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

Rosie Klepper faces down the pains of aging with a hot new ally.

Scott Summers found redemption in a surprising way during a visit to Japan

Tom McBride has thoughts on civic democracy

Katie Andraski appreciates the people who clear the snow.

Lonny Cain knows a lot of stuff — but where did he learn it?

Suzanne Degges-White is getting a little tired of all this beautiful snow.

Inspired by the remarkable Hubbard Street Dance Company, Paula Garrett looks at a life full of dance.

Lou Ness LOVES snow. She really really loves snow!

Anissa Kuhar has tips for socializing during the holiday season.

Julie Bassett shares a story of a community, a campus, and a calling.

Frances Jaeger asks "how many mustards are too many?" It's a rhetorical question, of course, when the world has so much to offer.

Andrew Nelson says the Democratic Party needs to prove that it can right the wrongs of a rigged system.

Susan Goldberg's thoughts on gratitude lead her to her father.

Rosie Klepper would rather see America hotly divided over cranberry sauce than you-know-what at the Thanksgiving dinner table this year.

G.K. and Wester Wuori share what they are thankful for this Thanksgiving.

Connie Seraphine looks back at the long road that led to voting rights for women.

Deborah Booth says immigration raids could normalize the appearance of armed agents in our streets — and that could affect future elections.

It's a fitting end for some of Marnie O. Mamminga's family friends.

Dan Kenney says an ancient monster is afoot in the U.S. government leadership.

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.