United States

Secaucus, N.J. – September 18, 2026 -- Avène, the sensitive-skin brand owned by Laboratoires Pierre Fabre, is running its third annual Dermfluencer University, a training program that teaches board-certified dermatologists how to create science-backed skincare content for social media and AI-powered search.

Dermatologists learn to compete with viral trends

The program is hosted at the Science of Skin Summit, an educational event founded by Dr. Patricia Farris and Dr. Ted Lain focused on dermatology research and innovation. It gives dermatologists tools and training to produce engaging online content aimed at consumers who now search for skin advice on social platforms and AI tools before booking a doctor's appointment.

Avon, Ohio – September 18, 2026 -- A new national survey finds that 63% of homeowners rate their storm preparedness a 7 out of 10 or higher, yet most still reach for the wrong repair tools once damage actually occurs. The T-Rex® Tape Storm Readiness Report, based on a September 2026 poll of 1,000 homeowners conducted by T-Rex® Brand, found 48% have tested batteries for emergency devices and 45% have trimmed trees around their homes as part of storm prep.

Eight in 10 homeowners face unexpected repairs

Eighty percent of respondents have experienced unexpected home damage requiring repair, and 43% say it's happening more often than five years ago, pointing to aging homes and severe weather as top causes. Despite this, only 30% have organized their repair tools as part of storm preparation, and just 51% say emergency storm supplies would be easy to find when needed.

Rapid City – September 18, 2026 -- Strider Bikes has launched the Strider Baby Balance Bike, a toy designed for infants aged 0 to 18 months that transitions from tummy-time play to early walking support.

The bike doubles as a sensory toy before babies can even sit up.

The design features raised letters, numbers and shapes on the wheels, giving babies tactile stimulation during tummy time. Once infants can sit independently, they can spin the wheels and twist the textured handlebars to explore how the toy moves.

Four points of contact aim to teach true independent balance.

As babies progress to standing and walking, the two-wheeled design combined with a baby's own feet creates four points of ground contact. Strider says this setup helps children build independent balance more effectively than three- or four-wheeled toys that balance on their own.

Chapin, S.C. – September 18, 2026 -- A high summer energy bill rarely comes from one single problem, according to HVAC experts Rick Liberti and Jon McCartha of Mid-State Heating and Air LLC in Chapin, South Carolina. Their insights, featured in a new HelloNation article, break down the everyday household issues that push cooling costs higher during peak heat.

Dirty filters force HVAC systems to work overtime

Dirty filters restrict airflow, making the system use more energy just to circulate air through the home. Beyond raising costs, this strain also reduces overall indoor comfort.

Poor insulation lets cooled air escape through walls and gaps

When cool air leaks out through attics, walls, or gaps around doors and windows, the HVAC unit has to work harder to replace it. Even a properly functioning system can struggle to keep temperatures steady in a poorly insulated home.

Buckhead – September 18, 2026 -- Fine jewelry needs more than an occasional wipe-down to stay secure and brilliant, according to jewelry expert Olivia Bateman of LeeBrant Jewelry and Watch Company in Buckhead, Georgia. Bateman recommends an annual professional cleaning and inspection to catch small issues before they turn into costly repairs or lost stones.

Daily wear loosens settings more than most owners realize

Lotions, perfumes, and everyday movement gradually affect metals and can loosen stones over months of wear. Bateman compares a professional inspection to a wellness check: simple, preventative, and essential for long-term protection.

Las Vegas – September 18, 2026 -- Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino is marking the first anniversary of Universal Horror Unleashed with two new overnight packages that pair a stay in its year-round Halloween Suite with tickets to the horror attraction at AREA15.

The Ultra Spooky package bundles transportation, drinks and a prize pack

The Halloween Suite Ultra Spooky Hotel Package includes a two-night stay in the Halloween Suite, two tickets to Universal Horror Unleashed, round-trip transportation between Westgate and AREA15, a specialty cocktail at Velvet Bar, an exclusive Halloween prize pack and surprise seasonal amenities. Guests can book it by calling 702-732-5631.

A simpler Suite & Ticket option is also available

A second option, the Halloween Suite & Ticket Package, offers a two-night stay in the Halloween Suite plus two tickets to Universal Horror Unleashed, bookable online.

Auburn Hills – September 18, 2026 -- Dodge and Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) revealed new race car liveries featuring the Charger Super Bee logo and the limited-run Purple Haze color ahead of the inaugural Dodge NHRA Great Lakes Nationals presented by Mopar, set for Sept. 18-20 at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park in Martin, Michigan.

The event marks the first NHRA National event in Michigan in 66 years, since Detroit Dragway hosted the U.S. Nationals in 1960.

Iron Ridge, Wis. – September 18, 2026 -- PS Seasoning has launched four new meat processing kits aimed at home cooks who want to make sausage, bacon or jerky without guessing on ingredients or ratios. The lineup includes a Fresh Italian Sausage Kit, Pepperoni Snack Stick Kit, Smoked Maple Bacon Kit and Jerky Kit - Candied Jalapeño, each with pre-portioned seasoning and step-by-step instructions.

Kits target the sourcing and measuring hurdles that stop beginners

The Fresh Italian Sausage Kit costs $24.99 and includes black pepper, fennel, crushed red chili, garlic and natural hog casings for a 25-pound batch. The Pepperoni Snack Stick Kit, priced at $29.99, comes with pepperoni seasoning, cure and 21mm collagen casings for a 25-pound batch of beef-and-pork or venison-and-pork sticks.

Boca Raton – September 18, 2026 -- A custom-fitted mouthpiece worn during sleep can help people with sleep apnea breathe easier without a CPAP machine, according to insights from Dr. Robert Spoont of Big Boca Smiles published on HelloNation.

The device keeps airways open without surgery

Oral appliance therapy uses a compact mouthpiece to prevent airway obstruction during sleep, improving breathing patterns without requiring surgery or complex equipment. Dr. Spoont, identified as a Sleep Apnea Expert, notes that patients can maintain their usual bedtime habits while using the device.

Comfort drives better long-term use than CPAP machines

Unlike bulky CPAP machines, the mouthpiece is small, portable, and requires no electricity, making it easier to travel with for people with active lifestyles. Because it is less disruptive to nightly routines, patients tend to use it more consistently, which supports better long-term outcomes.

Irvine, Calif. – September 18, 2026 -- Kiwibit has launched the Bird Feeder 2 Pro, which it calls the world's first smart bird feeder with 4K HDR imaging and auto-focus. The device went on sale in the United States on Sept. 15 through Kiwibit's website and Amazon.

The feeder brings phase-detection auto-focus to backyard birdwatching for the first time

An upgraded high-resolution image sensor and phase-detection auto-focus (PDAF) keep birds sharp as they move or change distance from the camera. HDR imaging preserves detail across both bright and shaded areas of the frame.