Twenty years ago today, Jim Kline pushed off on a life-changing journey across America.

Tom McBride says there are rituals that connect us every day.

Johnny Depp has created some endearing characters during his long career — but Lynnea Erickson Laskowski says that doesn't mean he earned a pass in the courtroom.

The Civil War, World War II, and today: Andrew Nelson says they are points in history where we have come close to losing our democratic republic of the United States of America.

Melody Dominguez shares her thoughts about another epidemic.

Monty and Rose, Chicago's beloved piping plovers, are gone, but David Gunkel points to the hope they left behind.

The League of Women Voters is bringing the public together with community leaders to examine violence and seek solutions.

Farm cats deserve love, too! Connie Seraphine blows up the myth of the cold, unfeeling feline.

The first step in treating a problem is admitting you have one — And Wester Wuori says our country is failing when it comes to gun violence.

Pastor Joe Mitchell says, "There is something deeply hypocritical about praying for a problem you are unwilling to resolve."