Category: Indiana Writers Group

For immediate release (769 words with optional cut) by BARRY KEATING, Ph.D. It was a simple statement, not particularly remarkable: “I really want the council and the city to take a second look at how we are spending the taxpayer dollars,” the new council member said, “and make sure we are getting the best return…

For immediate release (538 words) by Cecil Bohanon, Ph.D. A Manhattan scion gets on United Airline flight 797 to Los Angeles on August 31 and takes her seat in the first class section. Her daddy, who has taxable income of $1 million, forks out $6,288 so his princess can fly in style to Southern California…

The definition of mysology is contempt for reason, hatred of truth. The Greek root is a clue that it has been around for a while. Some of us, though, see it waxing, especially in our morning newspapers. I have my edition in front of me, and we can begin our forensics of the local mysology…

A Note to Editors:  A Notre Dame professor, a national expert on the economics of sports, offers a deeper perspective on the Penn State scandal than typically can be found on the sports pages. His column is written amidst concern that the core problem for the nation’s colleges was left unaddressed by the NCAA ruling.…

For release Aug. 1 and thereafter (657 words) by Andrea Neal Within days of taking office in 2005, Gov. Mitch Daniels issued an executive order creating a new Department of Child Services. The handling of abuse and neglect cases was “a matter of life and death for many children,” Daniels said, but it was not…

by KARL BORN, J.D. As Indiana’s bicentennial is now only four years away – and with that, the 200th anniversary of the adoption of the State’s first constitution – I propose that we amend Indiana’s current constitution to restore an important part of the original, which was replaced when Indiana’s second (and current) constitution took…

“Capitalism works better from every perspective when the economic decision-makers are forced to share power with those who will be affected by those decisions.” — Barney Frank *      *      * WITH THE ECONOMY the overriding political issue, the Indiana Chamber of Commerce next session arguably will be the most powerful force at the Statehouse —…

by Matthew Hisrich In 2008, a large manufacturer in my county shuttered its doors and the head of the local economic-development group resigned. At that time, there were calls to re-evaluate our approach to economic development. Fast forward four years and once again we find ourselves in a similar situation. The question stands before us…

For immediate release (634 words). by Heather Crossin and Jane Robbins, J.D. Part of the mantra recited by proponents of the nationally designed Common Core State Standards, endorsed in concept by both Gov. Mitch Daniels and Superintendent of Education Tony Bennett, is that they will make students “college-ready.” Producing college-readiness, however, could take place in…

For release July 18 and thereafter (665 words) by Andrea Neal Call it Mitch Daniels’ gift to the next governor. While 31 states are still struggling to close budget shortfalls blamed on the recession, Indiana is touting the largest surplus in its history: $2.15 billion. Some will be put aside for a rainy day. $360…