After days of hourslong budget hearings at City Hall, Gary Common Council Vice President Lori Latham had seen and heard enough. Throughout the week, department head after department head took to the podium in the council chambers, some with requests for additional funding, until she emphatically addressed the elephant in the room — the city’s […]
Calvin Davis
Calvin Davis is Capital B Gary's government and politics reporter. You can reach Calvin at calvin.davis@capitalbnews.org.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Valerie McCray’s Historic Bid for U.S. Senate: Will a Black Woman Represent Indiana?
In U.S. politics, the path to power does not start at the top. Candidates typically start with modest pursuits like city councils and school boards before aspiring to higher offices. For Valerie McCray, the Democratic candidate seeking to be Indiana’s first-ever black woman U.S. senator, that journey began with a campaign for the highest office […]
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Early Voting Kicks Off in Indiana: Gary Sees Long Lines and High Enthusiasm
Early voting kicked off in Indiana on Tuesday with a surge of eager voters at Gary’s sole polling site, the Gary Public Library on Fifth Avenue. Within the first hour of the 9 a.m. opening, a line of voters had already stretched out the door. “It’s time to vote!” exclaimed Ken Britt as he hoisted […]
Posted inPolitics & Policy
It’s the Last Day to Register to Vote in Indiana. Here’s What You Need To Know.
Today, Oct. 7, is the final day for Hoosiers to register to vote. As Election Day approaches, here’s what you need to know to ensure you’re ready to cast your ballot. How to register to vote The fastest way to register to vote in Indiana is via www.indianavoters.com. The application must be completed by 11:59 […]
Posted inLocal Government, Public Safety
Gary’s Police and Fire Departments Lead Budget Talks; Here’s What They Proposed
Like many American cities, Gary dedicates the bulk of its budget to public safety. But with tight finances, the city’s police and fire departments are both exploring creative strategies to boost staffing and maintain essential services. During recent budget hearings, both departments outlined their plans for the upcoming year, highlighting the need for more personnel […]
Posted inEconomic Development
Can Notre Dame’s Architecture School Help Revitalize Gary’s Historic Heart?
Gary’s downtown was once the crown jewel of Northwest Indiana. It once sported all the necessities one expects in a downtown: entertainment, shops and stores — the whole nine yards. Now, through a partnership with the Notre Dame School of Architecture, city officials are hopeful for a return to glory. The city and the University […]
Posted inLocal Government, Politics & Policy
Gary Organizers Combine Voter Registration, Food Assistance to Boost Turnout for 2024 Election
Voting advocates across Gary are ramping up efforts ahead of the 2024 general election, finding creative ways to engage voters of all ages. With turnout steadily declining over recent voting cycles, organizers are pulling out all the stops to reverse the trend and mobilize residents to the polls. On the Indiana University Northwest campus, Black […]
Posted inPolicing, Public Safety
Former Gary Police Officer Charged With Sexual Misconduct Against Minor
A former police officer and commander with the Gary Police Department was arrested and indicted Thursday on federal charges for allegedly coercing a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct. The officer, James W. Bond, 52, of Crown Point, appeared and pleaded not guilty in federal court in Hammond via Zoom on Thursday. Bond’s attorney […]
Posted inLocal Government, Politics & Policy
Gary’s 2025 Budget Season Kicks Off: How Will the City Spend Its Money?
Gary’s budget season kicks into high gear on Monday with a week full of daily meetings and presentations as city departments, including the mayor’s office, go before the Common Council with their budget proposals for the 2025 fiscal year beginning in January. Throughout the week, residents have a rare opportunity to see firsthand how their […]
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Fact-Checks, Laughter, and Groans Mark an Eventful Presidential Debate Watch Party
The anticipation was palpable as the lights dimmed just after 8 p.m. Tuesday in Indiana University Northwest’s Raintree Hall. Dozens of Gary residents filled the lecture hall, eyes fixed on the screen for the first presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. In her first-ever debate as a presidential nominee, […]
