United States

NEW YORK – September 17, 2026 -- A new clinical study finds that a single application of Biodance's Real Deep Hydrogel Mask returned skin to its pre-procedure baseline within hours of fractional laser treatment, a procedure known to temporarily damage the skin's protective barrier.

Researchers tested 32 participants using a split-face design.

Each participant underwent fractional laser treatment, then had the Real Deep Mask applied to one half of the face while the other half remained untreated, allowing direct comparison under identical conditions. Board-certified dermatologists Dr. Luke Maxfield and Dr. Christopher Tomassian presented the results.

Lawrence, Mass. – September 17, 2026 -- Massachusetts Medicare beneficiaries can now get free, confidential help checking their bills for fraud through the state's Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) Program, following National "Report Medicare Fraud" Day on September 12.

Beneficiaries are urged to compare bills against actual care received

The MA SMP Program advises Medicare recipients to cross-check their Medicare Summary Notices (MSNs), Explanations of Benefits (EOBs), and other billing statements against the healthcare services they actually received. Charges for unfamiliar equipment, tests, or services not received are red flags worth reporting.

The program steps in when beneficiaries can't resolve issues alone

When a suspicious charge can't be sorted out directly, MA SMP reviews the situation and determines next steps, including referring suspected fraud or abuse cases to investigative authorities.

Central Florida – September 17, 2026 -- As hurricane season peaks and National Preparedness Month draws attention to household safety, Frank Gay Services is urging Central Florida homeowners to inspect plumbing, electrical and air-conditioning systems before storm damage or summer wear causes bigger problems.

Homeowners should watch for warning signs before systems fail

"Seasonal home checks provide an opportunity to spot concerns before those issues disrupt their routines," said Josh Geltz, Operations Manager with Frank Gay Services. He advised residents to contact a licensed professional when plumbing, electrical or air-conditioning systems look, sound or perform differently than expected.

Austin, Minn. – September 17, 2026 -- SPAM Hot Honey has officially joined Hormel Foods' lineup of more than 10 canned meat varieties, hitting grocery store shelves nationwide starting today.

Win Son Bakery serves exclusive SPAM Hot Honey menu items through Sept. 20

To mark the launch, the SPAM brand partnered with Win Son Bakery, the Taiwanese-American cafe with locations in Brooklyn and Manhattan's East Village. From Sept. 14 to 20, 2026, customers at both locations can order a SPAM Hot Honey breakfast sandwich, layering the new flavor with egg and cheese atop a scallion pancake. A limited-edition SPAM Hot Honey Fan Tuan, a Taiwanese sticky rice roll, is also on the menu for the same window.

Those who can't visit either location can find the breakfast sandwich recipe posted on SPAM's website.

Lake Buena Vista, Fla. – September 17, 2026 -- The Magic of Disney Animation, a new collection of interactive experiences, has opened at Disney's Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

The building echoes Disney Animation's real-world Burbank headquarters

The structure draws its design from the iconic Roy E. Disney Animation Building in Burbank, California, and features artwork representing all 65 Walt Disney Animation Studios feature films, including the studio's upcoming 2026 release, "Hexed."

The experience is built on an Emmy-winning short film

The attraction takes inspiration from Disney Animation's Emmy Award-winning short "Once Upon a Studio," with director Dan Abraham working alongside Walt Disney Imagineering's Daniel Handke to shape the project.

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.