From a push to ban diversity programs to Medicaid restrictions that could leave thousands uninsured — and even a plan to lure the Chicago Bears to Northwest Indiana — Gary residents have a lot at stake in Indiana’s 2025 legislative session. With the session reaching its halfway mark, lawmakers have cleared several key bills — […]
Calvin Davis
Calvin Davis is Capital B Gary's government and politics reporter. You can reach Calvin at calvin.davis@capitalbnews.org.
Posted inLocal Government, Politics & Policy, State Government
Gary Leaders Push Back as State Bills Threaten City’s Finances
With state lawmakers pushing a wave of bills that could reshape Gary’s finance and governance, city leaders are working to stay ahead. The Gary Common Council is considering a new committee to track legislation, keep local officials and residents informed, and strengthen the city’s ability to advocate for its interests at the state level. The […]
Posted inEducation, Politics & Policy
Gary Parents Depend on Head Start. Trump’s Budget Cuts Put It at Risk.
When Jessica Fullilove enrolled her 4-year-old son at Geminus Head Start-St. Mark Early Learning Academy in Glen Park, she expected a strong educational foundation. But the staff went far beyond that. “[They] actually caught a developmental delay that even the doctor didn’t catch on to right away, so I’m thankful for that,” Fullilove said. “The […]
Posted inLocal Government, Public Meetings
February 2025 Public Meeting Schedule for Gary
February is shaping up to be an important month for Gary, with key public meetings set to address major changes. The Common Council will see a shakeup as a Democratic caucus selects a new 4th District representative, following Council President Tai Adkins’ move to Calumet Township Trustee — with a council vote to name a […]
Posted inEducation
Gary Unites Against Bill That Could Erase Public Schools
With a possible hearing in the Statehouse for House Bill 1136 looming, the fight over the future of public education in Gary has escalated into a battle for the district’s survival. Seeing the bill as a direct threat to its schools and community, the Gary Common Council voted unanimously on Jan. 21 to approve a […]
Posted inHealth, Politics & Policy, State Government
Indiana’s Black Caucus Pushes Health Plan While Battling DEI Program Cuts
Indiana’s Black Legislative Caucus is launching an ambitious health-focused agenda in a legislative session fraught with political resistance. With a Republican-dominated Statehouse and governor dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, the caucus faces mounting obstacles as it works to address racial and economic inequities. The caucus unveiled its 2025 agenda, “Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds,” hoping […]
Posted inLocal Government, Politics & Policy
Gary’s Tai Adkins Wins Caucus to Replace Kimberly Robinson as Township Trustee
Gary Common Council President Tai Adkins outlasted seven challengers in a Democratic caucus held Thursday at the Calumet Township Multi-Puporse Center to replace former Trustee Kimberly Robinson. “It’s an honor to continue serving the community that has given me so much,” Adkins said. Adkins won over Sherita Smith, Shanita Starks, McKenya Dilworth Smith, Sharon Chambers, […]
Posted inCriminal Justice, Local Government
Former Gary Mayor Jerome Prince Sentenced to Probation, Avoids Jail Time
Jerome Prince, the former mayor of Gary, was sentenced Thursday in federal court to one year of probation and fined $26,750 for using campaign funds to buy a private residence. Prince, who pleaded guilty last year to misusing campaign funds, admitted in court documents to defrauding donors by falsely claiming their contributions were for campaign […]
Posted inEducation
New Bill Threatens to Dissolve Public School Districts Across Indiana, Including Gary
A controversial bill in the Indiana legislature could force the dissolution of public school districts across the state, including Gary and Indianapolis, raising alarms among educators, legislators, and Hoosiers. For Gary, the stakes are especially high — just six months after regaining local control of its schools following a seven-year state takeover, the district’s future […]
Posted inPolitics & Policy, State Government
How an Indiana Bill Becomes Law: A Step-by-Step Guide
As Indiana’s legislature opens the 2025 session this week, many residents may be curious about the process a bill goes through on its way to become law in the Hoosier state. There are several critical steps, from its proposal in the Senate or House of Representatives to the governor’s desk for final approval. Step 1: […]