StepByStore: Business, Tech, Lifestyle & General News Blog

Patrick Stewart speaking at the 2019 San Diego Comic-Con

Patrick Stewart Dies at 86: Cause of Death, Tributes, Career Highlights and Where to Watch His Work

Star Trek and X-Men star Sir Patrick Stewart died Oct. 28 at 86 after Alzheimer's disease and Lewy body dementia. Here's what his spokesperson said, the tributes, his career and where to watch.

Noah Wyle smiling at his Hollywood Walk of Fame star ceremony in 2026

Noah Wyle Is People’s Sexiest Man Alive 2026: What He Said, His Family and When The Pitt Season 3 Returns

People named The Pitt star Noah Wyle its 2026 Sexiest Man Alive on Oct. 27. Here's what he said, who his family is, recent past winners and when The Pitt season 3 arrives on HBO Max.

Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch laptop open on a display table

Touchscreen MacBook Pro: Price, Release Date, OLED Specs and Whether It’s Worth $2,899

Apple's first touchscreen MacBook Pro has a tandem OLED display and Dynamic Island, starts at $2,899 and ships Nov. 6. Here's how it compares with cheaper MacBook Pros and who should buy it.

Carved jack-o-lantern pumpkin for Halloween 2026

Halloween Food Deals 2026: Free Krispy Kreme, $6 Chipotle Boorito and Where Kids Eat Free

Halloween 2026 is Saturday, Oct. 31. Here are the best restaurant freebies and deals, from a free Krispy Kreme doughnut and Chipotle's $6 Boorito entrée to QDOBA's BOGO and where kids eat free, plus the rules for each.

Starbucks Caramel Brulee Latte topped with whipped cream in a red holiday cup

Starbucks Red Cup Day 2026 Is Nov. 17: Holiday Menu Date, New Drinks and When Bearista Cups Return

Starbucks Red Cup Day 2026 is Tuesday, Nov. 17. Here are the holiday menu launch date (Nov. 5), the new Tiramisu Velvet and Apple Pomegranate drinks, holiday food, and when the Bearista cups return (Nov. 10 and Dec. 1).

Nasdaq MarketSite studio in Times Square with stock tickers on video walls

Anthropic IPO: When ANT Stock Could Start Trading, Valuation and How Regular Investors Can Buy

Anthropic filed to go public on Oct. 26, 2026, and plans to list on the Nasdaq as ANT. Here's the reported IPO timing and valuation, what the S-1 reveals about Claude's maker, and whether everyday investors can buy shares at the IPO price.

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.