April in Chicago brings bold culture, fresh blooms, and a spotlight on the planet — from Earth Month films and art to comic-con cosplay, live dance, and craft cocktails. Rock out to the story of The Kinks, celebrate 40 years of The Goonies, and dig into a month packed with can’t-miss music, food, film, and more. […]

The music of The Kinks, marked by raw riffs and a rebellious spirit, has long held a place in rock history — a reflection, Edward Hall says, of the band’s unwavering honesty. “They never sold out,” says Hall, director of Sunny Afternoon at Chicago Shakespeare Theater. “They did things their own way.” Sunny Afternoon, which […]

We all have that drawer in our bathroom — the one overflowing with unused, half-used, and basically empty beauty products. No? Just us? Well, even if you’ve mastered that life-changing art of tidying up and never fall prey to clutter, you still get to the bottom of those bottles of shampoo and conditioner, and reach […]

Award-winning photographer Cristina Mittermeier’s new book, HOPE, offers a powerful counterpoint to the growing sense of despair that often surrounds conversations about our planet’s future. As Mittermeier poignantly observes, “Hope may not be a plan or a strategy, but it is vital for our survival.” For decades, Mittermeier has traveled the globe, documenting both the […]

In the aftermath of a tumultuous election season, political division, wildfires, and a general sense of uncertainty for the future, it’s easy to think we are all simply living in a united state of stress with little good to come from it. However, the science of emotional intelligence tells us that using the term stress […]

The People’s Music School (TPMS) turned up the volume at its eighth annual Big Night Gala, raising over $740,000 to provide free, high-quality music education to Chicago youth. The Feb. 21 event, emceed by CBS Morning News Anchor Audrina Sinclair, brought nearly 450 guests to The Geraghty for a celebration of the transformative power of music.  […]

The Illinois Tiffany Circle, a powerful network of women leaders committed to the Red Cross mission, made a significant impact in the last several months through their generous support and innovative fundraising events for the non-profit. Their commitment has been evident in a few recent key events, culminating in their lead sponsorship of the 11th […]

Dinner conversations with kids often hit a wall: “How was school today?” “Fine.” But what if you could turn that routine question into a launchpad for deeper thinking? Picture your family’s version of the following scenario. Instead of asking your kids to describe something they learned, try asking them to share one new question that […]

Art has the power to transcend words, offering solace, connection, and even healing. For those facing cancer, creativity can become a lifeline — a way to process the unthinkable, reclaim identity, and find hope in unexpected places. Twist Out Cancer is a global community that provides psychological support to those touched by cancer through creative […]

This post was submitted as part of our “You Said It” program.” Your voice, ideas, and engagement are important to help us accomplish our mission. We encourage you to share your ideas and efforts to make the world a better place by submitting a “You Said It.” March is Women’s History Month — a time to […]

As any teacher can attest, some of the best learning happens outside the classroom. But without a strong foundation of physical and emotional safety and health for students at home and in the broader community, lessons learned at school can only go so far. According to the CDC, research consistently shows a strong link between […]

The 2025 Oscars may be over, but the conversations sparked by great films and the creatives behind them will long outlive award season. From film to music to theater, award shows are never just about the trophies. Presenters, performers, and winners often use their moment on the grandest stage to speak — or sing — […]