Brown picked to lead region's legislative delegation

INDIANAPOLIS | Northwest Indiana's legislative delegation has elected state Rep. Charlie Brown, D-Gary, as their leader for the 2013 session.

Tourism agency presents awards to hospitality industry contributors

HAMMOND | The South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority has honored five people and three businesses for making Northwest Indiana more attractive to visitors.

Lawson seeks teamwork, unity in leading House Democrats

INDIANAPOLIS | For 12 years, state Rep. Linda Lawson, D-Hammond, was a fixture in the last row, aisle desk of the Indiana House, even keeping her seat in the back of the chamber as increasing seniority entitled her to a spot near the front.

BRIAN HOWEY: Bauersaurus is vulnerable to attack now

When I was a high school page for House Speaker Kermit Burrous back in the early 1970s, I remember standing at the speaker’s podium for a photo with him, and looking out across the House chambers as members gathered for the session. I saw Jeff Espich and, of course, the little giant, the mar…

DOUG ROSS: RDA hasn't run as fast as its creator hoped

State Rep. Chet Dobis dreamed up the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority and served as its midwife during the legislative process in 2005. But what does the newly retired lawmaker think of the RDA's work since then?

DOUG ROSS: Creation of RDA was no easy process

Seven years after the creation of the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority, its architect, state Rep. Chet Dobis, is retiring from the Indiana General Assembly. He reflected Friday on the birth of the agency in 2005 and its short lifespan so far.

EDITORIAL: A recap of our spring endorsements

Over the past few weeks, we've given a series of endorsements in major contested races facing voters in Lake and Porter counties. We recap them today so you can take this handy synopsis of our recommendations with you when you vote Tuesday.

Challenger questions Gary lawmaker's commitment to Ind. House

INDIANAPOLIS | The Democratic primary challenger to state Rep. Vernon Smith, D-Gary, believes voters in the 14th House District, which includes south Gary and Merrillville, deserve to know whether Smith will serve if elected.

Daniels signs bans on local government conflicts of interest, nepotism

INDIANAPOLIS | Starting next year local government employees will no longer be permitted to serve as elected officials of the governments they work for.

New law imposes fines for denying access to public records

INDIANAPOLIS | Government officials who refuse to turn over documents requested by the public can be fined under a law signed Monday by Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels.

MARK KIESLING: Little Cal vote a great display of bipartisanship

It was heartening to see the Republicans and Democrats in the Indiana Legislature agree on something controversial for the real benefit of the people of Lake County.

Governor approves Little Cal levee fee

INDIANAPOLIS | Gov. Mitch Daniels signed into law Friday a measure establishing a permanent funding source to finish construction and maintain levees along the Little Calumet River in Lake County.

Candidate financial disclosure among 23 laws Daniels signs

INDIANAPOLIS | Gov. Mitch Daniels signed 23 bills into law on Friday, including a measure sponsored by region lawmakers promoting government transparency.

Legislative session started with strife, ends with results

INDIANAPOLIS | A 10-week legislative session that began Jan. 4 with protests and boycotts ended at 12:36 a.m. region time Saturday with agreements on history-making legislation that could fundamentally transform life for most Hoosiers.

House colleagues honor Dobis

INDIANAPOLIS | Democrats and Republicans praised state Rep. Chet Dobis, D-Merrillville, as a master of the legislative process who "has more ways to get a bill through this House than I'll ever think of," in the words of state Rep. Ed Soliday, R-Valparaiso.

Chet Dobis about to close book on 42 years in Indiana House

INDIANAPOLIS | When the speaker's gavel slams down today to end the 2012 session of the Indiana General Assembly, it also will close the legislative career of the only state representative Merrillville has known.

Local officials likely to face new economic disclosure, residency rules

INDIANAPOLIS | A proposal requiring local government officials to disclose their income sources is on its way to the governor.

House OKs new financial disclosure, residency rules for local officials

INDIANAPOLIS | Local elected officials would face tighter financial disclosure and residency rules under legislation approved 97-0 by the Indiana House on Monday.

Stores selling synthetic marijuana, 'bath salts' could be shut down for year

INDIANAPOLIS | A business caught selling synthetic marijuana or illegal stimulants marketed as "bath salts" would be shut down for one year under an amendment approved Monday by the Indiana House.

DOUG ROSS: Two veteran lawmakers say enough is enough

A number of veteran Indiana lawmakers have either been defeated at the ballot box in recent years or, like Reps. Chet Dobis and Dan Stevenson, have decided not to run for re-election. That should not go unnoticed.