Can Mentorship Close America’s Graduation Gap?

When Antoine first met his Big Brother, Connor, through Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS), their connection was effortless — forged over pickup basketball games, trampoline park outings, and shared plates of good food. What began as simple fun soon became something much more powerful: a steady source of guidance and belonging. After losing his older […]

Top 23 Women’s Boards Shaping Chicago Philanthropy

Chicago has long been one of the nation’s most philanthropic cities — residents give at rates nearly 50 percent higher than the U.S. average — and women have always been at the heart of that generosity. In a city where cultural giants, world-class hospitals, and top universities sit shoulder to shoulder, women’s boards have become […]

Chicago International Film Festival 2025: 18 Must-See Films

The 61st Chicago International Film Festival hits theaters across the city October 15–26, 2025, with more than 100 features and 11 shorts from 70 countries. This year’s lineup spans genres and geographies — from gripping dramas and heartwarming comedies to documentaries that shine a light on urgent global issues. For Artistic Director Mimi Plauché, the […]

‘Alzheimer’s Changes Everything’: How Personal Battles Are Fueling the Fight to End the Disease

When Connie Lissner’s husband was formally diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2020, her family’s world shifted in an instant. A retired attorney with no prior experience in caregiving, Connie quickly stepped into the role of full-time caregiver, determined to navigate the unknown path ahead. In search of support and answers, she turned to the Alzheimer’s […]

Behind the Music That Ignites 'Carmen' — Joffrey Ballet's Bold Season Opener

In a smoky cigarette factory on the brink of civil war, love becomes a battlefield in the The Joffrey Ballet’s U.S. premiere of Liam Scarlett’s Carmen at the Lyric Opera House. Opening the Joffrey’s 70th anniversary season on Sept. 18, 2025, Scarlett’s Carmen brings striking new visual intensity to Georges Bizet‘s iconic score — but it’s the music, […]