As the holidays get underway, many of us look for ways to make someone else’s season brighter. And there’s science behind why that makes us feel so good. Research shows that acts of generosity — from gift giving to financial support — increase happiness more than spending on ourselves. At Better, we’re dedicated to simplifying […]
A fresh blanket of snow won’t keep Chicagoans home. December is when the city shines brightest, with seasonal traditions like the Joffrey Ballet’s The Nutcracker and Goodman Theatre’s A Christmas Carol anchoring the holiday calendar alongside new experiences, expanded light installations, and more. All across the city and suburbs, the festive season is here. Let […]
The holiday season invites us to turn gratitude into meaningful social impact. Giving Tuesday, observed this year on Dec. 2, reflects the growing interest in philanthropy that fuels real outcomes — from venture philanthropy models to impact investing — all aimed at strengthening communities and supporting organizations doing essential work. Established in 2012 by New […]
Anyone who has ever tried to schedule a specialist appointment, make sense of a medical bill, or advocate for a loved one in the hospital knows how challenging America’s healthcare system can be. It’s a maze of forms, follow-up calls, insurance approvals, and costs that pile up. When things get more complex, it can be […]
When visionary composer and conductor Steve Hackman woke from a dream pairing history’s greatest symphonist with one of today’s defining pop artists, he had no idea it would lead to a movement redefining the concert experience. That dream becomes reality this fall when Beethoven X Beyoncé debuts at Chicago’s Harris Theater — a one-night-only performance […]
As the chill sets in, Chicago’s creative heart only burns brighter. This month, the city feels alive with art, culture, and connection — a celebration of the people and places that make Chicago shine when we show up for one another. Here are the 30 best things to do in November in the city and […]
Mexico’s Day of the Dead, despite the macabre name, is traditionally a festival full of color, music, and life. Taking place Oct. 31 through Nov. 2, the three-day Day of the Dead observance is a time to remember the departed and celebrate life. The holiday — which is recognized in Mexico and nearby countries like […]
The United States spends more on health care than any other developed nation, yet millions still struggle to access timely, effective treatment. One promising reform gaining traction among policymakers and researchers is integrated care, an approach that unites physical, behavioral, and social health services to treat the whole person rather than isolated symptoms. Health policy experts […]
Every October, schools, nonprofits, and communities wear orange ribbons and share hashtags for National Bullying Prevention Month. These gestures matter — they signal solidarity, compassion, and the importance of the issue. But awareness alone is not saving lives. The nation is past the point of slogans. Real change requires action. The urgency could not be […]
A rare artistic alliance takes center stage in Chicago this fall as Harris Theater for Music and Dance, the Joffrey Ballet, and Chicago Philharmonic come together for Joffrey at the Harris: Matters of the Heart — a five-performance event uniting dance and live orchestral music in Chicago Nov. 6-9. Though the paths of three creative powerhouses have […]
