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 […]
Calvin Davis
Calvin Davis is Capital B Gary's government and politics reporter. You can reach Calvin at calvin.davis@capitalbnews.org.
Posted inEconomy
Gary Mayor Expresses His Support for Nippon Steel’s Acquisition of U.S. Steel
With U.S. Steel employees surrounding him, Mayor Eddie Melton on Thursday announced his support for the company’s acquisition by the Japanese company, Nippon Steel. “As the 22nd mayor of Gary, I wanted to show my support for this effort because we have done our due diligence to make sure that it’s the right thing for […]
Posted inCourts, Politics & Policy
Appointed Judges Leave Black Indiana Voters Without Representation
When Gary and Lake County residents went to the polls this year, they had no voice in one of the most consequential areas of local government: electing the judges who decide on criminal justice, family disputes, and community life. This lack of representation is not an anomaly; it is the result of a decades-old system […]
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Which Gary Neighborhoods Voted Most in the 2024 Election?
Which Gary neighborhood claimed the crown for Gary turnout in 2024? We crunched the numbers precinct by precinct to see who showed up, who stayed home, and who exceeded their 2020 performances. From registered voters to those who cast their ballots on Election Day and turnout percentage, here’s what the data reveals about Gary’s voting […]
Posted inPolitics & Policy
How People Voted in Lake County: A Visual Breakdown of Key Election Trends
Lake County, long a Democratic stronghold in deep-red Indiana, shows signs of a rightward shift. In the latest election, fewer residents across nearly every municipality voted Democratic, while President-elect Donald Trump made notable gains, even in historically blue cities and towns. Once a reliable base for Democratic candidates, Lake County’s changing political landscape raises questions […]
Posted inEducation
Gary Voters Keep Democrats in Key Seats for State and Federal Leadership
Democrats swept key races in Northwest Indiana on Tuesday, securing major wins for U.S. House and state legislature seats critical to Gary and the surrounding areas. Rep. Vernon Smith held on to his Indiana House District 14 seat, defeating Republican Ivan Ursery II handily, securing 72% of the vote. Smith, who was originally elected to […]
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Valerie McCray Falls Short in Bid to be Indiana’s First Black Woman U.S. Senator
Valerie McCray’s historic bid to become the first Black woman to represent Indiana in the U.S. Senate ended in defeat, narrowing Democratic hopes of controlling the chamber. McCray, a mental health and women’s health advocate, brought a fresh perspective to the race, highlighting issues often overlooked in political discourse. Her loss reflects the ongoing challenges […]
Posted inPolitics & Policy
‘Sick of the Divide’: What Drove Gary Residents to the Polls
Gary voters turned out amid cloud cover and rain showers on Election Day. While the presidential ticket pits Vice President Kamala Harris against former President Donald Trump, local contests also hold high stakes. Voters are choosing congressional representatives, deciding on a new governor, and weighing in on three critical statehouse races — each decision shaping […]
Posted inPolitics & Policy, State Government
Q+A with Will Miller and Mark Spencer: Candidates for Indiana State Senate District 3
Ahead of the upcoming election, Capital B Gary is giving readers the chance to learn more about the candidates appearing on their ballots. These candidates represent the interests of Gary and other Lake County residents and bring their unique perspectives and goals for the community. This year, Gary Common Council member Mark Spencer faces Republican […]
Posted inCriminal Justice, Politics & Policy
How the Freedom to Vote Act Could Add 50,000 Black Voters in Indiana
Raymond Powell, a Gary native now living in Indianapolis, wasn’t sure of his voting status after his release from prison. So when he visited the Bureau of Motor Vehicles to update his address, he was taken aback by a simple question from the clerk: “Are you a registered voter?” “They asked if I was a […]