United States

New I-66 Carpool Challenge Offers Free Rides and $1,000 Prizes

Fairfax, Va. – September 17, 2026 -- Commuters along Virginia's I-66 corridor can now skip tolls and save on gas through a new 66-day carpooling initiative called the I-66 Slugging Challenge, which launched Sept. 14 and runs through Nov. 20, 2026.

The program, organized by the I-66 Slugging Network, revives "slugging," a decades-old Washington-area tradition where drivers pick up strangers to meet HOV-3+ requirements and drive toll-free in express lanes, while passengers ride for free.

Commuters meet at two Park and Ride hubs to start their trips

Morning slug lines form at the Monument Drive Park and Ride in Fairfax and the University Boulevard Park and Ride in Gainesville, typically operating from 6:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Riders are dropped off at four Washington-area destinations: Rosslyn, L'Enfant Plaza, Navy Yard, and Metro Center.

Everlight Solar Named Madison's Favorite Solar Company for Third Straight Year

Verona, Wis. – September 16, 2026 -- Everlight Solar has been voted Madison's People's Choice Favorite Solar Company for 2026, marking the company's third consecutive year receiving the honor from the Wisconsin State Journal's People's Choice Awards.

Local homeowners cast the votes that decided the win

The People's Choice Awards recognize businesses across Dane County chosen directly by the public for their service and community impact. Everlight Solar's third straight title reflects its ongoing work providing solar installations, customer service, and access to renewable energy for area homeowners.

The CEO credits the community for the repeat honor

"Being recognized by the Madison community for a third year means so much to our entire team," said William Creech, President and CEO of Everlight Solar. "We're incredibly grateful for the homeowners, families, and neighbors who continue to support Everlight Solar."

What First-Time Homebuyers Often Get Wrong About Insurance

Cape Girardeau – September 16, 2026 -- A new HelloNation article featuring insights from insurance agent Nick Hogan breaks down the parts of a homeowners policy that first-time buyers frequently overlook, warning that gaps in understanding can lead to costly surprises after a loss.

Many buyers assume coverage stops at the house itself

According to the article, first-time homeowners often focus on purchase price, mortgage terms, and moving costs while spending little time learning how their insurance actually works. Many mistakenly believe a policy only protects the physical structure, when most homeowners policies bundle several distinct types of protection.

GORGIE Debuts Berry Burst Energy Drink Exclusively at Target

New York – September 16, 2026 -- GORGIE has launched Berry Burst, a new flavor available exclusively at Target locations nationwide starting September 13th.

Each can packs 150mg of green tea caffeine with zero sugar

Berry Burst contains 150mg of green tea caffeine alongside Biotin, B Vitamins, and L-Theanine. The drink has zero grams of sugar, five calories, and no artificial sweeteners.

The purple-toned can was designed to match fall fashion trends

GORGIE styled the launch campaign on the streets of New York City, pairing the can with leather jackets and seasonal looks tied to Fashion Week. Founder and CEO Michelle Cordeiro Grant said the flavor was built around the idea that "your drink can double as your best accessory," adding that Berry Burst was made to bring energy to everything from meetings to workouts to late-night plans.

Surfing Dogs Ride Waves to Save Orphan Pets at Annual Surf-a-Thon

Rancho Santa Fe, Calif. – September 16, 2026 -- Dogs of all sizes are hitting the waves this year at Helen Woodward Animal Center's Surf Dog Surf-a-Thon, an event where canine surfing skills translate directly into rescue funding for orphan pets.

Competitors surf in 10-minute heats judged by surf pros

Dogs compete in weight-class heats, each lasting 10 minutes, while a panel of surf professionals and enthusiasts score performances on ride length, wave technique, enthusiasm and confidence on the board. First-, second- and third-place winners are crowned in each weight class, with top finishers advancing to the Best-In-Surf finals.

