Emily Stone


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EDITORIAL



Here is a selection of my published articles:



We Found the 12 Best Leggings on Amazon, After Wear-Testing Dozens of Pairs



Verywell Fit





Amazon makes it easy to discover new legging styles inspired by your favorite activewear brands. These pairs are often less expensive than fan favorites like Gymshark leggings or lululemon leggings, with many of the same key features. To find the best leggings on Amazon, we spoke with fitness trainers and other experts for their advice and shopping tips. In addition, we've tested over 25 expert-approved Amazon leggings to date in the Verywell Testing Lab and the real world.


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We Found and Tested the 13 Best Sports Bras for Small Chests From the Top Brands



Verywell Fit





It’s especially important to choose a sports bra that’s designed for your body type—and when it comes to smaller busts, certain styles just don’t cut it. Julia Breitwieser, design director of Bras and Swim at Athleta, says that sports bras for smaller chests can have a lower front neckline than those designed for fuller busts. They can also feature narrower straps and less fabric on the backside of the bra. "You should still make sure you have the coverage you need so you aren’t slipping out or bouncing too much,” Breitwieser advises.


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We Tested the Best lululemon Leggings and These 5 Are Actually Worth Your Money



Verywell Fit





Best known for its ultra-comfortable leggings, lululemon has cultivated a fiercely loyal community around its fashionable and functional activewear. From sports bras to joggers and even socks, lululemon offers a range of products that blend style with performance. But the best lululemon leggings are what truly set the brand apart.


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The Best Sports Bras for Large Breasts Are Actually Comfortable and Supportive



Verywell Fit





Those blessed with a D cup or above know the struggle of finding a properly fitting sports bra. If you're in this boat, know you're not alone. In fact, 80 percent of women walk around wearing the wrong size bra. To find the best sports bras for large breasts, we first consulted experts to learn which key features to look for. Then, we researched dozens of options before testing 19 expert-approved styles at home for 113 days. Our top picks received high scores for their fit, support, comfort, adjustability, quality, durability, and overall value.


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We Tested the Best Smart Scales—These 12 Are the Most Accurate and User-Friendly



Verywell Fit





Smart scales can help you measure and track your body weight, body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage, muscle mass, and more. While standard scales typically only display weight on their screen, smart scales often wirelessly connect to your smartphone via compatible apps. These apps can record data from multiple users over time and even help you track your health goals.


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From Basic to High-Tech, We Tested the Best Bathroom Scales for Every User



Verywell Fit





Whether you’re looking to gain weight, lose weight, or merely want to track your weight over time, a bathroom scale is one of the simplest devices you can use to keep tabs on your progress. To find the best bathroom scales, we first consulted experts to learn which key features every model should have. Then, we tested 38 bathroom scales at home and in the Verywell Testing Lab.


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We Tested the Best High-Impact Sports Bras—These 12 Can Handle Any Workout



Verywell Fit





Bust out your best moves in a sports bra that best suits your body. Whether you live in a sports bra 24/7 or have to force yourself to throw one on for your morning workout, you need one to keep you supported and bounce-free while you work out—whether you're an A or DD cup.


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The 11 Best Ab Machines and Core Strengthening Tools for Your Home Gym



Byrdie





Core strength is a key element of health and fitness, not only for looking and feeling your best but also for preventing injuries that can occur throughout everyday life.


While traditional sit-ups and weighted crunch machines have historically been marketed as the fast track to movie star abs, exercise science has evolved substantially over the last decade to prioritize basic, multifunctional training tools.


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The 15 Best Sports Bras of 2023



Byrdie





A supportive sports bra is arguably the foundation for a successful, comfortable workout—but the truth is, 80 percent of us wear the wrong size bra (sports bras included!), putting ourselves at risk for breast pain, sagging, and tissue damage. For those who’ve been wearing a long-discontinued sports bra for far too long, there’s a fair chance the bra has stretched beyond its size and support capacity, and it’s time for an upgrade.


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The 9 Best Plus Size Leggings of 2023



Verywell Fit





No matter your size, finding the right pair of leggings is not an easy task. While brands have historically failed to include plus-size offerings in their collections, the plus-size apparel market is steadily growing. Major players like Nike, Adidas, Under Armour, and Athleta—all featured on this list—have finally woken up and are making inclusive sizing a priority.


