Fifty volunteers joined Diana Gregory Outreach Services and community partners on November 5, with support from AARP, State Farm, and BHHS Legacy Foundation.

PHOENIX — Fresh produce and community support came together Thursday morning, November 5, 2026, as Veggies for Veterans distributed 700 grocery bags during an event hosted by the Phoenix VA Health Care System.

The Diana Gregory Outreach Services (DGOS) program brought together 50 volunteers to help provide veterans with nutritious food. Each bag contained a variety of 13 fruits and vegetables, according to the event results supplied by organizers.

The effort also received a contribution from Peddler’s Son, which donated a five-pound bag of Idaho potatoes and a bag of grapes for each veteran.

AARP, State Farm, and BHHS Legacy Foundation Lead Financial Support

AARP, State Farm, and BHHS Legacy Foundation were the event’s three largest financial sponsors, helping make the distribution possible.

Volunteers represented all three organizations, along with the Archer Ragsdale Arizona Chapter Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. Arizona Community Foundation and Santander also contributed volunteer support.

AARP Arizona State Director Dana Marie Kennedy attended the event. AARP’s participation included volunteers and an outreach table featuring candy and AARP-branded giveaway items for attendees and veterans.

Together, the financial contributions, donated food, and volunteer service supported an event centered on veterans and their access to fresh produce.

A Special Guest With a Remarkable Service History

Among those attending was 106-year-old Major Fannie Griffin McClendon, whose military career connects the gathering to an extraordinary chapter in American history.

McClendon served during World War II with the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, widely known as the “Six Triple Eight.” The historic unit of Black women soldiers helped process a massive backlog of military mail in Europe.

Her service continued beyond World War II. The Library of Congress documents her later career in the Air Force, including service as a squadron commander.

Advertisement

Her attendance offered an opportunity to recognize a veteran whose career helped break barriers for Black women in the military.

More Than a Bag of Groceries

Veggies for Veterans’ purpose extends beyond the food distributed at an individual event. The program focuses on helping veterans access fresh produce while creating opportunities for connection and community support.

Grocery costs, transportation, and mobility can make obtaining nutritious food difficult. Bringing produce directly to veterans through VA and community settings is one way the program works to address those barriers.

The November 5 distribution also reflected the collective work behind that support: an organization coordinating the effort, a VA host, financial sponsors, a food donor, and volunteers contributing their time.

With 700 bags distributed and 50 volunteers participating, the event demonstrated how community partnerships can translate into practical support for veterans.

Readers interested in learning more about the program, volunteering, or exploring ways to support its work can visit Diana Gregory Outreach Services.

Reporting note: Event results, sponsor recognition, donations, volunteer participation, and attendee information were supplied for this recap. Historical background on Major McClendon is supported by the Library of Congress.

Sources and Further Information

• Diana Gregory Outreach Services — Veggies for Veterans
• Phoenix VA — November 5 Veggies for Veterans event listing
• Library of Congress — Fannie Griffin McClendon

Last Updated on November 7, 2026 by Daily News Staff

PLANO, Texas — Toyota is updating the 2027 Tundra with refreshed exterior styling, a new Trailhunter package and additional technology for its full-size pickup lineup.

2027 Toyota Tundra: Trailhunter Package and Tech Updates

Based on the SR5 grade, the Trailhunter package adds Old Man Emu suspension, Michelin all-terrain tires, front recovery hooks and extra underbody protection. A locking rear differential, Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control help drivers navigate challenging terrain, while bronze-colored wheels distinguish the package.

The TRD Pro receives newly designed, adjustable FOX Q3S shocks, standard red tow hooks and a new Honeycomb paint option.

Inside, a 14-inch multimedia touchscreen becomes standard. Toyota also adds a built-in drive recorder and makes Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 standard across the lineup. Gas and i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrains remain available.

Toyota lists the 2027 Tundra with a starting MSRP of $42,890. Buyers should check destination charges, options and dealer pricing when comparing total costs.

Sources:

• Toyota USA Newsroom: 2027 Tundra announcement
• Toyota vehicle lineup and starting prices

Last Updated on November 6, 2026 by Daily News Staff

2026-2027 Flu Season: New tracking data suggests influenza activity is running approximately four weeks ahead of recent seasons, with increases reported across western states and Florida.

2026-2027 Flu Season Starts Early as Walgreens Launches New Flu Index

STM Daily News | Health & Wellness

October 30, 2026

Flu season may be getting an early start this year, and a new online tracking tool from Walgreens is giving Americans a closer look at respiratory illness activity in their communities.

