Why Your iPhone Battery Dies So Fast — And How To Make It Last Longer

From a brand partner: Before replacing your phone, these simple checks and settings could help stretch your battery life.

War and Finances Top U.S. Headlines -- The Sunday Political Brunch September 20, 2026

My weekly analysis of the top political stories

Homegrown Heroes' Reception In Westbury Celebrates L.I. Leaders, Legacy and The Power of Presentation

Shirley Darkeh’s acclaimed photographic exhibition continues its mission of preserving local African American history & inspiring the world

L.I. African American Chamber of Commerce Announces Confirmed Speakers for 2026 Med Month Oct. 8th, 2025

Thursday, October 8, 2026, from 6:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. at the Town of Hempstead Pavilion, One Washington Street, Hempstead, New York

Coffee Shop Etiquette For Remote Workers Who Stay For Hours [The Question]

A cup of coffee may buy the Wi-Fi, but how long does it buy the table? Is it OK to take your laptop to the coffee shop and stay for hours?

Listeria Concerns Reported with Walmart Pasta And Pork: Recall Roundup

Recalls also include hand soap that may be contaminated with bacteria, electric blankets and heating pads responsible for dozens of burns.

Political Yard Signs Test Free Speech, Neighborhood Etiquette: Block Talk

The First Amendment protects plenty of bad manners. Patch readers debate what to do when political yard signs turn ugly.

You Just Came Into Serious Money. Here’s What to Consider Next

From a brand partner: A sudden financial windfall may create time-sensitive questions.

Paying More Than You Need To? Start With These 4 Money Moves

From a brand partner: From insurance savings to debt relief, these strategies can help improve your finances.

Fed Rate Hike: What It Means For Mortgages, Car Loans, Credit Cards

The Fed doesn’t set the mortgage rate, currently around 7 percent. Continued concerns about inflation are keeping it high.

Patch Readers Have Spoken: This Is The Ultimate Song Of Summer

From a brand partner: The votes are in, the playlist is set and Patch readers have officially picked their song of summer.

‘Not A Radical Idea’: 32-Hour Workweek Bill Revived As AI Takes Jobs

Companies increasingly leverage AI to boost productivity, even as human employees work longer hours for reduced pay, bill sponsors say.

What Congress Can Actually Do To Lower Grocery Prices

Congress can address costs, illegal conduct, competition, and supply, but it cannot vote grocery prices back to pre-inflation levels.

Uptick In Rabies Cases Prompts Nationwide Health Advisory: What You Should Know

With rabies cases up, health officials say it’s vital to know what to do after a bite or scratch to prevent a nearly always fatal disease.

Is Apple's $1,999 Foldable iPhone Worth It? Here's What You Actually Get For The Price

From a brand partner: Apple's first folding phone opens into a mini-tablet. See how it compares with the iPhone 18 Pro.

Massive Data Breach May Have Exposed Millions Of Americans' Personal Information

From a brand partner: A dark-web service claims to have millions of drivers’ licenses. Here’s what to know — and how to protect yourself.

Trump Pledges $5K To Adults In Election-Year Gambit: What To Know

House Speaker Mike Johnson calls it “a creative idea” that will need Congressional approval; other lawmakers call it a bribe for votes.

L.I. African American Chamber of Commerce Continues Historic Legacy of Minority Enteprise Development Month

October 8th Opening Event at Town of Hempstead Pavilion Will Connect Minority Entrepreneurs with Resources, Relationships and Opportunities

Remembering 25th Anniversary of September 11th Attacks – “The Sunday Political Brunch” – September 13, 2026

My analysis of the week's top stories

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.