United States

Los Angeles – September 17, 2026 -- NOAA forecasters say there is a greater than 90% chance the current El Niño will become very strong during fall and winter 2026-27, with a 69% chance it could exceed every El Niño measured since 1950. The warning comes as Farmers Insurance urges homeowners and business owners to review coverage before severe weather hits.

El Niño forms when parts of the tropical Pacific Ocean warm well above normal, shifting the jet stream that steers U.S. storm patterns. A strong event can bring heavy rain, flooding, powerful storms, landslides and dangerous winter weather, though impacts vary by region and are not guaranteed everywhere. The pattern typically recurs every two to seven years and lasts up to 12 months; the most recent one ran from 2023 to 2024.

New York – September 17, 2026 -- Zocdoc launched a new marketing campaign called "Ready to be Seen?" on September 14, aimed at making it easier for patients to book appointments with doctors who actually fit their needs.

Nearly half of patients dread finding a doctor

A recent Zocdoc survey found that 42% of patients say booking a doctor feels like finding a needle in a haystack, while 48% say they dread the process altogether.

Getting an appointment isn't enough for most patients

The same survey found 71% of patients say finding the right doctor matters as much as getting an appointment quickly, and 50% wish providers took more time to understand them. Notably, 71% say they're more likely to be honest with a doctor when they feel understood.

Dallas – September 17, 2026 -- DOJO, the vape brand powered by VAPORESSO, has launched five new flavors for its PUREX 60K device, bringing the lineup to 17 total flavors available in the United States.

Five new flavors join the Blast Edition drop

The additions are Cherry Lime, Strawberry Lychee Mix, Trio Berry, Mango Pineapple and Mint Green, each packaged in a gradient-colored, clear capsule that shows remaining juice levels. Cherry Lime combines cherry and raspberry with a lime finish, while Strawberry Lychee Mix blends strawberry with floral lychee. Trio Berry mixes blueberry, raspberry and blackberry, Mango Pineapple pairs tropical mango with pineapple, and Mint Green offers a smooth mint profile.

Austin – September 17, 2026 -- Home shoppers hoping to stretch their budget should mark September 27 through October 3 on their calendars, according to Realtor.com's 2026 Best Time to Buy Report.

During that week, buyers may find up to 31.9% more active listings than at the start of the year. Listing prices are projected to sit 3.5% below their seasonal peak, translating to roughly $14,000 in savings on a median-priced home of about $416,000.

Buyer competition drops nearly a third below its annual peak

Competition, measured by Realtor.com listing views per property, is historically 30.1% below its yearly high during this week and 14.4% below the average week. Homes are expected to sit on the market for about 64 days during the Best Week -- roughly 13 days longer than the year's fastest-selling stretch.

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.

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."

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.

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.

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.

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.