‘Solar Flare Factory’ May Deliver More Chances To See Northern Lights This Week

A powerful series of solar flares, including an X8.3 class eruption, may cause visible auroras at lower latitudes than usual this week.

Who Pays When A Neighbor’s Tree Damages Your Property: Block Talk

In a perfect world, a neighbor whose dying tree fell on another’s property would volunteer to pay for the damage, many readers said.

What Bugs You Most About Your Neighbor During The 'Winter Slump': Block Talk

When you’re stuck inside dealing with your own stuff, a neighbor’s annoying habits may be magnified. What bugs you most, and what do you do?

Salem Witch Trials And Al Capone Era Revisited: Weird News & Oddities

Police joke when jobs require they become drovers; South American lizard is saved from blizzard; neighborhood gets mountain lion all-clear.

Hockey Moms Come To The Rescue, Helpful Neighbors Step In & A Teen Steps Up: Good Deeds Are Happening

Patch readers share acts of kindness — big and small — from communities across the country.

NASA Offers A Unique Way To Fly To The Moon In The Artemis II Mission

The Artemis II mission will take the Orion spacecraft, named Integrity by its four-member crew, will fly around the moon and back.

A Simple Smile, A Snowblown Driveway, A Life-Saving Act: Real Stories Of Kindness From Across America

Good deeds are happening everywhere — big and small acts of kindness in towns like yours that deserve to be celebrated.

A Neighbor’s Tree Damages Your Property; What Do You Do? Block Talk

Who is responsible when a neighbor’s tree falls on your house or car? Does the neighbor have any ethical obligations?

Why I Spent a Year Plus of My Life Working on a Movie Called “SHEEPDOG”

Veteran Movie Opens This Weekend Across the Country

The Grisly Find In 'House Of Horrors' Grave Robbery Case: Weird News & Oddities

Eatery’s beloved walrus penis stolen; hundreds of friendly rats saved, more in home’s walls; carriage horse nearly tramples NYC pedestrians.

When Neighbors Don’t Shovel Their Snow, What Do You Do? Block Talk

Most places require that snow be removed from public sidewalks within a reasonable amount of time. About 12% of U.S. adults don’t bother.

22 Offbeat Stories That Made Us Face-Palm In 2025: Weird News & Oddities

We took a look back weird 2025 headlines, found some surprising themes, and even answered the question, “Where does the lone sock go?”

Collecting Social Security? COLA Isn’t The Only Change For 2026

Among key changes, older recipients who are still working can earn a little more without being dinged by the Social Security Administration.

Did You Witness A Good Deed In Your Town? Share It With Us!

Share a recent act of kindness — big or small — whether it was your own or something you witnessed in your town.

The Grinch Gives Speeding Drivers An Unusual Choice: Weird News & Oddities

Four years later, dog found 2,300 miles away; “Delco Pooper” tries to wipe record clean; fake heiress in $30M scam on FBI most-wanted list.

2025’s Top Meteor Shower Peaks This Weekend: How To See Geminids

When the Geminid meteor shower peaks this weekend, about 120 shooting stars an hour may be visible under ideal conditions.

It's Time To Get Your December Event Seen

Patch is where locals go to find what to do next - whether last-minute holiday plans of early-bird 2026 plans.

‘Very Intoxicated Raccoon’ Passes Out By Liquor Store Toilet: Weird News & Oddities

​Unbearable squatter roars “like a lion with a hiss on top;” rabid raccoon turns on rescuer; zoo’s oldest resident dies at 141 (or so).

Patch People Helps Build Connections; We Want To Hear Your Story

The aim of Patch People, a feature telling relatable stories showcasing readers’ diverse lives, is to make us all feel a bit more connected.

Porch Pirates Are Lurking, But How To Thwart Them? Block Talk

Porch piracy is a crime of opportunity that goes up during the holidays, and thieves know there’s very little risk they’ll be arrested.

Battling Eagles Fall From Sky: Weird News & Oddities

Toddler gets head stuck in toilet seat; weed store to give away a spendy Birkin bag; iguanas are falling and joro spiders are “ballooning.”

Northern Lights Ramping Up Intensity, More Chances To See Them Expected

One study suggests that 11-year solar maximums are tied to a longer-term, 80- to 100-year cycle that is just now ramping up in intensity.

NFL Legend Clones Beloved Pet: Weird News & Oddities

“Sandwich Guy” gets verdict on assault case; woman on drunken rampage made three tacos during burglary, police said.

Is It Still Too Early To Turn On Christmas Lights? Block Talk

Halloween and Christmas collide in many places, with lighting and decorations for the former coming down as those for the latter go up.

Should Texting And Walking Cluelessly Be Illegal? Block Talk

Survey respondents agreed distracted walking reflects a societal trend towards self-absorption but differed on “distracted walking” laws.

Full Beaver Moon Is The Biggest Supermoon Since 2019: What To Know

The full beaver moon is the second in a trio of supermoons closing out 2025, and the closest to Earth of the three — or any since 2019.

Create A Daily Practice of Gratitude

National Heritage Academies experts offer tips for building gratitude into your day and how to talk to children about this key virtue.

How To Support Hurricane Melissa Victims And Avoid Fake Charities

The most powerful hurricane ever to make landfall in Jamaica has prompted an outpouring of humanitarian aid, as well as multiple scams.

How To Curb Phone Zombies And Distracted Walking: Block Talk

Pedestrians staring at their phones while crossing busy streets put themselves and motorists in harm’s way. Can anything be done to stop it?

Dozens Of Wild Monkeys Cannonball Into River With Kayaking Couple: Weird News & Oddities

Sea otters are stealing surfboards again; AI picks winning Powerball numbers; pastor on prayer tour accused of setting church shed on fire.

Respect: What Does It Mean To You?

We know you have to give respect to get respect. But what IS respect, exactly? Five educators share their definitions.

2 Bright Comets Approach In Once-In-A-Lifetime Celestial Double Feature

As a bonus, the fireball-rich Orionid meteor shower peaks at the same time two newly discovered comets swing by Earth.

What To Do When Your Neighbor’s Weed ‘Smells Like A Skunk’s Behind’: Block Talk

Readers said part of living in a community is following not just explicit laws, but also social norms — like not polluting a neighbor’s air.

Divers Find $1M In Lost Spanish Coins At Aptly Named Location: Weird News & Oddities

Eeyore the dog “practically dragged” deputy to a woman who had fallen while walking him; escaped prisoner tried to hitch a ride in the nude.

Draconid Meteor Storm Outburst Possible With This Week’s Peak: What To Know

An international team of scientists and astronomers, including those from NASA, predicted that 2025 could be an outburst year.

Conversations Are Now On Patch!

You can join local discussions, share what's happening in the neighborhood, and celebrate your community with our new Conversations feature.

Popular MI Grocery Store To Be Featured On 'Good Morning America'

The popular store is best known for its different types of European-style olive oil.

Bear Breaks Into Home, Scares Napping Teen, Steals Food: Weird News & Oddities

Ghost ship found after 140 years; live World War II artillery shell found in garage cleanup; record for Yogi Berra; and some cat tales.

Neighbor’s Weed Stinks Up The Joint; What To Do: Block Talk

Do personal freedoms end when smoking pot disturbs neighbors? What’s the balance with others’ well-being, and how can that be achieved?

4 Ways to Help Your Child Develop Wisdom

Wisdom is a virtue that can be encouraged at school and at home, says National Heritage Academies’ Moral Focus expert