New art walk sculptures arrive in Valpo

VALPARAISO | William Walther watched with some concern as workmen carefully placed his sculpture "To Hope" on the concrete pads next to Cumberland Drive on Thursday.

Young gay athletes set tone for NBA coming out

CHICAGO | You've probably never heard of Holly Peterson or Jonathan Jean-Pierre. One came out as a lesbian at age 15, when she was playing high school basketball. The other, a college rower, told his teammates last year that he's gay.

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.

GUEST COMMENTARY: Expand Medicaid to insure more Hoosiers

This week, state leaders euthanized the biggest, boldest Hoosier jobs proposal of the 2013 session of the Indiana General Assembly.

Illinois can't keep up in 71-58 loss to Michigan

ANN ARBOR, Mich. | Illinois started strong and seemed to be setting itself up for another impressive win after defeating top-ranked Indiana, Gonzaga, Butler and Ohio State earlier this season.

Valparaiso to hire Ohio firm to prepare strategic plan

VALPARAISO | The city has chosen a consulting team headed by ACP Visioning and Planning, of Columbus, Ohio, to develop what will be the most ambitious strategic plan in Valparaiso's history.

Competition cause of predicted drop in Indiana casino tax revenue

INDIANAPOLIS | The latest state revenue forecast projects Indiana tax receipts from riverboat casino bets will decline over the next two years by $41.4 million, a 9 percent drop, due to competition from new casinos in Ohio.

Origami takes on new facets, new fans

Origami, which began hundreds of years ago in Japan, has in recent decades attracted the attention of artists, scientists and mathematicians, said Vanessa Gould, director of the 2010 documentary "Between the Folds."

Backyard vintners do it for fun, profit, lifestyle

Growing gapes can be a rewarding pursuit. They're appealing to the eye, pleasing to the palate, a profitable sideline, and a reason for parties and neighborhood togetherness. Small wonder so many vineyards are cropping up in people's yards.

Growing animal rescue group is work of teen actor

The person behind one of the country's fastest-growing animal rescues can't even vote yet. And neither can most of the people leading its 10 chapters across the nation.

Route to Gary land-based casino may pass through southern Indiana

INDIANAPOLIS | The 266 miles separating Gary and Elizabeth, Ind., located across the Ohio River from Louisville, Ky., are about as far as you can travel without leaving the state, and few Hoosiers ever make the trip.

One of a Kind Show offers unique shopping

The 12th annual One of a Kind Show and Sale brought more than 600 individual artisans to the Merchandise Mart in Downtown Chicago from Dec. 6-9.

Photography exhibit from Rock and Roll Hall of Fame comes to South Shore Arts

For Cleveland-based photographer Janet Macoska, a 1989 photo she took of Sir Paul McCartney brings her career full circle.

The Daily Fix

Offering perspective on today's issues

Semi with 57,000-pound steel coil rolls over on ramp to I-94

CHESTERTON | As Indiana State Police were clearing up one mess caused by a semitrailer rollover in Lake County, they were called to take care of another in Porter County.

OFFBEAT: Montgomery Inn Barbecue Sauce a favorite of celebrities for decades

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

Rare Civil War note back in Valparaiso after 150 years

VALPARAISO | A historical bit of American currency will be one of the items on display at a reception Sunday at the Porter County Museum in Valparaiso.

Federal, state laws proposed to help water utilities

Editor's note: This is the seventh in a weeklong series of articles for National Drinking Water Week on the importance of preserving and conserving water.

DNR grant provides ammo in Valpo's beetle battle

VALPARAISO | The city's battle with the emerald ash borer got a $20,000 assist from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, but city Public Works Director Matt Evans is looking for more.

Rain gardens taking root in Valpo's Chautaqua Park area

VALPARAISO | Duane Davison wanted to make some environmental upgrades to his home, like solar power, wind and geothermal, when he heard about the city's offer to install rain gardens in his neighborhood.