Chicago – October 06, 2026 -- DelNova, Inc. has introduced SECCO, a patent-pending aluminum-free deodorant developed by its new personal care division, DelNaturals, and backed by dermatologist Dr. Kathy Fields.

The product targets a specific gap in the market: natural deodorants that mask odor but fail to meaningfully reduce sweat. SECCO uses a proprietary, plant-sourced ingredient blend designed to inhibit perspiration at its source, without relying on aluminum or metal salts, the ingredients found in most conventional antiperspirants.

Chicago – October 06, 2026 -- Off-price retailer Burlington is rolling out free giveaways and fan events across Chicago this month as part of a new partnership with the Chicago Bulls and a sponsorship of the Chicago Ultimate Women's Expo.

Chicago – October 06, 2026 -- OB-GYN and sexual medicine specialist Dr. Sameena Rahman releases a new book today, "Brown Girls' Disease? A Guide to Sexual Health and Empowerment Through a South Asian Lens," addressing how medicine dismisses women's pain, low libido and reproductive health concerns. The hardcover sells for $34.99 and the paperback for $24.99 through Lioncrest Publishing.

Chicago – October 06, 2026 -- Thinx is launching Butterfly Shorts, a new period underwear style designed to be worn as visible athleisure rather than hidden undergarment, available starting today at Thinx.com for $56.

The shorts offer leakproof protection for up to 12 hours

Butterfly Shorts feature Coolcore breathable mesh fabric and an absorbent gusset built for overnight use. They come in sizes XS through 4X and are marketed for activities like workouts, travel, and daily errands.

Chicago – October 05, 2026 -- McDonald's is giving away free bottles of its pickle brine to runners and spectators during Chicago Marathon weekend, betting on a long-rumored cramp remedy to win over endurance athletes.

Free samples hit the Lakefront Trail before race day

On Friday, Oct. 9, McDonald's will set up a "Pickle Boost Preview" station at 2401 N Lake Shore Drive from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. CT, timed to catch runners during popular pre-race shakeout runs along the Lakefront Trail.

Chicago – October 02, 2026 -- The Aspen Group has launched new patient apps for Aspen Dental and ClearChoice Dental Implant Center, giving patients more control over booking, treatment tracking, and pre-visit steps directly from their phones.

Lisle, Illinois – October 01, 2026 -- The Morton Arboretum's holiday lights exhibition Illumination opens for its 14th season on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026, and runs through Saturday, Jan. 2, 2027, adding four new large-scale installations and a model train experience called Pine Whistle Railroad.

Tickets went on sale to Arboretum members on Oct. 1 at 9 a.m. CT and open to the general public Oct. 15 at 9 a.m. CT through mortonarb.org/illumination.

Evanston – September 30, 2026 -- A new Mather Institute study finds that older adults who age alone and own pets report significant boosts to physical activity, emotional wellbeing and social connection, with dog owners showing the strongest gains.

The online survey of 900 solo agers aged 55 and older found that 76% reported improved emotional wellbeing, 62% reported reduced stress and 45% reported increased physical activity. Nearly half said pets help reduce loneliness, and a third said pets led to more social interactions through daily walks and outdoor time.

Oak Brook, Ill. – September 30, 2026 -- Vehicle thefts in the United States fell 21% during the first half of 2026 compared with the same period last year, with all 50 states posting year-over-year declines, according to a new analysis from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB).

A total of 268,415 vehicles were reported stolen to law enforcement between January and June 2026, translating to a national theft rate of roughly 77.81 thefts per 100,000 people.

Chicago – September 28, 2026 -- Two new picture books from the Princess Penelope's Purse of Preposterous Things series hit shelves on November 3, 2026, expanding a children's media franchise built by Emmy-winning creator Angela C. Santomero.

"Bunny Lala's Big Song" and "Pirate Argh's Treasure Hunt" arrive from 4U2B Books & Media, an imprint of Loyola Press, following the success of the show's earlier titles and its YouTube Kids series, which has drawn over 12 million views.