Quality of life report finds NWI 'a region in transition'

A new report finds Northwest Indiana "a region in transition" and declares that urgent, thoughtful action is needed to prevent decline and ins…

Transportation: Public transit ailing in Northwest Indiana

Transportation is going downhill fast in Northwest Indiana, with the failure of regional bus provider easygo Lake Transit casting a pall over …

ENVIRONMENT: Environment improving, but needs planning with a broader scope

Residents can be "cautiously optimistic" about the region's environmental progress of the last decade, but more should be done to ensure furth…

ECONOMY: Workforce must change to keep pace with evolving economy

While signs point to Northwest Indiana's economy undergoing a transformation, business leaders said the region needs to improve its job creati…

People: Region becoming more diverse in race and how residents live

In 2004, experts said Northwest Indiana's Achilles' heel was its division of racial groups.

Housing: Region needs wider mix of affordable housing

A need for a wider mix of affordable housing options exists in Northwest Indiana, according to the 2012 Quality of Life Indicators Report.

Education: NWI schools doing well in pockets; disparities growing

School corporations across Northwest Indiana are making strides in education but challenges still remain, particularly in the urban districts.

PUBLIC SAFETY: Violent crime generally declining, but Lake County's murder rate remains alarming

That Lake County's urban center remains notorious for the highest murder rate in the region -- despite a general decline in violent crime acro…

Health: Health care continues to decline in region

The state of health in Northwest Indiana is on the decline, with unemployment, poverty and lack of insurance among the barriers preventing man…

Mayors: Collaboration needed to improve tri-state region

CHICAGO | The mayors of Gary and Milwaukee pledged to join a partnership Wednesday that would develop an action plan for economic growth and i…

New group focuses on building a better region

Building an ever better Northwest Indiana is the aim of a merger of two regional civic organizations.

A new beginning: One Region, Quality of Life Council merge

Two civic organizations devoted to improving life in Northwest Indiana announced Saturday they have merged.

Lake County works hard, plays harder

Steel, artisan beer, and energy of both the petroleum and human variety are among Lake County's exports to the nation. This 499 square miles o…

PAUL MULLANEY: Don't fly under the radar; it's time to care

If you follow the news of Northwest Indiana by reading The Times, nwi.com or one of our mobile outlets, you've followed the mix of good and bad.

One Region, One Vision approach has many facets

The One Region, One Vision movement is picking up speed, with a number of high-profile projects in 2011 and some behind the scenes as well.

Setting the stage for Northwest Indiana's success

Today begins the first installment of this year's comprehensive look at Northwest Indiana. Consider NWI Now an annual checkup. You'll see wher…

BILL MASTERSON JR.: One Region, One Vision initiative continues to grow

As we now move into our fifth year of providing an annual progress edition, the One Region, One Vision initiative has continued to evolve from…

WILLIAM NANGLE: Join the list of 'do-gooders' in region

There's no better measure of what's good in Northwest Indiana than the people who constantly work to make it an even better place.

GUEST COMMENTARY: NWI is isolated from rest of Indiana

I appreciate The Times offering me a fifth annual opportunity to write a special message about this special corner of Indiana in which the pap…

GUEST COMMENTARY: Built on strong foundation, NWI has profound potential

There are some simple facts about Northwest Indiana that are frequently overlooked.

GUEST COMMENTARY: Industrious efforts are driving NWI forward

It is easy to focus on problems. Without question, unemployment remains unacceptably high in Northwest Indiana and across our nation. More nee…

GUEST COMMENTARY: INDOT is going extra mile to serve NWI

The Indiana Department of Transportation set record levels for investment in transportation and preservation in 2011, and we're gearing up for…

GUEST COMMENTARY: Curtain is rising on region's night life

As a longtime veteran of the music industry, I have had the pleasure of working with thousands of A-list performers, from Frank Sinatra to Mic…

GUEST COMMENTARY: Many health care options in Northwest Indiana

A component of health care reform is ensuring people have information regarding health care providers. Services, quality and care are tracked,…

GUEST COMMENTARY: Property crimes, 911 consolidation key public safety issues

Law enforcement in Northwest Indiana will face challenges this year.