On October 21, Walgreens announced the launch of its 2026-2027 Flu Index, an interactive tool that monitors influenza, COVID-19, and other acute respiratory illnesses across the United States.

According to the company’s initial findings, national flu activity is tracking approximately four weeks ahead of recent flu seasons, with increasing activity reported across several western states and Florida.

The early trends serve as a reminder that influenza doesn’t necessarily wait until winter to begin spreading.

Flu Activity Is Increasing Earlier Than Expected

Walgreens reports that its early-season data indicates influenza activity is already increasing in multiple parts of the country.

The company’s findings include:

Advertisement

• Earlier flu activity: National flu activity is tracking approximately four weeks ahead of recent seasons.
• Regional increases: Several western states and Florida are experiencing rising activity.
• More antiviral prescriptions: Walgreens reports dispensing more flu antiviral medications than during the same period in 2025.
• Growing demand for cold and flu products: Sales of cold and flu medications, at-home respiratory illness tests, cough drops, and tea have increased by double-digit percentages compared with last year.

Although these indicators suggest respiratory illness activity is increasing, they do not necessarily mean the current flu season will be more severe than previous seasons.

Increased purchases of cold medications and testing products can reflect changes in consumer behavior as well as illness trends.

The findings come from Walgreens’ pharmacy and retail data and should be considered alongside public health surveillance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

What Is the Walgreens Flu Index?

The Walgreens Flu Index is an interactive online platform designed to help consumers understand where respiratory illnesses are circulating and how activity is changing over time.

The tool combines several types of information, including:

• Flu and COVID-19 testing data from Walgreens locations
• Prescription antiviral medication trends
• Over-the-counter cold and flu product purchases
• Geographic patterns in respiratory illness activity

Using these indicators, Walgreens calculates an activity score ranging from 0 to 10.

A score of zero represents the lowest level of activity, while a score of ten represents the highest.

The index provides weekly information for states and territories, along with more than 1,500 counties where sufficient Walgreens data is available.

The map is updated every Monday, allowing users to compare current activity with previous weeks and the prior flu season.

Importantly, Walgreens emphasizes that the index measures relative illness activity, not disease severity. A higher score does not necessarily indicate more hospitalizations, more serious infections, or a greater risk of complications.

The index also does not represent a complete count of influenza cases nationwide.

Explore the interactive map:
https://www.walgreens.com/seasonal/respiratory-illness-index

Advertisement

Why Local Flu Activity Matters

Influenza does not spread evenly across the country.

Some communities may experience increasing cases weeks before others, making local information useful for families, schools, healthcare providers, and individuals who may be at higher risk of complications.

“Flu activity can vary significantly from one community to another, and knowing what’s happening locally can make a real difference,” said Rick Gates, Walgreens’ chief pharmacy and enterprise external affairs officer.

Gates added that the index is intended to help people make informed decisions about prevention, including vaccination before influenza becomes more widespread in their communities.

For residents of states such as Arizona, California, Nevada, and other western states, the reported regional increases make monitoring local respiratory illness trends particularly relevant.

However, the company’s announcement does not establish that every western county is experiencing elevated flu activity. Readers should consult the latest local data for a more accurate picture.

Why Getting a Flu Shot Still Matters

Annual influenza vaccination remains an important tool for reducing the risk of flu illness and serious complications.

Because influenza viruses change over time, flu vaccines are reviewed and updated each season to target strains expected to circulate.

The CDC recommends annual influenza vaccination for most people ages six months and older, with rare exceptions.

Vaccination is especially important for people who face a greater risk of serious complications, including:

Advertisement

• Adults ages 65 and older
• Young children, particularly those younger than five
• Pregnant individuals
• People with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease
• People with weakened immune systems

For adults 65 and older, the CDC preferentially recommends certain enhanced influenza vaccines, including higher-dose, recombinant, or adjuvanted options, when available.

Walgreens says its pharmacies offer standard-dose and higher-dose vaccines, along with a new mRNA influenza vaccine at select locations.

Vaccine selection should follow current CDC recommendations, individual eligibility, and guidance from a qualified healthcare professional.

It generally takes about two weeks after vaccination for the body to develop protective antibodies.

Even if influenza is already circulating locally, vaccination can still provide benefits throughout the season.

Practical Ways to Reduce Your Risk of Getting Sick

Vaccination is an important preventive measure, but it is not the only step people can take to reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses.

