Editor in chief Dan Wakeford's editor's letter: I've spent nearly 30 years as an entertainment journalist - and I still love it. Every day, I get to tell the stories of the artists, creators and dreamers who shape pop culture and make life brighter, bolder and more joyful for all of us. Over time, I've seen that when celebrity stories are told with care, they do more than entertain - they connect us, inspire us and remind us of our shared humanity. That's the heart of Us Weekly. Over the past 18 months, we've raised the bar on our storytelling, committing to making our reporting the gold standard of smart, trusted entertainment journalism. Because there's no shame in loving celebrity culture. It's not a guilty pleasure; it's part of how we find joy, hope and meaning. We cover stars' lives thoughtfully, with empathy and purpose, shining a light on resilience, mental health, personal growth... and showing that underneath the glitz and glamour, celebrities really are Just Like Us. Celebrities hold a unique place in our culture. They bring us together, make us laugh and remind us what's possible. Their stories can also reflect the best of who we are - and who we aspire to be. CHAD KIRKLAND That's the spirit behind Us' Humankind Issue, honoring stars who use their platforms for good. Whether through their work - like Drew and Jonathan Scott, who use their skills to build homes for Habitat for Humanity, or Bad Bunny, whose Good Bunny Foundation champions education and recently launched a summer camp to support young people - these stars are turning compassion into action. Others, like Noah Wyle, who advocates for healthcare workers, and Jamie-Lynn Sigler, who calls raising awareness for multiple sclerosis "the greatest purpose I have ever had," remind us that kindness comes in many forms, each with the power to create lasting change. I'm in awe of our cover star, Lainey Wilson, who speaks about the importance of kindness and giving back. She created the Heart Like a Truck Fund, which supports causes like education, health and family well-being, all of which can change lives. And I concur with her philosophy that you can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar. In a world that can feel heavy, it's more important than ever to celebrate generosity and connection. As we head into Giving Tuesday this year amid all the noise, acts of kindness still shine through. Let's be that light. Let's lift each other. Let's celebrate the power of doing good - together. - Dan Wakeford, editor in chief CECE DAWSON, COURTESY OF LAINEY WILSON Read on to learn more about the stars who are dedicating their time, energy and love to causes close to their hearts: Eric Dane: A Cure for ALS Eric Dane speaks about his ALS diagnosis during a news conference to discuss health insurance at the Department of Health and Human Services Headquarters in June 2025 SAUL LOEB / AFP Not long after the Grey's Anatomy alum publicly revealed his amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) diagnosis in April, Eric Dane joined Push for Progress, a campaign sponsored by the I Am ALS organization to secure federal funding for research. "I'm gonna fight until the last breath on this one," he told Congressman Eric Swalwell in September. It's no wonder he was named ALS Network Advocate of the Year. Get involved: iamals.org Bad Bunny: Empowering Youth Bad Bunny Donates Toys In Puerto Rico Gladys Vega/Getty Images The 2026 Super Bowl halftime performer (real name: Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio) told Apple Music this year that he dreams of using his platform to "impact as many lives as possible." He's already started in his beloved Puerto Rico, where his aptly named Good Bunny Foundation has rebuilt hurricane-damaged sports facilities, awarded educational grants and launched a yearly summer camp where he's said young people can "discover in their passions a path to transform their lives and communities." Get involved: goodbunnyfoundation.org Drew and Jonathan Scott: Habitat Humanitarians Drew and Jonathan Scott Jason Davis/Getty Images for HGTV "These are the OG Property Brothers and Property Sisters," Drew tells Us of Habitat for Humanity, which helps people build safe, affordable homes for themselves and their neighbors. In October, he and his twin brother, Jonathan, joined more than 1,000 volunteers to construct 25 new houses in Austin, Texas, during the 39th Annual Habitat for Humanity Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project. And you don't have to be an HGTV pro to pitch in, Jonathan tells Us: "If you've ever watched Property Brothers and you're like, 'That looks so fun,' guess what? They'll let you do that here, and it's for a good cause. Nothing's more rewarding than volunteering with Habitat." Get involved: habitat.org Jamie-Lynn Sigler: Raising MS Awareness Jamie-Lynn Sigler Mike Coppola/Getty Images for Tribeca Festival After going public with her multiple sclerosis diagnosis in 2017, Sopranos alum Sigler has been committed to bringing awareness to the disease. Mo