Good morning, neighbors. Before the weekend arrives, let’s talk about a few stories that touch real kitchen-table decisions in our country.

First, a little relief for retirees. Social Security recipients will see a 3.6% cost-of-living increase starting in January. That works out to roughly $76 more per month for the average retired worker, a bit over $900 across the year. It’s the biggest bump since 2023. There’s a catch worth knowing: Medicare Part B premiums may rise too, likely by less than $20 a month, which can trim the net gain. If someone in your family is on a fixed income, it’s a good week to sit down together and look at the new numbers.

Second, a health reminder from Pennsylvania. The CDC has confirmed more than 4,000 measles cases this year, the largest outbreak in 35 years, with Pennsylvania at the center. Doctors say more than 90 percent of cases are among people who weren’t vaccinated, and nearly a fifth are children under five. A Hershey physician told PBS NewsHour that the MMR vaccine is safe and effective, and that babies too young to be vaccinated depend on the rest of us for protection. If you’re unsure about your family’s vaccine records, a quick call to your doctor is a kind thing to do for yourself and for the little ones around you.

Third, a quiet change in our college towns. Researchers estimate that more than 400 small private colleges across the country could be at risk of closing over the next decade, and about 500 have closed in the last ten years. When a campus goes dark, students scramble to finish elsewhere, and the town loses a neighbor, an employer, and a gathering place. If you have a young person in your life thinking about college, it’s worth asking about a school’s finances, not just its brochure.

These aren’t small stories. They’re about how we care for our older neighbors, protect our youngest ones, and help our kids find their footing.

None of this is simple, but we’ve always been at our best when we look out for each other. Check in on a neighbor this weekend, make that call to the doctor, and share what you learn. Small kindnesses add up to a stronger community. Have a good weekend, everyone.