Slate Auto and Smarties Launch Colorful EV Starter Packs

Slate Auto has partnered with Smarties Candy Company on six pastel customization packages for its upcoming electric truck. Announced October 27, the Smarties x Slate collection gives buyers another way to personalize the minimalist EV before deliveries begin.

The six Starter Packs are inspired by Smarties flavors: Blue Raspberry, Cherry, Grape, Pineapple, Orange and Strawberry. Each package includes a coordinating vehicle wrap, color-matched mirror decals, a Smarties-branded rocker decal, a logo decal, a customized key-fob end cap and a matching interior Slatelet.

Customers will be able to purchase the packages through the Slate Marketplace as their delivery dates approach. Pricing for the Smarties packages was not included in the announcement.

The collaboration fits Slate’s strategy of selling one simplified vehicle platform that owners can customize over time. Every truck leaves the Warsaw, Indiana, factory with gray exterior panels designed to be wrapped instead of conventionally painted. Buyers can keep the two-seat pickup configuration or select one of Slate’s five-seat SUV conversions.

The partnership does not change the truck’s core price or specifications. Slate continues to list the Blank Slate pickup at $24,950 before its $1,450 destination charge, with an estimated 205 miles of range. The range figure is still a company projection rather than a final EPA rating, and Slate continues to say its first deliveries are expected in the fourth quarter of 2026.

For Slate, the Smarties collection is more than a seasonal promotion. It demonstrates how branded wraps and accessories could become an important part of the company’s business model while allowing buyers to change the appearance of their vehicles without purchasing a different truck.

Source: Slate Auto’s official Smarties collaboration announcement

Entertainment News Brief

Sir Patrick Stewart, the acclaimed actor best known as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek and Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men films, has died at 86.

Stewart died October 28 at his home in Los Angeles, according to a statement from his spokesperson reported by Reuters. The announcement said he had been living with Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia and was with his wife, Sunny Ozell.

Stewart brought a commanding presence and a thoughtful approach to leadership to Star Trek: The Next Generation, which aired from 1987 to 1994. He later continued Picard’s story in feature films and returned for Star Trek: Picard.

His career also encompassed Shakespearean theater, including work with the Royal Shakespeare Company. He was knighted in 2010 for his contributions to drama.

For generations of viewers, Stewart helped make science fiction a place to explore questions of responsibility, compassion and humanity.

Sources

● Reuters: Patrick Stewart, Shakespearean actor turned Star Trek and X-Men star, dies at 86

● ABC News: Patrick Stewart dies at 86

Last Updated on October 31, 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:

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• 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

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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:

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• 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.

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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.

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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

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• 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.

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