Regionally Speaking, Thursday, February 28, 2019

Today:   an at-length conversation with Hammond Mayor Tom McDermott Jr.  He talks about the latest developments on bills moving through the General Assembly that affect his city, its businesses and residents.  That includes tax incentives to create the Digital Crossroads of America data center on Hammond's lakefront and how the Gary economic development and casino license changes will affect Hammond's and other communities' own casinos.  Mayor McDermott also talks about ongoing discussions to create a regional convention center and how the end of property tax caps will affect the city of Hammond's 2020 budget.  And the veteran mayor and Indiana Democratic Party leader reflects on the "state of the party" -- and offers a peek into his own political future.