CHICAGO – November 03, 2026 -- Escort has released a firmware update for its flagship Redline 360c radar detector that extends detection range by up to 24% in company testing, giving drivers more time and distance to react to alerts.

K and Ka Band gains measured against earlier firmware

Compared with previous firmware versions, testing showed a 21% range increase on K Band. Ka Band detection improved across the tested frequencies, with gains of up to 24%.

Chicago – November 02, 2026 -- Milk Bar is selling a limited-edition Butter Lover's Cookie, made with Plugrá Premium European Style Butter, from November 1 through December 5, 2026, in a tin of six for $28.

Butter takes the lead in Milk Bar's classic cookie

The cookie keeps Milk Bar's signature texture, soft in the middle and crisp around the edges. Plugrá butter is meant to make it golden, rich and butter-forward.

CHICAGO – October 29, 2026 -- Illinois residents shopping for 2027 health coverage can start enrolling Nov. 1, and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) is adding new plan options and a wellness rewards program worth up to $100 a year.

CHICAGO – October 27, 2026 -- A registered dental hygienist with more than one million followers has named her picks for the best electric toothbrush, water flosser, floss picks, interdental brush and sensitive toothpaste. Whitney DiFoggio, known online as Teeth Talk Girl, announced the winners of the inaugural Smile Brighter Awards.

Chicago – October 27, 2026 -- UK traders can now open accounts on NinjaTrader, a futures-only platform that accepts deposits in GBP or USD and runs on desktop, web, and mobile.

Direct exchange access for UK traders

The platform gives UK users access to global futures markets, including U.S. equity index, energy, metals, and FX futures on CME and EUREX. NinjaTrader says the offering includes exchange-listed contracts, a public order book, and transparent per-contract pricing.

San Antonio – October 21, 2026 -- Thirteen beluga whales from a closed marine park in Canada have now arrived at U.S. aquariums, completing two transports in what the rescue partners call one of the largest and most complex marine mammal rescues ever attempted.

The whales belong to a group of 30 belugas at a Canadian park that could no longer support their long-term care. Several accredited aquariums, including SeaWorld, were invited earlier this year to help build a rescue plan.

SMYRNA, Tenn. – October 21, 2026 -- DuBois Regional Airport (DUJ) gets nonstop jet service to Atlanta and Chicago O'Hare starting February 1, 2027, when Contour Airlines launches two new routes.

Chicago – October 19, 2026 -- Hubbard Inn in Chicago's River North neighborhood turns into The Christmas Inn from November 13 through January 10, offering holiday cocktails, seasonal bites and a rotating lineup of festive events.

The venue gets a full holiday makeover

The Christmas Inn replaces the regular look of Hubbard Inn with over-the-top Christmas décor in every corner of the space. The setting is meant for everything from after-work drinks to holiday brunches and large group celebrations.

Chicago – October 19, 2026 -- Ama La Vida, a women-owned coaching company, has launched retirement coaching for adults who want help with the emotional and lifestyle side of leaving full-time work. The program takes a phased retirement approach and ends with a personalized plan for the next chapter.

Chicago – – October 15, 2026 -- Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes, a year-round campground five miles from Yosemite National Park's west gate, has been named Best National Park Campground in RVshare's 2026 Campies Campers' Choice Awards for the second year in a row.