DOUG ROSS: Droning on about unmanned aircraft

Remember the George Gershwin tune, "Someone to Watch Over Me"? Start working on a techno version.

DOUG ROSS: Will voters buck at paying more bucks?

Who was the happiest person in Lake County Friday morning? I couldn't reach her by phone to verify this, but I'm pretty sure it was Christine Cid.

DOUG ROSS: With taxes, actions still have consequences

This has been a big week for the convergence of taxes and politics — are those two ever separated? — in Northwest Indiana.

DOUG ROSS: Creating more jobs is Job 1 for economy

A key report on Northwest Indiana's economy Monday showed productivity is up, but not because more workers have been hired. In Northwest Indiana, at least, this seems to be the jobless recovery everyone has been worried about.

DOUG ROSS: Good luck weaving around those spending gaps

In recent weeks, I've been weaving around on U.S. 30, U.S. 421 and other highways. My driving would look suspicious to anyone who couldn't see I've been dodging potholes.

DOUG ROSS: Colleges need more state support

Ivy Tech Community College has merged the large northwest and north central regions in a cost-cutting move. The university has a nearly $60 million funding gap, according to Ivy Tech President Thomas Snyder.

DOUG ROSS: College life offers an education in parenting

It's often said that parents should be more involved in their children's education. I agree. But at the college level?

DOUG ROSS: A Democrat who sounds almost Republican

It makes sense that Lake County Democratic Party Chairman Thomas McDermott Jr., of all people, would be a strident liberal, eagerly embracing the party line on every issue. After all, Lake County is one of the most heavily Democratic counties in Indiana.

DOUG ROSS: College pays off, but you pay a lot for it

Two events this week spotlighted the importance of higher education in Northwest Indiana.

DOUG ROSS: NWI residents take a stab at federal budget

There's something eerie about writing about the federal budget for the Ides of March, considering all the political backstabbing going on right now. But there are good things happening in regard to the federal budget, too.

DOUG ROSS: No sale on tax cut before research

Indiana Gov. Mike Pence insists a 10 percent income tax cut would create Hoosier jobs, which would make this tax cut pay for itself. His proposal hasn't had a warm welcome in the Indiana General Assembly, however.

DOUG ROSS: Let's do a controlled experiment on Medicaid

Indiana, like other states, is trying to figure out how to comply with the federal law compelling states to expand Medicaid eligibility so more uninsured Americans get health care coverage. There's a catch, though, because states pay a portion of the cost of Medicaid.

DOUG ROSS: Speedway bailout taxes imagination, too

Indiana legislators seem to be racing toward handing over state tax money to the Terre Haute company that owns the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. This has irony written all over it.

DOUG ROSS: Prison isn't only place where guard changes

So Tom Philpot is going to prison. I can hear rejoicing and see heads shaking as Philpot becomes political history in Lake County.

DOUG ROSS: Pre-K builds bridge between Obama, Pence

President Barack Obama spoke of building bridges during his State of the Union address Tuesday, which ought to be popular in Northwest Indiana.

DOUG ROSS: Pay attention to many pay disparities

When USW District 7 Director Jim Robinson railed about pay disparities last month, he was talking about the private sector. If he thinks that system is broken, he should see what's happening in the public sector.

DOUG ROSS: Let's hope Cabinet member's ideas aren't shelved

When U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced Tuesday that he is stepping down, the political world focused on his status as the lone Republican still in President Barack Obama's first-term Cabinet. I focused on what this means for Northwest Indiana and the south suburbs.

DOUG ROSS: Uncertainty hurts economy, that's for certain

If Congress and President Barack Obama were serious about wanting to stimulate the economy, the best thing they could do is end the uncertainty over taxes and spending. If you don't believe me, just listen to some local business leaders.

Rich James is The Times' newest columnist

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

DOUG ROSS: Trust Local campaign could use good bait

Whiting Mayor Joe Stahua is championing the Trust Local campaign for home rule that seems to be picking up steam among Indiana municipalities. It offers an opportunity for local government reform, but are the locals willing to pay that price?