Hoosier lore

"Gaming events" generate more than $500 million a year for Indiana non-profits, and an Indiana House Committee wants to explore how to modify rules put in place a few years ago "to curb the illegal gambling schemes that have been operating under the guise of charities":

Even if a school system has a "leading contender" for superintendent among its own personnel, its still a good idea to, A) conduct a nationwide search (just in case "leading" turns out not to be "best" and, B) do everything in public. But apparently they don't feel that way in Muncie:

The Muncie Community School Board's decision to forgo community outreach and a public search for its new superintendent is legal, but there are differing opinions on whether it's the best approach.

Not sure about this

 Indiana's governor would gain broad authority to create new toll roads under a measure that Republican state lawmakers are pushing.

Oops!

The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department is postponing an event that would have allowed people to turn over their guns to police, no questions asked.

The postponement comes days after Marion County Prosecutor Terry Curry called Indianapolis Public Safety Director Frank Straub to express concerns about the event.

Indiana's two major parties are having a little catfight over what the walkout by Democratic House members did or did not cost. Gov. Daniels has launched a TV ad saying it cost the taxpayers $400,000.

"It's not true," said House Minority Leader B. Patrick Bauer, D-South Bend.

Republicans aren't always knee-jerk tax cutters. Indiana Commerce Secretary Mitch Roob wants to cut our corporate income tax rate to 6.5 percent, saying the rate of 8.5 percent is among the top third in the nation and some companies won't even consider us because of it. But critics say such a cut would increase investment by only 2 or 3 percent, which wouldn't get close to replacing the funds lost. House Wayns and Means Committee Chairman Jeff Espich, R-Uniondale, puts it this way:

How do you explore the gun rights/gun control issue without addressing 2nd Amendment concerns? It's easy -- just don't bring the pesky thing up. In this article by Brady Campaign head and former mayor Paul Helmke, "Common-sense steps to reduce gun violence," the 2nd Amendment isn't mentioned a single time, or even referred to obliquely.

Grotesque analogy of the day: Indiana Rep. Dave Cheatham. D-69, says his flight to Illlinois to deny Republicans a quorum and "make our schools better" is just like a brave soldier going to Afghanistan to protect people's freedom.

A bill being considered in the General Assemmbly would move all school board elections to the fall ballot, and it makes sense:

Supporters say having the board elections in November would increase voter participation, while those against the change argue it would take away local decision making.