YOUNG VOICES: We're giving up freedoms without getting any safer

In a previous column, I warned you that our public education system is being used against us. I warned you that the coming generation was being taught to not fear the government, but to fear freedom. Call me crazy, but in the time that has passed since then have we not allowed more and more …

GUEST COMMENTARY: Action, not blame, needed for mental health

In the aftermath of recent tragedies, many of us are asking what we can do to prevent future instances of violence. Most of the discussion has centered around guns, but strengthening America’s mental health system is just as important.

EDITORIAL: Coats' vote was for less safety

Shame on U.S. Sen. Dan Coats for voting against the improved public safety that expanding background checks prior to gun sales would bring.

BRIAN HOWEY: Use common sense with guns

For the life of me, I don’t see how expanded background checks for gun purchases is an assault on the 2nd Amendment. Yet that is the phrase we hear over and over from the Indiana congressional delegation.

Senate leader shoots down guns-in-schools mandate

INDIANAPOLIS | Senate President David Long, R-Fort Wayne, slammed the brakes Thursday on a pending House proposal requiring every Indiana school to have an armed employee in the building during school hours.

EDITORIAL: Expand background checks to limit violence

An Indiana House committee on Tuesday approved a plan that would require each of the state's public schools to have an employee packing heat on the premises during school hours. Those legislators' response to the problem of guns in schools is to require guns in schools. Seriously.

BRIAN HOWEY: Political gun battle comes to Indiana

Four months after the horrific Newtown massacre and five months after Indiana witnessed a $51 million U.S. Senate race, the political TV ads have returned.

EDITORIAL: Stop gun shows at Lake County fairgrounds

Last week's law enforcement summit in Gary should serve as notice that Indiana, particularly Lake County, is contributing to Chicago's crime problem.

Valpo School Board hears safety, security ideas

VALPARAISO | The issues of safety and security in the schools should not become less important as recent school shooting events fade into the past, Valparaiso Community Schools Superintendent Michael Berta warned the board and residents Wednesday.

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD: College presidents want guns kept off campus

In December, the 7th U. S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that Illinois could no longer sustain a complete ban on the public carrying of concealed weapons. Judicious as that ban was, it could not withstand the court’s ruling. As a result, the Illinois General Assembly must develop legislatio…

Valpo seeks grant for school safety plan

VALPARAISO | The city is applying for a grant to develop a coordinated plan with other Porter County agencies to improve school safety.

RICH JAMES: Commissioners, not NRA, run Lake County

Starting today, Times readers will see a new columnist, Rich James, on A3 on Sundays and Wednesdays, in the spot formerly occupied by the late Mark Kiesling's columns.

YOUNG VOICES: I am excited to join in pro-life march

Soon, I will have the opportunity to enjoy a few days in Washington, D.C., with a group from my school. We will be joining with people all across America in the Right to Life March.

Lobbying Congress isn't all we need to accomplish

As the numbness of the Sandy Hook tragedy begins to subside, we ponder, "What can we do?" Certainly we can contact our representatives, and we can work harder to voice our concerns. But action does not have to end there.

EDITORIAL: Probe mental health care in prisons

Incoming Gov. Mike Pence should make it one of his first tasks to address concerns about how mentally ill inmates are treated in the Department of Correction system.

YOUNG VOICES: More guns, laws won't keep us from cliff

We are on the verge of falling off a moral cliff.

"Should Congress limit the sale of assault rifles and high-capacity ammo cartridges?"

Region views on gun control

Glenwood leader urges response to school shooting

GLENWOOD | Village President Kerry Durkin said on Wednesday he is one of thousands of municipal leaders throughout the country who have signed a resolution started in New York, urging a government response to last month's school shooting in Newtown, Conn.

Attorney general supports defined role for school resource officers

INDIANAPOLIS | Attorney General Greg Zoeller on Thursday endorsed legislation that formalizes the role of school resource officer and provides school corporations matching funds of up to $50,000 a year to pay local police to do the job.

Charity sending blankets to Connecticut

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. | When Mary Balagna heard about the shootings at a school in Connecticut and thought about the children traumatized by the event, she knew just what to do.

GUEST COMMENTARY: A community approach is need to combat incidents like Sandy Hook

The Sandy Hook Elementary situation should not be about who to blame. Rather, it should focus on how we, as a community, can prevent this type of scenario from occurring -- or at least minimizing the loss of life, if it does occur. How many of you have just read that first sentence and thoug…

Newtown slayings are horrible, but what about abortion?

I think the love, concern, caring and prayers that are being bestowed on the folks in Newtown (Conn.) are wonderful. Let's hope it continues and doesn't suddenly stop, with people forgetting about those parents and people.

Sandy Hook Elementary 'beary loved'

SCHERERVILLE | More than 1,000 stuffed animals filled a classroom at Watson Elementary School last week, a testament to the generosity of Northwest Indiana residents and outpouring of support for the people of Newtown, Conn.

GUEST COMMENTARY: The power to help heal one another

As our nation searches for answers following the incident in Newtown, Conn., the usual discussion about gun control is now joined by a conversation about mental health and the availability of treatment services to those in need. It is a conversation we should welcome.

GUEST COMMENTARY: 'It's complicated' not enough in response to mass shootings

The week following Valentine's Day 2008, my phone never stopped ringing. "More guns to teachers"; "fewer guns", "let's arm the student's" and "let's ban all guns" were among the emotionally charged messages hurled in my direction. Contained in each message was the requisite need to assign bl…