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 […]
On August 27, a gunman opened fire through the windows of a Catholic church in Minneapolis during a morning Mass for elementary school children, killing two children — ages 8 and 10 — and injuring 17 other people, including 14 children. The shooter, 23-year-old Robin Westman, was armed with a rifle, shotgun, and pistol and […]
The town of Highland Park, a tight-knit community north of Chicago, has been grappling with the fallout of the July 4, 2022, mass shooting that turned a holiday parade into a scene of horror. Seven people were killed and nearly 50 others injured when a rooftop gunman opened fire with an AR-style rifle. Nearly three […]
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 […]
When disaster strikes, Americans respond. Our instinct to help, our “Can Do” spirit, and our deep love of community propel us to extraordinary acts of kindness, generosity, and ingenuity. The recent catastrophic fires in Los Angeles were no exception. From heartbreaking scenes of destruction to inspiring stories of resilience, the fires drew out the best of humanity. […]
The devastating wildfires that swept through the Los Angeles area last week, fueled by powerful winds and severe drought conditions, have taken the lives of at least 27 people, destroyed thousands of structures, and forced mass evacuations. The Palisades Fire alone has consumed over 23,000 acres and damaged or destroyed more than 5,300 structures, while […]
I was 16 years old when I discovered the power of civic engagement thanks to the blood drives at my high school in Elgin. Larkin High School held four blood drives a year, and they were much more than just donating blood so that we could get out of class for an hour — they […]
Wildfires continue to ravage Southern California, with tens of thousands of residents evacuated in Los Angeles County and thousands of structures destroyed. Fueled by powerful winds, the Palisades, Eaton, and Hurst fires have devastated communities, leaving residents grappling with loss and displacement. The fires have already claimed at least two lives and caused a significant […]
Anyone living in the Chicago area knows winter weather can be brutal — even with the right gear. But many Chicago students lack sufficient winter outerwear, and this can mean the difference between walking safely to school and staying home. To provide Chicago children with warm winter essentials, Cradles to Crayons Chicago hosted its 9th […]
Earlier this fall, Chicago’s civic, corporate, and community leaders came together for a night that was as impactful as it was inspiring. The After School Matters annual Gala, held Sept. 18 at 167 Events in Fulton Market, brought together more than 400 supporters, raising $2.59 million to fund after-school and summer programs that provide thousands […]
