Polar Vortex Is Strengthening: What It Means For Winter Temps, Snow

The Weather Channel releases its outlook for the first three months of 2026 and explains how the polar vortex affects winter predictions.

Grocery, Retail, Drugstore Christmas Hours: What To Know About Early Closings

Many, but not all, grocery stores will close early on Christmas Eve. And last-minute shoppers need to be aware of retail early closings.

Yes, It’s Rude To Bring Leftover Containers To Holiday Meals: Block Talk

It’s even ruder to hide to-go kits from the host, fill them with leftovers when the meal’s over and run, like it’s a holiday smash-and-grab.

What’s Your 2026 New Year’s Resolution For The Neighborhood? Block Talk

What resolution would you like for your community or neighborhood to make in 2026 to improve the quality of life? What can you do to assist?

21 Toys That Could Land Your Child In The ER This Christmas

If Santa Claus plans to leave these toys under the Christmas tree, he should check for warnings about choking and other hazards first.

These Favorite Christmas Memories Will Bring You Cheer: Patch Survey

A family tradition of taking hay from the manager; why sisters balked at fetching their gifts from under the tree; more holiday memories.

Retailer Shipping Deadlines Last-Minute Holiday Shoppers Need To Know

Major retail stores offer expedited shipping, in-store pickup on Christmas Eve and other options for holiday shoppers still choosing gifts.

White Elephant Gift Ideas And The Truth About Gift-Wrapped Potatoes

White elephant gifts shouldn’t be junk saved from the trash. They should be humorous, and perhaps even irreverent, but never mean-spirited.

These Restaurants Open Christmas Day 2025; Some Close Early Christmas Eve

It’s a good idea to make holiday reservations now. Several fast-food restaurants will be open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Surprise Tariffs May Add Hundreds Of Dollars To Holiday Shopping Bills

Holiday shoppers expect to spend more than $1 trillion in 2025, a new record, fueled by tariffs. They may also have trouble returning gifts.

These AI Toys Raise Safety Concerns, New Report Says

The plush toy engaged in and even started explicit sexual discussions — and it’s not the only AI-powered toy parents should worry about.

Porch Pirates, Package Thefts And How To Stop Them: Block Talk

Package thefts go up during the holidays as thieves become more sophisticated and organized, but there are ways to deter porch pirates.

What's Your Favorite, Most-Cherished Holiday Memory? Survey

Tender, nostalgic, hilarious or thought-provoking, we want to hear readers’ favorite memories of holiday traditions and celebrations.

3rd Of 4 Supermoons Rises Ahead Of Spectacular Geminid Meteors: What To Know

As the full cold moon rises Thursday, it’ll appear especially large as it hugs the horizon. It's the third of four supermoons in a row, too.

What’s The Etiquette Of Sharing Holiday Leftovers? Block Talk

Is it OK or rude for holiday guests to bring their own to-go containers, with the assumption they’ll take home leftovers from the feast?

Put These Thanksgiving Fails From Real Cooks On The ‘Don’t Do’ List

For one cook, “hair on fire” wasn’t an idiom. Another fail: That time “you couldn’t get near the kitchen” without risking life and limb.

How Long Does Turkey Stay Good? Don’t Let Food Poisoning Ruin Thanksgiving

Tending to the leftovers right away can extend the feast for several days without exposing guests to a common form of food poisoning.

Tariffs On Some Grocery Items Lifted, But Holiday Price Relief Is Elusive

President Trump lifted the 40% duty on certain products from Brazil, including beef, but a processor’s downsizing complicates it.

Shop Local Before It’s Too Late: Gift Ideas Near You!

Skip the shipping rush — enter your ZIP code and what you’re shopping for to get tailored gift ideas from businesses in your area.

No ‘Disrespectful Dress,’ Other Things To Know About Thanksgiving Travel

Storms could cause delays as a record number of Americans take to the roads and air this Thanksgiving as the “Golden Age of Travel” begins.