Public health guidance also encourages several everyday precautions.

Wash your hands regularly. Use soap and water, particularly after touching shared surfaces or being in public places. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer can help when soap and water are unavailable.

Cover coughs and sneezes. Use a tissue or your elbow to reduce the spread of respiratory droplets.

Improve indoor air quality. Opening windows when practical, improving ventilation, and using appropriate air filtration can help reduce exposure to airborne respiratory viruses.

Avoid close contact when sick. Staying home when experiencing respiratory illness symptoms can help protect coworkers, classmates, friends, and family members.

Advertisement

Consider wearing a well-fitting mask. Masks can provide an additional layer of protection, particularly in crowded indoor spaces or around people at higher risk.

Pay attention to symptoms. Fever, coughing, sore throat, fatigue, muscle aches, and congestion can occur with influenza and other respiratory infections.

Because flu and COVID-19 can produce similar symptoms, testing may help determine the cause of an illness.

People at higher risk of complications should contact a healthcare professional promptly if flu symptoms develop. Prescription antiviral medications work best when started early, ideally within the first two days of symptoms, although treatment can still benefit some patients later.

Walgreens Expands Vaccination Access for the 2026–2027 Season

Alongside the launch of its Flu Index, Walgreens announced several efforts to make seasonal vaccinations more convenient.

The company says it is increasing pharmacy staffing, expanding appointment availability, and allowing customers to schedule vaccinations further in advance.

Customers can arrange appointments through several methods:

• Online: https://www.walgreens.com/ScheduleVaccine
• Mobile: Walgreens app
• Text: Send “Flu” to 66879
• Telephone: 1-800-WALGREENS
• Walk-in: Participating Walgreens pharmacies, subject to availability

Walgreens also announced promotional Walgreens Cash rewards for eligible myWalgreens members receiving vaccinations.

Under the limited-time promotion, qualifying members may earn $15 in Walgreens Cash rewards on eligible purchases, along with an additional 10% back on qualifying purchases for a limited period.

Restrictions, exclusions, geographic limitations, and promotional deadlines apply. Customers should review the official terms before participating.

What About COVID-19 and Other Respiratory Illnesses?

Although influenza is the primary focus of the seasonal announcement, the Walgreens Flu Index also tracks COVID-19 and broader acute respiratory illness trends.

Advertisement

This distinction matters because several respiratory viruses can circulate simultaneously during the fall and winter months.

Influenza, COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and common cold viruses can produce overlapping symptoms, but their potential complications and recommended treatments differ.

Vaccination eligibility and recommendations also vary by disease, age, and individual health circumstances.

Readers should consult current CDC guidance and their healthcare providers when considering flu, COVID-19, or RSV vaccination.

The Bottom Line: Flu Season May Be Early, but Prevention Still Matters

The launch of the 2026–2027 Walgreens Flu Index offers another resource for Americans who want to monitor respiratory illness activity in their communities.

While Walgreens’ early findings suggest influenza activity is increasing sooner than in recent years, it is still too early to determine how severe the overall season will become.

The most important message for consumers is to prepare before respiratory illnesses become widespread.

Staying current with recommended vaccinations, practicing good hygiene, monitoring local illness trends, and seeking medical attention when appropriate can help reduce the risk of serious illness.

With flu activity already rising in some regions, now is a good time for families to review their seasonal health plans.

Related Links for Further Information

Walgreens Resources

Advertisement

• Walgreens Respiratory Illness Index — Interactive map showing respiratory illness activity across the United States.
• Walgreens Vaccination Scheduling — Schedule a flu vaccination or explore available vaccines.

Public Health Resources

• CDC Seasonal Influenza Information — Information about influenza symptoms, prevention, vaccination, and treatment.
• CDC FluView Surveillance — National influenza surveillance and weekly activity reports.
• CDC: Flu and People 65 Years and Older — Guidance for older adults and influenza vaccination.
• CDC Respiratory Illnesses — Prevention information for flu, COVID-19, and RSV.

Source: Walgreen Co., press release, October 21, 2026, Walgreens Launches 2026–2027 Flu Index as Activity Tracks Four Weeks Ahead of Recent Seasons.

Editor’s Note: This article summarizes information from Walgreens’ October 21, 2026, announcement. The reported early-season trends reflect the company’s findings at that time and are not a substitute for current CDC surveillance or medical advice. Readers should consult healthcare professionals about individual vaccination and treatment decisions.

STM Daily News — News You Can Use This Moment!