Vital Lyfe's Access Watermaker Makes TIME's Best Inventions

Torrance – October 15, 2026 -- Vital Lyfe's Access, a push-button watermaker that filters water from any naturally occurring source, including seawater, is now available for pre-order and will begin shipping later this year. TIME has named it a Best Invention in the Outdoors category.

Access filters seawater and other natural sources with one button

The system is built for off-grid exploration and communities, short- or long-term sailing, maritime environments, rural living, disaster relief organizations and emergency response. Vital Lyfe describes it as user-friendly and cost-effective, with a simple, intuitive process that lets anyone make filtered water.

Topgolf Goes Halloween: Gummy-Worm Margs and Half-Price Bays

Dallas – October 15, 2026 -- Topgolf guests can get 50% off gameplay on Halloween Saturday, October 31, with the code "BOO," and sip a gummy-worm-topped Haunted Marg while they play. The limited-time Halloween lineup runs now through November 1 at participating venues.

A cocktail served in an IV bag headlines the spooky menu

The Haunted Marg combines Ghost Spicy Blanco Tequila, blood orange and mango over ice, finished with a black lava salt rim, a lime wedge and gummy worms. Any Frozen drink (Lemonade, Piña Colada, Limeade or Margarita) can also be made spooky with blackberry puree and gummy worms.

Toca Boca World Adds KPop Demon Hunters Fashion and Music on Oct. 27

Toronto – October 15, 2026 -- Toca Boca World players can dress their characters in looks inspired by HUNTR/X and the Saja Boys and play four songs from Netflix's KPop Demon Hunters in their stories when the collaboration launches October 27.

Two style worlds, one wardrobe

Spin Master's digital studio Toca Boca is bringing the film to its Toca Boca World app, which has close to 60 million players. The new content blends the film's everyday fashion with the look of its K-pop stage performances. Players can mix and match both to build characters and personalize their storytelling.

A music player with four hit songs

A new in-game music player carries "How It's Done," "Golden," "Soda Pop" and "Your Idol." For a limited time, players can use the tracks as soundtracks for their own stories inside the app.

Southwest Adds Platinum Tier, Intl. Partners and Starlink WiFi

Dallas -- Starting January 1, 2027, Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards members get a new Platinum tier with unlimited Companion Pass trips, a faster route to status for credit cardholders, and points that work for seats and rental cars. The airline also plans a fleetwide Starlink WiFi rollout and a branded lounge network.

Platinum joins a renamed tier lineup in January 2027

A-List becomes Silver and A-List Preferred becomes Gold. Platinum sits above both and includes unlimited Companion Pass trips. Rapid Rewards keeps its no-blackout-dates policy and points that don't expire. Members can still earn tier status through Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) or qualifying flights.

Toyota Awards $25,000 Grants to Two Youth Sports Leaders

Plano, Texas – October 15, 2026 -- Two nonprofit leaders who open up youth sports to more girls and kids received $25,000 grants each from Toyota at the 2026 espnW: Women + Sports Summit in Ojai, California. Markeshia Grant of EPIC for Girls and Rhiannon Potkey of Goods4Greatness are the 11th class of Toyota Everyday Heroes.

The Heroes were surprised on stage. Tiffany Shido, general manager of brand at Toyota Motor North America, presented the honors alongside espnW emcee and Toyota Ambassador Jess Sims. Shido said the pair are expanding access to sports and removing barriers to participation.

EPIC for Girls builds up the people who serve girls in sports

Grant is Executive Director of EPIC for Girls, a capacity-building nonprofit based in Omaha, Nebraska. EPIC strengthens the organizations, coaches and systems that serve girls. It gives those groups resources, relationships and support to widen access to quality sports and youth development.

City Cruises Opens Holiday Bookings: Turkey, Santa and NYE Afloat

NEW YORK – October 15, 2026 -- City Cruises has unveiled its 2026 holiday lineup, with Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Eve cruises that include freshly prepared meals, so guests skip the cooking and cleanup. The sailings run across the company's U.S. destinations.

Thanksgiving dinner comes with waterfront views

Thanksgiving brunch, lunch and dinner cruises serve a feast with all the trimmings. Chefs prepare meals fresh onboard, with buffet and plated options that include roasted turkey, traditional stuffing, mashed potatoes and seasonal desserts. Cocktails, music and dancing round out the experience.

Christmas cruises add Santa and a boat parade

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day brunch and dinner cruises feature holiday music, dancing and games aboard festively decorated boats. Guests can sit in warm interiors or step out onto the outdoor decks.

JetBlue's JFK–Aruba Route Turns 20 With Fare and Package Deals

Oranjestad – October 15, 2026 -- Travelers heading from New York to Aruba can book a vacation package with up to $550 off through October 21, 2026, as JetBlue and the Aruba Tourism Authority mark 20 years of nonstop service between JFK and Aruba's Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA).

Gate celebration precedes Flight #1457 on October 15

Before JetBlue Flight #1457 departs at about 11:12 a.m. local time, passengers bound for Aruba can take photos, sign the Aruba Promise and pick up a personalized luggage tag as a keepsake.

The Aruba Promise asks travelers to see themselves as guests of the island rather than visitors. That means embracing a slower pace, considering their footprint and showing gratitude for Aruba's people, culture and natural beauty. It is backed by Aruba's Guest Guidelines, which encourage simple, responsible choices.

AT&T Promises a Live Expert in 5 Minutes or a Callback

Dallas – October 15, 2026 -- AT&T customers who call for help are now promised an answer within five minutes, or a callback at a time they choose. The carrier is expanding its America's Best Guarantee, and eligible customers receive a benefit if AT&T misses the mark.

The five-minute clock covers sales, support, and billing

Whether a customer is buying a device, seeking technical support, paying a bill, or starting service, they should connect with an expert within five minutes. The clock starts once the customer is routed to assistance. The commitment applies to AT&T Fiber, AT&T Internet Air, and postpaid wireless customers only.

Mary & Pip Launches Finance App Built Around Weekly Money Habits

New York – October 15, 2026 -- Mary & Pip, a new finance app that tells users their next money move and lets them act on it in the same place, is now publicly available in the App Store.

The platform pulls a user's broader financial life into one place, identifies a clear next step based on their priorities, and provides the tools to carry it out inside the app. It is built on a behavioral system meant to make financial decisions easier to understand, execute and repeat.

Essence Healthcare Unveils 2027 Medicare Plans for St. Louis

St. Louis – October 15, 2026 -- St. Louis residents eligible for Medicare can choose Essence Healthcare Medicare Advantage plans for 2027 with premiums starting at $0 and Flex Card benefits of up to $2,900 on select plans. Annual enrollment runs from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, 2026, for coverage beginning Jan. 1, 2027.

All major St. Louis health systems stay in-network

Essence, founded by doctors, has served Medicare members in St. Louis for more than two decades. The 2027 lineup keeps all major St. Louis health systems in-network. Dental, vision, hearing and fitness benefits are included, with offerings varying by plan. Flex Card amounts also vary by plan and apply to eligible expenses.

Approximately 98% of covered medications will remain on the formulary for 2027. Essence president Jordan Reigel said the plans reflect what members say matters most: trusted local doctors, strong benefits and affordable options.