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Friday Edition - January 9, 2026

Good morning, Member

Hip, hip, hooray—it’s finally Friday! The days can start to blend together, especially during the festive season, but I know plenty of us still have a mile-long to-do list. I’m headed out this weekend for some holiday grocery shopping (not sure if I’m early or already behind!) and I still haven’t decided what’s going on our table. So tell me: What’s one thing that always makes it onto your holiday menu? Share it in the forum—I just might borrow a few ideas. 😋

All right, let’s solve yesterday’s riddle: Lose me once, I'll come back stronger. Lose me twice, I'll leave forever. What am I?

The answer is teeth! Congratulations to our brilliant Riddle Masters!

For today’s mental exercise, try to unscramble this: L A R O P U P

Send in your answer for a chance at a shout-out on Monday! In today’s stories, we’ve got a Social Security policy push, SNAP benefit changes, a Costco recall to check, plus a few can’t-miss stories and feel-good reads to kick off your weekend.

Emerald — Newsletter Writer


Social Security & MoneyNews & Finance



Breaking News SeparatorEditor's Picks

Hot Topics & Smart Moves

Food, Health, & Everday Wins

The best Secret Santa gift? A Pop-Tart heating pad.

For the friend who loves cozy comfort and a touch of nostalgia, the Happy Helpers Pop-Tart Heating Pad is a sweet standout on any holiday gift list. Designed to look just like the iconic Strawberry Frosted Pop-Tart, this microwaveable cutie delivers warm, soothing relief for period cramps, sore muscles, or chilly winter days.

Perfect for your bestie, parent, sibling, or anyone who could use a little extra warmth this season. Equal parts comforting and charming, this Pop-Tart is guaranteed to be the most delightfully unexpected hit of your Secret Santa exchange!


Fun & GamesFun & Games


CrosswordSudokuSolitaireTrivia

Today’s Trivia SeparatorToday’s Trivia

What is the hottest planet in our solar system?

Image source: NASA Hubble Space Telescope

A. Mercury

B. Venus

C. Earth

D. Mars


Emoji’s Decoded SeparatorEmoji’s Decoded

Can You Guess The Famous Idiom?

Image source: The GrayVine

Hint: A saying about not believing everything you hear and staying a bit skeptical.


Yesterday’s America SeparatorYesterday’s America

Remember Cooking With This?

Image source: Reddit

It sat right on the countertop, humming gently as it turned out weeknight dinners, Sunday breakfasts, and the kind of “one-pan wonders” every busy household relied on. Many watched a parent or grandparent flip, fry, or simmer something delicious inside this trusty classic. Do you remember cooking with this—and the meals that came out of it? Keep the nostalgia simmering and share a favorite memory here!


Today's (Grand)Dad joke SeparatorToday's (Grand)Dad Joke

A vocabulary lesson turns hilarious when one kid asks the teacher a blunt question. Share a laugh with your fellow GrayViners—post YOUR jokes in the forum!


Awww of the day SeparatorAwww Of The Day

Image source: Reddit

Flower Power

Flowers can instantly brighten someone’s day—especially when they’re tucked behind the ear of a sweet little face like this. This pup looks ready to charm treats out of anyone within ten feet. Did this bring a little cheer to your day? We sure hope so. We’d also love to see your adorable photos, so send them our way!


On this day in History SeparatorOn This Day In History - January 9, 2026

1925 - The world's first "motel", the Milestone Mo-Tel in California, opened.

1977 - Saturday Night Fever, starring John Travolta, had its world premiere.

What else happened on this day throughout history? Find out here!


Brain TrainingBrain Training


CrosswordSudokuSolitaireTrivia

Quote of the Day SeparatorQuote Of The Day

"There is no such thing as a lost child. Every child we once were is still alive within us."
— Pablo Neruda

If you could spend an afternoon with one of your “younger selves”, which age would you choose and why? Looking forward to reading your answers here!


Let's Save - Today's Deals SeparatorLet's Save - Today's Deals

$7.99 Tape Sale @ Legacybox*

Preserve your old tapes and photos.

Degreaser Cleaner Spray $2.58 @ Amazon

Make kitchen cleanup a breeze.

Penne Pasta $0.74 @ Walmart

The perfect base for quick weeknight meals.

Found a good deal? Share it here! Note: Deals are not sponsored unless stated.

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Today’s trivia answer: B. 

Venus is the hottest planet in the solar system.