Arias tells jury what she'll do if allowed to live

PHOENIX | Jodi Arias told a jury Tuesday that she can contribute to society if allowed to live, saying she'd like to start literacy, recycling and other programs in prison.

Arias tells jury what she'll do if allowed to live

Jodi Arias looks at her defense attorney Jennifer Wilmott on Monday, May 20, 2013 during the penalty phase of Arias' murder trial at Maricopa County Superior Court in Phoenix, AZ. Jodi Arias was convicted of first-degree murder in the stabbing and shooting to death of Travis Alexander, 30, i…

Arias tells jury what she'll do if allowed to live

Judge Sherry Stephens denies the request from Jodi Arias' defense attorneys Jennifer Wilmott and Kirk Nurmi to withdraw from the case on Monday, May 20, 2013 during the penalty phase of Arias' murder trial at Maricopa County Superior Court in Phoenix, Ariz. Arias was convicted May 8, 2013 of…

Arias tells jury what she'll do if allowed to live

Jodi Arias looks at her family on Monday, May 20, 2013 during the penalty phase of her murder trial at Maricopa County Superior Court in Phoenix, Ariz. Arias was convicted of first-degree murder in the stabbing and shooting to death of Travis Alexander, 30, in his suburban Phoenix home in Ju…

Taxpayers may get hit with 'convenience fee' under new pay-to-pay law

INDIANAPOLIS | Hoosiers soon may be forced to pay a "convenience fee" when using a credit or debit card to pay municipal or utility charges under a new law signed by Republican Gov. Mike Pence.

GUEST COMMENTARY: Help provide resources for battered women

Susan’s husband once threw her into a wall. Another time he pounded on (and dented) the roof of their car while she locked herself in the vehicle for her safety. On countless other occasions he broke phones, computers and other objects. He emotionally and mentally abused and intimidated her …

Gary man on trial in alleged attack on girlfriend

CROWN POINT | Opening arguments in the trial of a Gary man Tuesday presented opposite versions of what led to serious injuries suffered by the man's on-again, off-again girlfriend.

GUEST COMMENTARY: Help teens stay safe in dating relationships

Prom season can create a lifetime of memories, but many teenagers suffer experiences that carry a lifetime of consequences.

Slaying victim's friends donate money to area domestic violence shelters

Friends of a Calumet City woman who police say was beaten to death by her live-in boyfriend, will split money from a fundraiser among six Northwest Indiana and south suburban domestic violence organizations.

EDITORIAL: Abuse victims need help from friends, relatives

When the Violence Against Women Act was signed into law Thursday, it was hailed as a victory for victims of domestic abuse. It does help, but it isn't the only thing victims need.

A place of solace: St. Jude House opens larger library for moms, kids

CROWN POINT | Choosing just the right library book got easier this week for children and their moms staying at the St. Jude House shelter.

Man arrested for attempting to strangle former girlfriend

PORTAGE | A 32-year-old Portage man faces several charges after a fight with his girlfriend Monday morning escalated to death threats and his attempt to strangle her, according to police.

First Unitarian Church to hold domestic violence awareness seminar

HOBART | The First Unitarian Church of Hobart, 497 Main St. will hold a domestic violence awareness seminar from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday.

GUEST COMMENTARY: Help bring end to domestic violence

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The special color for domestic violence is a sobering purple.

Sentencing delayed in arson case

VALPARAISO | Sentencing was postponed Friday for a New Chicago man found guilty last month of setting fire to his former girlfriend's car in Portage and intimidating her after she broke up with him.

MARK KIESLING: Indiana trooper arrested on assault charge

An Indiana State Police trooper was arrested Tuesday in a case which could have automatically cost him his job, but now won't.

Lake Station man is charged with strangulation, battery

LAKE STATION | A 26-year-old Lake Station man attempted to choke his wife after he had problems getting into his house in the middle of the night, police said.

Woman overcomes abuse to earn degree, inspire others

Gary resident TJ Myricks, 33, escaped the cycle of domestic violence and will share her story in a book series titled PhatPhat Memoirs, available in August.

Construction to begin on Haven House project

HAMMOND | A ceremonial groundbreaking is scheduled Friday for the construction of a transitional housing project for a women and children's shelter.

Portage teen helps children of domestic violence through toy drive

Although he didn't know what to ask for for Christmas, Andre Taylor, 13, knew when he woke up Christmas morning there would be something waiting under the tree for him. He also knew that other children wouldn't be so lucky.