Campus smoking ban rekindled in Illinois Senate

SPRINGFIELD | A proposal to ban smoking on all state-supported universities and community colleges received just enough votes Wednesday to advance out of the Illinois Senate.

Illinois observes fifth year of smoking ban

SPRINGFIELD | Five years after the state banned smoking in public places, health advocates say the law has been a success.

GOP introduces Statehouse agenda

INDIANAPOLIS | House Speaker Brian Bosma, R-Indianapolis, announced Thursday a Republican governing agenda focused on jobs and education, but he also said legislation on social issues, such as abortion and gay marriage, will likely be heard during the 2013 legislative session.

YOUNG VOICES: Smoke gets in your eye

Whenever I think back to my favorite summertime memories, I realize smoke is somehow involved in most of them. Setting off fireworks in my friend’s driveway. Grilling burgers with my father. The last bonfire of the season. With so many fond memories centered around setting things on fire, th…

MARK KIESLING: Smoke ban a strike with bowling folks

It might be a lucky strike, and it might not be.

Ban snuffing smoking in most public places starts today

Hoosiers will start breathing more easily today as a smoking ban in most public places and places of employment takes effect. But those in support of the measure say there's still work to be done.

Legion votes to limit smoking to club room

PORTAGE | Portage American Legion Post 260 members voted by a ratio of more than 2-1 to seek an exemption from the new state smoking ban and to allow smoking in the club room of its facility.

Portage American Legion faces tough decision on smoking

PORTAGE | The state's new law banning smoking in public places starting next month is leaving members of Portage American Legion Post 260 in a quandary.

Gary House race may hinge on question of priorities

INDIANAPOLIS | Should a state representative focus only on issues important to his or her district or push for legislation affecting all Hoosiers?

YOUNG VOICES: Communism is one step closer

Yet another victory has been achieved for the "common man" in the Indiana Statehouse. Finally, after six long years talking to the right people, state Rep. Charlie Brown, D-Gary, has his wish: a smoking ban.

Smoking ban's big impact must not be discounted

Under the new smoking ban law, Indiana will now protect 95 percent of people while at work and also allow citizens to eat at any restaurant in the state without having to encounter cigarette or cigar smoke. That's a huge positive step -- one some media and smoking ban proponents failed to ac…

Governor signs Indiana smoking ban into law

INDIANAPOLIS | Indiana has joined the 39 other states, including Illinois, that ban smoking in most or all public places.

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD: Smoking ban will aid Hoosiers' quality of life

Our Indiana legislators made history this month when they voted in favor of legislation to ban smoking statewide — albeit with some much-debated exceptions.

Business owners should be able to decide on smoking

Did state Rep. Charlie Brown, D-Gary, join your editorial staff?

Term-limited governor says his work is not done yet

INDIANAPOLIS | With his eighth and final legislative session now in the rearview mirror, Gov. Mitch Daniels isn't planning to just coast through the last nine months of his second term.

Legislative session started with strife, ends with results

INDIANAPOLIS | A 10-week legislative session that began Jan. 4 with protests and boycotts ended at 12:36 a.m. region time Saturday with agreements on history-making legislation that could fundamentally transform life for most Hoosiers.

MARK KIESLING: Half a smoking ban better than none, I guess

Indiana is on the brink of enacting what is a somewhat toothless smoking ban that exempts bars and taverns.

Senate approves smoking ban; bill headed to governor

INDIANAPOLIS | Indiana is on the verge of banning smoking in most indoor public spaces after the Senate voted 28-22 Friday to send a House-approved smoking ban to the governor.

PHIL WIELAND: Indiana Senate a bunch of wheeze guys

It's almost to the point the Indiana Senate should be indicted as an accessory to murder for refusing to approve a meaningful smoking ban law.

House approves revised smoking ban; Senate vote set Friday

INDIANAPOLIS | The state Senate will decide Friday whether Indiana will ban smoking in most public places, after the House voted 60-33 Thursday night for a compromise smoking ban proposal that includes an exemption for bars and taverns.