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15 Best Places to Buy Leggings for Every Style and Workout



Verywell Fit





Inside its headquarters, Lululemon has a research and development lab, Whitespace, where the team studies how different bodies move, feel, and interact with various levels of compression and textures—yielding an expansive catalog of proprietary fabrics.


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The 11 Best Incense Sticks of 2023



Verywell Mind





The holistic practice of aromatherapy has been used for centuries to promote healing, as well as strengthen spiritual, physical, and psychological well-being. Incense sticks are a common tool for aromatherapy. They contain high concentrations of essential oils, which are extracted from plants, seeds, barks, roots, and fruits.


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The 7 Best Water Bottles With Straws for Easy Sipping and Impressive Insulation



Verywell Fit





When it comes to how much water you need to drink to stay properly hydrated, we’ve all heard the eight glasses a day mantra. But the truth is, there is no one-size-fits-all number. While the recommended daily intake looks different from person to person, one thing we can all agree on is that hydrating daily is essential to our overall health. Investing in a reusable water bottle that fits your hydration needs and style is the logical next step.


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The 10 Best Books About Loneliness



Verywell Mind





Feelings of isolation and loneliness are more prevalent now than ever, as many of us are stuck at home and unable to see our loved ones. Reading can provide comfort and companionship through turbulent times. Whether seeking counsel or an escape, find comfort in our roundup of best books about loneliness.


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We Found and Tested the Best Yoga Shorts for Men to Elevate Your Practice



Verywell Fit





Practicing yoga regularly provides a host of benefits, including lowered stress, improved sleep quality, and minimized injury risk. Wearing the proper clothing will ensure that you get the most out of your practice.


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We Found the 10 Best Yoga Mats After Testing Over 26 Options



Verywell Fit





A high-quality yoga mat is arguably the most important piece of the equation in keeping you safe and grounded, whether you're flowing through your daily yoga poses or working on your core at the gym. When it comes to yoga mats, toting your own is always a good idea—who wants to use someone else’s sweaty mat? Not us!


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The 10 Best lululemon Joggers for Workouts and Lounging of 2024



Verywell Fit





Jeans are overrated. During times of social distancing, sweatpants are a daily staple. It’s all about business on the top, and comfort on the bottom. Stock up on cute and comfy sweatpants to make the best of your virtual work or play day.


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The 10 Best Books About Infidelity of 2023



Verywell Mind





Infidelity—or cheating—is increasingly prevalent in today's society. For those who've been in a toxic relationship with an unfaithful partner, there are a number of books that can offer clarity and guidance in an intensely personal and difficult time. While self-help books are far from a one-size-fits-all ideology, the right one could help launch you on your healing journey.


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The 10 Best Women’s Water Shoes of 2023



Verywell Fit





Water shoes can benefit anyone from casual beach walkers to competitive water sports athletes, protecting feet from unpredictable impact and abrasion, as well as from harsh temperatures—think burning hot sand or freezing cold lakes. Furthermore, slipping on a pair of water shoes adds a layer of cushion, providing comfort and absorption of impact.


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The 9 Best Sleep Masks of 2023



Verywell Health





Dr. Charles A. Czeisler, Baldino Professor of Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School, has long studied the human circadian rhythm — our internal "clock" that regulates our sleep-wake cycle. Similar to drinking too much alcohol, the effects from poor sleep negatively impact our cognitive performance. But it's not just that extra glass of wine that's keeping you up at night. Dr. Czeisler states that “light affects our circadian rhythms more powerfully than any drug."


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Want to Relieve Stress ASAP? Write in a Gratitude Journal



Verywell Mind





When we express gratitude, it fires up multiple areas of the brain that are responsible for delivering mood and happiness-boosting chemicals—like dopamine and serotonin. Writing down what one is grateful for each day can positively impact the way the body and mind function—from quality of sleep to boosting immunity and happiness.


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The 14 Best Bubble Baths of 2022



Verywell Mind





Few things in life are as pleasurable as unwinding in a warm bubble bath and melting away the stress of a long day. Bubbles make everything more fun, no matter your age. In fact, restorative baths have been used for centuries for their healing and therapeutic purposes for both the mind and body.


