The Gary Board of Zoning Appeals on Thursday approved a request to operate a wet soil processing facility on East 15th Avenue, despite sharp concerns from residents and officials about traffic, air quality, and environmental justice impacts. Reconstruct Aggregate wants to build the facility on a 10-acre industrial parcel just south of the Indiana Toll […]
Calvin Davis
Calvin Davis is Capital B Gary's government and politics reporter. You can reach Calvin at calvin.davis@capitalbnews.org.
Posted inCommunity, Politics & Policy
Gary Launches Emergency Food Plan as SNAP Reductions Hit Residents
With Indiana preparing to issue only partial Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits for November due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, Gary Mayor Eddie Melton announced Monday a sweeping local relief effort to protect families from going hungry. The city’s “Gary SNAPS Into Action” plan is a $275,000 emergency response package combining city funds, corporate […]
Posted inLocal Government, Politics & Policy, Public Meetings, Redevelopment
November 2025 Public Meeting Schedule for Gary
With the budget for 2026 finalized, the Gary Common Council is turning its attention to its next major decision: a proposed rate increase from the Gary Sanitary District. The district says the higher rates are needed to fund a $300 million, 30-year plan required by the federal government to reduce sewage overflows into the Grand […]
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Homeland Security and ICE Arrive in Gary Amid Airport Protests
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem held a joint press conference Thursday at Gary/Chicago International Airport with Indiana Gov. Mike Braun to deliver updates on “Operation Midway Blitz” — an immigration enforcement initiative that has expanded beyond Chicago into Northwest Indiana. Noem said the sweep has resulted in 223 arrests, of which 146 were […]
Posted inBusiness, Money
Council Passes City Budget, Hits Pause on Sewer Rate Hike
Gary’s 2026 budget is slightly smaller than last year’s, but it shifts more money into key departments and adds new workers as part of a broader reorganization of city services. The $65.5 million general fund, the city’s primary fund for day-to-day operations, is down about $725,000 from 2025, yet income, public safety, and infrastructure funds […]
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Braun Calls Lawmakers Back for Session that Could Alter Gary’s Political Future
Gov. Mike Braun on Monday called a special legislative session to consider redrawing Indiana’s congressional map, setting up a potential political fight that could alter the balance of political power in Northwest Indiana and reshape the state’s electoral balance for years to come. The session, scheduled to begin next week, is being called to “protect […]
Posted inHousing, Politics & Policy
Calumet Township Unveils Assistance Partnerships as SNAP and WIC Cuts Loom
On Thursday, Calumet Township Trustee Tai Adkins brought together community leaders for a fall symposium designed to announce expanded eligibility and rental assistance standards, a new charity tracker system, and a partnership with WorkOne, the region’s workforce development agency, and Indiana Career Connect, the state’s job-matching platform. Panels focused on housing, food access, and workforce […]
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Gary Council to Discuss Sewer Hike, Tax Reform at Upcoming Budget Hearing
When the Gary Common Council reconvenes for its budget hearing on Oct. 28, members will confront two of the city’s biggest financial challenges heading into 2026: funding the federally mandated overhaul of its wastewater system and managing the looming fallout from new state tax laws. At the center of debate is an ordinance proposing steep […]
Posted inEconomic Development, Politics & Policy, Public Safety
Mayor Melton Talks ICE Raids, Genesis Center, and Convention Center
Gary Mayor Eddie Melton updated residents on redevelopment projects, city services, and his administration’s stance on recent immigration enforcement actions during a packed community forum Tuesday night at Indiana University Northwest. The event came near the end of Melton’s second full year in office and provided updates on some major city initiatives, including the Genesis […]
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Indiana Republicans Consider Redistricting That Could Weaken Gary’s Political Power
Indiana Republicans are weighing whether to redraw the state’s congressional map outside the normal 10-year cycle, a move that could weaken Democratic power in Northwest Indiana and reshape the state’s political balance. No formal proposal has been introduced, but conversations inside the Statehouse have intensified following Vice President JD Vance’s visit to Indianapolis last week, […]