Senator’s classless call

As more evidence that Indiana’s lawmakers just don’t have enough real issues before them, state Sen. Jean Leising, a southeast Indiana Republican, has authored a proposed law requiring the state to hold a referendum on ending class basketball.

Does she not remember that just last year, the Indiana High School Athletic Association held a series of public hearings on the issue? Does she not remember that while more people expressed support for single-class basketball, the vast majority of coaches and players supported the current multi-class system?

And the referendum would be non-binding – which means it wouldn’t mean anything.

Thankfully, Senate President Pro Tem David Long has assigned the bill to the rules committee, where it will likely never be heard from again – at least this year.

Dressed to impress

The gorgeous outfit Michelle Obama wore for her husband’s second inauguration has a Hoosier connection.

Thom Browne was designer of the coat and dress in navy-blue silk jacquard with a checked pattern. The dress was inspired by the pattern on one of Browne’s men’s ties. Browne graduated from Notre Dame in 1988 with a degree in economics.

The inauguration is not the first time the first lady has worn Browne’s couture. She wore his dresses to one of the presidential debates last fall and to the Democratic National Convention.

While Browne’s designs complement Michelle Obama, it would be better if the president avoids one of Browne’s suits.

The designer is known for shrunken suits that show off a gentleman’s ankles.