Since Americans’ first experience with the frozen treat in the 18th century, ice cream has become one of the most popular desserts in the nation. Take some time to treat yourself to some ice cream. What is your favorite flavor?

In 2016, the U.S. Department of the Interior designated the North American Bison as the national mammal, elevating the buffalo to a status shared by the bald eagle. Did you know that Illinois’ Nachusa Grasslands is home to more than 100 bison?

Access Living is a disability rights organization based in Chicago that advocates for policies to improve the lives of disabled individuals. Additionally, the organization is instrumental in giving disabled individuals the tools they need so they can live independently.

Champaign native Kitty Cone helped organize 504 sit-in, where activists demanded long-delayed enforcement of federal accommodations for people with disabilities. Her activism paved the way for the Americans with Disabilities Act.

An unprecedented campaign of misinformation won’t stop our effort to make the justice system smarter and make our communities safer. The Supreme Court upheld our bail reform law so courts can make decisions based on public safety – not a defendant’s access to cash.

While imprisoned for 27 years, Nelson Mandela never lost hope that South Africa could be free from apartheid. Mandela gave 67 years of his life to activism and service. On his birthday, let’s honor Nelson Mandela by trying to spend at least 67 minutes giving back to others.

Cubacub is a designer and artist specializing in clothing for disabled and gender nonconforming individuals. They were named Chicagoan of the Year by the Chicago Tribune and honored by the Kennedy Center. Check out their clothing and designs at ow.ly/8uL650OYpni.

Serious number crunchers recognize today as pi approximation day, where mathematicians celebrate the day that reflects pi’s rough value, with 22/7 often serving as an approximation of the irrational number. You don’t have to know what that means to celebrate with a piece of pie!

Having worn hearing aids since childhood, Beys said his disability directly influenced his decision to pursue photography. Seeking to uplift marginalized communities through his artwork, Bey focuses much of his attention on subjects from diverse backgrounds & levels of ability.

Mike is a disability rights activist & writer in Chicago. He got involved in activism when he filed a complaint against CTA because it was inaccessible to wheelchair users. This resulted in a lawsuit against CTA & a landmark ruling requiring CTA to install lifts on all CTA buses.

Skokie native Lily Brasch was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy at an early age & told that she would never be able to walk again. Despite this diagnosis, she is now a runway model, disability rights activist, & internet personality. Learn more about Lily: ow.ly/J3oA50OYq8U

The International Day of Friendship was first designated by the United Nations in 2011, serving as a reminder of the importance of friendship, understanding & tolerance in achieving peaceful coexistence. Give thanks to the loved ones and people in your life who you call friends!

After losing his ability to walk due to complications from polio, FDR would go on to become elected as the nation’s first and only visibly disabled president in 1932. Re-elected three more times, he led the nation through the challenges of the Great Depression and World War II.

The exact birthdates of shelter dogs are often not known, but they still deserve treats and extra belly rubs! On August 1 we celebrate Dogust, a shared birthday for all shelter and rescue dogs. Happy birthday to our furry friends!

The Supreme Court's decision upholding our ban on the sale of assault weapons, high-capacity magazines, and rapid-fire modifications is a win for commonsense gun safety! There's more work to be done, and we'll keep fighting to get weapons of war off our streets.

Congratulations Leader Evans!

Hispanic Heritage Month begins today! Throughout September and October, we celebrate and honor the culture and history of the many Hispanic Americans in Illinois and across the country.

L'Shanah Tova! Wishing all who observe a healthy, meaningful, and prosperous new year!

Yom Kippur, which is Hebrew for Day of Atonement, is one of the most important days in the Jewish calendar. Believers fast, pray and reflect on the meaning of repentance and forgiveness. Shanah Tovah to all who observe!