A Freestyle contest lets dogs surf with friends and owners

A separate Freestyle Surf Contest features a Duos & Trios category, where two or three dogs share a single surfboard, and the Peeps & Pups Tandem Competition, pairing dogs with their human companions on the waves.

New Documentary Follows Green Beret's Mission to Clear Ukraine's Landmines

Pensacola – September 16, 2026 -- "Safe Ground: A Green Beret's Mission to Remove Ukraine's Landmines" is now streaming on Prime Video in the U.S. and UK, available with a Prime membership or to rent or buy.

The premiere date marks Ryan Hendrickson's personal "Alive Day"

September 12 is the anniversary of the day retired U.S. Army Green Beret Ryan Hendrickson survived an IED explosion in Afghanistan in 2010 while attempting to rescue an Afghan soldier. Hendrickson, a Purple Heart and Silver Star recipient, recovered and returned to active duty before founding Tip of the Spear Landmine Removal.

Jeep Revives 1945 Civilian Icon With 2027 Wrangler JL-2A

Auburn Hills, Mich. – – September 16, 2026 -- Jeep has unveiled the 2027 Wrangler JL-2A, a special edition that pays tribute to the Willys CJ-2A, the first Jeep vehicle built specifically for civilian buyers in 1945. The model is the 11th release in the brand's yearlong Twelve 4 Twelve series and will be available to order in October.

Built on the Wrangler Rubicon platform, the JL-2A adds a package priced at an MSRP of $4,995, just $115 more than a similarly equipped Rubicon.

The original CJ-2A brought Jeep capability from the battlefield to the farm

In July 1945, Willys-Overland of Toledo, Ohio adapted the military Willys MB for civilian use, creating the CJ-2A. The vehicle introduced a tailgate, rear power takeoff, larger headlights and the now-iconic seven-slot grille, serving farms, ranches and industry. It also debuted bold postwar color pairings like Harvest Tan with Sunset Red wheels.

Why Endodontic Care Matters: Saving Teeth From Infection

Patchogue, N.Y. – September 16, 2026 -- Untreated tooth infections rarely resolve on their own and can spread into bone and soft tissue, according to insights from Dr. Christopher Joubert of East Endodontic Dental Specialists featured in a HelloNation article on endodontic care.

Infections inside the tooth can cause lasting damage if ignored

Endodontic care focuses on diagnosing and treating problems inside the tooth, particularly issues involving the pulp and nerves. These conditions often stem from tooth infection, deep decay, cracks, dental trauma, or failed previous treatments. Bacteria that reach the pulp multiply and can spread into surrounding structures, leading to swelling, pain, and abscesses.

Dry Colorado Air Is Hurting Your Health and Your Home, HVAC Expert Warns

Strasburg, Colo. – September 16, 2026 -- Dry indoor air in Strasburg, Colorado can irritate eyes, noses, and throats and worsen asthma or allergy symptoms, according to HVAC expert Darrin Monks of U.S. Mechanical Company, featured in a new HelloNation article.

Colorado's elevation and cold winters strip moisture from indoor air

The article explains that Strasburg's high elevation, cold winters, and naturally low humidity create year-round challenges. Running heating systems during colder months further reduces indoor moisture, leaving homes feeling colder even when thermostats are set normally.

Beyond health, dry air increases static electricity and can damage wood floors, furniture, and musical instruments.

Meant Health Expands Telehealth Access to Ozempic and GLP-1 Prescriptions

Manassas – September 16, 2026 -- Meant Health has expanded its telehealth platform to connect patients with licensed U.S. clinicians for evaluation and prescription of FDA-approved GLP-1 medications, including Ozempic.

Patients start with an intake questionnaire before any prescription decision

The process begins with a questionnaire covering health history, current medications and treatment goals. A licensed clinician then reviews the submission and decides, case by case, whether a prescription is appropriate.

Ozempic is approved for type 2 diabetes, not weight loss

Ozempic carries FDA approval for treating type 2 diabetes. When clinicians prescribe it for weight management, that use is off-label and remains entirely at the clinician's discretion.