Today: Two members of Valparaiso citizens' groups opposing the Valparaiso Community Schools' ballot question asking for extending the 2015 operating referendum are on "Regionally Speaking" to explain who they represent and their reasons for wanting voters to "vote No... for now." Side Effects Public Media reporter Natalie Krebs has a story about the growth of the home health care aide industry. Carthage College political economist Arthur Cyr wrote an "op-ed" piece about Russia's continuing infrstructure and military buildup in the Arctic Ocean. He comes back to "Regionally Speaking" to talk about it and why the world should be as concerned about it, as well as to the conflict in Ukraine.

Today: Representatives of "Gary Advocates for Responsible Development," or GARD, Carolyn McCready, Lori Latham and Lin Kaatz Chary are on "Regionally Speaking" to talk about the proposed Fulcrum BioEnergy trash-to-fuel conversion plant at Buffington Harbor. They are concerned about the project's environmental impact to an already-impacted community. April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and we have a conversation about raising awareness on the importance of preventing child abuse and neglect.

Today: Valparaiso Community Schools superintendent Jim McCall is on "Regionally Speaking" to speak about the question which is on the May 3rd primary election ballot, where residents in Center Twp. will be asked to extend the school district's 2015 operating referendum for another eight years. We have another conversation from the "Welcome Project" at Valparaiso University, and today's "INside Indiana Business" report. And Kacie Ensign with Opportunity Enterprises in Porter County has an update on the organization's new Respite House, for which ground will be broken next month.

Today: Three of the candidates running for U.S. Representative in Indiana's First District in the May 3rd primary elections are on "Regionally Speaking" to talk about their candidacies and the issues which they see as important to northwest Indiana residents. Incumbent Congressman Frank Mrvan, Jr. and two Republican Party primary challengers, Jennifer-Ruth Green and Blair Milo, spoke with us recently and we bring back those conversations.

Today: Workforce innovator-speaker-author Sophie Wade, the keynote speaker for a breakfast meeting today, is on "Regionally Speaking" to talk about the shift in the workforce paradigm in America. Wade spoke at the initial event of a series of conversations sponsored by the Center for Workforce Innovations and the Northwest Indiana Workforce Board.

Today: Ivy Tech Community College Valparaiso campus Chancellor Aco Sikoski is on "Regionally Speaking" to talk about the recent announcement that the community college is partnering with Purdue University Northwest in a dual-admissions partnership to offer students a guaranteed path to a four-year college degree. The Chancellor also talks about a sexual assault awareness campaign and other programs on which it is partnering with PNW and other universities to help students. We have another "INside Indiana Business" report and we talk with Patricia Mota, the president and CEO of the Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement. HACE hosts a 40th anniversary meeting Thursday and Friday and will honor 54 regional Latino professionals.

Today: Valparaiso University professors Tiffany Bell and Anton Lewis are both on "Regionally Speaking" with new conversations: Bell talks about what it means to be "self-aware" or to become one's "authentic self" when it comes to interpersonal conversations. She has several examples in her comments. And professor Lewis offers an overview of automation in the workplace and how it is linked to intersectionality in the workplace.

Today: Gary native and award-winning filmmaker Jessica Renslow is on "Regionally Speaking" to talk about her 12-minute-long satirical short which is on the film festival circuit. "Method: A Voice Actor Prepares" just ran to good attendance and reviews at a New Orleans festival. It features many big names in animation voice acting, including an Emmy award winner. And Northwest Indiana financial advisor Greg Hammer revisits his tips implementing the best tax planning strategies within an ever-changing tax system, as Americans end one tax season by filing their latest returns and begin another.

Valparaiso University professor Thomas Albert Howard returns to "Regionally Speaking" with his conversation about the “VU On The Brink” initiative underway on campus. “Valpo on the Brink” seeks to rethink how the University approaches the complex cultural challenges of the modern day, including interfaith relations, pluralism and secularism. Kevin Nuppnau, assistant director, Valpo Parks, will talk about the April 22nd re-launching of the city’s BikeShare program at Central Park Plaza in the city's downtown district. It returns after a two-year hiatus.

Today: Craig Zandstra, special programs coordinator with Lake County Parks, is on "Regionally Speaking" to talk about the work on a concept plan for potential parks which include obtaining land for one in Schererville and the area around Meyer’s Castle in Dyer. He says these are in areas close to the state line which could provide more green space and recreation opportunities for residents where few, or no county parks currently exist.