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 […]
Calvin Davis
Calvin Davis is Capital B Gary's government and politics reporter. You can reach Calvin at calvin.davis@capitalbnews.org.
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: […]
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Wire Fraud Scandal Sparks Race for Calumet Township Trustee Seat
A week after Kimberly Robinson stepped down as Calumet Township trustee following her guilty plea to wire fraud, the race to fill her seat is already drawing a growing pool of candidates. The contest for the position, which oversees township assistance funds, could spark further political upheaval in Gary as two sitting Common Council members […]
Posted inLocal Government, Politics & Policy
January 2025 Public Meeting Schedule for Gary
As the new year begins, a critical meeting on Jan. 7 will shape the leadership of Gary’s Common Council for the year ahead. During the reorganization meeting, members will vote on positions within the council, including president, vice president and parliamentarian, as well as various committee assignments. These decisions set the tone for council priorities […]
Posted inBusiness, Economy
President Biden Blocks U.S. Steel Sale, Raising Questions for Gary’s Future
President Joe Biden on Friday announced his decision to block the $14 billion sale of U.S. Steel to Japan’s Nippon Steel, citing national security concerns. The move could have serious implications in Gary, where U.S. Steel’s Gary Works plant remains a key employer and economic anchor and where local leaders had strongly supported the deal […]
Posted inSports
John Boyd Returns to Gary to Lead New Era at Bowman Academy
In a city searching for sparks of hope, John Boyd is back where it all began. The championship-winning coach has returned to Gary, not just to lead a team, but to reignite the pride of a community that shaped him. On the court at Bowman Academy, John Boyd patrols the sidelines, his voice cutting through […]