Anchorage, Alaska – September 22, 2026 -- Explore.org and Katmai Conservancy have opened the 12th season of Fat Bear Week, running September 22-29, 2026, inviting the public to vote online for the plumpest brown bear at Brooks River.

Voting decides the 2026 champion on September 29

Fans can cast votes in head-to-head matchups on the Fat Bear Week website starting September 22, with new rounds advancing bears each day. The 2026 Champion will be crowned September 29 at 5 p.m. Alaska Time.

Prairie du Sac – September 22, 2026 -- Culver's is bringing back Curdtoberfest, its annual monthlong celebration of Wisconsin heritage and cheese curds, running from Sept. 28 through Oct. 31.

The Smoked Cheddar CurderBurger debuts as the brand's first flavored CurderBurger

Culver's fresh, never-frozen beef gets topped with golden-fried smoked cheddar cheese in the new burger, available Sept. 28 through Oct. 11 or while supplies last. It marks the first flavored version of the CurderBurger since the item debuted in 2021.

Seattle – September 22, 2026 -- A whitefish sold in the freezer aisle of most major grocery stores is drawing new attention as a whole-food protein source, delivering 26 grams of complete protein per 3.5-ounce serving. Wild Alaska Sole, often labeled Wild Alaska Flounder in the U.S., comes from Alaskan waters and contains all nine essential amino acids the body cannot produce on its own.

Olathe, Kan. – September 22, 2026 -- Garmin has rolled out a free software update for several smartwatches and cycling computers, adding fall detection, hands-free voice commands and new training tools.

Venu 4 owners now get automatic fall detection

The feature, new to the Venu 4 smartwatch, sends a message with the wearer's live location to preset emergency contacts if a hard fall is detected. Users can turn on monitoring all day or limit it to specific activities. The feature requires pairing with a smartphone.

Olathe – September 22, 2026 -- Garmin has launched a real-time racing solution that lets drivers see digital flag signals and track conditions directly from the cockpit, with a combined package priced at $1,699.99.

Las Vegas – September 22, 2026 -- The "Vegas 5-Day Sale" launched Tuesday, Sept. 22, running through Saturday, Sept. 26, with more than 180 limited-time offers on hotels, dining, entertainment and weddings across the Strip, downtown and beyond.

Washington – September 22, 2026 -- Massachusetts Institute of Technology has claimed the No. 1 spot among National Universities in the U.S. News & World Report 2027 Best Colleges rankings, ending Princeton University's 15-year run at the top since the 2012 edition. Princeton now sits at No. 2, with Harvard University at No. 3. Williams College retained its top ranking among National Liberal Arts Colleges in the 42nd edition, which evaluated nearly 1,700 institutions.

Mt. Juliet – September 21, 2026 -- A new HelloNation article breaks down the differences between recreational and competitive gymnastics, offering parents a guide for choosing the right path for their children.

Boaz, Alabama – September 21, 2026 -- Homeowners in Boaz, Alabama, are being urged to schedule a professional roof inspection immediately after severe weather, before minor storm damage turns into costly leaks or denied insurance claims.

Houston – September 21, 2026 -- Olight has launched the Oclip 2 Series, a clip-on light lineup that now tilts up to 115 degrees and rotates a full 360 degrees so users can aim the beam without repositioning the clip itself. The series includes two models, the Oclip 2 Pro at $49.99 and the Oclip 2 Ultra at $69.99, both available now through the Olight Official Store, Amazon, and authorized retailers. The line builds on Olight's original clip-light product, which the company says has more than one million users worldwide.