Follow NFL and NBA news, Social Security and Medicare updates, the cost of living and life beyond the headlines. Clear explanations, useful blogs and local weather for readers across the United States.

Articles checked October 18, 2026 · Publication package October 19, 2026

NFLTHE BIG READ · OCTOBER 18 PREVIEW

Cowboys at Packers: a familiar rivalry returns to Lambeau

Sunday night's meeting offers a useful test of both offenses. Here is the viewing plan and what to watch between the big plays.

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01 On your radar

Social Security

Social Security’s 2027 COLA is 3.6%. Here’s how to read your increase.

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Medicare

Medicare open enrollment is underway for 2027 coverage

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Elections

The 2026 Midterms: What to Check Before November 3

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All the news →

NFL · NBA · COLLEGE FOOTBALL · BASEBALL · GOLF

The sports desk.

All sports

NBANews

NBA opening night: three games to start the season

The October 20 schedule runs from an afternoon opener to a late Western Conference meeting. All times here are Eastern.

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College FootballNews

BYU holds off Notre Dame, 28–24, in a last-play finish

Bear Bachmeier supplied touchdowns three different ways, and the Cougars' defense protected the lead at the end.

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BaseballGuide

World Series 2026: put these October dates on your calendar

A compact series planner, with the official schedule for television details and any changes.

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NFLNews

The Micah Parsons trade still frames Cowboys–Packers

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NFLNews

Commanders at 49ers: Monday night's viewing guide

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NFLGuide

Patriots at Bears: plan ahead for Thursday Night Football

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NFLGuide

NFL Week 6 scores: where to follow Sunday's games

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NFLNews

NFL standings: the races to follow entering Sunday

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NFLGuide

NFL Week 6: three matchups worth your Sunday

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Viewing guides, league schedules and context. Coverage is dated.Explore every sport ↗

YOUR MONEY, YOUR NEXT CHAPTER

Make sense of what matters.

Money & retirement

Social SecurityNews

When the 2027 Social Security increase reaches your payment

Most Social Security recipients see the adjustment in January. SSI follows a different first-payment date.

1 min read

Social SecurityGuide

Social Security payment dates: which Wednesday is yours?

Birth dates determine many payment days, but SSI and older benefit records have different rules.

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Social SecurityGuide

How Medicare Part B can change your Social Security take-home amount

A larger gross benefit and a larger bank deposit are different calculations. Compare the dollar changes.

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MedicareNews

The 2027 Part B premium: what is confirmed and what is still an estimate

The trustees projected $209.50 a month. That projection is not a final premium announcement.

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MedicareNews

Medicare’s Part D out-of-pocket limit rises to $2,400 in 2027

The limit applies to covered Part D medicines. It does not make every health expense disappear.

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MedicareGuide

What to do when your Medicare Advantage plan changes or leaves

Start with the notice from your plan. A benefit change and a contract ending require different decisions.

1 min read

HEALTH & CAREGIVING

Look after yourself.
And your people.

Clear explanations and useful questions for your next conversation.

Explore health →Caregiving guides →

CaregivingGuide

Family Caregiver Support: Where to Ask for Practical Help

Respite care, local support, and tax questions worth exploring before caregiving becomes a one-person job.

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CaregivingGuide

Long-Term Care Costs: Build a Plan Around the Help You Need

Separate everyday assistance from medical care, then compare local prices and actual coverage before making a budget.

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CaregivingGuide

Assisted Living or a Nursing Home? Questions That Clarify the Choice

Match the setting to daily and medical needs, then ask about staffing, costs, and what happens if those needs change.

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CaregivingGuide

Aging in Place: A Room-by-Room Plan for a Safer Home

Start with lighting, walking routes, and bathroom support, then plan for the services that make daily life manageable.

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LIFE BEYOND THE HEADLINES

A little room for the everyday.

Blogs & guides

TravelGuide

The surprisingly good day out hiding in your own town

A walking route, one place you’ve never entered, and a lunch worth lingering over. No elaborate itinerary required.

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Home & GardenGuide

A paperwork system you can keep up with

Three places for incoming papers, one short appointment with yourself, and fewer things to hunt for later.

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LivingGuide

The “touch grass” trend: find an offline hobby you actually enjoy

From a neighborhood walk to a game around the table, make room for something beyond a screen.

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THE PRACTICAL EDIT

Know a little more.

All money guides

Straightforward reading for the decisions ahead.

RetirementGuide

Retirement age and Social Security benefits: three ages to understand

Leaving work and claiming a benefit are separate decisions. Start with your birth year, your statement and the income you will need.

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RetirementGuide

401(k) news and tax changes: check the year before the number

A practical way to separate an enacted rule, an annual limit and a proposal before changing your retirement contributions.

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Cost of LivingGuide

Interest rates and mortgage rates: what a headline can and cannot tell you

A Federal Reserve announcement is a starting point. Your mortgage comparison needs the loan terms, fees and a dated quote.

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Cost of LivingGuide

Housing market headlines: read the place, period and price measure

A national price index is useful context. It does not tell you the value of one home or settle whether a move is right for you.

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POLITICS & EVERYDAY TECHNOLOGY

Keep a clear view.

More to explore

ElectionsGuide

Early Voting 2026: Find Your Dates, Hours, and Location

Early voting arrangements vary. Here is how to find the official information for the place where you are registered.

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ElectionsGuide

Voter Registration Deadlines: Check Your State's 2026 Rules

Check your registration record and the deadline for the method you plan to use, especially after a move or name change.

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ElectionsGuide

Mail Ballot Deadlines: Requesting, Returning, and Checking Yours

A ballot request deadline and a ballot return deadline are different. Check both with your state election office.

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TechnologyGuide

That urgent family call could be an AI voice scam

A familiar voice is no longer enough. Agree on a simple verification habit before an emergency.

1 min read

TechnologyGuide

The streaming subscription reset: keep what you actually watch

A short household audit can make entertainment simpler without turning it into a chore.

1 min read

TechnologyGuide

Three useful ways to try AI without handing over your private life

Start with ordinary tasks, inspect the results, and keep sensitive information out.

1 min read