Free Ride

Norfolk, Virginia is making public transit free on Election Day so residents can reach polling places without paying a fare. Officials hope the fare-free day removes a cost barrier to voting. It is part of a broader trend of US cities offering free or discounted rides to help voters get to the polls.

A solar-powered scooter with an unusual, eye-catching design is being praised after a test drive, with reviewers noting it was genuinely enjoyable to ride and is available for others to try. The vehicle's odd looks contrast with its practical appeal as a sun-charged, emissions-free way to get around, sparking curiosity about whether quirky green transport can go mainstream.

Laketran, the public transit authority serving Lake County, Ohio, will provide free rides to voters during the 2026 general election. The announcement, shared by the City of Mentor, means residents across communities including Mentor will be able to reach polling places without paying fares. The move is aimed at removing transportation barriers to voting in the county.

Hamilton Place in Chattanooga is part of a broader recovery for American shopping malls, according to a Chattanooga Times Free Press report. The mall and its large owner are said to be benefiting from a nationwide rebound in mall traffic and retail performance, a notable turnaround after years of store closures and doubts about the future of brick-and-mortar shopping centers.

Trinity Metro is offering free rides to polling places for the midterm election in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The Fort Worth transit agency's fare-free service is aimed at removing transportation barriers so more voters can reach the polls on election day.

A father's message urging teenagers to call their parents for a safe ride home rather than drive after drinking has drawn wide attention online. His reminder, 'You need me, you call me,' emphasizes that safety matters more than punishment, resonating with parents and young people alike as a model of open, non-judgmental family communication.

A bundle pairing Amazon's Fire TV Stick with the Luna Controller is being offered at a 56% discount, letting users stream cloud-based games directly to their TV without a console. Gizmodo highlights the deal as an affordable entry point into console-free gaming, riding interest in cloud gaming and cheap TV streaming hardware.

CD Projekt Red has released a free next-generation remaster update for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, prompting lapsed players to give the 2015 role-playing game another try. Some returning players say earlier attempts were put off by the clunky feel of riding Roach, the protagonist's horse, and hope the reworked update improves travel and overall gameplay.

The South Shore Line railroad has expanded its Kids Ride Free Program to cover fall break 2026, allowing children to travel free on its northern Indiana and Chicagoland services during the school holiday. The move is aimed at making family day trips and outings more affordable, and is being shared as a money-saving option for parents planning autumn activities.