GUEST COMMENTARY: Blessings, challenges in NWI from faith perspective

We in Northwest Indiana are blessed beyond measure. We enjoy the beauties of the four seasons and an abundance of parks along the Lake Michiga…

GUEST COMMENTARY: Unite with us to address many human needs

Last year was a roller coaster ride of a year, and 2012 looks to be just as exciting. This annual edition of NWI Now! provides us the opportun…

GUEST COMMENTARY: Onward, upward with arts in 2012

Creative collaborations were a hallmark of the arts last year and continue into this year. The Unity Event brought together 250 teenagers and …

GUEST COMMENTARY: 2011 was good year environmentally

Last year was a very good year environmentally for Northwest Indiana. Not the opening line you expected? Let's take a trip down memory lane.

GUEST COMMENTARY: We are RE²ADY to help youths succeed

Did you know that if you take out GED diplomas, the percentage of U.S. students graduating from high school has not increased since the 1970s?…

GUEST COMMENTARY: Major construction projects are major bright spots

We are lucky to have the strong industrial base in Northwest Indiana. Major projects like the expansion of BP's Whiting Refinery kept a lot of…

GUEST COMMENTARY: Industrial improvements point to brighter future

As is the case with most things in life, 2011 possessed two distinct sides to it. Nationally and locally, the economy continued to struggle in…

GUEST COMMENTARY: Park programs, facilities improve despite tight finances

The natural beauty and vibrant activities found in the national, state, city and county parks of Northwest Indiana continue to be a distinctiv…

GUEST COMMENTARY: Region full of effective bridge builders

Along the Indiana Toll Road, just west of Gary, stretches the expansive American Bridge Co. site.

GUEST COMMENTARY: Unified regional voice will propel travel, tourism

Indiana's South Shore, the area between Chicago and New Buffalo, offers attractions, beaches along the Lake Michigan shoreline, restaurants an…

Arcelor Mital USA

RDA director: Finite window open for projects

EAST CHICAGO | The projects the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority is supporting portend to have great benefits for the region.

Look to universities to boost region economy, speaker says

EAST CHICAGO | Pittsburgh isn't the largest city and still is a work in progress in terms of improving living conditions for many of its residents.

RUST BELT RESURGENCE: Aiming to be 'Superior'

DULUTH, Minn. | While people may continue to fall in love with its pretty shoreline, Mayor Don Ness believes jobs are going to keep Duluth afl…

RUST BELT RESURGENCE: Tourism vision bolstering economic fortune of Northeast Minn. city

DULUTH, Minn. | If you can't run from the cold, then at least make it an economic opportunity.

RUST BELT RESURGENCE: Miners, workers strike gold in thriving iron industry

DULUTH, Minn. | Minerals and metallurgical engineer Don Fosnacht said having an "ungodly vast" array of natural resources is a good situation.

Education chief warns Indiana schools not up to par

MERRILLVILLE | U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan brought a sobering, oft-repeated message to Northwest Indiana saying that Northwest Ind…

Former Youngstown mayor: Don't write off region

MERRILLVILLE | Rumors speculating the death of Midwest cities such as Gary and Hammond have been greatly exaggerated, U.S. Department of Labor…

'An island of excellence'

"The battle for education, as I saw today at Calumet High School, is being fought and won in America's classrooms," U.S. Undersecretary of Edu…

Eight who serve others receive honors

MERRILLVILLE | Eight people whose lives reflect the philosophy that service to others improves life for everyone were honored Thursday at the …

See White House address region at nwi.com

White House officials will visit Northwest Indiana today to take part in two forums.

Arne Duncan keynote speaker at One Region, One Vision event

U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan will visit Northwest Indiana, delivering keynote remarks at the Northwest Indiana Forum quarterly meet…

Quality of Life, One Region event set for Sept. 8

Obama administration officials are expected to address Northwest Indiana leaders at an event two region groups are hosting in Merrillville nex…

Quality of Life Council accepting nominations

The Northwest Indiana Quality of Life Council will honor individuals who have made significant contributions to the region's quality of life a…

Leaders in former auto powerhouse work through recovery process

FLINT, Mich. | Lorene Randall could have left the city years ago. Randall retired from Delphi Corp. after working 34 years for it and its pred…

One Region, One Vision Members

See who makes up the One Region, One Vision board.