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 — […]

March in Chicago is a feast for the senses, with vibrant celebrations of art, culture, and tradition unfolding across the city. Whether you’re celebrating alongside St. Patrick’s Day revelers, exploring groundbreaking exhibitions, or indulging in culinary delights during North Side Restaurant Week, this month’s lineup has something for everyone. Here are the best things to […]

“People protect what they love — and they love what they understand.” This simple message, shared by Dr. Jill Tiefenthaler, CEO of the National Geographic Society, captures the heart of The National Geographic Photo Ark, a groundbreaking project by National Geographic Explorer and award-winning photographer Joel Sartore. The Photo Ark is more than just a […]

On a cold and blustery Sunday morning, hundreds of Chicagoans gathered in Humboldt Park on Feb. 9 for the inaugural Winter Walk, a powerful event dedicated to raising awareness and support for people experiencing homelessness.  Inspired by similar walks in Boston and New York, the heart of the Winter Walk was a two-mile walk through […]

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.” Growing up in Chicago, I’ve always known our city […]

The age-old idiom “it’s a small world” takes on profound meaning in the dance world. What might seem a like niche profession has a global reach, finding its way into even the smallest corners of a dance studio. A young, sensitive boy growing up in France, a British girl fascinated with storytelling, a Ukrainian-born ballet […]

January 7, 2025, altered the lives of Angelenos — both human and animal — forever. While homes and buildings can be rebuilt, lives lost to the flames cannot. First responders worked tirelessly to evacuate residents and their pets, but many domestic and wild animals weren’t as fortunate. At Pasadena Humane, which has been serving the […]

Avian flu is decimating poultry farms, driving up egg prices, and spreading beyond birds to unexpected species. Since 2022, more than 148 million farm birds — including chickens and turkeys — have been euthanized to contain outbreaks, sending ripple effects through the food supply. The virus isn’t just a problem for farmers—consumers are paying the […]

A 10-year-old aspiring fashion designer who is battling cancer got the incredible opportunity to design her own dress with the help of Make-A-Wish and some Disney pros. Inspired by the iconic ball gowns in Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Cinderella, Rita wished to step into the world of costume design at Disney.  As part of her […]

Over the past two Sundays, Alicia Keys at in her GRAMMY acceptance speech for the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award and Kendrick Lamar through his Super Bowl halftime performance delivered powerful messages about the power of art to inspire future generations and advance social justice. What do the two artists have in common? They’ve both […]

The road to the Harris Theater began in the 1980s, when the performing arts were feverishly alive in Chicago. Dozens of new music, dance, and theater companies emerged while stalwart organizations experienced exciting growth. What the city lacked, however, was adequate space for its mid-size companies — those that had outgrown the storefront venues but […]