Danvers, Mass. – September 26, 2026 -- Massachusetts homeowners can now access rebates of up to $8,500 through the state's Mass Save energy-efficiency program when upgrading to a heat pump, according to Danvers-based HVAC company Townsend.

The rebates, which range from a few hundred dollars to the $8,500 maximum depending on qualifications, are paired with 0% interest financing through Mass Save's HEAT Loan program and free home energy assessments that identify which upgrades a property needs.

Kansas City, Mo. – September 25, 2026 -- The Historic West Bottoms district kicks off Halloween season with Boo in the Bottoms, running October 2-4 during First Friday Weekend, before the neighborhood's haunted attractions Beast and Edge of Hell open their 2026 season on the night of October 2.

More than 30 stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues across the 13-block district will be open, mostly from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, with hours varying by business.

Daytime shoppers hunt vintage finds while costumed characters roam the streets

Visitors can trick-or-treat at participating stores, take photos with family-friendly haunt characters, and gather at fire pits for s'mores and seasonal drinks from the Full Moon Street Bar, available Friday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Haunt characters will appear Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 3 p.m.

Dallas – September 25, 2026 -- Smoothie King is giving away a free 12 oz. Coffee High Protein Almond Mocha Smoothie to Healthy Rewards members on September 28 and 29, getting a jump on National Coffee Day at participating locations nationwide.

The one-time offer applies exclusively to members of the brand's Healthy Rewards loyalty program during the two-day window.

The smoothie is built on cold brew and packed with protein

The drink uses cold brew made from 100% Arabica beans and delivers 14g of protein, 3g of fiber, and 0g of added sugar per serving.

Protein has been part of Smoothie King's menu for decades

The company points to more than 50 years of developing smoothies that balance nutrients and flavor, noting that protein has long been central to its recipes, including its existing lineup of Coffee High Protein Smoothies.

Customers can find participating locations and program details at smoothieking.com.

Las Vegas – September 25, 2026 -- ULTRALOQ has launched a new smart lock collection that lets homeowners choose between hands-free entry using ultra-wideband sensing or tap-to-unlock digital keys stored in Apple Wallet or Samsung Wallet.

The lineup includes three models: Bolt Mission ($299.99 MSRP), Bolt Pro ($269.99 MSRP), and Latch 5 Pro ($249.99 MSRP). The collection is available now through ULTRALOQ's website and Amazon, with sales starting on The Home Depot's site in October.

Bolt Mission uses radar and UWB to detect true arrival, not just nearby phones

Billed as the industry's first UWB-enabled smart lock, Bolt Mission combines Bluetooth Low Energy discovery, UWB ranging, and radar-based presence sensing to distinguish someone approaching the door from someone simply moving inside the home. Users keep their phone in a pocket or bag while the Xthings Home app runs in the background, with no PIN entry or separate hub required.

Pueblo, Colo. – September 25, 2026 -- Parents wondering whether their child's slow progress with crawling, jumping, or catching is cause for concern now have guidance from Kathy Schleifer, a pediatric occupational therapy expert based in Pueblo, Colorado. Her insights, featured in a HelloNation article, outline how gross and fine motor skills develop in children and when early intervention therapy can help.

Schleifer distinguishes between gross motor skills, which involve large movements like sitting, walking, and running, and fine motor skills, which cover precise actions such as buttoning a shirt or holding a pencil. Each stage of development builds on the one before it.

Toronto – September 25, 2026 -- A Consumer Reports investigation into 17 prenatal vitamins found wide variations in nutrient levels, including folic acid, a nutrient essential for neural tube development in early pregnancy. Among the brands tested, Bird&Be's Complete Prenatal Pack met all of its label claims, according to the report.

Prenatal vitamins largely go unchecked before reaching store shelves.

Consumer Reports noted that prenatal vitamins are a routine part of prenatal care, yet the category remains largely unregulated. Brands are not required to verify their contents before products reach consumers, creating inconsistency in nutrient dosing across the market.

Irving – September 25, 2026 -- The 2026-27 Irving Marathon Running Series opens Oct. 3 with the Irving Oktoberfest Half Marathon, offering a half marathon, 10K and 5K with bratwurst and beer waiting at the finish line.

Six race weekends span nearly eight months

The series continues with the Irving Turkey Trot on Nov. 26, 2026 (8-mile, 5K), followed by the Irving Frost Marathon on Dec. 19, 2026, a Boston qualifier offering marathon, half marathon, 10K and 5K distances. The Love on the Run Half Marathon runs Feb. 13, 2027, ahead of the series' flagship event, the 15th Annual Irving Marathon, held March 20-21, 2027, and also a Boston qualifier. The Fiesta de Mayo Half Marathon closes the season on May 15, 2027.

Glen Rock, N.J. – September 25, 2026 -- Homeowners looking to build a healthier garden bed can start with seven basic techniques outlined by landscaping expert Michael Tarleton of TLC Landscaping, in a feature published by HelloNation.

Loosening soil helps roots grow deeper and access nutrients

Tarleton says building a successful garden bed begins with proper soil preparation. Loosening compacted soil allows roots to grow deeper, while adding organic material improves structure, drainage, and fertility.

Correct plant spacing prevents disease and competition

Spacing plants correctly ensures they get adequate sunlight, airflow, and nutrients. Overcrowding limits growth and can create conditions that encourage pests and fungal issues.

Orlando, Fla. – September 25, 2026 -- U-wifi will begin offering affordable, and potentially free, home internet plans to consumers starting October 1, 2026, through a new Mobile Virtual Network Operator agreement with T-Mobile.

The partnership targets households left without support after the FCC's Affordable Connectivity Program expired. That program had provided a $30 monthly internet subsidy to 23 million eligible households before it ended, widening the digital divide in low-income communities.

U-wifi will run its service over T-Mobile's nationwide 5G network

The company's patent-pending platform will deliver wireless broadband to underserved communities, low-income households, students, seniors, veterans, and families affected by the loss of ACP benefits. Plans are designed for telehealth users, job seekers, SNAP participants, and other budget-conscious households.

San José, Costa Rica – September 25, 2026 -- Americas Cardroom has 13 Day 1 flights left in its $2.5 million guaranteed 25th Anniversary Tournament, with the final flights running through Monday morning, September 28.

Day 2 begins Monday, final table set for Tuesday

Day 2 action starts Monday, September 28, followed by the final table on Tuesday, September 29. The direct buy-in for the event is $250.

Twelve of the remaining flights are Turbos, one is the Main flight

The Main flight kicks off Sunday, September 27, at 1:05 p.m. ET. Sunday also features Turbo flights at 10:15 a.m. and 7:05 p.m. ET. Thursday and Friday each carry three Turbo flights at 12:05 p.m., 3:05 p.m. and 6:05 p.m. ET. Saturday's three Turbos start at 1:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. ET, and the final Turbo runs Monday at 8:05 a.m. ET, just before Day 2 begins.