The 2024 Great American Solar Eclipse Is A Really Big Deal: Here’s Why

More Americans are in the path of totality than in 2017, and an eclipse during the sun’s most active phase opens a unique scientific window.

2024 Periodical Cicadas To Party Like It's 1803 In Rare Dual Emergence

Thomas Jefferson was president and the ink was barely dry on the Louisiana Purchase the last time two cicada boods emerged simultaneously.

‘So Chicago It Hurts’ And A Rat Hole Wedding: Weird News And Oddities

People lose it over Stanley cups at Target; orcas intrigue; a thrift store vase is full of human remains; it’s going to get weird in 2024.

The ‘Need-A-Favor Neighbor’ Who Just Won’t Give Up [Block Talk]

When neighbors continually ask for annoying favors, it’s best to shut it down, even if they never talk to you again, several readers said.

When Should Outdoor Christmas Lights Be Turned Off? [Block Talk]

You may think there’s no harm in extending the magic of the holidays with your twinkling lights, but your neighbors may be over them.

January's Full Wolf Moon, And Why Its Namesake Howls: When To See It

According to lore, the January full moon got its name because wolves howl in hunger at this time of year. But there is more to the story.

Northern Lights May Be Visible In 17 States After Geomagnetic Storms

Aurora borealis displays could dip down in to the nation's midsection Monday after geomagnetic storms Saturday, according to NOAA.

Letter To The Editor: Yale New Haven Hospital Patient Care Questioned

"This was terrible patient care."

NASA Seeks Citizen 'Burst Chasers' To Help Solve Galactic Mysteries

Citizen scientists can help NASA track gamma-ray bursts from billions of years ago that contributed to today’s stars and galaxies.

Amid Service And Parades, Some MLK Jr. Day Events Take Political Turn

With the November presidential election as a backdrop, some events took on an overtly political turn.

‘Rat Hole Guy’; Defending eBay With Spiders And Roaches: Weird News

Below, read a collection of oddities and weird news from Patch that may make you scrunch up your face and ask, “Why?”

2024 Neighbor Resolutions, A Look Back At Top 2023 Takes [Block Talk]

Readers made New Year’s resolutions for their neighbors about leaf blowers, free-range cats, nosiness and noisiness, and property upkeep.

How To Say No To Neighbors Always Asking Annoying Favors [Block Talk]

It’s not the people who need help in a pinch who are annoying, but those who habitually take advantage of your generosity. What do you do?

Call For Kindness Grants To Fund 40 Youth-Led Projects: How To Apply

Riley’s Way Foundation, a nonprofit encouraging youth leadership rooted in kindness, will accept grant applications through March 25.

People Are Losing It At Target As They Snag Pink Stanley Cups

People are such Stanley cup stans — zealous fans — they’re “getting trampled” in Target as they try to get one, one person said on TikTok.

2024 Is A Leap Year, And We Want To Hear Your Leap Day Stories

The odds of being born on Leap Day are about 1 in 1,461. We want to hear about Leap Day birthdays, weddings, celebrations and traditions.

Court Docs Related To Jeffrey Epstein Set To Be Released; Not Clients

Some previously sealed court records will be made public, but most whose names appear are not accused of any wrongdoing.

Swift + Kelce, Debt-Erasing Gifts, Eclipse: 2023's Most Joyous Moments

Also among stories that made us smile or gave us hope: A spiritual homecoming in the Grand Canyon; the balsam​ fir's resilient return.

Quadrantids, 2024’s 1st And Perhaps Best Shooting Stars, Peak Nears

Timing is everything to observe the rich-in-fireballs Quadrantids, which peak at a rate of 120 meteors an hour — but only for a few hours.

Best Snacks For The Big Game: What’s Your MVP-Worthy Recipe?

We want to find snack and appetizer recipes that will make guests do a touchdown dance during the big game. That’s where you come in.

What’s Your 2024 New Year’s Resolution For The Neighbors? [Block Talk]

If you could make one New Year’s resolution for your neighbors, what would it be? Or maybe you resolve to be a better neighbor in 2024.

Weird News 2023: Stories That Made Us Scrunch Our Faces And Say ‘Huh?’

In 2023, a meteorite fell into a family’s house, a guy was pulled over while arguing with his parrot, and what’s up with all those bananas?

‘You Don’t Own The Street’ And Other Parking Vexations: [Block Talk]

Competition for on-street parking is fierce during the holidays, but it doesn’t do much good to complain, readers told us.

Looking Back At Some Of The Headlines That Captivated Us In 2023

Wildfire smoke cast a dystopian pall across multiple cities; search for missing submersible raises questions; a “hurriquake” in California.

Powerball Jackpot Climbs To $685M After Winner-Less Christmas Drawing

Someone could cash in on a massive jackpot just before the new year, as the Powerball jackpot climbed to $685 million this week.

8 Southern Recipes For Game Day & Beyond

Make every bite a touchdown at the Big Game celebration, with Southern recipes including pepperoni rolls, gator bites and sheet pan nachos.

8 Northeastern Recipes For Game Day & Beyond

From Philly cheese steak nachos to lobster roll sliders, these scrumptious bites from the Northeast are sure to be a touchdown.

8 Western Recipes For Game Day & Beyond

From sweet potato fry nachos to healthy cheese board creations, consider these Western-inspired recipes for your next sporting event.

8 Midwestern Recipes For Game Day & Beyond

Become the MVP of the Big Game with these Midwestern recipes, from toasted ravioli and tater tot nachos to peanut butter buckeyes.

A Cold Moon At Christmastime: When To See 2023’s Last Full Moon

Three planets will be visible without the aid of binoculars or a telescope — Saturn, Jupiter and Venus — at the same time the moon is full.

Winter Solstice Adds Sparkle To 2023's Last Meteor Shower, The Ursids

Thursday may be the shortest day of the year, but the celestial holiday has been celebrated through the ages as the “birth of the sun.”

2024 Guide To Meteor Showers, Total Solar Eclipse, Supermoons And More

April 8’s Great American Eclipse highlights 2024 celestial events. Frequent aurora sightings are likely as the sun reaches “solar maximum.”

Eerie East Coast Smoke; Taylor Swift; Actors' Strike: 2023 In Photos

Take a look at some of the most breathtaking and notable photos of the year, including a "ring of fire" solar eclipse.

​Pope Approves Blessings For Same-Sex Couples In Radical Policy Change

However, the new document repeats and reaffirms the Vatican position that marriage is a lifelong sacrament between a man and a woman.

A Piece Of Someone’s Liver Is All Dad Of 2 Needs: 6 Good News Stories

Super Bowl tickets are one thing, the chance Chicago Bears gave girls another; solace for Navy SEAL’s family; a granddaughter’s inspiration.

2023: The Year We Played With AI, But Weren't Sure What To Do About It

The dangers could come fast in 2024, as national elections in the U.S., India and elsewhere could get flooded with AI-generated deepfakes

Your Neighbors Hog The Street Parking: What Do You Do? [Block Talk]

The neighbors are using the nearby on-street parking spaces and your holiday guests have nowhere to park. How do you talk to them about it?

Geminid Meteors, The Best Shooting Stars Of 2023, Are About To Peak

Dark, moonless skies make for near-perfect viewing conditions for the Geminids. At the peak, the meteors fly at a rate of about 120 an hour.

Rare Eclipse Coming As Asteroid Blocks Bright Star Betelgeuse

The rare and fleeting spectacle, late Monday into Tuesday, should be visible to millions, including some in Miami and the Florida Keys.

Influential People Who Died In 2023: Year In Review

Here is a roll call of some influential figures who died in 2023.