Lawmakers want answers from ISTEP+ test vendor

INDIANAPOLIS | The company that administers the annual ISTEP+ standardized test in Hoosier schools will be asked to explain why its online system repeatedly crashed during the April-May student exam period.

Historian writing book about Hegewisch

Next time I ride the South Shore from my Hegewisch neighborhood to downtown Chicago, I will take a closer look at the Van Buren Street station.

RICH JAMES: Credit Soliday for trying to help Lake County

I suspect state Rep. Ed Soliday, R-Valparaiso, limped home from the Indiana General Assembly a bitter and beaten man.

EDITORIAL: Grease the wheels of rail expansion

The path to extension of commuter rail service to south Lake County has been stalled for years, but not derailed. The Indiana General Assembly's study of the issue this summer could finally grease the wheels of progress.

Pence OKs legislative study of South Shore Line

INDIANAPOLIS | State lawmakers this summer will review possible expansion plans for the South Shore Line and consider changes to the membership of its operating board, under a measure signed into law last week by Republican Gov. Mike Pence.

INTRO: Mitch Markovitz ends up exactly where he always wanted to be

For a South Side kid like Mitch Markovitz, trains were everything. Clattering in the distance and whistling through the night when you were falling asleep and marking off day parts when you were awake.

Tourist and locals love the South Shore Line

MICHIGAN CITY | The South Shore Line is operated by Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District and runs between downtown Chicago and the South Bend Regional Airport.

RICH JAMES: There's more planning than doing in NWI

If I had a nickel for every study commissioned by the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District and the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission, I’d be a very rich guy.

South Shore study on track to governor

INDIANAPOLIS | State lawmakers would be required to examine the future of the South Shore Line and its operating board under legislation approved Monday by the Indiana Senate.

Trainspotting: How Mitch Markovitz ended up exactly where he always wanted to be

For a South Side kid like Mitch Markovitz, trains were everything. Clattering in the distance and whistling through the night when you were falling asleep and marking off day parts when you were awake.

Lawmakers agree to study NICTD board membership

INDIANAPOLIS | A plan to shake up the regional board that oversees the South Shore Line has been shelved — for now.

Exhibit features range of work from Mitch Markovitz

HAMMOND | Dyer resident Dale Brink walked around Thursday at the Indiana Welcome Center remembering the places depicted in Mitch Markovitz's latest exhibition.

Indiana Welcome Center to host Mitch Markovitz exhibit

HAMMOND | For nearly 30 years, fine artist and commercial illustrator Mitch Markovitz has brought the history and highlights of Northwest Indiana to life in his “Just Around the Corner” poster series and his South Shore Railroad illustrated advertisements.

Daniels mum on RDA funding threat

INDIANAPOLIS | Gov. Mitch Daniels declined to take a position Thursday on whether the state should continue paying $10 million a year beyond 2015 to support the work of the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority.

Police on hunt for suspect charged in throat slashing

EAST CHICAGO | Police have identified and are hunting for the suspect in Monday's attack and robbery at the South Shore station, officials said.

Service restored after South Shore trains delayed, canceled

Thousands of South Shore Line passengers were delayed after one of commuter trains snagged an overhead power wire about 4 p.m. Wednesday, officials said.

Calumet City family charged with defacing South Shore Line property

CHICAGO | A Calumet City man, his daughter and son-in-law face misdemeanor charges after transit police say the trio was found posting obscene signs at the Hegewisch South Shore station, police said.

Police investigating six thefts of South Shore copper wiring

PORTER COUNTY | Police are investigating six thefts of copper wiring from the South Shore railroad tracks, officials said.

South Shore revenue grew despite fewer riders

INDIANAPOLIS | Despite a slight ridership dip due in part to a fare increase, revenue at the region's commuter rail service improved last year compared to 2010.