Washington

Washington – September 29, 2026 -- U.S. News & World Report has released its 2027 Life Insurance Companies Awards, naming Nationwide as Best Life Insurance Company Overall for scoring highest across key evaluation metrics.

Five insurers win category-specific honors

MassMutual earns Best Life Insurance Company for Whole Life based on its permanent policy offerings, while Protective takes Best Life Insurance Company for Term Life for its flexible term options. USAA wins Best Life Insurance Company for Seniors for its specialized coverage, and Mutual of Omaha earns Best Life Insurance Company for Customer Service based on policyholder feedback collected in U.S. News' annual survey.

Washington – September 24, 2026 -- Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) debuted its new podcast, "Voices of PVA," on September 22, with new episodes releasing every other week starting October 6.

The audio-only show targets veterans and the broader disability community, including people living with spinal cord injuries or diseases (SCI/D) such as MS and ALS. The first season will run 24 episodes total.

Two hosts bring personal and professional ties to disability issues

The podcast is hosted by Al Kovach, a U.S. Navy SEAL veteran, Paralympian, and editor-in-chief of Paraplegic News and Sports 'N Spokes magazines, alongside PVA reporter Chad Stewart. Each episode features guests ranging from veteran athletes and policy leaders to caregivers and researchers.

Washington – September 22, 2026 -- Massachusetts Institute of Technology has claimed the No. 1 spot among National Universities in the U.S. News & World Report 2027 Best Colleges rankings, ending Princeton University's 15-year run at the top since the 2012 edition. Princeton now sits at No. 2, with Harvard University at No. 3. Williams College retained its top ranking among National Liberal Arts Colleges in the 42nd edition, which evaluated nearly 1,700 institutions.

Washington – September 20, 2026 -- The U.S. Postal Service released its Christmas Cookies Forever stamps today at a family-friendly event at the Smithsonian National Postal Museum.

The stamps come in booklets of 20 and are sold as Forever stamps, meaning their value always matches the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce rate. They are available at Post Office locations nationwide and on usps.com.

Four cookie designs anchor the new booklet

The set features a Christmas tree cookie decorated with red ribbons, yellow stars and silver ornaments on a blue background; a Santa Claus face cookie with a white beard, rosy cheeks and red cap on a red background; a blue present cookie with holly and a red ribbon; and a red stocking cookie with light blue and green stripes and white trim. The booklet's cover shows three of the four cookies -- the tree, Santa's face and the stocking -- above the text "Christmas Cookies" and "Twenty First-Class Forever Stamps."

Rocky Hill, Conn. – September 19, 2026 -- Henkel has opened a sweepstakes for U.S. soccer fans, running from September 16 to November 13, 2026, offering signed U.S. Women's National Team jerseys, soccer balls, and hats from two-time World Cup champion Alex Morgan.

Morgan made 224 appearances and scored 123 goals for the national team. The promotion ties into Henkel's existing partnership with Morgan, which included the release of her 'Letter to a Soccer Nation' in spring 2026.

Winners can also score a bundle of Henkel household brands

Beyond the signed memorabilia, entrants can win Henkel product sample boxes featuring Persil and all free clear laundry detergents, göt2b hair products, Dial bar soap, bodywash and hand soap, and Loctite adhesives.

Washington – September 17, 2026 -- U.S. News & World Report has released its 2026-2027 Best Children's Hospitals rankings, recognizing 90 pediatric hospitals across 34 states and Washington, D.C. The list marks the 20th edition of the annual study, which helps parents and physicians identify top-tier care for children with serious illnesses or rare conditions.

Washington – September 17, 2026 -- The SuperH 5K Run, Walk & Wheel returns for its 23rd year on Sunday, Sept. 20, kicking off at 8 a.m. at OneLife Fitness in Tysons, Virginia, with proceeds funding adaptive sports programs at MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital.

Participants can choose between a full 5K course or a one-mile fun run, all in support of no-cost adaptive sports and fitness services for MedStar NRH patients.

Harry and Renie Freedman launched the event after a workplace accident recovery

The Freedmans started SuperH as a way to give back to the hospital following Harry's recovery from a workplace injury. Over the past 23 years, the event has raised more than $1 million for adaptive sports and fitness programs.

Washington – September 17, 2026 -- GED Testing Service will mark National GED Day on September 16, honoring adults who earned a high school equivalency credential and the millions still working toward one.

More than 30 million U.S. adults lack a high school diploma

The GED program offers those adults a route into college, workforce training, military service, and jobs in healthcare, manufacturing, skilled trades, and technology, according to GED Testing Service.

One graduate turned her GED into a healthcare career

Iris earned her GED and now works as a Medical Assistant at a fertility clinic. She plans to become a Phlebotomy Technician next, with a longer-term goal of becoming a nurse. "My GED helped me take the first step toward the career I wanted," Iris said. "It was challenging and rewarding at the same time. My advice is to keep trying because it's never too late to invest in your education and build a better future."

Washington – September 15, 2026 -- The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Ad Council are rolling out new public service announcements and expanded resources at VA.gov/REACH as part of Buddy Check Week, running Sept. 21-25, 2026, within the ongoing "Don't Wait. Reach Out." campaign.

Suicide remains a leading cause of death among young Veterans.

In 2023, suicide was the second-leading cause of death for Veterans under 45, with 6,398 Veterans losing their lives that year, according to the 2025 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report.

Refreshed PSAs target Veterans who question if they deserve support.

The updated "You Are a Veteran" PSAs, developed pro bono by creative agency GSD&M, use Veteran-to-Veteran messaging to reinforce that all Veterans, regardless of when, where or why they served, earned access to care and resources. The ads will run nationwide on donated media placements.

Little Rock – September 12, 2026 -- The American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP) will host its 51st annual National Patient Meeting September 10-13, 2026, in Little Rock, Arkansas, with free admission and meals for kidney patients, family members, care partners, and living organ donors. Pre-registration is encouraged online or by calling (800) 749-2257.

The event opens with a free policy forum at the Clinton Presidential Center

AAKP's Public Policy Forum runs September 10 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. CT at the William J. Clinton Presidential Center, with doors opening at noon and lunch provided. The session covers kidney research, innovation, and how federal regulatory and reimbursement decisions affect patient care. Registration is required.