Does Turning On Holiday Lights Early Make You A Bad Neighbor? Block Talk

The custom of letting Thanksgiving pass before turning on lights is widely observed, but “Christmas creep” has support, too.

Best Of 2025: Who Earns Your Vote For The Best In Town?

Whether it’s a favorite business, standout service or someone who made your year shine, we want to hear who meant the most to you.

Veterans Day Deals: Military Personnel Eat Free At These Restaurants

Proof of military service is generally required to claim free meals and other deals offered by these four dozen chain restaurants.

We Want To Hear About Your Biggest, Most Hilarious Thanksgiving Fail

Did guests seem skeptical as they bit into the turkey? Was dinner called off because the kitchen caught fire? Did the dog cause a calamity?

Spend Where It Matters: Your Personalized Guide To Local Shopping

Just share your location and gift need to unlock curated suggestions from nearby shops and makers in your area.

‘Acorn Apocalypse’: What’s Behind The Abundance Of Nuts This Year

In mast years, an oak tree can drop 10,000 acorns, creating a smorgasbord for some animals, a danger for others and a nuisance for humans.

Extreme Halloween Displays Can Turn Any Street Into A Nightmare: Block Talk

“I’m 70, have young grandchildren and have always enjoyed the horror part of Halloween. It touches our fears in a safe way,” a reader said.

With Turkey Prices Up 40%, These Retailers Offer $4 Thanksgiving Meals

Turkey prices soar amid bird flu, trade wars and other economic pressures; Aldi and Walmart are early announcers of Thanksgiving meal deals.

Coast-to-Canyon Comfort: Cioppino, Tri-Tip & Other West Coast Favorites

From surf to mesas, these dishes bring big flavor home — cozy stews smoky grills and harvest sweets made for sharing.

Daylight Saving Time Is About To End: What To Know

After years of legislative setbacks, progress has been made on the Sunshine Protection Act, which would make daylight saving time permanent.

From Lobster Rolls To Apple Cider Donut Cake: Cozy Recipes Made For Gathering

These Northeastern dishes capture the heart of fall in the Northeast, blending coastal flavor, harvest comfort and a dash of homemade charm.

This November, Help Us Honor the Veterans Who Strengthen Our Communities

From service to community impact, join Patch and T-Mobile in thanking veterans who make a difference every day.

From Casseroles To Cherry Pie: 8 Midwestern Recipes Made For Gathering

From Illinois to Michigan, these cozy Midwestern favorites are perfect for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving or any cold-weather feast.

Feeling Thankful? Tell Us Which People And Places Make Your Life Brighter

From loved ones to favorite local spots, share what makes you grateful this season — and inspire others to do the same.

From Biscuits To Bourbon Pie: 8 Southern Recipes Made For Gathering

From Alabama to the Carolinas, these comfort-food favorites are perfect for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving or any fall feast.

Are Supersized Halloween Displays Too Extreme Or Terrifying? Block Talk

Americans are going large this year with realistic illusions and other extreme Halloween displays. Are you thumbs up or down on them?

These Are The Top Halloween Costumes Of 2025

Taylor Swift is a billionaire, but her costumes and others inspired by pop culture can be fashioned for a song at thrifts.

Scary Halloween Prices And More Ways Tariffs Are Haunting Americans

Americans are growing weary of the trade war, with the latest escalation a threat to place a 100 percent import tax on pharmaceuticals.

2025 Autumnal Equinox Is Monday: 5 Things To Know

The chances of seeing the aurora borealis increase around the time of the fall equinox, meteor showers return and foliage turns brilliant.

U.S. Oktoberfests Coincide With Munich Celebration: 5 Things To Know

At the largest U.S. Oktoberfest, celebrants chow down on traditional food like bratwurst and sauerkraut, and also pickled pigs feet.

The Best Valentine's Day Gifts For Him

Valentine's Day isn't just a holiday to swoon over the ladies — treat the number one man in your life to these fun and practical gifts.