Chicago

Chicago – September 19, 2026 -- United Airlines passengers can now watch live football games on seatback screens during flights, thanks to a new partnership with DISH announced this week. The service launches on more than 220 Starlink-equipped mainline aircraft, covering roughly 700 flights per day, and will run through the Super Bowl in February.

Live broadcasts span nine networks including ABC, CBS, NBC and ESPN.

Travelers in every class of service can stream ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, FS1, ESPN, ESPN2, NFL Network and Thursday Night Football on Prime Video directly from their seat. United expects to expand Starlink to nearly 700 mainline aircraft by early next year, with full installation completed before the end of 2027. The service is free for MileagePlus members.

Chicago – September 18, 2026 -- The American Lung Association has launched a national campaign to help patients and caregivers recognize the early warning signs of progressive pulmonary fibrosis (PPF), timed to World Interstitial Lung Disease Day.

PPF describes worsening lung scarring that can occur in people living with an interstitial lung disease (ILD), a group of more than 200 conditions that cause inflammation or scarring of the lungs. Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association, said the causes range from autoimmune diseases to environmental or occupational exposures, or remain unknown, but all share the risk that scarring can worsen over time.

Washington – September 17, 2026 -- U.S. News & World Report has released its 2026-2027 Best Children's Hospitals rankings, recognizing 90 pediatric hospitals across 34 states and Washington, D.C. The list marks the 20th edition of the annual study, which helps parents and physicians identify top-tier care for children with serious illnesses or rare conditions.

Chicago – September 15, 2026 -- Great Rail Journeys, formerly known as Vacations By Rail, has launched a new Landmark Collection of premium escorted vacations, now open for booking through 2027.

The portfolio spans Europe, Canada, Africa and the United Kingdom, with itineraries running 7 to 17 days and combining iconic train routes, luxury hotels and small-group touring.

Five signature itineraries anchor the new collection

The 8-day Premium Glacier Express tour crosses the Swiss Alps in a privately chartered Excellence Class car, with guaranteed window seats, welcome Champagne and a five-course wine-paired menu. The 17-day Premium Canada Coast to Coast Tour pairs Goldleaf Class travel aboard The Rocky Mountaineer with stays at Fairmont properties in Québec City, Toronto, Jasper, Banff and Vancouver.

New York – September 13, 2026 -- Loews Hotels & Co has rolled out Active Stays by Loews Hotels, a new fitness and wellness program available at its properties nationwide starting September 9. The initiative, developed with fitness trainer Makena Rae, gives guests flexible ways to move during a stay, from ten-minute in-room routines to full-morning walking tours.

In-room TVs now stream equipment-free workouts

Guests can access a curated library of short, guided sessions through their guest room television, including mobility exercises, bodyweight strength routines, and recovery workouts designed for hotel rooms. The digital series was created in partnership with Makena Rae for travelers who don't have time to visit the gym.

Woodstock – September 13, 2026 -- Terrabis will open McHenry County's first cannabis dispensary drive-thru at its Woodstock, Illinois location by the end of September, letting customers pick up online orders without leaving their cars.

The Woodstock drive-thru will run nearly around the clock

The new lane will operate from 6 a.m. to midnight on Sunday and Monday, and from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday. It marks Terrabis' second drive-thru in Illinois, following the state's first dual-window dispensary drive-thru, which opened at Terrabis Grayville on September 4.

CEO Dan Ambrosino says convenience drives the model

"Everything we do starts with the customer, and a drive-thru is simply the most convenient way for someone to pick up an order," said Ambrosino. He credited Woodstock Mayor Turner, the City Council, Joe Napolitano and the local building and planning department for helping move the project through approvals.

Chicago – September 13, 2026 -- The American Lung Association is expanding its Awareness, Trust and Action campaign to encourage more lung cancer patients to ask their doctors about clinical trials as a treatment option.

Every current lung cancer treatment originated in a clinical trial

"Clinical trials provide the most promising way to improve treatment outcomes and continue advancements in lung cancer care and survivorship," said Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association. He said the organization wants patients and caregivers to discuss all treatment options, including trials, with their healthcare providers.

Chicago – September 11, 2026 -- Ernesta, a custom-sized rug retailer, has opened its 11th showroom in Chicago's Southport Corridor, marking its first Midwest location.

The showroom sits at 3530 N. Southport Ave, Unit C2

The new space is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors can browse wool, natural fiber, and performance-material rugs, with customization options including stair runners, corner shapes, and fireplace cutouts.

The location includes a dedicated consultation lounge for designers

Interior designers can use the space to meet with clients and review samples on-site. Ernesta also offers white-glove delivery and installation as part of the showroom experience.

Chicago – September 11, 2026 -- The city of Chicago and Mayor Brandon Johnson are bringing back the Chicago River Swim for a second year, expanding the event from 500 to 750 qualified swimmers and reviving "The Big Jump" as part of a three-day weekend from September 18 to 20, 2026. Registration is open now at ChicagoRiverSwim.org for both the swim and the jump.

The Big Jump kicks off the weekend on September 18

The event gives registered participants a sanctioned chance to leap into the river while raising money for ALS research and youth swim education. Mayor Johnson will serve as master of ceremonies alongside Dutch Olympic gold medalist Maarten van der Weijden, Czech ice-swimming world champion Max Munson, Dublin Mayor Daryl Barron, former Chicago Bears player Charles Tillman, and Grammy-winning producer DJ White Shadow.

Chicago – September 10, 2026 -- A new sun care brand is betting that consumers are tired of choosing between chalky mineral sunscreens and products packed with unrecognizable chemicals. Sunsei has launched with a two-product lineup built around just 17 ingredients, all free of synthetic UV filters.

Sunsei uses non-nano zinc oxide instead of chemical UV filters

The brand's formulas center on non-nano zinc oxide combined with plant-derived ingredients including sweet almond oil, green tea extract and shea butter. Sunsei markets the products as 100% mineral-active, paraben-free and free of the white residue often associated with zinc-based sunscreens.