Somerville, Mass. – October 15, 2026 -- Lilypad, a paint and primer that absorbs excess moisture and prevents condensation, now comes in seven new colors after landing on TIME's Best Inventions of 2026 list in the Manufacturing & Materials category.

One gallon absorbs about 13 ounces of water vapor

Adept Materials built Lilypad for rooms that get wet. The paint takes in moisture when humidity spikes and releases it as conditions normalize. A single gallon absorbs about 13 ounces of water vapor, roughly what a hot shower releases.

In controlled side-by-side tests simulating a typical shower, Lilypad kept peak humidity about 15% lower than conventional paint. The company says laboratory testing, controlled field trials, and deployments in hundreds of real homes back up its efficacy.

Annapolis – October 15, 2026 -- Maryland residents can now register interest, with no deposit required, in plug-in solar systems that PowerStead Energy is developing to generate electricity at home without a rooftop construction project.

PowerStead plans a guided setup process

The company wants getting started with solar to feel like setting up a useful home product. Its planned process covers equipment selection, placement guidance, site and outlet screening, mounting instructions, help with required utility notification, and support after setup.

Co-founder Jim Rice said the goal is more energy independence for everyday consumers, including people who haven't had a practical way to bring solar into their homes.

Kildeer – October 15, 2026 -- Amped Fitness is bringing Amped Universe, a gym split into eight themed worlds, to 20771 N. Rand Road in Kildeer, Illinois. The opening date, memberships and presale have not been announced yet.

The concept borrows from amusement park design. Members pass through portals into separate environments rather than walking past rows of equipment on one continuous floor.

Eight worlds replace one gym floor

Each destination is built around a different kind of workout:

Torrance – October 15, 2026 -- Vital Lyfe's Access, a push-button watermaker that filters water from any naturally occurring source, including seawater, is now available for pre-order and will begin shipping later this year. TIME has named it a Best Invention in the Outdoors category.

Access filters seawater and other natural sources with one button

The system is built for off-grid exploration and communities, short- or long-term sailing, maritime environments, rural living, disaster relief organizations and emergency response. Vital Lyfe describes it as user-friendly and cost-effective, with a simple, intuitive process that lets anyone make filtered water.

Dallas – October 15, 2026 -- Topgolf guests can get 50% off gameplay on Halloween Saturday, October 31, with the code "BOO," and sip a gummy-worm-topped Haunted Marg while they play. The limited-time Halloween lineup runs now through November 1 at participating venues.

A cocktail served in an IV bag headlines the spooky menu

The Haunted Marg combines Ghost Spicy Blanco Tequila, blood orange and mango over ice, finished with a black lava salt rim, a lime wedge and gummy worms. Any Frozen drink (Lemonade, Piña Colada, Limeade or Margarita) can also be made spooky with blackberry puree and gummy worms.

Toronto – October 15, 2026 -- Toca Boca World players can dress their characters in looks inspired by HUNTR/X and the Saja Boys and play four songs from Netflix's KPop Demon Hunters in their stories when the collaboration launches October 27.

Two style worlds, one wardrobe

Spin Master's digital studio Toca Boca is bringing the film to its Toca Boca World app, which has close to 60 million players. The new content blends the film's everyday fashion with the look of its K-pop stage performances. Players can mix and match both to build characters and personalize their storytelling.

A music player with four hit songs

A new in-game music player carries "How It's Done," "Golden," "Soda Pop" and "Your Idol." For a limited time, players can use the tracks as soundtracks for their own stories inside the app.

Dallas -- Starting January 1, 2027, Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards members get a new Platinum tier with unlimited Companion Pass trips, a faster route to status for credit cardholders, and points that work for seats and rental cars. The airline also plans a fleetwide Starlink WiFi rollout and a branded lounge network.

Platinum joins a renamed tier lineup in January 2027

A-List becomes Silver and A-List Preferred becomes Gold. Platinum sits above both and includes unlimited Companion Pass trips. Rapid Rewards keeps its no-blackout-dates policy and points that don't expire. Members can still earn tier status through Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) or qualifying flights.

Plano, Texas – October 15, 2026 -- Two nonprofit leaders who open up youth sports to more girls and kids received $25,000 grants each from Toyota at the 2026 espnW: Women + Sports Summit in Ojai, California. Markeshia Grant of EPIC for Girls and Rhiannon Potkey of Goods4Greatness are the 11th class of Toyota Everyday Heroes.

The Heroes were surprised on stage. Tiffany Shido, general manager of brand at Toyota Motor North America, presented the honors alongside espnW emcee and Toyota Ambassador Jess Sims. Shido said the pair are expanding access to sports and removing barriers to participation.

EPIC for Girls builds up the people who serve girls in sports

Grant is Executive Director of EPIC for Girls, a capacity-building nonprofit based in Omaha, Nebraska. EPIC strengthens the organizations, coaches and systems that serve girls. It gives those groups resources, relationships and support to widen access to quality sports and youth development.

NEW YORK – October 15, 2026 -- City Cruises has unveiled its 2026 holiday lineup, with Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Eve cruises that include freshly prepared meals, so guests skip the cooking and cleanup. The sailings run across the company's U.S. destinations.

Thanksgiving dinner comes with waterfront views

Thanksgiving brunch, lunch and dinner cruises serve a feast with all the trimmings. Chefs prepare meals fresh onboard, with buffet and plated options that include roasted turkey, traditional stuffing, mashed potatoes and seasonal desserts. Cocktails, music and dancing round out the experience.

Christmas cruises add Santa and a boat parade

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day brunch and dinner cruises feature holiday music, dancing and games aboard festively decorated boats. Guests can sit in warm interiors or step out onto the outdoor decks.

Oranjestad – October 15, 2026 -- Travelers heading from New York to Aruba can book a vacation package with up to $550 off through October 21, 2026, as JetBlue and the Aruba Tourism Authority mark 20 years of nonstop service between JFK and Aruba's Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA).

Gate celebration precedes Flight #1457 on October 15

Before JetBlue Flight #1457 departs at about 11:12 a.m. local time, passengers bound for Aruba can take photos, sign the Aruba Promise and pick up a personalized luggage tag as a keepsake.

The Aruba Promise asks travelers to see themselves as guests of the island rather than visitors. That means embracing a slower pace, considering their footprint and showing gratitude for Aruba's people, culture and natural beauty. It is backed by Aruba's Guest Guidelines, which encourage simple, responsible choices.