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10 Phrases You Should Stop Saying in Order to Gain Respect in the Workplace



Better





It’s time for a vocabulary makeover. Launching into a new decade means turning a new leaf and we’re marking 2020 as the year we rid our vocabulary of weak, filler language. Exude confidence and gain respect in the workplace by building these surefire phrases into your daily arsenal.


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The Skinny on Slimming Your Holiday Drinks at Starbucks



Better





Rumor has it that Starbucks is decking the halls for the 2019 holiday season! This means a fresh set of the coffee giant’s signature holiday cups, a festive winter menu, and a reusable red cup giveaway.


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Hate and Anti-Semitism Have a New Enemy — The Power of Storytelling



Better





Imagine yourself as a 5-year-old child, living in a safe home with your loving family. Suddenly, you’re ripped away from your parents, uncertain you’ll ever lay eyes on them again — a terror we are witnessing once again today. For Beatrice Muchman, known by many as Trixie, this was a reality. Her family fled their home in Berlin during Kristallnacht (“The Night of Broken Glass.”) As part of the Nazis’ “Final Solution,” her parents were forced to part with their only child as her only chance for survival. They were then sentenced to Auschwitz.


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Flames Felt Around the World: How the Amazon Rainforest Fires Affect You



Better





The fires may not reach you, but the lasting effects will. If you believe you are far removed from the vicious fires suffocating the Amazon region, think again. As the world’s largest rainforest — spanning eight countries — the Amazon Rainforest plays a vital role in regulating global temperatures. Yes, that means your city too!


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A VIP Look at the 2019 Winnetka Music Festival in 16 Incredible Photos



Better





Welcome to the world of boutique music festivals—all the exhilaration of big-name fests on a smaller scale, with one key distinction: no repeat headliners. Boutique festivals can appeal to a wider audience by offering an expansive range of emerging artists and musicians from varying genres. Val Haller, music curator of the Winnetka Music Festival, hand picks the hottest emerging artists in the industry for her annual boutique music festival. Under her brand, ValsList, Haller helps busy adults remain current with new music.


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Adler Planetarium Honors NASA Trailblazer, ‘Space Ninja’ Peggy Whitson



Better





The month of June marks some of the greatest milestones for women throughout history. Exactly 56 years ago, 26-year-old cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova became the first woman to go into space, paving the way for women to take flight. Twenty years later, and two days apart, Sally Ride made history as the first American female astronaut in space.


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20 Easy Lifestyle Changes That Will Save You Money



Better





The average American household will nearly deplete their annual income with their spending habits. This could be your wake-up call to get your expenses in check. We tend to spend most on food, transportation, and housing; all necessities, of course, but only when budgeted accordingly. When it comes to money management, there is no one-size-fits-all plan or formula.


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How Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and 6 Other Top Eco-Warriors Are Fighting Climate Change



Better





Climate change is among the greatest threats we face in our lifetime. In fact, in a 26-nation survey from 2018, climate change was viewed by more countries as a top international threat over ISIS and cyberattacks. No longer is it a conversation of the future, but an urgent cry for action. Every day, we see communities around the world devastated by record-breaking storms, forest fires, droughts, and floods — all contributing to a whole new set of infrastructure problems. While you may feel powerless — that your efforts won’t make a dent — think again. The united fight for our planet starts at home. In honor of Earth Day, April 22, meet seven global environmental leaders as they share the easiest, most effective ways to embrace a more eco-friendly lifestyle.


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JCC Chicago Celebrates International Women’s Day With Producer Danielle Claman Gelber



Better





For over a century, March 8 has marked the global celebration of International Women’s Day. Adopted by the United Nations in 1975, the holiday pays homage to women’s achievements throughout history, while continuing to accelerate and demand change, for a world free of gender discrimination, bias and barriers. The theme of 2019 is #BalanceforBetter. Everyone has a part to play in making sure each person is counted and has a seat at the table. Balance is not a women’s issue, it’s a business issue. Cultivating gender-balanced environments in all facets of life — the boardroom, government, media coverage, the workplace – is critical for economies and communities to flourish.


