When Political Signs, Profanity And Property Rights Collide: Block Talk

Free speech can get salty at the property line. What can be done about political signs that provoke and offend? Your kids see those, too.

Take Off Your Shoes, But Don’t Make Guests Bare Their Soles [The Question]

A no-shoes rule may keep floors clean, but readers say hosts should tread carefully when comfort, health and dignity are at stake.

7 Ways to Help Plan for More Tax-Aware Income From a $2M+ Portfolio

From a brand partner: A tax-aware withdrawal plan may help some pre-retirees evaluate how taxes could affect retirement income.

6 Ways to Legally Get Rid of Credit Card Debt

From a brand partner: Explore strategies to cut expenses, lower interest costs and put extra money toward paying down balances.

New York City Minority Small Business Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (NYCMSBCC) Officially Opens in N.Y.C.

Operating under the tagline “NYC’s Voice for Minority Small Business,”the Chamber was established to foster trade and commerce in New York.

Is This Bigfoot Or A Skinny Dipper? [Weird News & Oddities]

See the weirdest news this week on Patch.

Where And When To See Peak Fall Foliage Where You Live And Travel

Traditionally reliable New England should see vibrant fall foliage, but drought and wildfires may mute autumn colors elsewhere.

West Nile Virus Cases Grow In Active Mosquito Year: What To Know

The mosquito season doesn’t wind down until after the first hard frost, but a warmer El Niño winter could help some survive until spring.

El Niño ‘Supersized Before Our Eyes’: What This Means By Region

U.N. warns “the world is in the danger zone of extreme weather” and NOAA updates its predictions as the Pacific continued to warm in August.

Communities Are Drawing A Line Around The AI Data Center Boom

The AI boom is pushing data centers into more communities, forcing a reckoning over what residents will tolerate — and who should pay.

Apple Unveils iPhone 18 Pro, Foldable iPhone Duo And More

From a brand partner: New CEO John Ternus debuted the iPhone 18 Pro, foldable iPhone Duo, new Apple Watches and AirPods.

The War Rekindles as Do More Election Battles - “The Sunday Political Brunch” -- September 6, 2026

My political analysis of the week's top stories

Milk That Smells And Tastes Bad, Has Odd Texture Pulled From Shelves: Recall Roundup

Other food safety updates include mangoes that may be contaminated with salmonella and frozen berries with E. coli concerns.

Major Retailers To Use Tariff Refunds To Lower Prices: See Details

Retailers’ moves come after the Supreme Court said the Trump administration couldn’t use emergency economic powers to order tariffs.

Skip The Bounce House And The Street’s Annual Potluck Without The Guilt: Block Talk

With block parties, readers draw a line between building community and surrendering free time to bounce houses, potlucks and forced fun.

Toilet Paper Prices Could Jump 20% In Trade War

Premium tissue relies heavily on Canadian softwood pulp, and experts say the fallout could reach both wallets and bathroom comfort.

A Shoes-Off House Rule Can Put Guests On The Spot [The Question]

Removing shoes indoors is customary in many cultures, but the request can leave some guests feeling exposed or uncomfortable.

$4 Gas Could Linger Much Longer Than Drivers Expect

Seasonal savings with the switch to winter-blend gas face powerful headwinds, and experts say meaningful relief may remain months away.

New York City Minority Small Business Chamber of Commerce Celebrates Successful Upscale Soft Opening

September 1 gathering launches a new era of advocacy, opportunity and economic empowerment for minority entrepreneurs across New York City.

Is Lettuce Safe To Eat Again? Here’s The Latest On Cyclospora Outbreak

If you’re craving salad for lunch, go ahead and have it, food safety experts say, but with some important caveats.

5 Ways to Pocket an Extra $2,600 Without Getting a Second Job

From a brand partner: From bank bonuses to insurance savings, these offers can help stretch your budget.

How to Evaluate a 1% Financial Advisor Fee for $1M+ Investors

From a brand partner: As wealth increases, the real question may be whether the potential value of professional guidance justifies the cost.

7 Questions to Ask a Financial Advisor at $1M+

From a brand partner: You’ve built significant wealth. Evaluate advisors accordingly.

AI Data Centers Face Growing — And Bipartisan — Pushback [Patch Survey]

In rare bipartisan consensus, Americans share concerns regarding the power, water, and infrastructure costs required to support the AI boom.

Record Labor Day Gas Prices Projected: What To Know

Gas prices are expected to surpass the 2012 record of $3.83 a gallon due primarily to tensions in Iran and the Russia-Ukraine war.

COVID-19 Rates Growing In 48 States: What To Know About Vaccines

The FDA approved vaccines, but the shots aren’t recommended for everyone, and it’s not guaranteed that all insurers will cover the cost.

Why Getting a Flu Shot Still Matters — Even If You Rarely Get Sick

From a brand partner: Even if you're healthy, your vaccination can help reduce the spread of flu throughout your community.

Where To Get The Best Labor Day Discounts

Labor Day Weekend sales feature deep discounts on seasonal merchandise, but some of the best deals may come later.

Eyes on Iran and Honoring a Non-Politician Icon - “The Sunday Political Brunch” - August 30, 2026

My political analysis of the week's top stories

Sleeping Woman Wakes To Bat In Her Mouth: Weird News & Oddities

Classroom catches fire and, of course, the snake was blamed; human skull donated to thrift; ‘Chucky’ suspect nabbed; that’s a big fish, man.

$900 Per Kid Back-To-School Costs Push Some Parents Deeper In Debt

Back-to-school costs are pushing some parents toward credit, side jobs, resale and even gambling as the annual school tab keeps climbing.

Apple Announces 'Surprise And Shine' Event: What To Expect

From a brand partner: New iPhones, Apple Watches and AirPods could be on the way. Here’s when and where to tune in.

'Curiosity Is Your Superpower': More Back-To-School Advice From Patch Readers

From a brand partner: From making new friends to trying new things, readers offer words of wisdom for students heading back to class.

When The Street’s Party Is Too Much ‘People-ing’: Block Talk

Block parties can be fun — unless you’d rather skip the small talk, the potluck and the awkward questions about why you’re not joining in.

Kids’ Birthday Party Etiquette: RSVPs, Siblings And Gifts [The Question]

Uninvited siblings, late RSVPs, “no gifts” requests and increasingly elaborate celebrations are testing old birthday-party manners.

If You Have More Than $1,000 in Your Checking Account, Make These 5 Money Moves

From a brand partner: From investing to cutting recurring costs, these strategies can help you put extra cash to work.

The Cost of a Financial Advisor for $1M+ Portfolios

From a brand partner: At higher net worth, the value financial advisors may provide could potentially outweigh the costs.

Mail Voting Hasn't Changed Yet, But A Crucial Deadline Is Coming

The Supreme Court let President Donald Trump’s mail-voting order advance ahead of the Nov. 3 midterm elections.

Cheaper Imported Beef Could Be Coming, But Savings May Be Slim

More imported beef could ease record-high hamburger prices, but savings may be slim, and U.S. ranchers warn the plan could undercut them.

3-Year College Degrees Save Time And Cash, But Critics Aren't Sold

The condensed programs have exploded in popularity, with at least one college in 26 states offering them.