Local community members share their outlooks on the news, events and personal challenges in 90 second essays.

Anissa Kuhar says curiosity may be the key to identifying the real problems.

Suzanne Degges-White says we need to cool our nation's temperature before it destroys us.

Lori Drummond-Cherniwchan discovers some things get even better with age — including a disco anthem.

Katie Andraski wonders what it's like to feel safe at home.

Bob Evans urges us to remember Veterans Day in this encore Perspective.

As any state employee knows, accepting gifts on the job is unethical. Suzanne Degges-White looks at the bigger picture.

Tom McBride thought he finally had time to become the rebel he always dreamed he'd be. But something was missing.

So you think retirement is all palm trees, naps, and low-impact sports? Lonny Cain says it's complicated.

Paula Garrett values her hearing...and the ability to listen.

Taylor Atkins says there's an epidemic of estrangement and wonders if it's an overused solution.

Anissa Kuhar is an extrovert who learned how to work better with introverts.

Nia Springer Norris gets spooky with AI doomsday theories.

Traditions? Rosie Klepper talks Halloween candy.

Wester Wuori has had a great few months, thanks to live music.

Remember being a kid choosing your Halloween costume? Kyle White does after laying eyes on the most perfectly simple homemade statement.

Kelli McGee Yugsi calls on K-Pop Demon Hunters to bring us together.

A look at democracy through the wise eyes of Connie Seraphine's granddaughter.

Scott Summers says in today's climate, it's important for parents to consider setting up short-term guardianships for their children.

Yaritza Salgado talks with her grandmother about how she observes "Day of the Dead."

Frances Jaeger visits a nuclear bunker.

Dan Kenney examines the difference between a populist and a demagogue.

Deborah Booth says the federal government is trampling on states' rights.

Rosie Klepper plays a game with her freezer. A very dangerous game.

Frances Jaeger shares her dad's umbrella story.

Katie Andraski tries to put her phone down.

Bob Evans hears the warning songs: Are we paying attention?

Lonny Cain wants to know how you blow off steam.

Joseph Flynn says federal troops aren't the answer to Chicago's crime problems.

Julie Bassett is working with Together for Taft to find a way to save the former NIU Lorado Taft campus in Oregon.

Katie Andraski says sometimes it's not what you do...but what you don't do.

The President wants to kill voting by mail. Bob Evans says that's a mistake.

How did Marnie O. Mamminga's reunion with friends of a different political persuasion go?

She sells sea shells...or did she find them on a beach halfway around the world? No matter. Paula Garrett appreciates their presence in her life.

Sharon Nicola thinks America has better stuff to spend taxpayer money on.

Lonny Cain has a "wild church" experience.

Road-tripping Rosie Klepper tries to balance the joy of gas station cuisine with common sense.

Before we restore our nation's manufacturing glory, Frances Jaeger wants us to look at our past.

Does Francisco Solares-Larrave really need all those watches and pens?

Wendy Larson Bennett is grateful for the years Rockford has benefitted from the presence (and hard work) of Rev. Dr. Matthew Johnson.

Connie Seraphine highly recommends spending some time with family and friends before summer's over!

Wester Wuori and his wife celebrate more than a quarter century of marriage.

Tom McBride says you should cherish and protect your "human-ness."

Rick Brooks shares his thoughts about the value of public broadcasting.

Northern Illinois University's art museum is closing. Deborah Booth calls it a huge loss for the community.

Some of the luster is off a national award and that symbolizes a lot more to Marianna Ruggerio than her own experience.

Lou Ness urges NPR and PBS fans to fight back.

Dan Kenney has always turned to words in times of trouble — are they enough now?

NIU student Donna Gillespie says "when in doubt, rest it out!"

Emily McKee says we all must speak out to make the annihilation of people in Gaza stop.

Joseph Flynn urges fans of NPR, PBS, and their favorite local public stations to keep up the fight for funding.

Katie Andraski learns about CRPS from her neighbor