Hebron schools unhappy ISTEP will continue

HEBRON | Hebron school officials were still upset Wednesday about the snafus with the state's ISTEP test and the legislature's move that will doom schools to one or two more years of giving the test.

PHIL WIELAND: Schools closed because of a threat - of bad weather

The Farmer's Almanac is predicting "squally" weather for mid-April, so Valpo schools should be notifying students soon that classes are cancelled between April 12 and April 15.

Cost concerns linger for Ind. sentencing overhaul

INDIANAPOLIS | A plan to overhaul Indiana's criminal sentencing laws is moving through the Legislature with broad bipartisan support as lawmakers seek ways to keep violent criminals behind bars longer and give many convicted of low-level crimes a chance to avoid prison.

PHIL WIELAND: Some other non-threats Steele can protect us from

After last week's column, a reader wrote that I was a little harsh on State Sen. Brent Steele, especially my saying he had the best porn film name in the Indiana Legislature.

PHIL WIELAND: Legislature great at dealing with problems we don't have

It's heartening that the Indiana Legislature provides gainful employment to the mentally challenged, but sometimes they introduce bills that become laws.

PHIL WIELAND: Indiana needs fewer license plates -- and legislators

Leave it to the Indiana Legislature to try to solve a problem by making it worse.

Chamber: Ind. lawmakers may look to add tax to alternative fuel vehicles

The Indiana Chamber of Commerce, local industries and alternative fuel advocacy groups are keeping a close eye on the Statehouse this session with concerns about legislation being introduced to place a tax on compressed natural gas for vehicles.

GUEST COMMENTARY: Why Indiana's AG is weighing in on gay marriage

Why does the Indiana Attorney General have to be involved in the definition-of-marriage cases before the U.S. Supreme Court? It’s a fair question I have been asked since the Supreme Court announced Dec. 7 it would hear two marriage-definition cases, potentially setting the stage for a landma…

High schooler sees government in action as state page

Merrillville High School student Karley Woodson recently served as page for a day for the Indiana House of Representatives through the Indiana House Page Program.

PHIL WIELAND: For once legislators stepped away from the plates

The Indiana Legislature has adjourned, so let's look back at its accomplishments and wonder if this is one disaster even ServPro couldn't make look like it never happened.

Rallying for school choice

MARK KIESLING: One step forward, two steps back

Just when you think the Indiana Legislature is groping its way into the 21st century, along comes someone who hurls it back to the Dark Ages.

Gary chamber members to meet with legislators

GARY | The Public Policy Committee of the Gary Chamber of Commerce and State Senator Earline Rogers will host a State House Tour on Feb. 28.

Bill would put school chief contracts through public hearing

As several local districts search for new leaders, state lawmakers are debating a plan intended to improve transparency in superintendent contracts.

Rally attacks right-to-work proposal

GARY | Approximately 500 people packed the Teamsters Local 142 building Sunday for a rally against Indiana's proposed right-to-work law.

PHIL WIELAND: Get ready for some more Amazing predictions

The new year dawned full of promise and hope and other delusions, which means it's time again for the soothiest of soothsayers, the man who puts the "dam" in Nostradamus, the Amazing Wielando.

GUEST COMMENTARY: Why I oppose the Calumet Burns Conservancy District

The plan to create a massive special taxing district is politically toxic everywhere outside Gary.

Legislature protects guns, not kids

If only the Indiana General Assembly cared as much about kids as it does about guns.

Local charter schools cited by Indiana State Board of Accounts

The Indiana State Board of Accounts has released reports on three local charter schools, citing examples of poor record-keeping and money management.

Study panel: path to future or road to ruin?

I figure, if a meteor, you know, a small one, were expected to collide with Kokomo soon, destroying most of the state but not any of our neighbors, our state Legislature would respond with lightning speed to form a study committee to spend five years assessing the problem and trying to come …