VALPO AND HOBART EMISSIONS SITES CLOSED SATURDAY
Due to unforeseen circumstances the Clean Air Car Check emissions testing sites in Valparaiso and Hobart will be closed on Saturday, February 23, 2013. The program’s other five stations will observe normal operating hours which are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The testing sites that will remain open on Saturday are located at:
• 5777 Melton Rd., Portage
• 755 N. Industrial Blvd., Crown Point
• 3901 W. Fourth Ave., Gary
• 232 Ivanhoe Ct. South, Griffith
• 1231 G...

Read more: Two Emissions Testing Sites Closed Sat Feb 23

The Indiana Senate unanimously approved a proposal by Hammond State Senator Frank Mrvan that aims to protect victims of child abuse. Mrvan says Senate Bill 142 would nearly double the amount of time that victims of child abuse have to file civil action or criminal prosecution for certain sexual offenses. Mrvan says doing so would give victims time to mature, leave the dependency of the offender, and "get more courage" . The measure now moves to the House for further consideration.
###...

Read more: Hammond Senator Says Bill Will Help Abuse Victims

The annual coroners report for Porter County was released this week, and twenty-percent of coroners office cases last year involved suicide – County Coroner Chuck Harris says that's an "astonishing" figure.  The number of suicides went up dramatically in 2012, Harris said, up 90-percent from the 2011 totals.  Harris says from his office's experience suicides are usually directly related to relationship conflicts and economic desperation. You can hear more of our interview with the Porter County...

Read more: Suicides in Porter Co Nearly Double in 2012

915am (CST) --
In Starke County: An accident has closed State Road 10 in both directions at State Road 23, about 14 miles east of North Judson... or about two miles east of Bass Lake. INDOT is advising motorists to avoid the area if you can.
###...

Read more: Accident Closes State Rd 10 Near Bass Lake

Indiana House Democratic Leader Scott Pelath of Michigan City says Governor Mike Pence's proposed income tax cut for Hoosiers is “one of the best ideas” from the governor... Indiana House Republicans, however, blocked taking action on it Thursday using a procedural move. Democrats had also offered an alternative budget, with a tax cut, and that was voted down by Republicans on a party line vote.  Though the budget doesn't include it now, the Times reports the governor's income tax cut still migh...

Read more: House Republicans Prevent Vote on Income Tax Cut

Did you get a flu shot this year and still catch the flu? The CDC says it happened quite a bit this year, but the shots did prevent millions from getting sick too. ABC's Andy Field reports the Centers for Disease Control says shots were just 56 percent effective this year - for type A and B flu. It gave children slightly better odds -- 67 percent...and not much help for the elderly....only 27 percent effective. Turns out getting the shot worked better if you caught influenza B -- that vaccine...

Read more: Flu Shots Not As Effective this Season

Crashes and slide-offs are being reported around the Region.  The overnight snow, combined with icy conditions, have made travel hazardous throughout the morning rush hour.  The Indiana Department of Transportation says state highways and interstates were being pre-treated ahead of the storm, and their crews have been out in force responding to road and weather conditions. Motorists are urged to allow plenty of extra time.
###...

Read more: Numerous Accidents in the Region

Today is the final Friday of the month, the day of the Hobart Marine Corps League “Howlin' Mad Detachment Number 93” Doughboy ceremony – where the names of fallen soldiers for the month are read out loud – and for the first time in three-and-a-half-years, there are no names to read – they will still have an opening prayer- followed by a small announcement- and a volley of 3 rounds with the playing of taps and closing prayer. The public as always is invited to the service which starts at 5pm at t...

Read more: No Names to be Read in Doughboy Ceremony

The Indiana House has approved 'cash for gold' legislation authored by LaPorte State Representative Tom Dermody . House Bill 1188 requires precious metal dealers at these stores to follow rules meant to discourage the sale of stolen items, similar to how pawn shops are regulated.
###...

Read more: 'Cash for Gold' Bill Passes Indiana House

Chicago has been named the fourth most miserable city in the U.S. Number one was Detroit, followed by Flint, Michigan; and Rockford, Illinois with Modesto, California, rounding out the top five. To compile their annual list, Forbes analyzes 200 of the country's largest urban areas and ranks them on factors like crime rates, commute times, foreclosures, home prices, income and property taxes, and weather. They also tweaked their misery-measuring methodology this year, responding to feedback from...

Read more: Chicago Named Fourth Most Miserable City in US