President Ronald Reagan and Former Indiana Gov. Otis Bowen

President Ronald Reagan, with his ever-present jar of jellybeans close-at-hand, talks with Indiana Gov. Otis Bowen at the White House.

FROM THE FARM: Gov. Otis Bowen and wife Beth were Hoosier famed names

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

EDITORIAL: Remember Doc Bowen's Rx for Hoosiers

Former Indiana Gov. Otis Bowen should be remembered for his dedication to making a difference in the lives of others.

GUEST COMMENTARY: Obama’s second term provides opportunity for reflection

The start of the New Year, and also of President Barack Obama’s second term, is a good time to pause for perspective on the sources of the current political constellation in our country. To help understand the recent national electoral success of Obama and the Democratic Party, study Al Smith.

OFFBEAT: Goodman's 'Other Desert Cities' a compelling study of stardom secrecy

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

PHIL WIELAND: Getting Valpo's vision off to a flying start

It's no secret I'm a big fan of the future, in the sense that I hope we all have one. Keep those Mayans cranking out the calendars, please.

BRIAN HOWEY: Pence comes to office with humility, open door

Just minutes after he sat down in my office on Wednesday to talk about his incoming administration, Gov.-elect Mike Pence hit on the very subject I had been thinking about.

EDITORIAL: Former hotel offers raze of sunshine

It is difficult to forget the image of President Ronald Reagan standing at Brandenburg Gate in West Germany near the end of the Cold War with the Soviet Union and saying, "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall." The wall came down, and a new era began.

ANDREA NEAL: Lugar solved problems before others even saw them

Dick Lugar set a record as the longest-serving U.S. senator in Indiana history, yet his career can be summed up in a single word: visionary. During 50 years in Indiana politics his chief concern was never the next election but the next generation and the common good.

MARK KIESLING: I'm just saying, $111 will buy a lot of cheese

When it comes time to get your $111 share of Indiana's surplus, take the money and run.

GUEST COMMENTARY: Obama-Romney debate important but not decisive

"Are you better off?" Ronald Reagan rhetorically asked the audience during his 1980 debate with President Jimmy Carter. President Barack Obama and challenger Mitt Romney should each take a lesson from Reagan’s performance.

BRIAN HOWEY: Nation's house is divided over politics in 2012

I've heard this story over and over again from relatives, friends, even the Sears salesman, and I've experienced it myself: Because of the polarized nature of today's politics, old friendships are ending.

The Daily Fix

Offering perspective on today's issues

GUEST COMMENTARY: Ryan pick can help republic, Republicans – if they’re smart

‘We want to make sure that we preserve and protect Medicare,’ Mitt Romney declared Aug. 13 in Florida, a crucial state where senior citizens are numerous.

OFFBEAT: 'All About Eve' Actress Celeste Holm Dead at age 95

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD: Candidates should pledge to work together

Consumer confidence has turned positive in recent months resulting in increased hiring across several sectors of the economy. Our recovery has come a long way since the Great Recession began in 2008, but we still have work to do.

Indiana Legislature rejects 'crazy bills'

INDIANAPOLIS | As Gov. Mitch Daniels began signing legislation approved by the Indiana General Assembly into law last week, Statehouse leaders breathed a sigh of relief at what didn't end up on the governor's desk.

City remembers trailblazing public servant, educator Katie Hall

GARY | Yesterday, the Honorable former United States Congresswoman (D-IN) Katie Hall passed away.

MARK KIESLING: Judge candidates by their ability, not their age

I've pretty much given up on expecting rational responses to columns and articles, but I was curious to know what people thought of Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels' response to Tuesday's State of the Union address by President Barack Obama.