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Hope Through Caring Gala Brings Us One Step Closer to a World Free of ALS



Better





Ninety minutes — by the time you finish watching your child’s Saturday morning sporting event or the new must-see movie, another person will receive the fatal diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, ALS is a rapidly progressing, deadly neurological disease. For the Les Turner ALS Foundation, March 9 was one for the books. This year, the annual Hope Through Caring Gala was held at a brand new venue, Rockwell on the River, raising record-breaking funds for the foundation.


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Bob Clifford of Clifford Law Offices Shares Inspiring Tale of Launching His Career



Better





Bob Clifford, founder of Clifford Law Offices, has built an impressive career and reputation as a leading Chicago personal injury attorney with a deep passion for fighting for his clients as well as giving back to the community. We’re delighted to share this conversation with Clifford, where we learned about how he got his start practicing law, the role of mentorship, his commitment to personal injury law, running his own practice, and what inspires him to give back.


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7 Things Wealthy People Do to Stay Rich



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Whether you’re content with your current financial situation — and want it to stay that way — or aiming to increase your wealth, learn the secrets that keep wealthy people on top, both financially and professionally.


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The Ultimate Guide to Chicago Museums — 2019 Edition



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Chicago is home to some of the greatest museums and cultural institutions in the world. Ready to start exploring? Whatever your interest, there’s a place on this list guaranteed to open your mind and engage your senses.


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Museum of Science and Industry Black Creativity Gala Celebrates Innovative STEM Programming



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The Museum of Science and Industry (MSI) is a playground for the budding mind. MSI’s leading Black Creativity programming made its annual return to the museum in January, featuring the largest Juried Art Exhibition in Black Creativity history. MSI’s annual art gallery is the longest-running exhibition of African-American art in the country, dating back to 1970.


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James Corden Joins JUF and Chicago’s Next Gen Philanthropists for Big Event Fundraiser



Better





“Together for good” — the guiding principle informing the work of Jewish United Fund. As the 2018 fiscal year came to a close, JUF proudly announced the record increase of its Annual Campaign to an unrivaled $86.97 million.


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JPMorgan Chase’s AdvancingCities: Nothing Stops a Bullet Like a Job



Better





Chicago is a tale of two cities — one a celebration of a rich and diverse history and culture, and the other a sobering picture of racial discord and economic disparity. The relative lack of economic opportunity in disadvantaged neighborhoods is often considered a main contributing factor toward the disproportionate amount of gun violence perpetrated by youth living in these neighborhoods.


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How to Help: Tree of Life Synagogue Shooting in Pittsburgh



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Last Saturday morning, during a peaceful Shabbat service at Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life * Or L’Simcha Congregation, 11 innocent lives were lost. A man opened fire inside the Synagogue yelling, “All Jews must die.” Gunman Robert Bowers was armed with an assault rifle and at least three handguns, attacking for 20 minutes straight. The deadly assault killed 11 people and injured six, four of whom were police officers. The anti-Semitic shooting was deemed the deadliest attack on members of the American Jewish community in the history of our country.


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BMO’s Olga Constantopoulos Empowers Women to Get Their Financial House in Order



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Walk into a major financial institution; on the surface, there may seem to be no visually apparent gender gap. Peel back the layers, and the higher you go up the corporate ladder, you will see the disparity. Women are powerful. In fact, we control over half of personal wealth in the United States. But why is it that we only represent a minority of financial services senior leaders?


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Twist Out Cancer Exhibition Demonstrates the Healing Properties of Art Therapy



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Art heals. Its potent magical powers can lift the darkest of clouds, stimulate a world of memories, and bring levity to those who need it most. “Color provokes a psychic vibration. Color hides a power still unknown but real, which acts on every part of the human body,” Wassily Kandinsky once said. Decades of research prove the medicinal-like benefits of creating art.


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Chicago’s Lakeview Pantry Funds More Than 5 Million Meals



Better





Imagine living a life that requires you to choose between food and utilities, food and medical care, food and housing, food and transportation, or even food and education. Forty-nine million people in the U.S. struggle to put food on the table, with one in nine on Chicago’s North Side suffering from food insecurity — a lack of access to enough food for all household members.


