StepByStore: Business, Tech, Lifestyle & General News Blog

Interior of the Apple Store at Union Square in San Francisco, where iPhone owners can get AppleCare service

iPhone Duo Screen Cracking? What Apple Says, Why It Happens and How to Get a Free Replacement

Apple says a small number of iPhone Duos have a faulty inner display and tells affected owners to contact AppleCare for a replacement. Here's what the cracks look like, what iFixit's teardown suggests is causing them, and what to do if your phone is affected.

Marriner S. Eccles Federal Reserve Board Building in Washington, D.C.

Fed Meeting Oct. 28, 2026: Will Rates Rise Again? What It Means for Your Credit Card, Mortgage and Savings

The Fed decides on interest rates Oct. 28, 2026. Most economists expect a hold at 3.75%-4.00% and a hike in December. Here's what each outcome means for credit cards, mortgages and savings.

Stethoscope resting on a pink piggy bank, representing the cost of health insurance

ACA Open Enrollment 2027 Starts Nov. 1: Key Dates, Premium Hikes and What’s Changing

ACA open enrollment for 2027 runs Nov. 1, 2026, to Jan. 15, 2027, in most states. Here are the key deadlines, the 15% median premium increase, the new $12,000 out-of-pocket cap, broker ID checks and how to shop smart.

The London Palladium theatre in London, host venue of the 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony

Ballon d’Or 2026 Winners: Harry Kane and Alexia Putellas Win, Full Recap and How Voting Worked

Harry Kane won the 2026 men's Ballon d'Or, the first Englishman to win since 2001, and Alexia Putellas won the women's award for a third time at the London Palladium on Oct. 26. Here's the recap, the contenders and how the voting works.

Children in Halloween costumes trick-or-treating

Halloween Recalls 2026: Light-Up Costumes, Finger Lights, Kayem Hot Dogs and Toothpaste to Check Now

Recalls announced in October 2026 include CIYTI light-up princess costumes and Bamamon finger lights with button batteries kids can reach, 1.58 million pounds of Kayem hot dogs and deli meats, 4.3 million tubes of Brush Buddies, Evo and ARU toothpaste, and VQQQ patio heaters. Here's how to check and get a refund.

Gas station price sign showing unleaded at $4.79, mid-grade at $5.19 and premium at $5.59 a gallon

Why Are Gas Prices So High in October 2026? What’s Driving Them and 9 Ways to Save

Gas is averaging about $4.30 a gallon and October 2026 is on track to be the priciest October ever, per AAA. Here's why prices are stuck high, which states pay most and least, and 9 proven ways to save.

Foldable smartphones shown open side by side

iPhone Duo Is Here: Price, Specs, Battery Life and Whether Apple’s First Foldable Is Worth $1,999

Apple's first foldable, the iPhone Duo, is on sale from $1,999. Here's the full price list, key specs, real-world battery life and crease verdicts from reviewers, and who should buy or wait.

PHP2Shell: What the Critical PHP Flaw Means for Your WordPress Site and How to Check If You’re Patched

PHP2Shell (CVE-2026-109618 and CVE-2026-109619) lets attackers hijack PHP servers without logging in. Updating WordPress won't fix it. Here's how to check your PHP version, which releases are patched, and what top hosts say.

American Family Field in Milwaukee, home of the Brewers and host of Game 1 of the 2026 World Series

How to Watch the 2026 World Series: Rays vs. Brewers Schedule, TV Channel and Streaming

The 2026 World Series between the Tampa Bay Rays and Milwaukee Brewers starts Oct. 23 at 8 p.m. ET on FOX. Here's the full game schedule, every way to stream it without cable, options in Canada, and how both teams got here.

Pink and black Skullcandy headphones on a wooden table

Bose Buys Skullcandy: What the Deal Means for Your Headphones, Prices and Warranty

Bose has acquired Skullcandy, which will stay a separate brand based in Park City, Utah. Here's what was announced, why Bose wanted it, how the Sound by Bose models compare, and what it could mean for Skullcandy prices and owners.

Vintage alarm clock on a wooden bookshelf, a reminder to set clocks back when daylight saving time ends

When Does Daylight Saving Time End in 2026? Clocks Fall Back Nov. 1 (U.K. on Oct. 25)

Daylight saving time ends at 2 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026, in most of the U.S., while U.K. clocks go back on Oct. 25. Here's what to reset, which places don't change, the tricky week in between, and where the Sunshine Protection Act stands.

Sam's Club warehouse store entrance and parking lot in Pittsfield Township, Michigan

Walmart+ and Sam’s Club Plus Bundle for $120: What You Get and How to Switch

Walmart+ and Sam's Club Plus now come together for $120 a year, almost $100 less than buying both. Here's what's included, how existing members switch, and the fine print on Amex, household members and canceling.