EDITORIAL: Heed second lesson from Newtown

In the wake of the Newtown school tragedy, there was focus on two responses — gun control and improving mental health care.

YOUNG VOICES: We're giving up freedoms without getting any safer

In a previous column, I warned you that our public education system is being used against us. I warned you that the coming generation was being taught to not fear the government, but to fear freedom. Call me crazy, but in the time that has passed since then have we not allowed more and more …

GUEST COMMENTARY: Action, not blame, needed for mental health

In the aftermath of recent tragedies, many of us are asking what we can do to prevent future instances of violence. Most of the discussion has centered around guns, but strengthening America’s mental health system is just as important.

EDITORIAL: Coats' vote was for less safety

Shame on U.S. Sen. Dan Coats for voting against the improved public safety that expanding background checks prior to gun sales would bring.

BRIAN HOWEY: Use common sense with guns

For the life of me, I don’t see how expanded background checks for gun purchases is an assault on the 2nd Amendment. Yet that is the phrase we hear over and over from the Indiana congressional delegation.

Senate leader shoots down guns-in-schools mandate

INDIANAPOLIS | Senate President David Long, R-Fort Wayne, slammed the brakes Thursday on a pending House proposal requiring every Indiana school to have an armed employee in the building during school hours.

EDITORIAL: Expand background checks to limit violence

An Indiana House committee on Tuesday approved a plan that would require each of the state's public schools to have an employee packing heat on the premises during school hours. Those legislators' response to the problem of guns in schools is to require guns in schools. Seriously.

BRIAN HOWEY: Political gun battle comes to Indiana

Four months after the horrific Newtown massacre and five months after Indiana witnessed a $51 million U.S. Senate race, the political TV ads have returned.

EDITORIAL: Stop gun shows at Lake County fairgrounds

Last week's law enforcement summit in Gary should serve as notice that Indiana, particularly Lake County, is contributing to Chicago's crime problem.

Valpo School Board hears safety, security ideas

VALPARAISO | The issues of safety and security in the schools should not become less important as recent school shooting events fade into the past, Valparaiso Community Schools Superintendent Michael Berta warned the board and residents Wednesday.

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD: College presidents want guns kept off campus

In December, the 7th U. S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that Illinois could no longer sustain a complete ban on the public carrying of concealed weapons. Judicious as that ban was, it could not withstand the court’s ruling. As a result, the Illinois General Assembly must develop legislatio…

Valpo seeks grant for school safety plan

VALPARAISO | The city is applying for a grant to develop a coordinated plan with other Porter County agencies to improve school safety.

RICH JAMES: Commissioners, not NRA, run Lake County

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

YOUNG VOICES: I am excited to join in pro-life march

Soon, I will have the opportunity to enjoy a few days in Washington, D.C., with a group from my school. We will be joining with people all across America in the Right to Life March.

Lobbying Congress isn't all we need to accomplish

As the numbness of the Sandy Hook tragedy begins to subside, we ponder, "What can we do?" Certainly we can contact our representatives, and we can work harder to voice our concerns. But action does not have to end there.

EDITORIAL: Probe mental health care in prisons

Incoming Gov. Mike Pence should make it one of his first tasks to address concerns about how mentally ill inmates are treated in the Department of Correction system.

YOUNG VOICES: More guns, laws won't keep us from cliff

We are on the verge of falling off a moral cliff.

"Should Congress limit the sale of assault rifles and high-capacity ammo cartridges?"

Region views on gun control

Glenwood leader urges response to school shooting

GLENWOOD | Village President Kerry Durkin said on Wednesday he is one of thousands of municipal leaders throughout the country who have signed a resolution started in New York, urging a government response to last month's school shooting in Newtown, Conn.

Attorney general supports defined role for school resource officers

INDIANAPOLIS | Attorney General Greg Zoeller on Thursday endorsed legislation that formalizes the role of school resource officer and provides school corporations matching funds of up to $50,000 a year to pay local police to do the job.