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Lara Logan of “60 Minutes” Kicks Off the 2019 Jewish United Fund Annual Campaign



Better





Women are powerful, and when they join forces for good, the impact is exponential. The 2019 Jewish United Fund Lion Luncheon, held Sept. 5 at The Standard Club, raised a record-breaking $3.5 million. This was the first event of the 2019 JUF Annual Campaign.


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These Age-Defying Senior Citizens Shatter Stereotypes About Getting Older



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For many of us, another year in the books means a new passion or hobby, new friends or family members, or a new outlook on life. In fact, the conventional age of retirement is beginning to carry less weight, as new dreams and aspirations are taking precedence. Research shows that seniors are happier than ever — and after meeting these four remarkable Chicagoans, it’s easy to see why. Bound not by their birth certificates but by their absolute zest for life, they’re living proof that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself, share your message with the world, or follow your true passion.


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How to Help: 8 Fun and Easy Ways to Give Back Around Chicago This Fall



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Fall is in the air, folks! And it’s the perfect time to get involved in the local community. Fall is also a prime time for youth-serving organizations — when volunteers and donations are needed the most. If you’re looking for a way to get involved, we did the research for you! There are countless nonprofits in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs always looking for volunteers in various capacities. Find an area that inspires you and get started.


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Meet 3 Inspiring Women at the Forefront of the Gender Equality Movement



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Alice Walker, poet, activist, and Pulitzer Prize-winning author, once said, “The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.” During the past year, thanks to the rise of the #MeToo movement and Time’s Up, the fight to end gender-based violence and harassment has taken center stage. More than ever women — and men — are speaking up and demanding change.


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This is What Going Back to School Looks Like Around the World



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Nearly 263 million children and young adults remain out of school, with 1 in 8 denied the basic human right to education. What’s worse, girls are usually the first to be discounted. Every day, women and girls around the world face barriers that prevent them from receiving an education. Some of these impediments include safety, infrastructure and sanitation barriers, child marriage and pregnancy, child labor and housework, cost, and simply being female. One in four of the world’s out-of-school children live in countries consumed by conflict, with war, famine, disease, and acts of violence regularly sabotaging the efforts by students, teachers, and volunteers to access and provide education opportunities.


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The Future of STEM is Female



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STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) — is a field historically viewed as a “boys club.” But let’s face it; dinosaurs no longer roam the Earth. Over the past 50 years, women have quite literally changed the course of history — but we have leaps and bounds to go. We are very slowly but surely moving into a more inclusive society where every person, no matter their age, gender, race, or background, has a voice, a seat, and feels heard.


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The Story of Lincoln Park Zoo: 150 Years in Photos



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One of Chicago’s most beloved attractions, Lincoln Park Zoo has been connecting people with unparalleled wildlife experiences as well as leading animal care, education, science and conservation practices for the past 150 years. Free to the public 365 days a year, Lincoln Park Zoo is amongst the oldest zoos in the country and an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). In honor of this important milestone, we’re taking a look back through the zoo’s history with the help of some incredible photos.


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Channeling the Power of Debate to Transform Students’ Futures



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“To be able to disagree with respect is a skill that we’ve all lost,” Andrea Zopp told attendees at the seventh annual Make Room for Debate Luncheon, which celebrated 20 years of partnership between Chicago Public Schools and the Chicago Debate League and Chicago Debate Commission. Zopp, president and CEO of World Business Chicago, and recently named one of Make It Better’s Top Black Women of Impact, was honored at the event as the 2018 Champion of Debate. “Do not stay silent in the face of injustice,” Zopp urged the audience in her speech.


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A Powerful Local Volunteering Model is Bringing Positive Change to Chicago Neighborhoods



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Authentic human interaction leads to lasting change. In a time of digital disruption, the power of human connection is key to upward mobility within our communities. Chicago Cares provides a platform for individuals to volunteer side-by-side with neighboring community members.


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National Gun Violence Awareness Day: How You Can Get Involved



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Every day, 96 Americans are killed by gun violence, totaling more than 35,000 gun deaths per year. One in three people in the U.S. knows someone who has been shot and one in five U.S. teenagers (ages 14-17) report having witnessed a shooting. June 1 marks National Gun Violence Awareness Day. For some it’s just another day, but for others it’s a symbol of a loved one’s life or a fight for survival.


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