California

Oakland, Calif. – October 01, 2026 -- Blue Shield of California has unveiled its 2027 Medicare plan lineup, giving eligible residents new coverage choices ahead of the Annual Enrollment Period running Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, 2026.

Plan options span Medicare Advantage to prescription-only coverage

The nonprofit insurer's portfolio includes Medicare Advantage plans, a Dual-Eligible Special Needs plan for those who qualify for both Medicare and Medi-Cal, Medicare Supplement plans, and stand-alone prescription drug plans. Members seeking flexibility can opt for Medicare Supplement plans, which allow access to any doctor nationwide who accepts Medicare.

Santa Monica, Calif. – September 23, 2026 -- Autonomy has added the Volkswagen ID.4 electric vehicle to its subscription app, with the model available immediately to customers in California.

Volkswagen becomes the latest brand added to Autonomy's growing subscription fleet

The company says more Volkswagen models will follow in additional markets as it responds to customer demand for greater vehicle choice. The ID.4 joins an existing lineup of electric vehicles on the platform, including the Tesla Model 3, Ford Mustang Mach-E, BMW i4, Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Chevrolet Equinox EV. Autonomy has also recently added gas-powered models such as the Ford Mustang, Ranger, F-150, Bronco Sport, Escape and Explorer.

Bellingham, Wash. – September 19, 2026 -- The Non-UPF Verified certification program has grown to 304 verified products across 23 brands since opening for enrollment on January 21, 2026, and shoppers can now check that status instantly through a new smartphone app.

A new app lets shoppers scan barcodes for processing details

The Non-UPF Verified app, available for iOS and Android, allows users to scan a packaged food's barcode to see whether it carries Non-UPF Verified status. If a product isn't verified, users can tap to request verification directly, a feature designed to send food brands a clear signal of consumer demand.

San Francisco – September 15, 2026 -- Licensed marriage and family therapist Manami Yamamoto has announced a new book, 'Truly Be Well: Nurturing True Wellness from Within,' currently in development, built around a framework she calls Inner Nurturing.

The global wellness industry has crossed $6.8 trillion, yet stress and disconnection persist

Yamamoto points to that gap as the reason she developed her framework. She argues that most wellness products and mental health campaigns focus on symptom relief rather than building lasting inner capacity.

California – September 15, 2026 -- Renue Blue has released results from a four-week consumer perception study on its Moisturizing Body Cream, with 94% of participants reporting more hydrated and smoother-feeling skin by the study's end.

The research, conducted by contract research organization Citruslabs, tracked women between the ages of 30 and 65 who had at least one visible sign of skin aging on their body. The product targets dryness, rough texture, loss of firmness, and fine lines on areas beyond the face, including arms, hands, and legs.

Nearly all participants reported smoother, healthier-looking skin

By Week 4, 94% of participants agreed their skin felt smoother to the touch, and 91% said their skin looked healthier overall. Eighty-nine percent reported an improvement in the appearance of fine lines, while 83% said their skin felt firmer and 81% reported their skin felt more elastic and less loose or sagging.

Walnut Creek, Calif. – September 15, 2026 -- Future Golf has launched its multi-course golf membership platform in the U.S., starting in California, giving golfers a single app-based membership to access a growing network of courses.

One membership unlocks dozens of golf courses across five states

The platform will expand to approximately 60 participating golf courses across California, Nevada, Texas, Arizona, and Florida as the rollout continues. Members get one app covering course access, handicap tracking, scoring, performance tools, event access, and member benefits.

San Diego – September 12, 2026 -- SuperStorage has enrolled all 16 of its California self-storage facilities in their local Chambers of Commerce, a move the company says formalizes its ties to the neighborhoods it operates in.

Facility managers now attend local Chamber events in person

SuperStorage facility managers across the state are participating in Chamber-sponsored ribbon cuttings, business mixers, and community fundraisers. The company frames the membership as a way to build relationships with nearby businesses and stay connected to local needs rather than simply leasing storage units.

Kathy Carlson, Area Manager of SuperStorage, said joining the Chamber of Commerce reinforces the company's role as a trusted local business, adding that staff live and work in the communities they serve and aim to earn resident trust through secure, clean, and convenient units paired with straightforward customer service.