United States

Carbondale, PA and Randolph, MA – September 21, 2026 -- Gentex Corporation and Randolph Engineering have launched a limited-edition Thunderbirds x Gentex x Randolph Sunglasses Collection, capped at 600 individually produced pairs and sold exclusively through Randolph Engineering.

The collection pairs Randolph's American-made Aviator frame with the same silver mirror lens technology flown by the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds.

The lenses use military-derived optical technology

Made in the USA with globally sourced materials, the lenses are engineered to military-derived performance requirements, offering optical clarity, accurate color perception, impact protection, enhanced durability, and all-day visual comfort, according to the companies.

Oak Brook – September 21, 2026 -- Ace Hardware has named Vantage Point (38B-4), a sophisticated blue hue, as Clark+Kensington's 2027 Color of the Year, now available at participating Ace Hardware stores nationwide and online at The Paint Studio.

The blue tone anchors a full 2027 color collection

Selected by color trend forecasting partner Colour Hive alongside the Clark+Kensington design team, Vantage Point is described as a rich blue softened by subtle undertones. It serves as the focal point of a broader 2027 Clark+Kensington Color Trends collection, joined by two coordinating palettes named Drift and Mellow.

Kim Lefko, Chief Marketing Officer at Ace Hardware, said the color aims to bring warmth and character to interiors while staying versatile enough to feel current in 2027 and lasting for years afterward.

Warren, Mich. – September 21, 2026 -- A new one-time educational grant is now open to undergraduate students studying healthcare or related fields, with applications due by May 15, 2027.

The Dr. John Pispidikis Grant targets undergraduates nationwide

The Dr. John Pispidikis Grant for Healthcare Professionals is available to undergraduate students enrolled at any accredited U.S. college or university, regardless of city or state. Applicants must be pursuing a degree or course of study in healthcare or a related field.

An essay is the core of the application

Candidates must submit an original essay responding to the prompt: "How Will You Use Your Healthcare Education to Make a Difference?" Strong submissions are expected to link academic goals to patient care, community service, innovation, or leadership within healthcare.

St. Paul, Minn. – September 21, 2026 -- Command Brand has launched the Command DÉCOR Collection, a new line of premium metal fixtures designed to be seen rather than hidden, now available at retailers nationwide and online.

The collection combines real metal construction with the brand's damage-free hanging technology.

Pieces are available in four finishes -- Brushed Brass, Light Beige, Matte Black and Chrome -- and include Large and Small Metal Hooks, a Metal Wall Planter with a removable plastic insert, a Metal Key Rail, a Metal Wall Shelf, and a Large Towel Hook and Small Robe Hook for bathrooms.

Small hooks hold up to 2 pounds while larger hooks and shelves support up to 5 pounds.

Every fixture uses Command Brand's signature technology, letting users hang items without nails, screws or tools and remove them later without leaving marks or holes.

Broomfield, Colo. – September 21, 2026 -- Skiers and riders have until October 7 to lock in discounted Epic Day Pass rates for the 2026-27 season, with savings of up to 65% compared to window lift ticket prices.

Four days at Vail or Whistler costs $471 before the deadline

A 4-Day Epic Day Pass covering marquee destinations like Vail Mountain, Whistler Blackcomb, Park City Mountain and Breckenridge runs $118 per day, or $471 total. Regional resorts including Keystone, Crested Butte, Heavenly, Northstar and Stowe cost $367 for four days ($92/day). East and Midwest local favorites are priced at $223 for four days, or $56/day. Prices rise for all tiers after October 7.

Las Vegas – September 21, 2026 -- Amped Fitness has announced plans to open its first Nevada location at 2160 N Rainbow Blvd in Las Vegas, bringing its signature "Amped Universe" concept to the state for the first time.

Shelbyville, KY – September 21, 2026 -- Jeptha Creed Distillery is releasing a three-part video series across 2025 to mark its 10th anniversary, with new chapters tied to key dates throughout the year.

The series began July 4th with a chapter honoring America's 250th anniversary, focusing on the Nethery family's generations-long farming history in Shelby County, Kentucky.

The second chapter traces a decade of heirloom corn experimentation

Released September 18th, Decade of Dedication: Jeptha Creed Solera explores the heirloom corn varietals grown on the family farm and used in the distillery's whiskey over the past ten years. The chapter also spotlights the anniversary release, Jeptha Creed Solera Aged Bourbon, which blends whiskeys distilled from every heirloom corn varietal the distillery has produced to date.

Temple, Texas – September 21, 2026 -- Historic dance halls across Texas continue to function as active community gathering spaces, according to insights from Lorinda Baum of Bos Barn Dance Hall in Temple, Texas.

Small towns built dance halls as shared community spaces

Many of these buildings were constructed when towns needed simple venues for families to gather. Dances, celebrations, and fundraisers held there gradually tied the structures to the people and towns around them.

Live country music keeps neighbors connected today

Residents still visit dance halls for live music while spending time with friends and neighbors. Baum notes that songs performed at these venues can bring back memories of earlier dances, family celebrations, and evenings spent with familiar faces.

Windham, N.H. – September 21, 2026 -- SQAIRZ has added Black and White colorways to its 2026 XRZ2 Pickleball footwear line, available now at SQAIRZ.com in both men's and women's sizing. The two new looks join four existing color options already offered across both lines.

The shoe features a roomier toe box designed for lateral stability

The XRZ2 includes a patented toe box built to let toes spread naturally, aimed at improving balance and enabling sharper cuts during pickleball play. Four stability outriggers support lateral movement and rapid direction changes, while Blumaka cushioning technology is designed to provide energy return. Sta-Put traction is intended to help players maintain a secure grip on the court.

Danbury – September 21, 2026 -- Eschenbach Optik of America has launched ocularX, a new line of compact, budget-friendly handheld magnifiers aimed at both consumers and vision-care professionals. The magnifiers are manufactured in Germany and sold in illuminated and non-illuminated versions.

LED models target reading in dim light

The ocularX M1 series uses LED illumination, making it suited for reading menus, books and labels in low-light settings. Each unit runs on a single AA battery and turns on with a clickable button. Lenses come in round or rectangular shapes with magnification levels of 2x, 2.2x, 2.5x, 3.5x or 4.5x. The 2x rectangular version adds a 4x bifocal lens in the bottom left corner, useful for reading clothing tags or doing detailed craft work.