PHIL WIELAND: We're not the happiest, but it could be worse

If you think of the region as something less than paradise on Earth, apparently you are not alone or even in the minority.

Job fair draws throngs looking for work

GARY | Mark Turner, of Crown Point, lost his job when Wonder Bread went out of business in November.

Chicago River reversal nothing to be concerned about, experts say

Rumors circulating that the Chicago River may reverse itself due to low water levels in Lake Michigan are bogus, according to experts at the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Carnival season kicks off along the Gulf Coast

Christmas wreaths and holiday parties gave way to king cakes and street parades as the Carnival season kicked off this weekend along the Gulf Coast.

No. 21 Northwestern ends drought in Gator Bowl

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. | The stuffed monkey spent the last year in storage, out of sight but still in everyone's mind.

Crafters send mittens with a message to Newtown

"Chester Raccoon stood at the edge of the forest and cried. 'I don't want to go to school,' he told his mother. 'I want to stay home with you. I want to play with my friends. And play with my toys. And read my books. And swing on my swing. Please may I stay home with you?'" — "The Kissing Ha…

CDC says US flu season starts early, could be bad

Health officials on Monday said suspected flu cases have jumped in five Southern states, and the primary strain circulating tends to make people sicker than other types.

PHIL WIELAND: Good thing 'Stupid' is not a health category

The state of Indiana's overall health is not good, unless you happen to favor fat, lazy smokers.

PHIL WIELAND: John Ward, he's dancing with the stars now

I first met John Ward in about 1984. He was just 16, a dark-haired, handsome young man, seemingly simmering with the possibilities of youth despite being in a wheelchair and barely able to move.

Police investigate man found dead in Hobart motel

HOBART | Hobart police are investigating the death of a man whose body was discovered Monday morning in a room at the Dollar Inn, 1855 Mississippi St.

Where Are They Now? Bruce Lindner

When the Harlem Globetrotters came to the Valparaiso Athletic and Recreation Center recently, Bruce Lindner attended with his grandson, Ryan Smith. Young Ryan could not help but notice all the people who were talking to his grandfather.

Where Are They Now? Casey Schmidt

Despite his world travels as a basketball player and businessman, former Valparaiso High School, University of Arizona and Valparaiso University basketball star Casey Schmidt keeps coming back to the region.