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?
![Coffee Shop Etiquette For Remote Workers Who Stay For Hours [The Question]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20260918/035545/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-2838464277___18155229412.jpg)
Recalls also include hand soap that may be contaminated with bacteria, electric blankets and heating pads responsible for dozens of burns.
The First Amendment protects plenty of bad manners. Patch readers debate what to do when political yard signs turn ugly.
The Fed doesn’t set the mortgage rate, currently around 7 percent. Continued concerns about inflation are keeping it high.
From a brand partner: A sudden financial windfall may create time-sensitive questions.
From a brand partner: From insurance savings to debt relief, these strategies can help improve your finances.
Companies increasingly leverage AI to boost productivity, even as human employees work longer hours for reduced pay, bill sponsors say.
Congress can address costs, illegal conduct, competition, and supply, but it cannot vote grocery prices back to pre-inflation levels.
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.
From a brand partner: The votes are in, the playlist is set and Patch readers have officially picked their song of summer.
From a brand partner: Apple's first folding phone opens into a mini-tablet. See how it compares with the iPhone 18 Pro.
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.
Shirley Darkeh’s acclaimed photographic exhibition continues its mission of preserving local African American history & inspiring the world
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
House Speaker Mike Johnson calls it “a creative idea” that will need Congressional approval; other lawmakers call it a bribe for votes.
My analysis of the week's top stories
October 8th Opening Event at Town of Hempstead Pavilion Will Connect Minority Entrepreneurs with Resources, Relationships and Opportunities
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.
A no-shoes rule may keep floors clean, but readers say hosts should tread carefully when comfort, health and dignity are at stake.
![Take Off Your Shoes, But Don’t Make Guests Bare Their Soles [The Question]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20260911/034031/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-2003106188___11152810127.jpg)
From a brand partner: A tax-aware withdrawal plan may help some pre-retirees evaluate how taxes could affect retirement income.
