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 […]
Own Your Expertise Online We publish You Said It stories, similar to OpEds, submitted by readers and partner organizations to amplify nationally relevant, evergreen stories that inspire action through compelling visuals and strong storytelling. Submissions should take a “social-first” approach, prioritizing high-impact photos and videos, concise, compelling copy, and collaborators who will share and amplify. […]
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 […]
More than 60 years after The Beatles changed pop culture forever, their influence continues to unfold across stages, galleries, and screens. From Paul McCartney’s Got Back Tour to a newly revealed archive of his 1963–64 photography, an expanded edition of The Beatles Anthology, new 2026 tour dates for Ringo Starr’s All Starr Band, and more, […]
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 […]
One piece of my multifaceted identity is that I’m a grown grieving child. My name is Megan Andriano and I’m a 39-year-old woman who is grateful to wear multiple hats, including that of art therapist and licensed professional grief counselor. When I was 13 years old and my brother was seven, our dad died. While […]
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 […]
As the prolonged government shutdown continues, 42 million Americans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are now at risk of losing benefits Nov. 1 — a disruption that could mark the country’s worst hunger crisis in nearly a century. “If the SNAP program shuts down,” Joel Berg, CEO of Hunger Free America, […]
