea.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
